The Points Guy has compiled a list of bargain fares from the United States to Liberia (LIR) and San Jose Costa Rica (SJO) starting from March – June and October – November. Round-trip itineraries start as low as $238 on Jetblue and United.
Sample tickets and prices:
- New York from $258 to Liberia with Jetblue
- Los Angeles from $238 to Liberia with Jetblue
- Washington D.C. from $280 to San Jose with United
- Miami from $303 to San Jose with 1 stop on United
- Houston from $334 to San Jose with United
Other airports with lower-than-normal fares may also be available.
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.
Travel to 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 print out the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at https://salud.go.cr. This should be completed in the 24 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.
