On October 8, 2020, the Government of Costa Rica announced the opening of the air borders for Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Belize, and Panama, as of today, October 15.

Travelers may only enter through air borders; land borders will continue to be closed.

The entry of travelers to Costa Rica from these countries will have several mandatory requirements:

1. Showing a negative result of the COVID-19 test, obtained in the 72 hours before the trip.
2. Completing the health pass, available in different languages.
3. Obtaining travel insurance that covers quarantine accommodation and medical expenses for acute illness.

If a traveler does not meet these requirements, they will not be able to travel to Costa Rica.

Private flights from unauthorized countries will be allowed and must meet the aforementioned requirements; however, each case will be analyzed via an exception mechanism on a case-by-case basis.

Private yachts may also enter the country. If the travelers do not bring the negative PCR test with them or set sail from a country that has not been authorized until now, they will receive a quarantine health order counted as of the day when they set sea. These days will be deducted from the last departure that is registered in the yacht's logbook.

The Employment & Labor and Immigration practice of Dentons Muñoz Costa Rica offers legal advice relating to:

• Legislation review to determine the opening of the air borders for Central America, Panama, and Belize.
• Drafting of legal opinions on immigration topics.
• Practical and strategic tips to prevent future legal issues.

To obtain legal advice on Employment & Labor and Immigration Law, please do not hesitate to contact us.