Costa Rica: Authorities extend closure of land and maritime borders until at least Feb. 1 /update 28

Costa Rica extends land and maritime border closure until at least Feb. 1. Local canton-specific restrictions remain in effect.

Event

As part of ongoing efforts to limit the spread of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), authorities in Costa Rica have extended the closure of the nation's land and maritime borders to nonresident foreign nationals until at least Feb. 1. This measure does not affect cargo transport. All travelers entering Costa Rica via maritime and land borders are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

Nevertheless, all travelers, including nonresident foreign nationals, are allowed to enter Costa Rica by air regardless of their country of origin. Foreign travelers are no longer required to provide a negative COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test result prior to entering the country. However, all travelers must still complete the required health affidavit (Health Pass) and have sufficient insurance to cover lodging and health expenses.

Domestically, the Costa Rican government uses a multi-tiered, color-coded alert system based on local disease activity to track COVID-19 risk and manage restrictions in cantons and districts nationwide. The system consists of four levels: green (low risk), yellow (moderate risk), orange (high risk), and red (extreme risk). As of early January, most cantons fall under the yellow classification, while only some remain at the orange level.

The following cantons are orange zones as of Jan. 11:

San Jose Province: Perez Zeledon
Alajuela Province: Sarapiqui and Zarcero
Heredia Province: Belen, and Flores
Cartago Province: El Guarco, Oreamuno
Puntarenas Province: Esparza, Corredores, Golfito, Montes de Oro, and Osa
Limon Province: Limon, Pococi, and Siquirres
Guanacaste Province: Liberia

Motorists in orange zones are prohibited from driving on certain days of the week, depending on the last digit of the vehicle's license plate number, as indicated below:

Monday: 1 and 2
Tuesday: 3 and 4
Wednesday: 5 and 6
Thursday: 7 and 8
Friday: 9 and 0
Saturday: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9
Sunday: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0

Nationwide, movement restrictions on private vehicles are in force 2200-0500 Monday through Friday, and 2100-0500 Saturdays and Sundays, through at least Jan. 31.

Tightened restrictions on entertainment establishments and recreational facilities are in effect until at least Jan. 17. Bars and casinos are only allowed to operate at 25-percent capacity; national parks are only allowed to operate at 50-percent capacity, and beaches may stay open only between the hours of 0500-1430 daily.

Nonessential businesses can operate nationwide, though some establishments must comply with strict capacity limits. Businesses that obtain public health permits may generally operate outside movement restriction times. Lodging businesses can operate without capacity limits. All individuals must wear protective facemasks that cover the nose and mouth while in indoor public areas or using public transportation.

Authorities could reimpose, extend, further ease, or otherwise amend any restrictions with little-to-no notice, depending on disease activity over the coming weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.

Emphasize basic health precautions, especially frequent handwashing with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable. Practice good coughing/sneezing etiquette (i.e., covering coughs and sneezes with a disposable tissue, maintaining distance from others, and washing hands). There is no evidence that the influenza vaccine, antibiotics, or antiviral medications will prevent this disease, highlighting the importance of diligent basic health precautions.