Many expat CAN NOT legally drive in Costa Rica Due to the Coronavirus Pandemic of 2020
With driving restrictions in place and borders closed, I question whether I can drive to the store. Can I legally drive in Costa Rica Due to the Coronavirus also known as COVID-19 Pandemic of 2020? Expats around the world are experiencing problems. I happen to be one of these expats. I have been self-isolating with my husband and daughter in the Costa Rica jungle since March 17th, 2020. Today will be the 28th day with little to no contact with the outside world and I don’t know if I can legally drive in the country of Costa Rica anymore.
Costa RIca Tourest Visa Stamp Expired
My visa stamp in my US passport expired on April 2, 2020. Due to the state of emergency, the Costa Rica government extended my visa to May 17, 2020. But I did not get a new stamp in my passport. I reached out to the attorneys asking if the extension included driving privileges. Currently, they were unable to answer my question. They informed me that they have contacted the Costa Rica government for clarification. At this time, they do not have an answer. Nobody can answer my question. I drive at my own risk.
The January 3rd, 2020 crossing from the Nicaragua border into Costa Rica is the last time my passport was stamped. It reads “13 ENE 2020” and a handwritten 90 on the line. Costa Rica was allowing me into their country as a tourist for the next 90 days. Since I have a valid United States passport with a current visa stamp that was not expired, these documents allowed me into the country of Costa Rica. In addition, they give me the ability to drive not only my personal car but rentals as well.
Driving Restrictions
I was not allowed to drive my personal vehicle over the holiday weekend. Public transportation was non-existent. Sunday morning at 10 am April 12, 2020, I received an email from the U.S. Embassy San Jose. The email stated, “Costa Rica is placing additional restrictions on vehicular traffic until April 30.”
I’m not allowed to drive my personal automobile from 7 pm to 5 am. I’m also not allowed on the roads Tuesdays or Sundays since my plate number ends in the number 3. Now I know when my vehicle can be on the road, but what about my driver’s license? Can I legally drive if my Visa stamp in my US Passport has expired?
What Are the Risks
The number of checkpoints has increased drastically throughout the country over the last few weeks. There is a high likelihood I will be stopped at a checkpoint. At which point they would check my plate number and ensure I have current RITEVE and Marchamo stickers. I would be asked to show my driver’s license and a copy of the last visa stamp that’s in my US passport.
If the officer does not like the expired stamp, they can remove my license plates or even impound my vehicle. Fines for these types of violations have been raised due to the state of emergency. Trying to get a car out of impound or your plates back is a whole different set of problems.
We Have to Eat
My fresh fruits and vegetables are running low and these are major staples of our diet. The bread truck has not delivered in 3 weeks. I find happiness in the fact that I have a couple of bags of pasta, beans, and rice. I did what I call a “happy dance” when I check the coffee and dry creamer to discover I have enough to last for 7 days. This allows me to enjoy a cup during my writing time or morning calls to my family back in the states.
I will have to make a supply run in about a week. I put this week’s run off on Tuesday, because of the higher risk from the holiday weekend traffic. If the country keeps the borders closed and does not extend my visa I will be forced to travel to Nicaragua or my home country. I will be denied access back to Costa Rica until the travel ban has been lifted. At this time I pray that the government extends my tourist visa so I don’t have to travel to either of these countries. The high health risk at this time concerns me. If the extension doesn’t happen I will be forced to leave the country due to an expired visa.
Few Options at This Point.
I’m scared because flight prices have almost tripled for the next flight back to my home country. The extended visas for my daughter and I will expire on “May 17, 2020”. This leaves us with only 33 days left on our current extended visas. My husband Steve’s visa stamp expires on June 15, 2020. The government is hoping to reopen the borders for travel on April 30, 2020. However, due to the health risk, I highly doubt that will happen.
The World Has Changed
I will never look at the world the same again. I will continue to self-isolate with my husband and daughter. At this time, I will not drive as I have not received clear legal advice. I know that this is the safest thing for us to do right now. We are all healthy and happy here. I continue to find the little joys in my day-to-day life. While looking forward to my new travels and adventures when things have settled down from the Covid-19 pandic of 2020.
I CAN NOT DRIVE IN COSTA RICA
Update: April 20,2020
We just received our attorney's response. I CAN NOT drive due to an expired visa stamp. Even though the date for stay has been extended Click to read more.
Update: April 29,2020
I can now drive but only until July 17,2020. I will need a new visa stamp after July 17,2020 click to read more.
Update: July 7,2020
Costa Rica Transportation Authority (MOPT)has extended drivers licenses again. I'm now able to drive until August 18, 2020. click to read more.
Driving Laws Change Again
I can now legally drive until November 18, 2020, the day my extended visa expires. Costa Rica government has put invisible fences up by zoning districts. Meaning I can't drive from a Yellow zone into an Orange zone click to read more.
Yellow & Orange Zones
Since I live in a Yellow Zone and both airports are in Orange Zones I can't drive to the airport to fly home even if the borders open. Orange Zones are only able to drive twice a week and only for essentials.
Passports & Driver's License
Before Covid-19 we were encouraged to carry our driver's license, a photocopy of our passports, and visa stamp. now the U.S. Embassy San Jose states "Tourist must carry their passports and their foreign driver's license when driving".
