The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) confirmed that as of September 13 the country will increase gradually, but significantly, the number of authorized flights from the United States.

As of that date, United Airlines will fly daily from Houston, Texas to the Juan Santamaría Airport and three times a week to the Daniel Oduber Airport in Liberia, Guanacaste. It is possible that the number of flights authorized will increase again in October, month in which United Airlines also expects to fly four times a week from Newark, New Jersey four times a week to Juan Santamaría Aiport and once a week (Saturdays) to Liberia, Guanacaste.

In total this increase represents 15 more flights a week in September and 18 more as of October.

By the end of October, United Airlines will also resume flights from Colorado.

U.S. citizens from authorized states wishing to enter Costa Rica must complete a digital epidemiological health pass, obtain a negative PCR-RT coronavirus test taken within 72 hours of their departure from the United States, and purchase travel insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to COVID-19. U.S. tourists must also demonstrate, via a valid driver’s license or State ID card, that they live in one of the authorized states. No forms of documentation establishing residency in these select states other than a valid driver’s license or State ID card will be accepted at this time.

Permanent/Temporary Residents of Costa Rica may enter the country via air regardless of where they are coming from but must present the following documentation: 1) Passport, 2) Valid DIMEX, 3) evidence Caja payments are up to date and 4) a completed Health Pass (Pase de Salud). Costa Rican Permanent/Temporary Residents and Costa Rican citizens must complete a 14-day quarantine which can be waived if the travelers are 1) arriving from one of a list of authorized countries, 2) have proof of stay for the past 14 days in that country, and 3) carry a negative COVID-19 test (PCR-RT) taken no more than 72 hours before their flight to Costa Rica.

Tourists from authorized states will be allowed entry to the country even if they make a connection or stop in a currently unauthorized country, as long as they do not leave the airport in that destination. For instance, a tourist that takes a flight from the airport of Newark in New Jersey which makes a stop in Panama will be able to enter Costa Rica.