The General Directorate of Migration (Immigration) established through Executive Decree 42256-MGP-S the temporary measures that are in place through April 30th to prevent the effects and spread of Covid-19 pandemic. According to Laura Gutierrez of Immigration help Costa Rica measures listed in the Executive Decree apply to foreigners who have: Permanent Residency; Special Categories; Non-Residents in the Permanence sub-category and Temporary Residents.

Costa Rica maintains it’s border will be closed through April 30th. (This could be extended) Any foreigner who is a LEGAL resident in the country or has an open process with immigration and wants to leave the country is advised not to do so but if the person decides to leave disregarding the measures in place by Costa Rica, he or she will NOT lose their residency status but will not be allowed to return into the country until the border reopens.

Those people who have LEGAL residency or have an open process with immigration to legalize their migratory status and who try to leave or enter the country through an unauthorized point (Basically illegally entering or existing through the North or South border) will have their migratory status canceled/Revoked and will be deported.

We repeat foreigners who leave Costa Rica WILL NOT  be able to enter again until sanitary measures are lifted and borders re opened. Those foreigners who entered the country as tourists between December 17, 2019 and March 17, 2020 can legally stay in Costa Rica through May 17th.