Good news for those who are thinking about going to Central America to enjoy its beautiful beaches and amazing landscapes, but were hesitant because of COVID-19 requirements to enter. Costa Rica and Belize recently announced they are easing entry requirements for international tourists this spring.
Costa Rica
On April 1, Costa Rica will lift the requirement to complete an online Health Pass for travelers. Also, the country will no longer require proof of vaccination or the purchase of travel insurance. This changes the current situation, in which unvaccinated visitors who are 18 and older must acquire travel insurance with a duration equal to the time they will be in the country.
The new rule will also be applied to all events (sports, cultural and academic) and establishments (nightclubs, bars), which will be allowed to operate at 100% capacity without requiring vaccination QR codes.
Currently, international tourists can enter the country showing a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival, and they do not need to quarantine. Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19, and those who are 18 years old or younger, can enter the country without a Costa Rica travel insurance policy. In addition, all tourists, vaccinated or not, must complete Costa Rica’s Health Pass. It must be completed within 72 hours before arriving in the country.
Belize
As for Belize, the country announced that its requirement for showing a negative COVID-19 test for vaccinated tourists will no longer be necessary.
Unvaccinated tourists who arrive in Belize by air must show a negative COVID-19 PCR test result taken 72 hours before arrival or submit a negative Antigen Rapid test taken within 48 hours of arrival.
Despite the easing of some requirements to enter Belize, the country will continue to require all travelers to apply for Belize Travel Health Insurance, which ensures travelers have medical and nonmedical expenses covered if they test positive for COVID-19 during their stay.
The cost of Belize Travel Health Insurance is $18 USD. It provides coverage for up to $50,000 USD in medical expenses related to the treatment of COVID-19 for a period of 21 days.