Travel Alert: U.S. Embassy San Jose (30 September 2021)
Location: Costa Rica — Level 4 Do Not Travel
Event: Important Information on COVID-19 Testing Requirements. Costa Rican Sanitary Measures and Driving Restrictions Through October 15. PLEASE READ ENTIRE MESSAGE.
COVID 19 In Costa Rica:
Costa Rica has confirmed 530,119 cases of COVID-19 as of September 30, 2021. 1,335 people are hospitalized with COVID-19, 440 of them in intensive care. Costa Rica has reported 6,349 COVID-19-related deaths since March 2, 2020.
Effective January 26, all airline passengers to the United States ages two years and older must provide a negative Covid-19 viral test taken within three calendar days of flight departure from Costa Rica. Alternatively, travelers to the U.S. may provide documentation from a licensed health care provider of having recovered from COVID-19 in the 90 days preceding travel. Check the CDC website for additional information and Frequently Asked Questions.
Persons receiving a positive COVID-19 test may receive a mandatory quarantine order for 10-14 days, depending on the severity of the infection. Persons who receive a negative COVID-19 test who have been traveling with other persons who test positive may also receive a mandatory quarantine order for 10-14 days due to exposure risk. The Ministry of Health has sole discretion in issuing quarantine orders and the U.S. Embassy is not able to intervene. Failure to comply with a mandatory quarantine order can result in fines or other legal penalties.
Both PCR and Antigen tests are available in Costa Rica. Most results are available within 24 hours. Testing is available at medical facilities across Costa Rica. Please note, the Embassy has received reports of unlicensed businesses offering COVID-19 tests. Passengers presenting tests from unlicensed locations or falsified test results could be denied boarding, required to pay fines, or face other legal penalties, and be…