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.
COVID test at the international airport
Both international airports, located in San Jose and Liberia, offer COVID tests in partnership with Lab Echandi for $65 per person. Travelers need to schedule the appointment at least 4 hours prior to their departure flight Click Here
If traveling with Costa Rica Dream Adventures, we will coordinate your airport pick up according to your test appointment time.
The testing site is just outside the airport in a tent located 600 meters northwest of the international flights terminal and includes a dedicated parking area. The laboratory offers a free shuttle to and from the terminal. Travelers that don’t have a rental car will need to go to the shuttle transportation service area of the airport and take the free shuttle that will take them to the testing site.
The same process is at the Liberia Airport. The laboratories also have a tent set up on the west side of the terminal building near the edge of the parking lot.
Please know that after paying, you will receive an email with the instructions about the Covid-19 test as well as the exact location of the Echandi laboratory at the airport:
Costa Rica New Requirements for entry > Read more
Testing locations
Some of these hospitals and labs have locations in different cities. Some of these providers offer the option of performing the test at the hotel or vacation property travelers are staying at.
Please know that some locations also offer drive-through testing.
Hospital Metropolitano
(San Jose/Liberia/Tamarindo/Conchal/Langosta/Portero/Quepos/Manuel Antonio)
Hospital La Católica (San Jose)
Cima Hospital (San Jose)
Hospital Clinica Biblica (San Jose)
Hospital San Rafael Arcangel (Liberia)
Labin Laboratories (San Jose)
Lab Echandi (San Jose/La Fortuna)
Unimed Urgent Care (La Fortuna)
Clinica Mision Medica – MMI (Jaco)
Paez Laboratoties (Liberia)
What happens if I get COVID positive while in Costa Rica?
- If you are experiencing symptoms, dial 1322. English-speaking operators are available.
- If vacationing with Costa Rica Dream Adventures, travelers can call our 24/7 in-country travel support for assistance.
- If you test positive, you will receive a health order from the Ministry of Health for mandatory 14-day quarantine stay at your hotel room or vacation home.
- Contact your travel insurance. Your COVID travel insurance will go into effect and cover you for any possible medical expenses and extended lodging expenses at your hotel or vacation home.
COVID travel insurance requirements > Read More
Since its first reported case on March 6th, 2020, Costa Rica, a country of 5 million people, has had 569,000 confirmed cases, and there have been 7,343 deaths as of December 22nd, 2021. See daily statistics.
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.
Some information for this article has been collected from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website regarding the new order requiring all air passengers arriving in the US from a foreign country, to get a negative COVID test within 72 hours before boarding the flight.
For more information about this new order from the CDC click here
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