This story was updated at 4:30 p.m. EST on Aug. 11 to reflect new information from the Costa Rica Tourism Board regarding travel insurance. 

TORONTO — Canadians have been granted permission to enter Costa Rica but they must first test negative for COVID-19 within 48 hours of travel.

After closing its borders to all visitors on March 18, the destination announced that as of Aug. 1, visitors from a select number of countries – including Canada – are able to travel to Costa Rica by air. Other countries on the list include: Germany; Austria; Belgium; Denmark; Slovakia; Slovenia; Spain/ Estonia; Finland; France; Greece; Hungary; Iceland; Italy; Latvia; Liechtenstein; Lithuania; Luxembourg; Malta; Norway; the Netherlands; Poland; Portugal; United Kingdom; Czech Republic; Sweden; and Switzerland.

Visitors must have remained in one of the above-mentioned countries for a minimum 14 consecutive days prior to travel to Costa Rica.

All visitors must complete the following entry requirements:

• Travellers must show proof of a travel insurance policy that includes guaranteed coverage of medical expenses in the event of becoming ill with COVID-19 while in Costa Rica, for a minimum US$50,000. Travel insurance policies must also include a minimum coverage of $2,000 for extended lodging expenses due to the virus. For Canadians, the insurance requirement to enter Costa Rica can be met through international travel insurance providers, as well as two local options: National Insurance Company and Sagicor.
• Obtain a COVID-19 negative test. The test’s sample must be taken within 48 hours prior to the travelling date to Costa Rica. Only those tests provided by laboratories authorized by the health authorities are accepted. The only test that is accepted is the real-time polymerase chain reaction test (PCR-RT) for COVID-19. Rapid test results, serological tests or immunity tests will not be accepted. Results must be in English or Spanish. The test is required for all travellers older than 12 years old.
• Complete the online Health Pass form available at https://salud.go.cr/. Visitors can also purchase the required health insurance via this same link.

Visitors who have entered Costa Rica as a tourist after Dec. 17, 2019 are allowed to remain in the country until Nov. 18, 2020.

For reopening updates from other destinations go to https://www.travelweek.ca/news/destinations-reopening-list-2/.