Can Americans Travel to Costa Rica right now? Can anyone else? The answer to those questions is YES! And, it depends.
Caption Can Americans Travel to Costa Rica right now? Can anyone else? The answer to those questions is YES! And, it depends.
The world is celebrating! Vaccines have arrived and people are celebrating with “vaxications”: post-vaccine travel to let loose and celebrate our re-found freedom. It’s no surprise that Costa Rica tops the list of choice: Not only are there few requirements to visit, but Costa Rica’s outdoor adventures, biodiversity, and scenic landscapes are very alluring, after a year of semi-isolation. Indulge in whatever your heart desires!
The question is, can Americans Travel to Costa Rica right now? Can anyone else? The answer to those questions is YES! And, it depends.
Here’s the short answer: Whether or not you can visit Costa Rica (or anywhere) is up to your home country, not Costa Rica. Because Costa Rica is welcoming tourists. From anywhere and everywhere. So, go ahead and plan you “vaxication.” We can’t wait to see you!
2021 Requirements to Enter Costa Rica
But first, a brief on what’s required:
- You do not need proof of vaccination.
- You must complete the Health Pass form within 48 hours of your arrival in Costa Rica. It’s a fairly basic form, requesting information about your flight and stay.
- You must purchase Traveler’s Medical Insurance(international or Costa Rican), effective for the duration of your stay. This insurance must at least $50,000 in medical expenses (including COVID) and a minimum $2,000 for COVID-related (possible quarantine) lodging expenses.
That’s it! (We said we’d be brief.)
Can Americans Travel to Costa Rica Right Now? Can Europeans? Can Canadians?
So, in answer to whether Americans can travel to Costa Rica right now, the answer is a resounding yes. The United States does not prohibit travel abroad for its citizens and residents.
Of course, every country makes its own rules. So, whether you can visit is up to wherever you call home. Since requirements are evolving, changing, and getting updated frequently – and as the world gets increasingly vaccinated – we won’t include full country-by-country return requirements here.
Citizens and permanent residents of the United States: Know that, as of June 2021, you are required to present a negative COVID-19 test (antigen or PCR), taken within three days of boarding your flight home. We are happy to help you make testing arrangements.
Instead, we’ll refer you to your Costa Rican Embassy or Consulate (whichever serves your country of residence). They’ll be able to update you on current entry requirement to Costa Rica (should they change), as well as return requirements back home. Here are a few quick links:
- Embassy of Costa Rica in Canada
- Embassy of Costa Rica in United Kingdom
- Other Costa Rican Embassies (World)
When’s the Best Time to Travel to Costa Rica?
Right now. Next month. The end of 2021. Whenever you’d like! Because the truth is, Costa Rica is ready and welcoming, whenever you are. So, the best time to travel to Costa Rica as soon as you’re ready.
Of course, if you were asking the pre-pandemic question, we have a different answer. Because the best time to visit is very dependent on your vacation time, your bucket list, your budget, and several other factors:
- Your Vacation Time: If your job is flexible on vacation time, great! You can visit any time of year in, in that case, the blanket recommendation would be to choose either the dry season (mid-November through mid-May) or the shoulder season (early November or late May) to enjoy the maximum sunny hours per day. Bear in mind, that is a one-size recommendation, though… So, see below!
- Your Costa Rica Wish List: This one is very dependent on you because, if you’re looking forward to a few very specific adventures – whale watching, certain waterfall hikes, and surfing, among them – then you may have to design your trip around specific whale-watching, waterfall (= rainier), or surfing seasons.
- Your Budget (to an extent): Your budget won’t really dictate when you visit, but it can influence your choice. That’s because shoulder season (again, early November or late May) often overlaps lower prices with great weather. Rainy season (June-October) offers even better deals, often with a tradeoff of daily showers.
With all that said, here’s a basic sketch of Costa Rica’s travel seasons:
Dry Season / Summer / High Season: Costa Rica’s most popular travel season runs mid-November through mid-May and brings with it spectacular weather, sun every day, and the most tourists of the year.
Shoulder Season: The sweet spot for value, Costa Rica’s shoulder season (mid-November through early December and mid-May through early June) offers decent discounts in return for a chance of rain. And by that, we mean anything from a sprinkling to a downpour, usually followed by blue skies.
Rain Season / Winter / Low Season: The least expensive time to visit, Costa Rica’s “winter,” known in tourism parlance as low season, sees daily rains, usually in the afternoon. The rains can last anywhere from a minute (literally) to several hours, especially in the rainiest months of September and October. The upside: the rainy season has the year’s best sunsets!
Vaxication: Planning Your Post-COVID Travel to Costa Rica
Okay, you’re ready to travel. You’ve chosen your when. Now, it’s time the choose your where.
Since you’re here, we’ll assume you’re at least considering Tamarindo. Tamarindo, on Costa Rica’s spectacular Gold Coast. Tamarindo, a tiny metropolis of great restaurants, diverse tours and attractions, and luxury vacation homes.
And so, we’ll start where everyone starts – with where to stay and three of our most recommended vacation homes:
Casa Serena
5 Beds | 5 Baths | Sleeps 10
Sparing no luxury, beachfront Casa Serena is a labyrinth of decadence – but in the most amazing, beachy luxury way possible!
It begins with the homes four independent bed/bath suites and one apartment-style room, to offer privacy and space for everyone in your travel group. (And after the year we’ve all had, we’re used to having our space!) Wander out your doorway, any doorway, and you’ll find yourself on the sand, your toes in the sand and just steps from the Pacific Ocean.
Outdoors, you’ll also spend quality time with your custom infinity pool and expansive terrace, both wrapped around a tree. Enjoy the symphony of the sea, the kiss of ocean breezes, and the call of the Pacific. That’s why you’re here!
>> Book Now <<
Villa Almendro
3 Beds | 3 Baths | Sleeps 8
If you’re looking for a break from the norm – a step outside what everyone envisions Costa Rica to be, then we invite you to visit Villa Almendro, a two-story living room overlooking a lake. Yes, a lake!
Housed within the exclusive resort community of Hacienda Pinilla, Villa Almendro is a two-story, 3-bedroom, 3-bathroom condominium dedicated to luxury living. Because, while the indoors are beautiful, outdoors is where Villa Almendro really shines: open your French doors and onto your shady, expansive porch and veranda, flanked by tall trees and a tranquil lake.
You’ll feel like you have this little slice of Costa Rica, all to yourself. And you almost will.
>> Book Now <<
Casa Samba
8 Beds | 6 Baths | 18 Guests
A hidden gem surrounded by jungle, Casa Samba is a one-of-a-kind, Balinese-inspired vacation home located within Hacienda Pinilla’s ultra-exclusive Almendros community.
This is the place for family and friends: 8 bedrooms, 6.5 bath, and expansive indoor-outdoor living areas that center around a breezy outdoor thatched palapa, lush gardens, and sparkling private pool. Spend your afternoon in the sun, in the pool, or in the shade of your outdoor terrace. Here, the only requirement is that you enjoy yourself.
You’ll also have access to the many Almendros and Hacienda Pinilla amenities, which include miles of hiking and biking trails, three miles of pristine beaches, an 18-hole golf course, and some of the North Pacific’s most amazing surf spots.
>> Book Now <<
Explore More of our Vacation Rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica
Seeking a little planning know-how? Looking for a great deal? Can’t decide on which of our rentals in Tamarindo, Costa Rica is right for you?
Get in touch! We love to chat Tamarindo, getaways, and vacation rentals. We readily share our experiences and advice. And we promise, we’re friendly, to boot. We look forward to hearing from you.