The Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) has published a list of clinics and medical premises where international visitors can book a Covid-19 test before returning to countries that require a negative result, such as the UK. Over 100 medical practices spread all over the country are included in the document approved by the Ministry of Health.

These medical practices can carry out two types of Covid-19 testing: PCR (polymerase chain reaction) and lateral flow antigen tests; and some of these practices can do the testing at hotels. Results of the PCR tests will be delivered by email within 48 hours and within two hours for the antigen tests. Costs of the PCR tests vary from $100 (approximately £75) in and around the country’s capital city of San Jose – where the main international airport is located – to $150 (approximately £110) elsewhere.

Gustavo Segura Sancho, Costa Rica’s Tourism Minister, said: “Costa Rica is a safe destination to visit in 2021. The country has an exemplary healthcare system; easily accessible from the whole country; compulsory Covid-19 insurance to enter the country; reliable testing data; and clear protection protocols in place. We are really looking forward to welcoming our British friends again.”

Last year, Costa Rica’s sector-wide Covid-19 recovery efforts were recognised by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), who gave Costa Rica its Safe Travels stamp, which allows travellers to identify destinations and businesses which have adopted the global standardised health and hygiene protocols.

Visitors from the UK and all over the world can enter Costa Rica as long as they complete a digital epidemiological form and have travel insurance that covers accommodation in case of quarantine and medical expenses due to Covid-19 illness – this insurance can be also acquired at the airport in Costa Rica. A negative result of the PCR Covid-19 test is not necessary for passengers who enter the country by air.