(CNN) – If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica, here is what you need to know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.
The basic
Costa Rica again opened up space for tourism in November. The country has eased restrictions in recent weeks and is considering creating a digital nomad visa to attract visitors who will make lasting contributions to the local economy.
What’s on offer
Costa Rica is known for its “pure life” and, pandemic aside, life is still pure here. This is a country for nature lovers, with a Caribbean and Pacific coast and a jungle covering about a quarter of the country. Whether you’re here through cloud forests, volcanoes or incredible nature and wildlife, your shoulders are sure to fall a few inches.
Who can go
Worldwide. Costa Rica went back into operation – even for tourism – on November 1, 2020. However, it is clear that there are restrictions. And the standard visa regulations still apply.
What are the restrictions?
Tourists traveling to Costa Rica must have valid travel insurance that covers possible quarantined accommodation of up to $ 2,000 and medical expenses of at least $ 50,000 due to Covid-19. It must be accompanied by a certificate in English or Spanish, stating the name of the insured, the dates of coverage and the guarantees stipulated above.
If you are unable to obtain a policy that includes quarantine insurance, there are suggestions from insurers on the Health Pass website.
Costa Rican residents and citizens may be subject to self-isolation upon arrival.
Land borders are closed to non-residents, and residents crossing over land must be quarantined for 14 days on arrival.
What is the situation with Covid?
Costa Rica saw 206,000 cases and less than 3,000 deaths during the pandemic. Along with Mexico, it was the first country to receive vaccines in December. About 150,000 people have been vaccinated so far.
What can visitors expect?
Things are getting back to normal. National parks and beaches are open – the latter until 6pm. Restaurants and bars were reopened, but clubs were not, and concerts and large groups were banned.
There is a night curfew from 11 pm to 5 am. Restrictions on driving during the day, which were previously in force, have ended (except in the capital San José, where restrictions to reduce congestion are the norm anyway).
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CNN’s Julia Buckley contributed to this report