Location: Costa Rica – Level 4: Do Not Travel
Event: United Airlines has reported that tickets for the April 30 flight from San Jose to Houston are sold out. The U.S. Embassy will announce any additional commercial repatriation flights that become available.
For the latest status of the San Jose airport and a list of all carriers’ plans, please visit the airport site: https://sjoairport.com/reporte-operaciones.
Costa Rica has now confirmed 697 cases of COVID-19 in the country. On April 27, Costa Rica’s President announced the first stage of a phased reopening of businesses and activities across Costa Rica. While some services will be allowed to resume operations under strict health guidelines, many businesses and services remained closed, including national parks and beaches. A full text of today’s announcement can be found by following this link.
Costa Rica’s Minister of Health has announced that current border restrictions prohibiting foreigners from entering Costa Rica have been extended through May 15. Tourists who entered Costa Rica after December 17 have also been granted an extension of stay until July 17. For more information, please use this link.
Costa Rica has placed restrictions on vehicular traffic until May 15. There is currently a complete nighttime restriction from 7pm to 5am every day. During the weekdays between 5am and 7pm, vehicles will be restricted by license plate numbers. Weekends will see complete restrictions except for going to supermarkets, pharmacies, and health centers, and again will be limited by license plate numbers. Public transportation resumed on Monday April 13 and will operate from 4am to 11pm daily.
Only certain essential services and night shift workers are exempt from the restrictions; drivers not complying with the restrictions are being fined. We encourage all U.S. citizens to follow the Government of Costa Rica’s recommendations on staying home as much as possible.
Actions to Take:
- Follow instructions of Costa Rican authorities. Not doing so could result in arrest and potential fines.
- Visit the Costa Rican Min of Health Facebook Page for updated information.
- Visit our Embassy COVID page for information on conditions in Costa Rica.
- Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the United States.
- Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information on COVID-19.
- Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information
- Work with your airline, travel provider, or hotel/lodging directly regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
- Call Costa Rican emergency number 911 or COVID hotline 1322 right away if you believe you may have COVID-19 (or similar symptoms) or were exposed to someone who may have COVID-19 in the last six weeks.
Assistance:
