HomeCosta RicaCosta Rica expands list of authorized countries from which it welcomes tourists

Costa Rica expands list of authorized countries from which it welcomes tourists

Costa Rica has expanded the list of countries from which it allows international visitors, authorities announced Thursday.

The expanded list includes 44 countries and continues to exclude the United States. (Latvia, however, is named twice.) The new list is as follows:

1. Australia
2. Canada
3. Swiss Confederation
4. Vatican State
5. Grand Duchy of Luxembourg
6. Ireland
7. Japan
8. New Zealand
9. Principality of Liechtenstein
10. Principality of Monaco
11. Kingdom Belgium
12. Kingdom of Denmark
13. Kingdom of Spain
14. Kingdom of the Netherlands
15. Kingdom of Norway
16. Kingdom of Sweden
17. Kingdom of Thailand
18. United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland
19. Czech Republic
20. Cypriot Republic
21. Republic of Austria
22. Republic of Bulgaria
23. Republic of Korea
24. Republic of Croatia
25. Republic of Slovenia
26. Republic of Estonia
27. Republic of Finland
28. Republic of Hungary
29. Republic of Iceland
30. Republic of Latvia
31. Republic of Latvia
32. Republic of Lithuania
33. Republic of Malta
34. Republic of Poland
35. Republic of San Marino
36. Republic of Singapore
37. Slovak Republic
38. Federal Republic of Germany
39. French Republic
40. Hellenic Republic (Greece)
41. Italian Republic
42. Republic of Uruguay
43. People’s Republic of China
44. Portuguese Republic
45. Romania

The new countries on the authorized list are: Australia, New Zealand, Uruguay, Korea, Japan, Singapore, China and Thailand. This list will be reevaluated every two weeks.

Tourists must have remained in one of these authorized countries for at least 14 days before a flight — commercial or charter — to Costa Rica. The land and sea borders remain closed.

“These are steps in the right direction to give a signal to the world that Costa Rica is prepared to receive international visitors, each time from more countries, in a gradual and safe way,” said Gustavo Segura, Tourism Minister.

Costa Rica will continue to enforce its other previously-announced entry requirements, including the necessity for tourists to obtain travel insurance that covers COVID-19 medical expenses and extended lodging in case of quarantine.

The National Insurance Institute is among the companies offering pre-approved policies, but tourists can also choose a qualifying foreign plan.

Other requirements include:

  1. Tourists must show proof of a negative PCR test for the coronavirus. The sample for the test must have been taken no more than 48 hours before the flight to Costa Rica.
  2. Anyone entering Costa Rica must complete the online “Health Pass” epidemiological form, available here: https://salud.go.cr.
  3. Residents and citizens entering Costa Rica do not need a negative PCR test, but they will be required to self-isolate for 14 days regardless of their country of origin.

Click here for answers to frequently asked questions about the rules for arriving tourists, residents and citizens.

Trending Now

Bukele Says Remains Handed Over in Haiti Do Not Belong to Missing Salvadoran Technicians

El Salvador President Nayib Bukele stated that human remains delivered to Salvadoran forces at a Haitian airport do not belong to the four aviation...

For the First Time, Women Lead All Three Branches of Costa Rica’s Government

Patricia Vargas's election as Supreme Court president means women lead all three branches of Costa Rica's government.

Costa Rica Arrests Woman Suspected in Killing of American in Playas del Coco

Costa Rican authorities have arrested a 22-year-old woman suspected of killing an American businessman inside his condominium in Playas del Coco, Guanacaste, bringing an...

Costa Rica Hospitals Overwhelmed as Patients Wait Up to Eight Days for Treatment

Patients at several of Costa Rica's largest public hospitals are waiting as long as eight days for a hospital bed, with overcrowded emergency departments...

El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo Qualifies for ATP Finals Despite Vienna Upset

El Salvador’s Marcelo Arévalo and Croatian partner Mate Pavić have secured their place in the 2026 ATP Finals for the third consecutive year, although...

No Roads, No Cars, Just Tarpon at Costa Rica’s Silver King Lodge

How a remote Caribbean river became tarpon fishing's proving ground, and how Silver King Lodge is reviving it.

Costa Rica’s Children’s Hospital ICU Is Full as Respiratory Viruses Spread

The ICU at Costa Rica's national children's hospital is full, with 18 children on ventilators. Here is how to protect your child.

More Than 2,000 Caught Entering Costa Rica Parks Illegally

Over 2,000 people were caught entering Costa Rica national parks illegally in three years. A new seal now targets tour transport.

Free Museums, Films and Music Fill Costa Rica’s Weekend Calendar

Costa Rica is offering a wide range of free cultural activities this weekend giving everyone an opportunity to enjoy live music, movies, theater, traditional...
Loading…

Latest News from Costa Rica

Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Car Rentals
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Travel