Traveling during changing times!

Costa Rica is open for travel! In this article we’ve compiled all you need to know in order to consider traveling to the country safely, including entry and exit requirements. If you want to get straight to that information, feel free to scroll down past the next photo.

Pomelo team member Geoff McEntire recently visited Costa Rica. While enjoying the beautiful climate and breathtaking environment, Geoff also gave us some insight into his what it was like to of travel outside of the U.S. during the pandemic:

“I recently (in February) returned from a trip to Costa Rica. I must say it was a little nerve-racking at first to get out and travel during this pandemic because it had been almost a year since I had gone anywhere internationally, but the trip turned out to be a success.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when embarking to Costa Rica:

1.) Make sure you fill out the health pass 48 hours before your flight. It’ll ask you about everything from your flight information to accommodations in Costa Rica. It’s simple.

2.) Make sure you have some sort of travel insurance, whether if it’s an international plan or a plan purchased in Costa Rica. Personally, I went with a company called Sagicor. It was like $11 a day and it got me the right coverage You might find this website to be helpful.

3.) Be sure to travel responsibly and wear a mask. Safety is important.

Arrival into San Juan airport was pretty smooth since I had all the documents in hand. As far as my experience within the country, it was pretty normal and safe. Everyone seemed to wear masks there, and carry on with their lives. Stores and shops have hand washing stations or hand sanitizer in front of the store and require you to wash before entering.

The other thing to keep in mind is that when leaving you’ll have to find a covid testing site. They have various testing sites that offer the PCR test with options that allow results in a day or two. I took a test at a place called Lab Echandi. It put me back around $96. It was pretty easy. They emailed my results about 48 hours later, and I was good to go.”

Entry Requirements:

  • No PCR or Antigen Test Required for entry.
  • Complete a digital health form called Health Pass. It should be available 48 hours before departure.
  • Purchase travel health insurance. Here is a helpful link for specific instructions regarding insurance and purchase options.

Return Testing Information:

  • All air passengers traveling to the U.S. will be required to provide negative COVID-19 test results upon boarding their flight.
  • All air passengers traveling to the U.S. will be required to provide negative COVID-19 test results upon boarding their flight.
  • When returning home to the U.S., passengers must take a NAAT or viral antigen COVID-19 test within 72 hours of their U.S.-bound flight’s departure time.
  • Our Travel Now page on our website is also a great resource for finding testing locations and costs in Costa Rica!

Travel Safely

As always, the number one factor to take into account when traveling at any time is your personal situation. If you are at high risk with COVID-19 you should of course avoid travel, and as always double check with official local and foreign requirements before traveling anywhere. Like everyone else we’re hoping that as each country adjusts the world will become a safer and more welcoming place to travel. We can’t wait to get back out there!

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