Traveling in a pandemic can sound scary, but I will give you tips on how to navigate your way through Costa Rica safely like I did when I traveled there three weeks ago.

There are ways to stay safe if you want to get up and around amid a pandemic.

Costa Rica doesn’t require a COVID-19 test before entering their country, but they take the virus seriously.

They have put guidelines into place to protect their community as well as travelers.

Below I have listed all the safety tips that’ll help you navigate traveling to Costa Rica in the middle of a pandemic.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The reason why I chose #CostaRica in the first place was that their country is open to travelers.

I did not have to take a COVID test before I went, but I did have to purchase insurance and fill out a health pass 48 hours before my flight to Liberia, Costa Rica.

The health pass is only available 48 hours before your flight, but it’s super easy to fill out. You need your flight number, the company you’re flying on (I flew American).

For the insurance, I purchased the insurance through the government because it was the cheapest, and their government recommended it. They require you to purchase insurance to cover your accommodations in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to #COVID19.

COVID SAFETY

Every restaurant I went to required you to wash your hands and taking your temperature before entering their restaurant or store.

I felt so safe #traveling around the country because everywhere I went, everyone was wearing a mask and social distancing.

If you didn’t #socialdistance, like, at the airport, they would call you out on it. They take the virus very seriously for a country that is open to everyone.

RETURNING TO THE STATES

I came back to the U.S. before the CDC’s new travel requirements went into effect on Jan. 26, which requires you to get tested no more than three days before you travel by air into the United States.

You must show your negative result to the airline before you board your flight or be prepared to show documentation of recovery. I did not have to do this, but I met a couple on my second to last day from Colorado that had to find a place to take a COVID test before entering back into the states.

On Jan. 29, the government authorized 10 labs that can use antigen tests, but make sure you allow yourself enough time to get tested and get your results back, so you don’t miss your flight!

You can follow me on Instagram to see more of my adventures @TheTravelingSooner!