Costa Rica has announced the gradual opening of the country to international tourism. From August 1, the Latin American country will receive five flights daily from the European Union, Great Britain and Canada.
At the same time, the authorities of Costa Rica decided not to resume air traffic with the United States, which accounts for the largest number of tourists visiting the country, but which is still covered by the COVID-19 epidemic.
About half of the more than 3 million tourists who visited Costa Rica each year came from the United States.
Costa Rica's air borders were closed on March 18 after the first cases of coronavirus infection were reported.
According to the minister of tourism Gustavo Segura, the first stage of the resumption of international flights will be less than 1% of the number of flights operated before the pandemic, that is, 552 weekly flights.
Upon arrival in Costa Rica, tourists must submit a negative coronavirus test result submitted less than 48 hours before departure. Travelers are also required to have insurance to cover expenses in case they are quarantined.
In addition, tourists must wear protective masks and observe physical distance.
Tourism, one of the main sectors of Costa Rica's economy, has been most affected by quarantine measures and border closures.
To date, more than 13,000 COVID-19 diseases have been registered in Costa Rica with a population of 5 million, including more than 80 fatal cases.