(CNN) – If you’re planning a trip to Costa Rica, here’s what you should know and expect if you want to visit during the global coronavirus pandemic.
The base
Costa Rica reopened to tourism in November. The country has relaxed restrictions in recent weeks and is considering creating a digital nomad visa to pick up visitors who will make a lasting contribution to the local economy.
What is offered
Costa Rica is known for its “pura vida” (pure life), and aside from pandemic, the vida is still pura here. This is a land for nature lovers, with both a Caribbean and a Pacific coast, and a jungle that covers about a quarter of the country. Whether you’re here for the cloud forests, the volcanoes or the incredible wildlife and wildlife, your shoulders are bound to drop an inch or two.
Who can go
Everyone. Costa Rica reopened – even for tourism – on November 1, 2020. There are, of course, limitations. And the standard visa rules still apply.
What are the limitations?
Tourists traveling to Costa Rica must have valid travel insurance covering potential quarantine accommodation up to $ 2,000 and medical expenses of at least $ 50,000 due to Covid-19. This must be accompanied by a certificate in English or Spanish, showing the policyholder’s name, cover dates and warranties as defined above.
If you can’t get a policy that includes quarantine insurance, there are suggestions from insurers on the Health Pass website.
Residents and Costa Rican citizens may find themselves in isolation upon arrival.
Land borders are closed to non-residents and residents crossing by land must be quarantined for 14 days on arrival.
What is Covid’s situation?
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 returning to relatively normal. National parks and beaches are open – the last until 6pm. Restaurants and bars have reopened, but clubs have not, and concerts and large groups are prohibited.
There is a curfew from 11pm to 5am. The daytime driving bans, which were previously in effect, have ended (except in the capital, San José, where restrictions for reducing congestion are the norm anyway).
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CNN’s Julia Buckley contributed to this report