Border Closing and Other Measures Extended Until April 30th, 2020

Update: On April 20, the Health Minister, Daniel Salas, reported that the closing of borders for foreigners continues in force in the country until May 15.

The following measures have been extended until April 30^th, 2020:

As a result of the COVID19 crisis, only Costa Rican nationals and Residents will be allowed in the country. This measure will be in effect until April 30th, 2020.

Some of the exceptions to the rule, per Decree N° 42238 – MGP – S are:

• Costa Rican nationals
• Costa Rican Residents with valid DIMEX (generally referred to as cedula) cards. This means Temporary (examples include Pensionados, Rentistas, and Investors) and Permanent Residents.
• Special Categories
• Estancias
• People with applications in process, meaning people whose requests were duly filed at Immigration and have an application filing receipt or plantilla, in Spanish, showing an application number (expediente).

These people will be allowed to enter the country during this period. However, Residents, people with Special Categories, Estancias or applications in progress who depart the country between March 25, 2020 at 23:59 and until April 30, 2020 at 23:59 WILL NOT BE ALLOWED TO RE-ENTER until borders reopen.

Any foreign national with Residency, Special Category, Estancia, or an application in progress who attempts to enter through an unauthorized port of entry will have their status cancelled, without exception.

When traveling, people will need to carry, amongst other things, their valid passports and valid DIMEX cards or valid passports and application filing receipts. People with applications in process, meaning non-residents that during this period will be treated, before the law, as Residents for entry purposes, may also need to show round trip tickets, showing an eventual departure from Costa Rica, at the port of entry. This is not confirmed but it has been the rule prior to this crisis which is why we recommend you still carry and produce this upon entry to avoid any delay or issue.

Those who enter during this period will be asked to complete a 14 natural days quarantine period. The quarantine period will be completed at the person’s residency or home in Costa Rica. The Minister of Health has stated that people who do not follow the quarantine request may be subjected to penalties. People will be handed a request at the port of entry that will contain instructions. Health Officials will work closely with Authorities to ensure proper care at all ports of entry.