Covid-19 Testing in Costa Rica
US requirements for entry
As of January 26th, the US announced they will require a negative Covid-19 test before citizens, over the age of two, are able to re-enter the country. The exception to this is if you have documented proof from a licensed health professional of recovering from Covid-19 within 90 days of travel. This requirement scared a lot of people and I think many people may have decided to cancel their travel because of it. This article will give an overview on how to get Covid-19 testing in Costa Rica, and our personal experience with the process. Hopefully it will ease some anxiety during this time!
The requirements implemented do not state specifically which test needs to be completed, but currently the majority of tests in Costa Rica are PCR (the more accurate test). The test needs to be completed within 3 days (not necessarily 72 hours) of travel to the US. Airlines will ask for proof of the negative results (either hard copy or more commonly electronic versions) before passengers are able to board their flight to the US. You can find more complete information and recent updates from the link below.
US Embassy Covid-19 information
Finding a testing site and making an appointment
There are testing sites located throughout the country, but fewer are available in the more rural or remote locations. It is a good idea to find a testing site before you plan your itinerary so you know where you need to be within 3 days of your departure. Most testing sites take appointment by phone. It is recommended to call at LEAST 1 week in advance, to be safe as more people need testing, I would suggest calling at least 2 weeks ahead of time to schedule.
Testing needs to be within 3 days of your departure but time of day does not matter. To clarify 3 days, not 72 hours, is what the CDC is requiring, and they make it very clear on their website. “The Order uses a 3-day timeframe instead of 72 hours to provide more flexibility to the traveler. By using a 3-day window, test validity does not depend on the time of the flight or the time of day that the test was administered.”
Paradise Medical Clinic
Since we were in Samara, Guanacaste on the Nicoya Peninsula, our best option for testing was in Nosara. I contacted the through their facebook page about two weeks before needing the Covid-19 test. I asked them for availability 3 days before our flight. They emailed me with an available time and link to a medical questionnaire to fill out the day before the appointment. Very convenient!
The clinic was easy to find off the main road that goes toward Playa Guiones, on the right side in a small strip mall, next to the pharmacy. We followed the Covid-19 testing signs around the side to the back of the building. We were greeted in English by a very pleasant receptionist. She asked for our names and payment ($140 each) and showed us to the “waiting area”, which consisted of a roped off section of jungle. We were the only ones there. Even though we were early, we got in and out. Just a quick swab and we were on our way.
After all that driving we decided to spend the rest of the afternoon hanging out at a place called the French Bakery. If you are in the area this is a MUST! It has great food, a pool, playground, mini-golf, basketball courts, WIFI and many accessible outlets (for those that need to work). It is set in a beautiful jungle setting!
Covid-19 test results by email
We got our results within 48 hours by email. Make sure to save the email to your docs, take a screen shot of the results or print it (or all the above).
At the airport
The airline asked for proof of negative Covid-19 testing when we checked in for our flight. We had our results on our phones, which they glanced at it to confirm all the details. They then also had us read and sign/date a form stating that we had a negative test within 3 days. Not too much trouble there!
CDC recommendations after travel
The CDC does state that after air travel, they recommend that everyone quarantine for a period of time. The recommendations follow those they state for known exposure to Covid-19 which include:
- Get tested with a viral test 3-5 days after travel AND stay home and self-quarantine for a full 7 days after travel.
- Even if you test negative, stay home and self-quarantine for the full 7 days.
- If your test is positive, isolate yourself to protect others from getting infected.
- If you don’t get tested, stay home and self-quarantine for 10 days after travel.
- Avoid being around people who are at increased risk for severe illness for 14 days, whether you get tested or not.
Your specific state may have different guidelines and of course this is always changing so check a few webpages before you book a trip and again before you travel.
CDC recommendations after travel
Stay positive, stay safe.
Keep seeking.
Ashley