  Authorities call on travelers with symptoms such as fever, dry cough, sore throat, tiredness, or the flu to postpone their trip to Costa Rica until they are in good health. - A.M. Costa Rica illustrative photo - |
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 Published Friday, October 23, 2020 Tourist
requirements ease
to enter Costa Rica By the A.M. Costa Rica staff In order to reactivate employment and increase tourism, the government eliminated two requirements: presenting the negative result of the covid-19 diagnostic test and the quarantine order rule. According to the government, as of Monday, Oct. 26, any person, whether national or foreigner, who enters the country by air does not have to present a negative RT-PCR test result, as well as not having to comply with the sanitary quarantine order. These two rescinded requirements could be reinstated, if the pandemic worsens at the global and national level, the government said in its statement. "This decision is made because of the air opening to all the countries as of November 1, as well as taking into account the Pan American Health Organization, in a document dated October 9, considers it unnecessary to demand tests or order quarantines for the resumption of international travel,” the Ministry of Tourism said in its statement. The other requirements to enter the country remain in order, such as filling out the electronic epidemiological online Health Pass, and providing proof of having a Traveler's Insurance (this can be purchased in their country of origin or Costa Rica). International visitors have only two options to enter the country. They are allowed by air or sea for exclusive tourist purposes in accordance with National Decree No.42513-MGP-S. One of the fundamental requirements for tourists is to have travel insurance, either bought in Costa Rica or in their home country. The Tourism Institute clarifies that 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. • A 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. In case of not complying with these requirements, the passenger will not be able to enter the country, the institute said. In addition, when arriving in the country, the tourist must comply with the sanitary guideline that is indicated at the airport, such as: • Wear a facemask at all times. • Respect the social distance. • Walk on the disinfected carpets. • Allow for temperature taking. • Follow any other instructions indicated by the officials at the airport. However, the government calls on travelers with symptoms such as fever, dry cough, sore throat, tiredness, or the flu to postpone their trip to Costa Rica until they are in good health. The opening of the air border is of vital importance for the reactivation of employment through the tourist industry, which is one of the main engines of the national economy, producing almost 10 points of the Gross Domestic Product and more than 600 thousand jobs, the government said in its statement. The reactivation of the tourist industry and the generation of income in dollars could help to stabilize the exchange rate of the dollar against the colon, the government added. According to the Tourism Institute, in the last two months 150 companies that provide tourist services have been inspected to guarantee compliance with health guidelines. Of these companies, 133 have applied for the Safe Travels seal granted by the World Travel Council. Currently there are 73 companies with the Safe Travels seal. The opening of air borders all international tourists as of Nov. 1. Commercial flights are allowed to arrive at three international airports, Juan Santamaría in Alajuela Province, Tobias Bolaños in San José Province and Daniel Oduber in Guanacaste Province. Since Aug.1, Costa Rica re-opened their skies to the European Union (Schengen zone), England, Japan; South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Croatia, China, Bulgaria, Oceania, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Uruguay, Cyprus, Romania, Vatican, Ireland, San Marino and Monaco. The 26 countries of the Schengen countries are: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. Since Oct. 1, citizens and residents of Mexico, Jamaica can arrive in the country by air. Since Oct. 15, tourists from Belize, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama can arrive in the country. In the case of the United States, since Sept. 1, residents of Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia and Washington District of Columbia can travel to Costa Rica. Since Sept. 15, residents of Oregon, Wyoming, Arizona, New Mexico, Michigan, Rhode Island, Colorado, Washington (state), Massachusetts and Pennsylvania can enter the country. Since Oct. 1, residents of California and Ohio have had the green light to travel into Costa Rica. Since Oct 15, residents and citizens of Florida, Georgia and Texas can enter the country. Before Nov. 1, passengers coming from the U.S. must show their proof of residency with a driver’s license or state identification (State ID) that they live in one of the authorized states. This requirement excludes children traveling with their families. This requirement will not be necessary as of Nov. 1. due to U.S. citizens and residents of all 50 states will be able to enter the country. In the case of foreign Costa Rican residents returning to the country, they must present the current immigration identification document for foreigners, otherwise known as DIMEX. Residents should present proof of payment of monthly Social Security payments. In case of non-compliance with this requirement, the resident can purchase any of the covid-19 travel insurance with a minimum coverage of 22 days. During that period, immigrant residents must update the delayed payments. It is recommended for tourists or foreign residents who return to the country to contact the Costa Rican Embassy to request more information about the requirements ordered by the authorities to return to the country. The contact information for the Costa Rican embassies can be found on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website. -------------------- Could the dismissal of requiring negative covid-19 test and quarantine period trigger more virus infections in the country? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com |
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