( May 3rd, 2020).- While in other parts of the world the coronavirus pandemic has infected millions and killed hundreds of thousands, the Costa Rica government approach to the crisis may be paying off. Several renowned magazines have highlighted Costa Rica as a destination to consider once the Coronavirus crisis is over.
Health Minister, Daniel Salas, announced on June 26th, 2020 that the Central American country will open its borders to foreign tourists on August 1, 2020. Both international airports will resume operations, Juan Santamaría International Airport, near San José, and Daniel Oduber Quirós Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste.

The country will allow tourists from countries that have “controlled transmission” of coronavirus, said Minister Salas. As of today June 30th, the list of countries has not yet been decided.
“We will announce that with more detail in an appropriate moment. It will go hand-in-hand with what other countries, such as European ones, are managing”, stated Mr. Salas
In 2019, Costa Rica welcomed 3.1 million foreign visitors. More than 1.3 million tourists came from the United States, nearly 235,000 from Canada, and more than 500,000 people arrived from Europe.

NEW REQUIREMENTS
• Complete digital epidemiological form “Health Pass”
• Negative PCR coronavirus test. The test must be taken 72 hours before arrival
• Passengers coming from the U.S. must show through their driver’s license or state identification that they live in one of the authorized states. This requirement excludes children traveling with their families
• Travel insurance – international or purchased through the National Insurance Institute of Costa Rica- that covers medical care for at least $50,000, and unexpected extended hotel stay due to COVID-19 of at least $2,000. For more details about the best travel insurance coverage click here 
• Face masks in all indoor circumstances are mandatory. The only exceptions are at restaurants and all open-air tourism activities

AIRPORT PROTOCOLS
• Everyone who enters the airport will be obligated to wear a face mask
• Only traveling passengers will be allowed to enter the airport, and they must pass a temperature check at the entrance.
• Disinfecting carpets will be installed at the airport entrances.
• Clear barriers will separate passengers from the ticket counters.
• Boarding will be conducted in small groups, from the back of the plane to the front.
• Markers will encourage proper distancing in all areas where agglomerations typically form, including at security and baggage claim.

ACTIVE CASES

Since its first reported case on March 6th, 2020, Costa Rica, a country of 5 million people, has 3,130 confirmed cases. 1,366 people have recovered so far, and there have been 15 deaths as of June 29th, 2020. See daily statistics. About half of the coronavirus cases are in the province of San José.

Click on image for updated COVID-19 chart progression

Since May 1st, the country started to reopen its economy and lifting some COVID-19 restrictions as the number of active infections declined for more than 11 consecutive days.
On May 11th, the country defined the reopening measures by laying out a 4-phase plan that will be carried out between May and August.

Phase 1 (May 16 to May 31)
• National Parks at 50% capacity with previous purchase of tickets online.
• Beaches can open from 5 a.m. to 8 a.m. during the week.
• Non-contact sports are fully permitted,
• Hotels of maximum 20 rooms can open at 50% capacity.
• Driving curfew also extended to 10 p.m. on weekdays

Phase 2 (June 1 to June 20)
• All hotels at 50% capacity.
• Restaurants, including on weekends, at 50% capacity.
• Museums at 50% capacity. (Prior ticket purchase is required.)
• Event halls with a maximum of 30 people or 50% capacity, whichever is smaller.
• Gyms and swim schools at 50% capacity (was previously 25%).
• Art academies without physical contact

Phase 3 (June 21 to July 11)
• Stores can open on weekends at 50% capacity
• Cinemas, theaters, and museums open during weekends at 50% capacity
• Places of worship may reopen with a maximum of 75 people.
• Bars may open Monday to Friday at 50% capacity.
• Sporting centers without physical contact may operate at 50% capacity

Phase 4 (July 12 to August 1)
• Places of worship capacity to a maximum of 100 people.
• Beach access hours will be extended

For more details about 4 phase reopening click here

TIPS FOR HEALTHY TRAVEL
To prevent the spread of COVID-19 and all other communicable diseases such as flu, colds, etc., the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that all persons follow respiratory hygiene etiquette measures, including:
– Stay home and avoid travel when you are sick
– Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing
– If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty
– Avoid close contact with people who are sick
– Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth
– Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash and clean your hands
– Always wear socks when traveling, so if you need to remove your footwear for TSA screening you are not barefoot
– Place items from your pockets inside your carry-on bag before arriving at the TSA screening checkpoint to reduce your contact with surfaces and screening bins

FLIGHT OPERATIONS

Some of the major airline carriers have announced limited flights to the country in response to the coronavirus pandemic.
Here is the latest information for flights to/from Juan Santamaría International Airport. Click Here

– Delta Airlines will resume operations from Atlanta on August 1st
– United Airlines is continuing its Houston/SJO on August 1st
– American Airlines will resume operations from Miami on August 5th
– JetBlue will resume operations from Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale on August 1st
– Spirit Airlines will resume operations from Orlando and Ft. Lauderdale on August 1st
– Southwest has suspended flights to Costa Rica until 2021.
– Air Canada will resume operations in September

BEST TRAVEL DESTINATION

As of today, and due to the low number of cases and fatalities, Costa Rica is positioning as one of the safest countries in the world to visit after the crisis. Multiple renowned international media such as Lonely Planet, The Times, Condé Nast Traveler, Matador Network, Canadian Traveler, Profession Voyages, Forbes, among others, have highlighted Costa Rica as a destination to consider once the Coronavirus crisis is over.
María Amalia Revelo, Minister of Tourism of Costa Rica stated: ‘Costa Rica has earned a decades-long reputation in the world as a favorite tourist destination, and this reputation must be taken care of as we plan how to reactivate our tourism sector to get it out of this unprecedented crisis’.
Costa Rica is the world leader in nature tourism and the second in adventure tourism, according to the World Economic Forum.

VACATION PLANNING FOR 2021?

Travelers nowadays are seeking for flexible travel policies in the occurrence of a possible second wave of COVID-19. They do not want to be penalized for a possible cancelation and at the same time want to take advantage of the lowest rates airlines and hotels are offering.

Even though the amount of tourism for 2020 is uncertain, the travel industry is optimistic for travel to resume in 2021 or even before during the holidays.

Costa Rica Dream Adventures (CRDA) understands that for travelers, it is no longer easy to decide on their next vacation, but today anticipating a dream trip could be highly beneficial. A 3 to 5-hour flight from the U.S. can take anxious vacationers to paradise and reconnect with nature, after months of uncertainty and stress.

The U.S. based Tour Operator that sells exclusively Costa Rica custom vacations, is offering NO CHANGE FEES on all their travel packages. Travelers can change their travel dates up to 30 days before departure.
Payment plans have also changed. Clients will have the option of submitting a deposit and pay the final balance due 35 days before departure. Monthly installment payment plans are also available.

All Costa Rica Dream Adventures Vacation Packages are fully customizable and 2021 rates are now available for future travel plans. CRDA has a second office in San Jose, Costa Rica that offers 24/7 in-country travel assistance. Travelers can feel safe to know there will be always someone to reach out for assistance.

Without a doubt, Costa Rica is a great destination to visit after the crisis. Find balance, reconnect with nature, relax on the beach, Costa Rica will welcome you with open arms and the warmth and kindness of our people.

We’re ready when you are!

How to change your booked air ticket online

Most major airlines are waiving their cancelation and change penalties fees amid coronavirus uncertainty. This allows travelers to keep a nonrefundable ticket with validation of a year to rebook later, regardless of when they bought the ticket. Customers can also change destinations but would have to pay a difference in fares.
These waivers cover passengers who purchased tickets through May 31, two months longer than previous plans. Southwest is the only airline that never charges customers a fee to change or cancel their flight.

HOW TO CHANGE YOUR AIR TICKET ONLINE?
If you have bought tickets for spring break vacation or recently purchase tickets early this year, here are some details on how to cancel or modify your issued air tickets online.

DELTA AIRLINES

Modify Flight
• To change your flight, visit My Trips on delta.com and click on “Modify Flight”.
• Choose “Start Flight Change” and select which flight you would like to change to search for a new flight.
• The change fee will display initially, however, once you select your new itinerary the change fee will be waived prior to checkout.
• Note, the change fee will be waived, however, a difference in fare may apply.

Cancel Your Flight
You may cancel your flight and apply any unused value of the ticket toward the purchase of a new ticket for a period of one year from the original issue date. The change fee will be waived; however fare difference will apply for new travel dates and will be collected at the time of booking the new ticket.
• Visit My Trips on delta.com
• Click on “Modify Flight” select your new dates
• Choose “Start Flight Cancelation”

Conditions & Restrictions
• Delta is waiving all change fees for travel impacted by coronavirus. This applies to all U.S. domestic and international travel departing in March or April 2020, international flights departing in May 2020, as well as all tickets purchased in March 2020. 
• You can move your travel dates and even select a new destination.
• You can cancel and/or change travel by December 31, 2020, or your ticket expiration date.
• Your unused ticket will be applied toward your new flight, and in some instances, a fare difference will apply.
• If the new fare is lower, you will receive an eCredit for the difference. If the new fare is higher, the difference will be collected.
• Even if you’re not able to reach Delta before your departure  and  don’t take your flight, all changes will be processed, and your ticket number automatically becomes an unused  eCredit within 24 hours.

AMERICAN AIRLINES

Modify or Cancel Flight
Here’s how: click on Find your trip
If your trip is eligible, you’ll see ‘Change trip’ or ‘Cancel trip’ in the top toolbar
To select new dates, click on ‘Yes, I want to change this flight’

Call to rebook
After you cancel your trip online, please call Reservations when you’re ready to rebook.
You’ll need:
• Your ticket number (American tickets have a 13-digit number that begins with ’001’)
• Your 6-character confirmation (also called a ‘Record Locator’)
Contact Reservations

Conditions & Restrictions
No change fee if you bought your ticket before March 1, 2020.
The change fee is waived if you:
• Booked an American Airlines flight
• Bought your ticket on or before March 1, 2020
• Are scheduled to travel March 1 – May 31, 2020
• Can travel March 1 – December 31, 2020 or within 1 year of date the ticket was issued, whichever is earlier. Keep in mind, you may owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip.

Change your trip or cancel and rebook later. You’re allowed to make changes to your trip once. You can change it now or cancel and rebook later.
Keep in mind: Travel must start by December 31, 2020 or within 1 year of date the ticket was issued, whichever is earlier. The change fee will be waived but you may still owe any difference in ticket price when you rebook your trip.

Is traveling still safe due to Coronavirus? Read more

UNITED AIRLINES

Modify or Cancel Flight
Visit My Trips
Select ‘Change flight’ or ‘Cancel flight’
If modifying dates, select ‘Edit’ and choose your new travel dates

Conditions & Restrictions
• All change fees waived for tickets issued on or before March 2, 2020.
• New tickets must be reissued on/before December 31, 2020 or 12 months from original ticket date, whichever is earlier.
• Rebooked travel must commence within 12 months from the original ticket issue date.
• For tickets issued March 3 through March 31, 2020, customers will be permitted to change free of charge to a flight of equal or lesser value up to 12 months from the original ticket issue date.

ALASKA AIRLINES

Modify or Cancel Flight
• Visit ‘Manage trip’
• Input your last name and confirmation code
• Select ‘Change’ or ‘Cancel’
• Select passengers and click on ‘make changes to this trip’ or ‘use the value of this trip to purchase a new trip’

Conditions & Restrictions
• No change or cancellation fees for tickets purchased before February 26, 2020. New tickets purchased between February 27 and March 31, 2020
• If you used miles to purchase your ticket, for travel in March, we’ll re-deposit the miles in your Mileage Plan account. If you used a companion certificate, for travel in March, companion certificate will be reissued for future travel.

How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus. Read more

JETBLUE

Modify or Cancel Flight
• Visit ‘My Trips’ and click on ‘Manage trip’
• Input your last name and confirmation code
• Select ‘Change flight’ or ‘Cancel flight’
• Select passengers and click on ‘make changes to this trip’ or ‘use the value of this trip to purchase a new trip’

Conditions & Restrictions
• Flexible travel policy for tickets purchased on or before February 26, 2020. Original Travel Dates: March 9, 2020 – May 31, 2020. New Travel Dates: March 9, 2020 – February 28, 2021.
• Flexible travel policy for tickets purchased between February 27, 2020 and March 31, 2020. Original Travel Dates: February 27, 2020 – February 28, 2021. New Travel Dates: February 27, 2020 – February 28, 2021.

Delta Airlines aircraft fogging enhances

TAKE THESE STEPS TO PROTECT YOURSELF WHILE TRAVELING

Are you still considering continuing with your travel plans? If the answer is YES, you should be aware of the new airline’s procedures against coronavirus (COVID-19) and follow the recommendations of The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to stay healthy while traveling.

AT THE AIRPORT

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Wash your hands after using the restroom, before eating, after blowing your nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Try to avoid using the touch-screen kiosk at the airport. Use your flight app on your phone to check-in.
• Delta offers an International Biometric Boarding based on a photo and facial recognition. No fingerprint scan necessary.
• Take disinfectant wipes (EPA approved) to wipe down common surfaces inside our airport terminals.
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Airlines are deploying hand sanitizer to all boarding gates.

DURING YOUR FLIGHT

• Wash your hands for at least 20 seconds after using the restroom.
• Ensure regular disinfection of your seat, seatback pockets, armrests, tray table, and in-flight entertainment system. Use disinfectant wipes (EPA approved).
• Use hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Request refills of drinks in a new cup.
• Travelers may now see flight attendants wearing gloves during food and beverage service and pick-up in all cabins.
• Major airlines aircrafts are equipped with high-efficiency HEPA air filters that capture 99.9% of particles (bacteria, fungi, and larger viruses or virus clumps) 0.1–0.3 micrometers in diameter. The recirculated air passes through a series of filters 20–30 times per hour.
• Airlines are implementing sanitation procedures of their tableware, dishes, cutlery, and glassware.
• Fogging procedures in aircrafts that disinfect surface areas and are highly effective against many communicable diseases, including coronaviruses.
• Onboard amenities kits provided by airlines which contain hand cleansers and cleansing towelettes.

High efficiency particulate air filters

How to Protect Yourself Against Coronavirus

AFTER LANDING

• Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
• Alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol content is a good secondary option.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.

Visit CDC for information about travel and coronavirus