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Published Tuesday, January 5, 2021
More than 18,000 foreigners left
Costa Rica on repatriation flights
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff
Due to the closure of borders in 2020, ordered by the government as a measure to try to prevent the advance of covid-19 in the country, a large number of repatriation flights for foreign citizens were carried out.
According to statistics from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, from March to August, the period in which the arrival and departure of regular commercial flights were banned, more than 18,000 immigrants of 40 nationalities managed to leave the country through repatriation aid flights.
The majority of foreigners were in the country as tourists, but there were also cases of people who arrived in the country just to take the aid flight that would take them back to their countries. More than 100 repatriation aid flights were carried out, according to the ministry.
Also, during the same period, more than 9,000 Costa Ricans were repatriated in aid flights, from 103 countries. "Some of them came from places as far away as Guinea-Bissau, Namibia, South Sudan or Tanzania," the ministry said in its statement.
In the gradual reopening of borders as of August, the government has established a series of preventive measures to avoid an increase in the contagion of covid-19.
The most recent measure was announced on Monday, the order of land and maritime borders closure continues until February 1, 2021.
As of this, foreigners who have a legal stay authorized under the immigration categories of Permanent Residence, Temporary Residence, Special Categories or Non-Residents Subcategory Stay can enter by land, air or sea (via yacht or sailboat). However, foreigners who have a Tourism Visa are allowed to enter only by air or sea.
For immigrants with resident status, who left the country in December 2020, and wish to enter by land must comply with the following requirements:
• Mandatory isolation order for a period of 14 days. This implies that foreigners who return to the country, by land, will not be able to leave their homes to work or do any other activity during the quarantine period.
Failure to comply with that order will be sanctioned with a fine of approximately $760.
Additionally, people must comply with the mandatory requirements:
• Complete the "Health Pass" web form.
• Present your valid Immigration Identification Document for Foreigners (DIMEX).
• Verify current medical insurance from Social Security.
In the case of foreigners who enter by air or sea, as tourists, do not need to show proof of a negative covid-19 test, but they must meet the following requirements:
• Fill out the "Health Pass" web form.
• Tourists must also have a valid passport and proof of intent to exit Costa Rica within 90 days.
• Provide proof of having a Traveler's Insurance. This can be purchased in the country of origin or Costa Rica.
In the case of international insurance, the tourist must request a certification issued in English or Spanish from their insurer, indicating the following three conditions:
• The valid period of the effective policy during the travel to Costa Rica.
• Guarantee 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.
It is recommended to tourists to solve any doubts about the entry requirements with the embassy or consular representation of Costa Rica in their countries as part of the preparations steps prior to the trip.
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What have you heard of expats facing problems entering Costa Rica? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com
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