No menu items!

COSTA RICA'S LEADING ENGLISH LANGUAGE NEWSPAPER

HomeNewsCosta RicaFrench tourists in Costa Rica 'awaiting repatriation' after Covid diagnosis

French tourists in Costa Rica ‘awaiting repatriation’ after Covid diagnosis

Six French tourists in Costa Rica remained hospitalized — two in serious condition — with Covid-19, a French news agency reported last Friday.

BFM TV says a group of 22 retirees ages 60 to 77 visited Costa Rica for a 10-day trip starting January 16. Twenty tested positive for Covid-19 before their scheduled flights back to Europe.

Three were in intensive care — two in “very serious” condition — as of Friday, per the report. The other three had milder symptoms and, while still hospitalized, were awaiting negative tests in order to return to France.

The remaining tourists were quarantining at a hotel but had exceeded the $2,000 accommodation coverage provided by their insurance company.

BFM TV confirmed a previous message from the Health Ministry that authorities are uncertain whether the travelers were infected while in Costa Rica, or if one of them was already a carrier of the virus.

Costa Rica does not mandate a negative coronavirus test for entry. However, all visitors to are required to have medical insurance that covers Covid-19 expenses ($50,000 for medical costs and $2,000 for extended lodging).

At least 231 tourists have tested positive for the coronavirus since Costa Rica reopened its air borders in August. This represents 0.13% of people who have entered, health authorities said.

The French tourists represent the first public reports of visitors who have been hospitalized with Covid-19 while in Costa Rica. If you speak French, you can read the BFTM TV report here.

Trending Now

Costa Rica Seeks New Air Routes Amid Decline in European Tourism

Costa Rica is working to increase the number of international flights entering the country, as it faces a concerning drop in tourist arrivals.  The...

Keylor Navas Joins Pumas After Controversial Exit from Newell’s

Costa Rican goalkeeper Keylor Navas is officially the newest player for Pumas UNAM, but his move from Argentina’s Newell’s Old Boys has been anything...

Costa Rica Food Culture: From Bar Bocas to Fast Food Chains

Once upon a time in Costa Rica, you could walk into a bar, order a beer, and receive a free boca – a small...

Costa Rica Tops Latin America in Attracting Foreign Millionaires

Costa Rica is a country that attracts millionaires. Projections indicate that by the end of 2025, a total of 350 foreign millionaires will have...

Malcolm-Jamal Warner’s Drowning in Costa Rica Ruled Accidental

The death of American actor Malcolm-Jamal Warner has been confirmed as accidental drowning, according to Costa Rica’s Judicial Investigation Agency (OIJ). Warner, 54, was...

Empty Stadiums and Inequality Mar Women’s Copa América

Nearly empty stadiums, players' criticism of the organization, and demands for equality in South American football have marked the 2025 Women's Copa América in...
spot_img
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Coffee Maker Chorreador
Costa Rica Travel Insurance
Costa Rica Rocking Chait
Costa Rica Travel

Latest News from Costa Rica