Despite COVID closures, one country rolls out welcome mat for Mainers
Courtesy / Lonely Planet
The Central American country of Costa Rica, which relies heavily on U.S. tourism, has lifted a ban on visitors from Maine.
While public health restrictions currently bar many Americans from travel to the European Union, Canada and Mexico, a Central American country on Tuesday opened its doors a crack, at least to Mainers.
The state is one of only nine whose residents are now allowed entry to Costa Rica, upon showing proof of a recent negative test for COVID-19.
Like other countries, Costa Rica imposed strict border closures in March to help control spread of the disease. But the country lifted the ban yesterday for travelers from Maine, as well as Connecticut, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Vermont, Virginia and Washington, D.C.
On Sept. 15, visitors from Colorado, Massachusetts and Pennsylvania will be added to the welcome list, according to a notice from the Costa Rican travel authority.
In order to gain entry, Mainers and other visitors must present the result of a COVID-19 test conducted within the previous 72 hours, a driver’s license or other state identification, proof of medical insurance and a completed health screening form.
Costa Rica is believed to be the first country to accept American travelers on a state-by-state basis.
On Aug. 1, Costa Rica began accepting foreign nationals with a negative coronavirus test result, including Canadians and some residents of the EU.
Costa Rica, about 2,500 miles from Maine, relies heavily on U.S. tourism and trade. For those Mainers contemplating a tropical getaway as fall approaches, the weather forecast calls for temperatures in the high 70s over the next week. But it’s the rainy season, which continues until November.
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