What You Need To Know About Traveling To Costa Rica This Summer

As travel continues on its path to normal this summer, Costa Rica will be a coveted destination for many. An ideal escape for those seeking either or both relaxation and adventure, the biodiverse Central American country offers no shortage of tropical beaches, spectacular nature, including rainforests and volcanoes, and an array of remarkable wildlife. After what's been a long year, visitors can also find some much-needed stress relief and rejuvenation at one of the country's fantastic spa resorts. Regardless of how you choose to visit Costa Rica in 2021, here are the things you need to know before you go.

Costa Rica is currently among the many countries around the world to receive a Level 4 travel advisory from the U.S. State Department advising Americans to avoid travel due to COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has also issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica due to the pandemic, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. As of May 24, Costa Rica has reported close to 300,000 COVID-19 cases, including 3,765 deaths. The CDC continues to warn Americans to avoid international travel until they are fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.

Travelers do not need a negative COVID-19 test result to visit Costa Rica this summer. However, the country is requiring visitors to complete a health pass within 72 hours of departure and provide proof of travel insurance that covers lodging and medical expenses in the event they must quarantine due to contracting COVID-19. The policy must be valid for the entire stay in Costa Rica, include $50,000 for medical expenses, including those from COVID-19, and $2,000 for lodging expenses. The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica notes that travelers can also purchase a Costa Rican medical insurance policy through the National Insurance Institute. Boarding a return flight home to the United States will require a negative COVID-19 test result taken no more than three calendar days before departure or proof of recovery from COVID-19 within the past three months. Face masks continue to be required in U.S. airports and on flights leaving or entering the U.S.

The CDC is recommending Americans get fully vaccinated against COVID-19 (two weeks after the final shot) prior to traveling to Costa Rica and elsewhere outside of the United States. During travel, vaccinated individuals should still wear a face mask in public places and in situations where social distancing isn't possible. Fully vaccinated travelers are also encouraged to take a viral test three to five days after their trip abroad and self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms. According to the CDC, unvaccinated individuals should take a viral test one to three days prior to travel to Costa Rica, though it's not required for entry. If the test comes back positive, travelers should delay or postpone their trip. Unvaccinated travelers should also wear a face mask, avoid crowds and practice frequent hand washing and sanitizing during their stay in the country and get tested three to five days after their trip, quarantining for at least seven days with a negative result and 10 days if they choose not to get tested.

Visitors to Costa Rica will have plenty of opportunities to experience the country's renowned nature and wildlife as beaches are open from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m. and national parks are open at 50 percent capacity. Restaurants and bars have also been allowed to reopen, but nightclubs, concerts and other large gatherings continue to be closed or banned due to the current COVID-19 situation. There's also a nightly curfew in effect from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. and some driving restrictions that likely won't impact many tourists.

Visitors to Costa Rica are highly encouraged to book their trip with the help of an experienced travel advisor. The benefits of working with a travel professional have been further highlighted amid the COVID-19 pandemic as they bring a wealth of experience, knowledge and connections to the table. Travel advisors can help you find the right flights, accommodations and activities and experiences based on your personal preferences and budget. These individuals also keep your safety top of mind and can help you push back plans in the event that your destination isn't quite safe at that moment for whatever reason. Meanwhile, those aforementioned connections allow travel advisors to access special deals and savings that their clients often wouldn't be able to get on their own. Visit TravelSense.org to begin your search for a travel advisor verified by the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA) based on your destination and trip type.