Things are rapidly changing when it comes to travel requirements during these times. It may be hard to keep track. I recently flew from Los Angeles to Costa Rica and was caught off guard by a required document prior to boarding at LAX.
Getting there.
Flying to Costa Rica from the U.S., you'll need all the usual documents (boarding pass, passport/visa, etc) but you will also need to complete a Costa Rican health screen document via https://salud.go.cr/step1 .
Via this electronic form, you'll need to specify your mode of transportation (air, sea etc) and you'll need your flight details. You will also be asked for your travel dates. Most importantly, you'll be asked if you've been vaccinated for Covid-19. If you have, you'll need to upload a photo of your vaccination card directly to the site. Once you complete all the form fields, the site will provide a QR code that you'll need to present prior to boarding at the gate.
It's important to note that if you haven't been vaccinated for Covid-19, you'll need to purchase mandatory travel insurance to cover your expenses in the event you get sick during your travel. You'll need to provide your policy information while filling out the electronic form. But, honestly, get vaccinated.
Flying back.
Currently the U.S. requires all travelers to show proof of negative Covid-19 test results at no more than 3 days prior to your flight back into the country.
In Costa Rica, it's easy to get a covid test at the International Airport in the city of San Jose. but, if you're like me and don't like spending more time than you need at the airport, you can check with your airline's website for a list of approved testing sites around Costa Rica. Right now most airlines have automated emails that will send you those links along with other information prior to your return flight.
While in Costa Rica, I was able to find a lab in the Guanacaste region, near the beach. Beachside Clinic Guacas to be exact. The cost was about $55 USD and the result was emailed to me the following morning.
If you're flying on Delta like me, you'll need to upload your test result via the Secure Fly App. Once uploaded you'll be taken to a screen with proof of submission and a green checkmark. You'll be asked to show this to someone prior to going into the security line at the airport. Other airlines may have some sort of variation to this process, but it will be similar.
Remember.
Do your research about your destination. Weigh your options and make an informed decision on safety regarding travel. I chose Costa Rica because the country lends itself to exploration while allowing travelers to remaining distant from others or avoiding close proximity to others for extended periods of time.
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