Scott’s Cheap Flights has compiled a list of bargain fares between the United States and Costa Rica (SJO). Round-trip itineraries start as low as $216, according to Conde Nast Traveler, which first reported the deals on Tuesday.
Sample tickets and prices:
- Fort Lauderdale from $216
- Houston from $285
- Jacksonville, Florida from $318
- Miami from $200
- New York City from $294
- Orlando from $268
- Pittsburgh from $296
- Washington, D.C. from $299
The deal is available from February through June — much of Costa Rica’s sunnier dry season — from most U.S. cities, Conde Nast notes. Prices are in some cases about 60% lower than the typical fares.
Use a website like Google Flights to find the cheapest dates and prices.
Nine airlines offer direct connections between Costa Rica and the United States, the country’s main tourism market: Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, Alaska, American Airlines, JetBlue, Spirit, Sun Country, Frontier and Southwest.
Visiting Costa Rica during Covid-19
Tourists from anywhere in the world can visit Costa Rica during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Visitors can arrive to Costa Rica via land, air or sea ports of entry. Costa Rica does not require a negative coronavirus test, but travel medical insurance is necessary for unvaccinated adults.
Here are are the current requirements to enter Costa Rica:
- Everyone must out the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at https://salud.go.cr. This should be completed in the 72 hours before boarding for Costa Rica. It generates a QR code that you must show upon arrival; airlines also ask for it at check-in or at boarding. One Health Pass form must be completed per person, including minors, without exception.
- Adults must show proof of complete vaccination, with the second dose coming at least 14 days prior, OR purchase Traveler’s Medical Insurance covering the duration of their stay in Costa Rica. (Minors do not need insurance or vaccination at this time).
Qualifying vaccines are two doses of AstraZeneca, Pfizer, or Moderna — or a mix of the aforementioned formulas — or one dose of Johnson & Johnson. For U.S. visitors, the Covid-19 vaccination record card meets the insurance requirement; a photo should be uploaded to the Health Pass.
Those needing insurance can obtain it either from an international company, or purchased through the National Insurance Institute (INS), Sagicor or BlueCross BlueShield of Costa Rica. These last three policies are pre-approved and guaranteed to be accepted by Costa Rican authorities. However, many visitors choose international policies, because they are often cheaper.
Tourists who opt to purchase an international policy must bring a letter demonstrating:
- Guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with COVID-19 while in Costa Rica, for at least $50,000 USD.
- Minimum coverage of $2,000 USD for lodging expenses issued as a result of the pandemic.
- Validity of the policy throughout the planned stay in Costa Rica.
In addition to the coronavirus-related measures, tourists must also meet Costa Rica’s general visa requirements; visitors must have a valid passport and proof of intent to exit the country (an outbound ticket) within 90 days.
The Costa Rica Tourism Board (ICT) lists all the current entry requirements for tourists on its website. Click here for the official page.
