Costa Rica to Implement New COVID-19 Travel Restrictions

As of January 8th, 2022, all Costa Rica hotels, resorts, restaurants, bars, casinos, shops, museums, art and dance academies, gymnasiums, and adventure tourism groups will require travelers to be fully vaccinated with either a Moderna, Pfizer-BioNTech, AstraZeneca, or Jassen COVID-19 Vaccine.

This is a change from the country’s formerly lax stance over the past few months when it remained open without traveler testing or quarantine requirements.

Beginning next year, visitors age 12 and older will need to complete an electronic Health Pass form at least 72 hours before departure. Upon completion, travelers will receive a QR code that confirms their status as vaccinated. Alternatively, travelers can opt to bring a printed vaccination certificate instead. Children under the age of 12 and adults with an accredited medical condition that renders them exempt from the COVID-19 vaccine will be excused from the new restrictions.

From December 1st through January 7th, 2022, Costa Rican establishments will be allowed to operate at 50 percent capacity and admit travelers despite their vaccination status. However, if establishments want to operate at full capacity, they will be required to have visitors show proof of vaccination from December 1st, 2021, onward.

Note that essential businesses such as grocery stores and pharmacies will not require proof of vaccination.