Location: Costa Rica

Event: Update on COVID 19 Situation in Costa Rica

The Costa Rican Ministry of Health confirmed 87 cases of COVID-19 in Costa Rica.

The government of Costa Rica has implemented enhanced screening and quarantine measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. Travelers should be prepared for travel restrictions to be put into effect with little or no advance notice. U.S. citizens who are considering returning to the United States are urged to work with their airlines to make travel arrangements while flights are still available.

The government of Costa Rica announced on March 16, that as of March 19, and continuing until April 12, only Costa Rican citizens, legal residents, and foreign diplomats will be able to enter Costa Rica. Those citizens and legal residents returning from overseas will be subject to a 14 day self-quarantine. This restriction applies to land, sea, and air arrivals. Air crews will not be subject to this restriction. Visit the website of the Costa Rica Ministry of Health for additional information on these new measures. https://www.ministeriodesalud.go.cr/

The government of Costa Rica has implemented measures to limit the spread of COVID 19. Schools and universitites are closes until April 13. Bars, discos, and casinos have all been closed. Visit the Ministry of Health for additional information on these new measures.

Effective March 17, U.S. Embassy San Jose hs suspended most routine consular services, including visa issuance. For emergency American Citizen Services, including emergency passports, please visit our website for additional information. https://cr.usembassy.gov/

Many travelers worldwide have reported unexpected flight cancellations and limited flight availability. If your travel has been disrupted, please contact your airline.

In response to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak the Peace Corps in Costa Rica has withdrawn all their Volunteers and Trainees from Costa Rica.

The Department of State has issued a Global Level 4 Health Advisory for COVID-19 which can be read here “DO NOT TRAVEL”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issues a Level 2 Global COVID-19 Outbreak Notice.

Actions to Take:

Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19, please see the CDC’s latest recommendations
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, curise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and /or restrictions.
Visit our Embassy webpag on COVID-19 https://cr.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information/ informtion on condition in Costa Rica.