Costa Rica: Authorities amend certain COVID-19 restrictions as of Feb. 2 /update 30

Authorities in Costa Rica have eased some COVID-19 movement and business restrictions as of Feb. 2. Travel restrictions remain unchanged.

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As of Feb. 2, authorities in Costa Rica have eased certain movement and business restrictions, in place to curb the spread of COVID-19. Travel restrictions remain unchanged.

Under the new directives, motorists nationwide are banned from using private vehicles for nonemergency reasons between daily 2200-0500, every day of the week. Between 0500-2200, private vehicles will continue to be allowed to circulate, except those with license plates ending on certain numbers, depending on the day of the week:

Mondays: 1 and 2
Tuesdays: 3 and 4
Wednesdays: 5 and 6
Thursdays: 7 and 8
Fridays: 9 and 0
Saturday: 1, 3, 5, 7, and 9
Sunday: 2, 4, 6, 8, and 0

Businesses allowed to operate must also close daily between 2200-0500. Beaches are allowed to open daily between 0500-1800 and national parks may open without capacity limits, while bars and casinos can operate at a maximum of 50-percent capacity.

Other restrictions remain unchanged. Authorities in Costa Rica continue to assess cantons and provinces depending on local coronavirus disease (COVID-19) risks. The system consists of four levels: low risk (green), moderate risk (yellow), high risk (orange), and extreme risk (red). As of Feb. 2, most cantons nationwide are categorized as moderate (yellow) risk, with only the following cantons classified as high risk (orange):

San Jose Province: Perez Zeledon, Vazquez de Coronado, and Moravia
Alajuela Province: Grecia, Guatuso, Naranjo, Sarchi, Zarcero
Cartago Province: El Guarco
Puntarenas Province: Corredores, Coto Brus, Golfito, Osa, and Quepos
Limon Province: Guacimo, Limon, Pococi, and Siquirres

Nonessential businesses can operate nationwide following health and safety regulations. 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.

Travel Restrictions
The nation's land borders will remain closed to nonresident foreign nationals until at least March 1. This measure does not affect cargo transport. The maritime borders remain mostly closed to visitors, although certain private boats, such as sailboats, are allowed to enter. Travelers entering Costa Rica by land borders are required to self-quarantine for 14 days upon arrival.

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, they must still complete the required health affidavit (Health Pass) and have sufficient insurance to cover lodging and health expenses.

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