QR Code FAQ

In Beyond, Health Care
October 14, 2021
Maria Braddick
189 Views
60 comments

After the announcement of the QR Code mandate and other COVID updates yesterday, we have received several questions. We have sent clarification requests to the Ministry of Health, and they have answered all of them, we understand the urgency and our team is committed to share everything we know as soon as the official information

After the announcement of the QR Code mandate and other COVID updates yesterday, we have received several questions. We have sent clarification requests to the Ministry of Health, and they have answered all of them, we understand the urgency and our team is committed to share everything we know as soon as the official information is sent to us.

This is a short, straight-to-the-point article to go over what we know so far, and if you have any other question please leave it in the comments, and we will consult with the government if needed. We kindly ask you to keep the conversation respectful.

First, we would like to clarify that there is a lot of misleading and false information being shared on social media. Unfortunately this is the norm when it comes to topics related to the pandemic. Our goal here at Outlier Legal News is to contribute by sharing trustworthy data, that is why we only work with official sources, and we attend the COVID press conferences.

We appreciate your patience while we are gathering reports, translating and connecting the dots before we post. We are also very grateful with those sharing our content, we see you Tico Times and every single one of you.

Guidelines confirmed by the Ministry of Health

Underage Tourists

Everyone over 12 years of age will use QR Code to enter to the established places.

Those who are in the process of getting DIMEX (vaccinated abroad)

They have to follow the same process of getting the vaccine card certified by the Ministry of Health, and sending the documents to their email.
The process remains the same, regardless if you are Costa Rican or foreign in the process of getting your residency.

Those who are in the process of getting DIMEX (vaccinated in Costa Rica)

They can request the QR Code online, and with it, they will be able to access all places.

Unvaccinated tourists

They can enter the country with medical insurance.
They won’t be able to access to the places where the QR code is mandatory.

Vaccinated tourists

They can enter the country with the Health Pass.
They will be able to access places where the QR code is mandatory, once they complete the form online.

Places where the QR Code is mandatory

Restaurants, sodas, cafeterias and food courts and food trucks.
Bars and casinos.
General stores (supermarkets and grocery stores are exempt from QR code), department stores and shopping centers.
Museums.
Fitness centers.
Hotels, cabins or accommodation establishments.
Spas.
Activities, organizations or congregations in places of worship.
Event rooms for business, academic or social activities.
Adventure tourism.
Theaters, cinemas, art and dance academies.
Establishments for sports and cultural / artistic activities

We asked about AirBnBs, but the statement from the Ministry just says “hotels, cabins or accommodation establishments” we can assume AirBnB is an accommodation establishment then.

Find here our blog from yesterday, which includes the vehicle restriction and the details from the press conference. Here are some helpful links:

Mandated Vaccines, part of Costa Rica’s Constitution

How to: COVID Vaccination Certificate

QR Announcement

60 comments

Maria Braddick

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60 Comments

Kathy
October 14, 2021, 5:40 pm

Is there a list of identified places non-QR code tourists can go once they’ve entered the country? Where can they stay? Private rental homes? With friends/family who live here? What can they do? Spend time in non-commercial outdoor spaces? Go hiking, swimming, surfing, etc? Eat outdoors with their own food? It would be helpful to know what is available to tourists without a QR code, not just what is not allowed.
- Maria Braddick@Kathy
  October 15, 2021, 8:34 am
  
  Hello Kathy, according to what the government has shared, we only have the list of the places where the QR code is mandatory. If we receive more details, we will update our sites.
  - Joseph Pastore Jr.@Maria Braddick
    October 21, 2021, 9:07 pm
    
    https://ticotimes.net/2021/10/19/costa-rica-vaccine-mandate-what-we-know
    
    Tico Times claims in this article:
    
    Vaccines will NOT be required to enter supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, banks, and other services deemed essential.
    
    While we don’t have a full list of what constitutes an “essential” business that would not require a vaccine, the government has in the past classified the following as essential:
    
    Supermarkets
    Suppliers, Delivery services
    Pharmacies, Bakeries, Agricultural supplies
    Medical centers
    Butchers,Veterinarians and hygiene Pulperías, Vegetable stores
    Banks,Funeral homes
    Farmer’s markets.
    
    Please inform me when it is legally written, to legally allow us ‘Non-Vaxxers’ to be exempt and allowed in these venues.
    
    Thank you
Melanie Thomson
October 14, 2021, 5:41 pm

Hi,

Can you clarify this statement: “We asked about AirBnBs, but the statement from the Ministry just says “hotels, cabins or accommodation establishments” we can assume AirBnB is an accommodation establishment then.”

Are we assuming AirBnB (and VRBO, Flipkey etc) is included or have you messaged the ministry for confirmation? I co-admin a large expat/tourism group and we will be getting these questions.

thanks!
- Stacey Jennings@Melanie Thomson
  October 15, 2021, 8:40 am
  
  We have asked for clarification around this. As soon as we hear we will update. Thank you for the question Melanie!
- Maria Braddick@Melanie Thomson
  October 15, 2021, 8:41 am
  
  Hello Melanie, yes we asked for the Ministry to clarify, and they just sent us the same list. According to the law, Airbnb is considered a non-traditional hospitality accommodation. We keep sending them more clarification requests as soon as we have more details we will share them in our sites.
- lily@Melanie Thomson
  November 3, 2021, 1:41 pm
  
  i dont think air bnb owners that i know will be mandating the qr code. there has been no talk of this from air bnb or validation of a code needed from the government. there will be plenty of options. when you book, if they stipulate a mandate then probably but otherwise i think anyone is fine, vaccinated or otherwise.
Carlos
October 14, 2021, 6:13 pm

A little confused, if a tourist enter the country with insurance because he is not vaccinated, but can’t enter a hotel or lodging establishment , where are they supposed to sleep?
- Maria Braddick@Carlos
  October 15, 2021, 8:43 am
  
  Hello Carlos, in that case the options might be very limited, maybe private (like with friends/family).
- Howard 3@Carlos
  October 18, 2021, 3:41 pm
  
  Wherever they live, just not here. The implied objective is to protect the people that live here from unvaccinated people from causing a greater health risk to us IMHO.
Suz
October 14, 2021, 6:34 pm

There’s no information for those with dimex but vaccinated overseas ? only those in process.
What about those with dimex vaccinated overseas ? Do you have to get your overseas card translated and where?
- Maria Braddick@Suz
  October 15, 2021, 9:00 am
  
  Hello Suz, vaccinated abroad need to certify their card by following the same process already in place (email Ministry of Health with all the requirements, link with details is included in our blog). After your card is certified then you can do the second step which is to download the QR Code (available November 8).
  - Gina Sweenie@Maria Braddick
    October 16, 2021, 1:29 pm
    
    Hi. So we do not have to physically take a translated copy to the ministry of health for approval?
    I am in process of residency and have my expediente. My husband has his temporary residency. Both of us had our vaccine in the US.
    This is very confusing.
    - Gina Sweenie@Gina Sweenie
      October 16, 2021, 1:31 pm
      
      Sorry, also if a US citizen has permanent residency but vaccine in the US. Is there anything different?
      - Stacey Jennings@Gina Sweenie
        October 18, 2021, 2:41 pm
        
        You can find the instructions here
Sage
October 15, 2021, 8:17 am

Can you inquire about those who have had covid and have antibodies and a test to show that?
- Stacey Jennings@Sage
  October 15, 2021, 9:14 am
  
  There are no exemptions for those who have previously had covid.
  - Cheryl Jones@Stacey Jennings
    October 16, 2021, 11:41 pm
    
    Exactly! And I had the monoclonal antibody injections and was just tested for antibodies from both the vaccine type of antibodies and the spike protein antibodies from natural immunity – positive with high levels of both types. Likely much more than anyone who has been vaccinated. Yet, they have created zero systems for people like me unless I get UNNECESSARILY vaccinated! After the monoclonal injections, you are not even allowed to get the vaccine for 90 days. So, where is my “passport” that shows that information and allows me to move about freely?
  - Douglas Danna@Stacey Jennings
    October 22, 2021, 6:39 am
    
    Hi! Do you know if there are exemptions for mothers who are breastfeeding? My daughter is only 3 weeks old
    - Stacey Jennings@Douglas Danna
      October 25, 2021, 2:50 pm
      
      We have not heard of any medical exemptions -but that is on the list of things we are awaiting answers on from the government.