TORONTO — Costa Rica has updated its COVID-19 safety protocols.

Effective Jan. 8, 2022, all commercial establishments in Costa Rica will require proof of COVID-19 vaccination in an effort to protect the country’s locals and visitors.

Proof of vaccination must be verified by means of a QR code or a ‘COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card,’ and will apply to all individuals aged 12 and older.

Commercial establishments include hotels and resorts, restaurants and bars, adventure tourism services, casinos, stores, museums and more.

Essential services, such as grocery stores and pharmacies, will not require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

From Dec. 1, 2021 through Jan. 7, 2022, there will be a transition period where commercial establishments can admit individuals without complete vaccination schedules, provided that they operate at 50% capacity. Establishments that choose to operate at 100% capacity must require proof of COVID-19 vaccination.

Costa Rica’s entry requirements remain as follows:

• All visitors, regardless of age and vaccination status, must complete the electronic epidemiological HEALTH PASS form, available at https://salud.go.cr, at least 72 hours before their trip. Those who are inoculated must attach their “COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card” to the form and will receive a specific QR code that they can use to enter commercial establishments in the country.
• Visitors who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and minors under the age of 18 can enter the country without a travel insurance policy until Jan. 7, 2022. Beginning Jan. 8, the travel insurance policy exemption will only apply to vaccinated visitors and minors under the age of 12. Those who are not fully vaccinated must purchase a local or international travel insurance policy that covers COVID-19 and quarantine expenses, if necessary.

Additional details about Costa Rica’s updated entry and travel requirements can be found here.