Costa Rica Travel Restrictions: What Travelers Need To Know

Is Costa Rica open for travel? Yes! But there are some Costa Rica travel restrictions that travelers need to know about before they book their trip. 

Browse through this guide to learn what travelers need to provide before they travel, and what Costa Rica is like right now. Though there are a few hurdles travelers need to jump, it’s still definitely possible to have an incredible Costa Rica trip. 

No one knows a place like the people who live there. For the most up-to-date info on Costa Rica travel, connect with a Costa Rican local. Learn more. 

Table of Contents

• Is It Safe To Travel To Costa Rica Right Now?
• Costa Rica Travel Restrictions To Know Before Your Arrival
• What To Expect On A Trip To Costa Rica
• Why Travel To Costa Rica Right Now
• Work With A Local To Plan Your Trip To Costa Rica

Is It Safe To Travel To Costa Rica Right Now?

As coronavirus travel restrictions go, Costa Rica is fairly easy to visit. But is Costa Rica safe right now? 

Like most places, traveling to Costa Rica comes with an elevated risk because of the coronavirus pandemic. The Delta variant arrived in Costa Rica this summer, which caused a surge of cases across the country. 

Cases today are still fairly high. The CDC gives Costa Rica a Level 4 rating, their highest categorization, and recommends avoiding travel — especially if you’re unvaccinated. 

But it is still possible to travel to Costa Rica. The country was one of the first to open to Americans last year, and it offers plenty of outdoor activities — beaches, mountains, national parks, and more — for anyone looking to avoid crowds. 

So what do travelers need to know about traveling to Costa Rica? What kind of covid travel restrictions does the country have in place, and what is life like in Costa Rica right now?

Costa Rica Travel Restrictions To Know Before Your Arrival

All travelers to Costa Rica must fill out the country’s Health Pass at least 72 hours before travel. Once you’ve done this, you’ll receive a QR code that you can present once you arrive. 

After that, further Costa Rica travel restrictions depend on whether or not you’re vaccinated.

Vaccinated Americans just need to provide their CDC vaccination card. 

Unvaccinated Americans, however, must present proof of a medical insurance policy that can cover any costs related to the coronavirus. This requirement is for unvaccinated travelers only — Costa Rica no longer requires vaccinated travelers to present proof of medical insurance. 

That said, Costa Rica has fairly lax travel restrictions compared to other destinations. At this time, travelers do not need to present a negative test or quarantine. So what are things like in Costa Rica right now? Has the country largely reopened? 

What To Expect On A Trip To Costa Rica

All in all, Costa Rica has largely reopened. However, the country does have a number of pandemic policies in place in an effort to keep everyone safe and cases low. 

Namely, many places in Costa Rica are operating on restricted hours: 

• Beaches are open from 5 a.m. to 8 p.m
• National parks are open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Most businesses are open from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m.
• The country also has a nightly curfew from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. 

Bars in Costa Rica are open but operate at a limited capacity. Same with hotels. And concerts, nightclubs, and other large gatherings are currently banned, 

In addition, Costa Rica has also placed limits on drivers. Drivers can only use their cars on certain days, which depends on their vehicle plates. However, this restriction does not extend to taxis or rental cars. 

Travelers should be prepared to follow other rules about masking and social distancing. On public transit and in enclosed indoor spaces, for example, masks are required.  

Why Travel To Costa Rica Right Now

As long as travelers are willing to navigate these Costa Rica travel restrictions, it’s entirely possible to have an incredible trip. Costa Rica has always been a fantastic destination, but it’s an especially wonderful place to visit right now. 

Research suggests that the risk of the coronavirus is lower outside, and Costa Rica offers plenty of fresh-air activities. Top places to visit in Costa Rica include the Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve, Playa Punta Uva, and the Arenal Volcano National Park — all spectacular destinations that are outdoors. 

In places like these, travelers can indulge in some of the best things to do in Costa Rica, from relaxing on a beach to hiking through a forest, to scuba diving, birdwatching, and more. 

Although the city of San Jose is plenty cool — and a great place to stay in Costa Rica — most travelers pass through the city on their way to other destinations. 

So if you’re nervous about being in an urban environment, worry not! Costa Rica is more about nature than cities, and travelers will find lots to explore in the country’s wide-open spaces. 

(If you are hoping to spend some time in San Jose, then we suggest talking to a local in Costa Rica first. They can explain what precautions they take in the city to stay safe, and what you can expect as you explore.)

Work With A Local To Plan Your Trip To Costa Rica

At the end of the day, no one knows a place like the people who live there. Local knowledge can always enrich a trip, but it’s especially crucial at a time when covid travel restrictions are in flux. 

These days, things can change — fast. As countries react to rising and falling caseloads, they frequently rescind or add new pandemic policies. And because locals navigate these policies in their everyday life, they’re well-positioned to explain them to a visitor. 

But that isn’t all. Certainly, locals can help with questions about masking rules, capacity guidelines, or vaccine requirements. But they can also help plan a trip that reflects the most up-to-date conditions in their home town. 

For example, you’ll find lots of top ten lists online that recommend restaurants in places like Costa Rica. Because of the pandemic, however, most of these lists are out of date. Not only have many restaurants closed, but travelers today have new considerations — like whether or not a place has outdoor seating. 

Basically, local trip planners can let you know what it’s like in Costa Rica right now. And they can help you design a trip that fits your travel style and your risk tolerance. 

Ready to have a local plan your trip to Costa Rica? Connect with a local today to learn more.

Curious about other destinations? Check out our articles COVID-19 travel restrictions in Italy, Portugal, Spain, Puerto Rico, France, and Cuba. Or better yet, talk to a local in the destination you want to visit.