Where to get the COVID test in Costa Rica?

If you plan to travel internationally, all travelers (including US citizens and transit passengers) must present a negative COVID-19 viral test no more than 1 day before you travel by air into the United States. A negative test must be shown to the airlines before boarding your flight.

The 1-day period is 1 day before the flight’s departure. The Order uses a 1-day time frame instead of 24 hours to provide more flexibility to the air passenger and aircraft operator. By using a 1-day window, test acceptability does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test sample was taken. For example, if your flight is at 1pm on a Friday, you could board with a negative test that was taken any time on the prior Thursday.

The requirement applies to all air passengers, 2 years of age or older, traveling into the US

If you recently recovered from COVID-19, you may instead travel with documentation of recovery from COVID-19 (i.e., your positive COVID-19 viral test result on a sample taken no more than 90 days before the flight’s departure from a foreign country and a letter from a licensed healthcare provider or a public health official stating that you were cleared to travel).

For more information about this new order from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) click here

Where to get the antigen COVID test in Costa Rica?

Many private laboratories and hospitals in Costa Rica offer the PCR and Antigen COVID test for a fee. The majority guarantee results within hours.
Costs are similar to the United States and range from $65-$100 depending on the type of test needed and the service offer.
Travel insurance typically does not cover the test, as they are considered elective for people who are asymptomatic and have not had close contact.

When you travel with Costa Rica Dream Adventures, you do not travel alone. We assist our clients in providing ahead of time all the information needed on when and where to get tested to avoid any type of stress during their vacation.

In Costa Rica, there are several private laboratories that have been endorsed by the Costa Rica Ministry of Health to perform COVID antigen tests Click Here for the list. Results are guaranteed within 24 hours and an appointment is required.

Many hotels work with private laboratories that offer their service onsite to their guests for an additional cost. Travelers can call the hotel they will be staying at to request information about the certified laboratory they work with, the cost, and how to schedule the appointment.

Information needed for COVID test appointment:
• Fill out the health ministry form 24 hours prior to scheduling the appointment, select English version Click Here
• Full name, date of birth, gender, passport number, address for your lodging stay, e-mail, and phone number will be required for the form
• A code will be given to you after filling out the form. The code will be located at the bottom of the form. With the code, call your desired COVID test provider to schedule your appointment
• You can make an appointment with your selected provider by calling or via WhatsApp or Facebook. It’s easier to find English-speaking staff.

If you choose Costa Rica Dream Adventures as your trip planner, we will make sure your vacation complies with all the requirements needed.
All we want for you is to enjoy a stress-free vacation!

Your safety is important to us. Explore our new vacation protocols that go accordingly to the Costa Rica government and CDC guidelines.

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