IMPACT – HIGH

The Costa Rican government has now re-opened air travel to tourists traveling from select countries. According to the Ministry of Health, the list of designated countries and flight departure points will be reviewed every two weeks.

Key points:

  • Since Aug. 2, commercial flights with passengers from the following countries are allowed: Austria, Belgium, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, France, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, North Ireland, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
  • For now, only commercial flights from Madrid, Spain and Frankfurt, Germany are scheduled to fly to San Jose, and only five flights per week will be permitted.
  • Tourists from other countries may travel to an authorized country (such as Canada or Germany) for at least 14 days. If travelers do not develop COVID-19 symptoms, they may board a flight to Costa Rica. Travel will be reviewed by a migration officer, and if it is determined that the passenger only made a stopover in an authorized country, the migration officer may deny the traveler entry.
  • All tourists will need to present negative results of a COVID-19 test conducted within the previous 48 hours in English or Spanish and have insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and hospitalization in case of illness.
  • Tourists must fill out digital forms called “Health Pass.” This form may be completed here.
  • Tourists who entered the country after Dec. 17, 2019 and were unable to leave the country before the borders closed in March, may stay in the country until Nov. 18, 2020 without receiving any fine or penalty.
  • Costa Rican citizens and residents returning to the country, no matter where they come from, do not need to present a negative COVID-19 test or travel insurance. However, they must remain in home quarantine for 14 days and complete the Health Pass forms.

Background: Costa Rica’s borders will remain closed to other travelers until at least Aug. 31.

Analysis & Comments:
The gradual reopening is only for tourists. Travelers requiring employment and other types of visas will be unable to obtain one until Sept. 18, when Costa Rica’s immigration services are scheduled to resume. As the response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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