Updated May 9 2022
What’s New in Costa Rica with the COVID-19 Pandemic?
On March 6, 2020, the first case of COVID-19 was confirmed in Costa Rica. On March 8, the Costa Rican Ministry of Health raised the sanitary alert level to yellow. Now, two years later, almost to the day, Costa Rica has announced it is lifting nearly all it’s coronavirus restrictions.
COVID-19 in Costa Rica in May 2022
As of May 8, 2022, the new president of Costa Rica announced masks will no longer be required to wear indoors. Of course, individuals may still use masks if they feel safer doing so, but it will not be required federally.
COVID-19 Restrictions Lifted in March 2022
Here is what it’s like entering and traveling around Costa Rica in March 2022.
March 2022 – Official Health Pass
Beginning March 7, 2022, Costa Rican citizens will no longer be required to fill out the Health Pass upon entry to the country. However, the Health Pass requirement will remain for foreigners throughout the month.
March 2022 – Social Distancing & Vaccination Requirements
As of March 1, 2022, businesses, sports, cultural and academic activities, discos, dance halls, and nightclubs will be able to operate at 100% capacity if they require vaccination QR codes. Commercial establishments that do not require vaccination QR codes must continue to operate at 50% capacity and follow social distancing measures.
Children aged 12 and older must present a vaccination QR code in order to enter establishments and participate in activities that require it. Children under the age of 12 or who have a proven medical condition keeping them from being able to be vaccinated do not have to show the vaccination QR code.
Costa Ricans, vaccinated individuals, and foreigners who do not have a vaccination QR code may present their physical vaccination card to verify that they are fully vaccinated. The physical vaccination card must be the official card given by that country. This will allow them to enter commercial establishments that require it.
Vaccinated individuals will receive a vaccination QR code before entering the country when they fill out the official Health Pass.
March 2022 – Establishment & Vehicle Curfew
As of March 7, there is no longer a vehicle curfew in Costa Rica. Previously, non-tourism, emergency, or taxi vehicles were not allowed to be on the roads during night. However, this restriction is no longer active. This means all vehicles, regardless of purpose may drive at any time of the day or night in Costa Rica.
Related to this, all establishments can operate according to their regular pre-pandemic schedules. Movie-goers can again enjoy late-night movies. Grocery stores and convenience stores will again be open for late-night snackers. And restaurant patrons will no longer have to worry about leaving before the restriction.
It’s an exciting time for all in Costa Rica!
COVID-19 Restrictions Lifting in April 2022
Almost all other COVID-related restrictions are lifted in April 2022. Here is a summary of the most important.
April 2022 – No More Official Health Pass
April 1, 2022 marks the day the official Health Pass will no longer be required by non-Costa Rican travelers to enter Costa Rica. Additionally, the travel insurance policy for non-vaccinated travelers will no longer be required. Of course, it is still recommended that tourists purchase a travel insurance policy that will cover COVID-related medical expenses and quarantine lodging, in case they acquire the virus before leaving the country.
April 2022 – No More Social Distancing & Vaccination Requirements
As far as the situation in the country, beginning April 1, establishments, activities, and events will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity without requiring a vaccination QR code upon entry.