Outward Bound Costa Rica — COVID-19 Update
As of June 13, 2022
Entry to Costa Rica has been permitted by ALL countries worldwide since November 1, 2020. We are confident that our programs will NOT be canceled or impacted due to COVID-19 as Costa Rica’s government cannot afford to completely close off their economy and borders to tourism. Starting April 1, the temporary immigration measures for entering Costa Rica – put in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic – are repealed. This eliminates the requirement to complete the epidemiological form known as the Health Pass and the requirement of medical insurance for unvaccinated foreigners.
We, at Outward Bound Costa Rica, additionally require all unvaccinated participants to receive a negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test result prior to arrival, taken within 3-5 days of the course start date. If your program is traveling to Panama, students are required to present a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours prior to entry at the Panamanian border.
As of June 12, the requirement for individuals entering the U.S. to test negative for COVID-19 will no longer be in place. This means that participants returning to the U.S. after their program will not need to bring the extra $60 to cover their pre-departure COVID-19 test.
We are accepting enrollments for our 2022 Spring & Fall Gap Year & Semester programs and our 2022 Summer Programs for Teens and 2022 Summer Programs for Adults.
Costa Rica has maintained a health & safety response resulting in one of the lowest death rates in all of North and South America. Additionally, all of our future courses have been highly adjusted to include COVID-19 precautions (see below for those adjustments).
COVID-19 PROGRAM ADJUSTMENTS
✓ Non-urban, backcountry/remote focus
✓ Reduced contact with remote indigenous populations and homestay families
✓ Limited to no travel to highly populated cities, towns, shops, restaurants, etc.
✓ Temperatures individually monitored through no-contact thermometer sensors at key points of the program with symptom checks
✓ Maintaining our intensive plate, cup, and utensil cleaning system with a chlorinated dipping bath after scrubbing items with soap and water
✓ All OBCR staff are fully vaccinated
✓ All unvaccinated participants are required to receive a negative PCR or rapid antigen COVID-19 test prior to their departure to Costa Rica for course AND purchase specialty COVID insurance coverage
✓ All accommodation will be private—only housing our groups and instructors
✓ All in-country transportation will continue to be via private OBCR-owned vehicles with enhanced disinfectant protocols
✓ Thorough health, safety and sanitation program orientation
These health and safety protocols are implemented and monitored under the review of our Communications Director, a certified COVID-19 Contact Tracer through Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and our COVID-19 Risk Assessment Team. For details or questions regarding our COVID-19 response, email us at [email protected] or call 1 (800) 676-2018.
Our priority is the safety and well-being of our participants, staff, local and global communities, and we will be sure to update you if there are any additional changes. If you have questions or concerns regarding our response to COVID-19, our future courses, flight booking tips, or travel considerations, we are always here to help. Stay safe, healthy, and compassionate.
Pura vida,
Jim Rowe, Ph.D.
Executive Director
Outward Bound Costa Rica
COVID-19 FAQs
If you’d like to cancel your enrollment, you absolutely may do so up until 1 day prior to your course start date. Simply email us with your notice and you will be issued a full 100% refund (including your deposit) under our Coronavirus Affected Policy.
The next Girl Scout Destination courses are running in Summer 2022 and winter 2022-2023 for Sea Turtle Retreat. Take a look at this link to view all upcoming Destination programs.
Girl Scouts may rollover their enrollment to Summer 2022 or Winter 2022-2023 Sea Turtle Retreat, even if you will be 19-years-old at the time of course under our Coronavirus Affected Policy. Please know, you will be considered an adult and must conduct yourself as an exemplary leader for the younger Girl Scouts with guidance from your instructors. You also must re-register your Girl Scout membership as an adult on GirlScouts.org.
Planning a Future Adventure?
Explore the rainforests, rivers, and reefs from Costa Rica’s safe backcountry on any of the following COVID-19 adjusted fall, spring, and summer programs.
