COVID-19: Border closure extended

IMPACT – HIGH

Costa Rica recently extended its border closure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.

Key Points:

• The closure of all borders has been extended until Aug. 1.
• Immigration offices are closed until Sept. 18.
• Tourists are allowed to remain in Costa Rica until Nov.18, if they entered after Dec. 18, 2019 and could not leave before the March borders closure. They are also not subject to a fine or penalty.
• The DIMEX of individuals with temporary and permanent residence status that expired or will expire after Dec. 18, 2019 is considered valid until Sept. 30. It also can be renewed until that time with no penalty. An additional three months is available for renewal with a US$9 fine.
• The DIMEX of individuals with a non-residence stay status (Estancia) that expired or will expire after March 17 is considered valid until Oct. 18.
• Birth certificates, criminal records and further documents requested by immigration authorities are considered valid until Sept. 18.
• A foreign national with an immigration category in Costa Rica or who is waiting for a response to an immigration request and leaves the country during the borders closure will not be able to re-enter the country until the borders are fully reopened.

Background: Costa Rica first closed its border to non-resident foreign nationals in March.

Analysis & Comments: Employers should anticipate significant disruptions to employee mobility and arrange schedules for affected travelers accordingly. The response to the COVID-19 pandemic continues to develop, and Deloitte will provide additional updates as information becomes available. Please check Deloitte’s COVID-19 Digital Map, available here, for information on travel restrictions and immigration changes in other countries.

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