Costa Rica is reopening to US tourists, but only from these six states

Costa Rica is reopening to American tourists on September 1, but don't get too excited. Unless you're a resident of one of these six designated states, you still won't be allowed to enter. Travelers with a valid driver's license or equivalent government-issued ID from Connecticut, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, and Vermont will be able to travel to Costa Rica starting next month.

Gustavo Segura, Costa Rica's minister of tourism, said in a statement, "In these six states there has been a very positive evolution of the pandemic and their epidemiological indicators are of high quality. We are taking very gradual and carefully analyzed steps in the direction of the revitalization of tourism that is very necessary for the protection of the social progress that Costa Rica has achieved through this industry."

Incoming tourists will be required to fill out an online health questionnaire, show proof of a negative COVID-19 PCR test taken within 48 hours of arrival in Costa Rica, and have traveler's medical insurance. Travelers from Australia, Japan, China, New Zealand, Canada, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand,Uruguay, the UK, and the EU will also be allowed to enter under the same requirements.

For prospective US visitors who don't live in one of those six states, the only loophole lies in private yachts and planes. Both will be allowed into Costa Rica on a case by case basis.

For more information about traveling to Costa Rica and entry requirements, visit the official website of the Costa Rica tourism bureau.