The basics
However, the Delta variant hit the country hard in 2021, with hospitals “dangerously full” at the peak, and Costa Rica ending high up on the board of the most new cases globally. Cases then dropped to some of the lowest levels seen in months, but are currently at an all-time high because of the Omicron variant.
Since March 2022, the country has been implementing a “responsible and gradual opening,” as restrictions begin to relax.
What’s on offer
Costa Rica is known for its “pura vida” (pure life), and, pandemic aside, the vida is still pura here. This is a country for nature lovers, with both a Caribbean and Pacific coast, and jungle covering about a quarter of the country.
Whether you’re here for the cloud forests, the volcanoes or the incredible nature and wildlife, your shoulders will definitely drop a few inches.
Most visitors pass through capital San José as a mere routing point, but it’s a beautiful city, with stunning architecture, public art and museums.
Who can go
Everyone. Costa Rica opened back up — even for tourism — on November 1, 2020. However, there are of course restrictions. And standard visa regulations still apply.
Since January 2022, many activities are restricted to those who’ve been vaccinated. Although entry rules aren’t set to change, restrictions on the ground will make it less attractive for the unvaccinated. You now cannot enter a hotel, restaurant, bar or museum without proof of vaccination.
In August, Costa Rica’s president signed a law that allows “digital nomads” to remain in the country for up to two years. To qualify, individuals must earn at least $3,000 a year, and families must make at least $5,000. Benefits include the ability to open a Costa Rican bank account and their local US driver’s licenses being honored locally.
What are the restrictions?
Residents and Costa Rican nationals may be subject to self-isolation on arrival.
The land borders, which had been closed to nonresidents, reopened April 2020 to visitors not needing a visa.
What’s the Covid situation?
Costa Rica has seen over 841,000 cases and 8,327 deaths as of April 7. Case numbers rose fast in April through August 2021, and although they subsequently fell, the Omicron variant has seen a sharp acceleration in infection rates.
A record 40,571 new cases were recorded in the week leading up to February 4 — compared with just 1,696 registered in the week leading up to December 31. Pre-Omicron, the record number of new infections was 17,469 in a week, registered in September 2021.
However, there are tentative signs that the peak might have been reached. The week leading up to February 10 saw 37,389 new infections, with 21,712 registered two weeks later. By April 7, that number was 3,515.
What can visitors expect?
However, if you don’t have a QR code on your vaccination certificate, you can use the printed certificate or card you were given by your health authority.
Minors are exempt from vaccination requirements.
Venue capacity depends on whether the venues are checking QR codes. If they are, capacity has returned to 100% for cultural venues, nightclubs, shops, restaurants, bars, cinemas and theaters. If they are not checking, capacity is capped at 50%. Outdoor venues can now operate at 100% capacity regardless, since April 1.
National parks and beaches are running at 100% capacity, and restaurants and bars at 75% capacity.
The nightly curfew from midnight to 5 a.m. ended March 7 as part of the country’s “responsible and gradual opening.” There are also no driving restrictions anymore.
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CNN’s Julia Buckley contributed to this report