Are we there yet?

**bill_bly_ca** · 02-04-2021, 09:39 AM

Originally Posted by el duende grande

Many governments won't buy-in to a card until there is some sort of proof of the efficacy of the vaccines.

There is not a snowball's chance in hell that this would get traction until a format (Passport page extension?) was agreed too, legislated, litigated and implemented across the EU block - UK - North America - AUS/NZ and ASEAN - SWAG is 24 months or more once they decide to do such.

Not that it won't happen eventually - Just not in time to change anything before mid decade.

**cookshow** · 02-04-2021, 09:41 AM

Yep, not sure how a reliable central database could be established, especially in near future.

**cookshow** · 02-04-2021, 02:57 PM

Canada reports few falsified COVID-19 test certificates

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/corona...ries-1.5295462

**bill_bly_ca** · 02-04-2021, 03:21 PM

Originally Posted by cookshow

Canada reports few falsified COVID-19 test certificates

https://www.ctvnews.ca/health/corona...ries-1.5295462

Certificant of Authancity

**el duende grande** · 02-04-2021, 03:22 PM

Just saw there is a Brit study to see if it is possible to mix the first and second shot between brands. That should take a couple years to sort out. Interesting that the rusky shot is 2 slightly different shots designed to give better resistance.

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Nic has been approving everybody's vaccine--US, Brit, Russia, India. Seems they want t be on board any which way they can.

**el duende grande** · 02-04-2021, 03:23 PM

Sounds reasonable. If I want to make a family/MH visit to the US I will need 4 tests minimum for the round trip.

Originally Posted by bill_bly_ca

Certificant of Authancity

**cookshow** · 02-22-2021, 06:17 PM

Costa Rican borders to stay closed.
https://ticotimes.net/2021/02/22/cos...sts-in-march-2

**Daddy-YO** · 02-22-2021, 10:46 PM

One can fly into Liberia or San Jose or enter by boat, but you can't walk/ride in legally thru March. Come April? 'Thousands of tourist' on covid visa extensions will be asked to leave then. Get ready Granada, Ometepe & SJdS.

Originally Posted by cookshow

Costa Rican borders to stay closed.
https://ticotimes.net/2021/02/22/cos...sts-in-march-2

No question the pandemic is politically real, allowing gov'mints to put people in their place and tax 'em (grab a few fees, restrict some travel, &c.). But I still see this pandemic as little more than a seasonal Asian flu, only slightly more virulent than normal.

**cookshow** · 02-23-2021, 07:25 AM

A/A, United, Aero Mexico all pushing dates to April.

A/A went from 2-3 flights day to none for a year.

**bill_bly_ca** · 02-23-2021, 07:55 AM

Originally Posted by Daddy-YO

One can fly into Liberia or San Jose or enter by boat, but you can't walk/ride in legally thru March. Come April? 'Thousands of tourist' on covid visa extensions will be asked to leave then. Get ready Granada, Ometepe & SJdS.

.

One discussion on Da Faze book Granada page left a kernel of data. One expat said they were chatting up a local Granada official and the number quoted was 200 cedula holders and about the same registered tourists.

While low to my expectations, I would not doubt it to be true. Extrapolated there may be 1000 cedula holders lumping in SJDS and its beaches, Matagalpa Esteli etc, and the islands. Without the 200 data point, I was holding 2000 as a guisti-mate of the 2016/17 stated 7,000 cedula holders.

I know in our 2019 visit the absent levels of Granada were in line with the 200 listed - Just thought they were indoors - Maybe not

**el duende grande** · 02-23-2021, 08:29 AM

Who'd a thunk, year 1 and year 2 of our Lord Covid are both bad for tourism. Rioting in Spain, consular warning about demonstrations in CR, China prospering, Negroes want reparations in America...

Chatted with an acquaintance the other night, Nica dual-national visiting. My best bet to visit the US is about $1000 for what is usually a $600 trip, plus some extra hotel stays for avoid sleeping in airports or red eye flights. Plus 3 covid tests for the round trip. If nothing goes wrong! Booking RT on Avianca or copa consistently show $1600-1800!

Dual RTs seem to be the thing-- one RT to Mijami on one airline, another to Vegas on a second airline. Presumably (?) AA and Spirit in the US are not selling tickets for non-existent flights.

Other option is go to mga for test, bus to sal for direct flight. Lotta time involved here for minor money saving. I haven't even begun to price 3-legged flights, Sal to vegas to mga, SAL-LAS-SJO, etc. because the online searches are weighted to flights that don't exist and a lot can change in 4 to 6 weeks.

Relative reports Granada deader than shit, most restaurants on the Calzada closed, etc. Probably a good time to visit if you have private transport.

Ticos aren't as dumb as they look, bad time to be flooded with economic refugees claiming to be political refugees. Better just allow big spending tourists by air.

Kinda hoping I can get AZ or sputnik vaccine before traveling.

**cookshow** · 02-23-2021, 09:17 AM

Vegas is a long trip any way you go, returning could get to SJO easy, then into Nica, still a long trip.

**el duende grande** · 02-23-2021, 10:08 PM

Did a multi-city search for shits and giggles. mga-las, las to sjo. Only 600 bucks rt. Problem is 23 hour flight northbound! Layovers in sal and lax total 15 hours. I could (probably) take the bus to sal and move faster than the airline.

**cookshow** · 02-24-2021, 04:48 AM

Don't know the exact details but see people talking about a VIP lounge at SAL Airport set up for the overnight layover. $55 for dinner, bfast, drinks, and I am assuming some space to sleep.