Travel to Costa Rica during the Covid-19 pandemic is relatively easy if you have the correct documentation. As one of the first Central American countries to open its borders to international visitors, we have all the necessary sanitising and social distancing measures in place; and we are ready to welcome foreign tourists with open arms.
All Costa Rican beaches, National Parks, and restaurants are open for business, and the sun is shining brighter than ever before!
If you want to escape winter, now is the perfect time to book your Costa Rica vacation. In this article, we’ll explain what paperwork you need on arrival and where to get a Covid-19 Test in Costa Rica for your return trip home.
Travelling To Costa Rica – Covid-19 Entry Requirements
Standard visa rules apply. All travellers to Costa Rica must complete a digital form called HEALTH PASS no more than 72-hours prior to arrival. This rule applies to all passengers, including minors, regardless of your vaccination status. You can access the Heath Pass here.
Fully-vaccinated travellers can enter Costa Rica without a PCR Test or Travel Policy. So can children up to the age of 18. You should have received your second vaccine dose at least 14-days before entry, and you must hold a vaccination certificate or card that lists your name, the date of each vaccine, and details of the pharmaceutical site. You must upload a copy of your vaccine card or certificate when completing your HEALTH PASS.
Unvaccinated travellers are permitted to enter Costa Rica, providing they purchase a Travel Policy (insurance policy) valid for the entire duration of their stay. Your Travel Policy must provide guaranteed coverage of at least $50,000 for medical expenses, including Covid-19 infection, and a minimum of $2,000 for lodging expenses in case you have to quarantine. Your Travel Policy must specify that it covers Covid-19, and you should upload a copy when completing your HEALTH PASS for Costa Rican authorities to approve.
How To Book A Covid-19 Test In Costa Rica
After enjoying your dream vacation in Costa Rica, here’s what you need to return home:
- To travel to the United States and most European countries, you need a negative PRC Test or Antigen Test.
- You should take your COVID-19 Test no more than 72-hours prior to the scheduled departure time of your flight.
- To comply with international travel requirements, all Covid testing must take place at a laboratory authorised by the Ministry of Health of Costa Rica.
- Antigen Tests cost between $50 and $110, and you’ll get the results within a couple of hours.
- PCR Tests cost between $100 and $150, and you’ll get the results within 48-hours.
- If you are in a hurry, you can take a Covid-19 Test at San Jose Airport or Liberia International Airport, where you’ll get your results in less and an hour.
Where Can I Get A Covid-19 Test Costa Rica?
Now you know what you need, here’s where to get it. Please note: you must book an appointment for all COVID-19 tests. The following laboratories are authorised to perform both PCR Tests and Antigen Tests in Costa Rica:
Book Covid-19 Test Puntarenas
Hospital Metropolitano, Quepos, Puntarenas. Marina Pez Vela, Tel: 2519-9733, Facebook
Book Covid-19 Test Guanacaste
Hospital Metropolitano, Guanacaste, Santa Cruz, Huacas. Contiguo a la estación de Bomberos carretera a Brasilito, Tel: 4035-1213, Facebook
Also you can arrive at Liberia Airport 4 hours before and get your Liberia Airport covid-19 test by the parking are of Guanacaste Airport, here is the link where you can get an apoint here:
Book Covid-19 Test San Carlos
Laboratorios Echandi Ciudad Quesada, 200 Norte del Hospital San Carlos, Frente a la Plaza Barrio el Carmen, en la Clínica Santa Mónica, Tel: 2250-1871, Facebook
Book Covid-19 Test Alajuela
Laboratorio San José, Alajuela, De la Pops del Parque Central, 50 m al Norte, Centro Médico Del Parque, Tel: 4055-4141 ext. 2010, Facebook
Book Covid-19 Test Heredia
Laboratorios San José, Heredia Centro, 175 m al Oeste de Ferretería Brenes, Tel: 4055-4141 ext. 2090, Facebook
Book Covid-19 Test San Jose Costa Rica
Laboratorio Clínico del Hospital CIMA, Hospital CIMA, Escazú, San José, Tel: 2208-1000, Facebook
Book Covid-19 Test Cartago
Laboratorios Labin, Automercado, 400 metros este del Residencial Santa Lucía, Tel: 2586-7000, Facebook
You’ll find an extensive list of approved COVID-19 testing laboratories in Costa Rica here.
If you need any help or assistance with travelling to Costa Rica, Guanacaste Viajes can help. Contact us today.
*IMPORTANT: the above information is correct at the time of publishing this article. Covid-19 entry rules and requirements can change at short notice. Please check for any updates with your travel agent or airline prior to departure.