The Ministry of Public Security announced that current border restrictions prohibiting foreigners from entering Costa Rica have been extended through June 15, only Costa Ricans will be able to enter the country.

As we have informed in previous articles, tourists who entered the country after December 17 have been granted an extension of stay until July 17, driving privileges have also been extended for this group of tourists. (Yes you can legally drive)

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose and the U.S. State Department announced they have coordinated with United Airlines to offer additional commercial repatriation flights from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica to Houston, Texas (IAH) on Friday May 8, Monday May 11, Tuesday May 12, and Friday May 15. “These flights will depart SJO at 12:00 pm and arrive at IAH at 4:46 pm. These flights are open to public booking; you are encouraged to book ASAP as seats are limited”, informed the Embassy.

It is also important to highlight that foreigners who are LEGAL residents in the country or have an open process with immigration and want to leave the country are advised NOT to do so. If, despite the recommendations the person decides to leave he or she will not be allowed to return into the country until the border reopens.

Those people who have LEGAL residency or have an open process with immigration to legalize their migratory status and who try to leave or enter the country through an unauthorized point (Basically illegally entering or existing through the North or South border) will have their migratory status canceled/Revoked and will be deported.

The authorities also informed that any person that require to enter the country (legally), as is the case of haulers, will be tested for Covid-19 prior to their entry, the testing will be mandatory.

With the Immigration offices in San Jose re-opening to the public on May 18th residency applications will begin to flow. You can read about this here “Get Your Residency Application in as Everyone wants to Move to Costa Rica” by Laura Gutierrez of Immigration Help Costa Rica

As of May 7, Costa Rica registers 765 positive cases of Covid-19, this number included 445 people that have already recovered. 19 patients remain hospitalized and 6 of them are in the intensive care unit.

A total of 9,682 people has tested negative.