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Published Wednesday, March 17, 2021
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
The National Customs Service extended the certification of importation for vehicles, airplanes, light aircraft, boats, under the category of vehicle for tourism until June 1.
According to the Ministry of Finance, the extension of the period in importing these vehicles has the goal of making it easier for tourists and Costa Ricans residing abroad to enter the country by land, air or sea.
The extension applies to certificates that were issued by the National Customs Service, since December 17, 2019, the ministry said.
In the case of people who have certificates about to expire, it will not be necessary to present the renewal request to the customs offices since this benefit applies automatically.
The goal of this extension is to avoid crowds of people in customs facilities and thus comply with the guidelines ordered by the health authorities to avoid the spread of covid-19, added the ministry.
The single requirement to obtain the extension is to have the vehicle's SOA insurance, known as Seguro Obligatorio de Automóviles in the Spanish language, from the National Insurance Institute.
Vehicles without that insurance will not be able to receive the extension benefit.
Another strategy to boost the arrival of tourists by sea is the government Presidential Decree created in January, to allow yacht and sailboat crews to enter the country without having to meet the necessary visa requirement, making it easier for visitors to enter the country.
The decree allows the General Directorate of Migration to grant an entry permit to the country, following the guidelines of the visitor's nationality to make the immigration process easier.
This rule is part of the progressive border opening plan, the government said.
The decree doesn't exempt visitors from complying with the sanitary guidelines to avoid contagion of covid-19.
Crew members who enter by sea, do not need to show proof of a negative covid-19 test, but they must meet the following requirements:
• Fill out the "Health Pass" webform.
• Tourists must also have a valid passport and proof of intent to exit Costa Rica within 90 days.
• Provide proof of a valid Traveler's Insurance, not expiring during the time of stay in the country. This can be purchased in the country of departure or Costa Rica.
Tourists must show proof by requesting a certificate issued in English or Spanish from their insurance provider that guarantees coverage for medical expenses in cases of covid-19 infection while in Costa Rica, for at least $50,000. And minimum coverage of $2,000 for accommodation expenses extended, in case of being infected with covid-19.
The insurance document, where these requirements are met, must also be uploaded on the electronic epidemiological online Health Pass.
Tourists should double-check the entry requirements by contacting their local Costa Rica embassy or consular representation before the trip.
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What other changes should the government make to increase tourism? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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