Gustavo Segura, the Minister of Tourism for Costa Rica announced two Covid-19 Insurance Exemptions to the entry requirements as a way of increasing the arrival of tourists.
Segura noted that as the level of vaccinations advances in countries that represent priority markets for Costa Rica, it is important to make our requirements more flexible in order to reactivate international travel for those people who don’t represent a high risk of serious disease or of hospitalization and therefore are not an economic risk for Costa Rica.
The introduction of a Covid-19 Insurance Exemptions to the requirements for entry to Costa Rica will come into effect on August the 1st 2021.
As of OO:01 hours on that date, Costa Rica will allow entry without Covid Travel Insurance to anyone under 18 years of age as well as exempt those over 18 years of age providing they have received their complete vaccination program against COVID-19 and can produce their vaccination card.
Note: The last dose must have been applied at least 14 days before arrival in Costa Rica. The vaccination card must identify the name of the person who received the vaccine(s), the date of each dose, the manufacturer and the batch number of each dose.
Also, tourists wishing to enter the country, regardless of their age or vaccination status, must continue to complete the compulsory epidemiological form called “Health Pass” at least 72 hours before their trip. Vaccinated tourists must attach the vaccination certificate to the Health Pass.
In the case of U.S. travelers, the “COVID-19 vaccination record card” will be accepted.
DIGITAL CERTIFICATE
Q. Does the tourist require a printed version or a
digital version of their vaccination certificate?
A. Digital, given that the vaccination proof must be
attached when completing the epidemiological
digital form called Health Pass https://salud.go.cr/ a requirement to enter the country.
Source: Entry Requirements Costa Rica Q and A’s
The four vaccines and derivatives honored by Costa Rica for the insurance exemption are:
- AstraZeneca (AZD1222 / Vaxzevria / Covishield, ChAdOx1_nCoV19)
- Johnson & Johnson (Janssen Pharmaceuticals / Ad26.COV2.S)
- Moderna (Spikevax / mRNA-1273)
- Pfizer & BioNTech (Comirnaty / BNT162b2 / Tozinameran)
Source: https://salud.go.cr/step1
The combination of vaccine brands are allowed, as long as they (if two doses are required) are within the authorized brands.
Persons over 18 who have not been vaccinated in the manner stated above will not qualify for the Covid-19 Insurance Exemption and must have proof of an adequate travel policy that covers medical expenses in case of hospitalization for COVID-19 or the expenses of a prolonged stay in quarantine.
Costa Rica Tourism Board: Entry Requirements