Source: US Embassy Costa Rica:

Until August 1, only Costa Rican citizens, Costa Rican residents who departed Costa Rica PRIOR to March 24, those whose residency is in process who departed Costa Rica PRIOR to March 24, minor children of Costa Rican citizens, and foreign diplomats will be able to enter Costa Rica. This restriction applies to land, sea, and air arrivals. Aircrews will not be subject to this restriction, and a separate protocol has been negotiated for commercial truck drivers at land borders.

Health Minister Salas stated that as of August 1, only foreigners from Canada, UE and UK will be allowed to enter Costa Rica following specific sanitary measures, such as: having a negative Covid-19 test 48 hours prior to departure and having a Covid-19 insurance policy that covers medical expenses and lodging expenses in the event of a quarentine.

Any foreigners resident in Costa Rica who left Costa Rica on March 24 or later – or who will leave shortly – automatically lose their status as legal residents and thus are unable to re-enter under the current restrictions, but they will not have to begin the residency process again.

Tourist stays in Costa Rica are normally limited to 90 days, but under the current COVID border restrictions, any foreigner who entered Costa Rica after December 17, 2019 for tourism purposes has been granted an extension of stay until November 18, 2020.

Driving privileges for tourists who entered Costa Rica after December 17 have also been extended until November 18, 2020

Currently, both international airports in Costa Rica are operating on a limited basis to facilitate commercial repatriation flights, and they have protocols in place to deal with suspected COVID cases.

Puerto Caldera, the main commercial port on the Pacific side of Costa Rica, has also established a protocol for suspected COVID-19 cases

Costa Rica has ongoing vehicular and sanitary restrictions due to a second wave of COVID-19 cases. Restrictions depend on whether the canton/district has a high number of COVID-19 cases (Orange Alert) or a lower number (Yellow Alert). Currently, the Greater Metropolitan Area is under Orange Alert, which means only essential businesses are allowed to operate during closure phase, while they are allowed to operate during reactivation phase with a limited schedule and following sanitary measures; driving is restricted based on plate numbers, and there is a complete vehicular curfew from 5 pm to 5 am. For more on the details of the different alerts and the level of alert for each area. For additional details click here:

Facemasks are required in indoor locations (except private residences and while eating in restaurants) and while waiting at bus stops.