Raquel Vargas Jaubert, Director General of Migration and Alien Affairs, confirmed the three-month extension of legal stay in the country for tourists who request it. The only requirement is that they have purchased insurance to cover their medical and lodging expenses in case they are infected by COVID-19.

The Director did point out that it would be the last extension to be given for the stay of tourists who were unable to continue their trip because of the pandemic.

If the tourist does not validate his medical and stay insurance, he is exposed to an eventual deportation and an impediment to enter Costa Rica for up to five years.

Data on tourist arrivals to Costa Rica from the General Directorate of Migration and Aliens, report that since the opening of the borders on November 1, 2020, until February 28, 280,000 tourists have entered the country. Of those, so far in 2021, 65 thousand people are reported to have entered.