AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Tech at Airports: Costa Rica rolled out its first biometric eGates at Juan Santamaría International Airport, using facial recognition to speed eligible arrivals and free staff for manual checks. Public Health: The CDC updated a global travel advisory after unusual dengue upticks, flagging higher risk for travelers returning from Costa Rica. Digital Rights & Misinformation: Meta is testing Community Notes in 16 Spanish-speaking Latin American countries, including Costa Rica, as it moves away from professional fact-checking—drawing sharp criticism from international watchdogs. Climate & Food Security: El Niño is pushing temperatures higher in Costa Rica, raising concerns about faster food spoilage and agricultural losses. Politics & Trust: A new UCR CIEP poll gives President Laura Fernández a solid first-100-days approval rating, while many respondents still think Rodrigo Chaves calls the shots. Human Interest: Reuters reports a 119-year-old man in Sardinal, Nicoya Peninsula, seeking verification as the world’s oldest living person.

UN Diplomacy: UN chief Antonio Guterres urged Israel to withdraw forces from Lebanon, warning of mounting civilian harm and calling for respect for Lebanon’s sovereignty ahead of the end of his term. Education Watch: PISA 2025 results show broad declines across Latin America, with Argentina hitting its weakest scores since 2006—another reminder that school performance is slipping regionwide. Security & Migration: The U.S. welcomed Peru into the “Shield of the Americas” coalition aimed at tackling drug cartels, which also lists Costa Rica among participating countries. Local Impact: Costa Rica’s Route 1 through Cambronero stayed fully closed after a truck crash damaged a temporary bridge, with no reopening time announced. Weather: Tropical wave 41 is bringing scattered afternoon storms and gusty winds, with heavier rain risks overnight in parts of the country. Coastal Governance: Gulf of Nicoya communities are pushing for real decision-making power to protect the sea, backed by new governance research from MarViva. Tourism & Travel: Costa Rica tourism drivers protested possible airport access changes for ride-hailing apps.

Costa Rica & U.S. Security: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations would be “very beneficial” for Costa Rica’s security, as Washington pushes deeper cooperation against transnational crime and drug trafficking. Political Violence Online: A new study by ULatina’s Digital Communication Observatory finds political violence against women is surging in the first 100 days of Fernández’s administration, with most attacks focused on reputation, appearance, and gender roles. Economy Watch: INEC reports Costa Rica’s inflation turned negative again in August (-0.11% monthly), but experts warn shoppers may not feel savings because purchasing power was already eroded. Legal/Justice: An adviser filed a criminal complaint alleging “predatory harassment” against legislator Fernando Obaldía Álvarez; the Attorney General’s Office is reviewing it. Tourism/Travel Deals: Visa and Duty Free Americas expand benefits across Central America and the Caribbean, adding the Paso Canoas border store between Panama and Costa Rica. Regional Context: The U.S. is deporting Brazilians to third countries, with many sent to Costa Rica.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations could be “very beneficial” for Costa Rica’s national security, while stressing any such move would require legislative approval and that no plans are underway. Nicaragua Tensions: Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry voiced “deep concern” over Nicaragua’s democratic backsliding after constitutional changes restrict opposition and elections; Managua fired back that it won’t accept “interference.” Coastal Cost Crunch: A new UNA/Idespo study says most coastal residents feel tourism and real estate have driven up prices—over 80% cite higher costs for food and daily goods, and 85% say coastal property sale prices rose. Environment & Tourism: UNED and SINAC-MINAE launched applications to create the Chirripó UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to boost conservation and community-led tourism. Health Policy: Costa Rica’s CCSS reports vaping-related disorders hit teens hard (ages 10–19), as stricter rules won’t take effect until August 2027. Business & Finance: ICE’s profit jump is tied largely to currency exchange gains, while operating revenues and business earnings fell.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations on Costa Rican soil could “benefit” national security, sparking debate over breaking with Costa Rica’s 1948 military abolition and the legal steps needed for any cooperation. Nicaragua Tensions: Nicaragua’s Ortega regime told Costa Rica it won’t accept “interference,” after San José condemned democratic backsliding and electoral restrictions. Coastal Cost Shock: A UNA/Idespo study finds residents widely feel coastal life is getting pricier—over 80% cite higher food and services, and 85% say coastal property sale prices have risen. ICE Profit vs. Reality: Costa Rica’s ICE reported a 65% jump in net profits, but the gain is tied largely to currency swings while business revenues and earnings fell. Tourism & Conservation Push: UNED and SINAC begin applications to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to spread tourism beyond the summit while protecting ecosystems. VAT Expansion for Digital Services: Starting Tuesday, Costa Rica expands the 13% VAT list to include Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and other foreign platforms. Mining Referendum Call: Costa Rican geologists demand a referendum on Crucitas gold mining, arguing illegal extraction and environmental harm persist. Business/Tech: EagleSwap hits 10,000 completed crypto swaps; Heineken Costa Rica replaces Imperial branding with local expressions like “pura vida” on select packaging.

VAT Update for Digital Services: Costa Rica is expanding its 13% VAT list for foreign digital platforms, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, TikTok and more—so charges will show up automatically on card statements starting Tuesday. Mining Referendum Push: The Colegio de Geólogos de Costa Rica is calling for a referendum on Crucitas gold mining, arguing lawmakers haven’t stopped illegal extraction, pollution and organized crime, and urging repeal of the open-pit mining ban. U.S. Security Cooperation Talk: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations could help national security, but stressed there’s no plan now and any deployment would need legislative approval. Tourism Boost in Puntarenas: Costa Rica expects a big jump in cruise traffic for 2026–2027, projecting about 150,000 passengers and more port calls for local businesses. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 40 is expected to bring widespread rain and thunderstorms Sunday afternoon, while El Niño keeps a longer Pacific rainfall deficit through late September. Culture & Community: San José’s Afro-descendant Diáspora Parade returns, celebrating heritage with music, dance and a citywide route.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that any U.S. ground operations on Costa Rican soil would help national security only if they target shared goals against transnational crime, and she stressed nothing is underway now—any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Cruise Boom for Puntarenas: INCOP projects about 150,000 cruise passengers for 2026–2027, with 72 ship visits—up from roughly 90,000 passengers and 64 ships last season—boosting local tour, transport, and retail business. Afro-Descendant Culture in San José: The 28th Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana brought back the Diáspora Parade, filling the capital with Zumba, bike rides, music, and community celebration. Wildlife Spotlight: Thousands of olive ridley turtles began a major arribada at Ostional, Guanacaste, with more expected through Friday night and into Saturday morning. Sports (Local): Alajuelense and Saprissa meet Saturday night in the Clásico Nacional, with Saprissa leading the league and the result likely reshaping the early top-four race.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that any U.S. ground operations on Costa Rican soil could help national security if they target shared goals against transnational crime, drug trafficking, or terrorism—but she stressed there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Cruise Tourism Boost: Puntarenas is expecting a major jump in 2026–2027 cruise traffic, with INCOP projecting about 150,000 passengers across 72 ship visits, up from roughly 90,000 and 64 ships last season. Afro-Descendant Culture: San José hosted the 2026 Diaspora Parade as part of the Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana, celebrating Afro-descendant heritage with music, dance, and community events. Sports Spotlight: The Clásico Nacional is set for Saturday night in Alajuela as Alajuelense hosts Saprissa, with the league title race tight at the top. Child Marriage Push at the UN: Costa Rica backed a UN General Assembly resolution making Nov. 27 the International Day for eliminating child, early, and forced marriage.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations in Costa Rica could strengthen national security against transnational crime, drug trafficking and terrorism—but she stressed there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need legislative approval. Child Marriage Push at the UN: The UN General Assembly unanimously approved Nov. 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early and Forced Marriage, with Costa Rica among the co-sponsors. Immigration Pressure on “Third Countries”: A new report says ICE deportations increasingly send people to countries they’re not citizens of, with Mexico the biggest destination and Costa Rica receiving hundreds. Tourism & Travel Updates: British Airways is shifting more Costa Rica flights from Gatwick to Heathrow starting Oct. 25, and a new JW Marriott all-inclusive resort is set to open Sept. 10 on Costa Rica’s Guanacaste coast. Environment & Local Life: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving for one of the year’s biggest arribadas at Ostional, while a Costa Rica study highlights coffee pulp helping restore degraded pastureland.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that potential U.S. ground operations in Costa Rica could help national security against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism—but said there are no concrete plans and any move would need approval from the National Assembly. Housing Pressure: A new Costa Rica study says 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to buying a home, largely due to down-payment and income requirements. Education Results Ahead: UNESCO is preparing to release ERCE 2025 findings, with first results due in December 2026 on Grade 3 and Grade 6 learning in Reading, Math, and Science. Wildlife Watch: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional for one of the year’s biggest arribadas, with more expected through Friday night and into Saturday. Tourism & Conservation: Costa Rica is also pushing to make Chirripó its first UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to protect geology and spread benefits to nearby communities. International Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted an International Day to eliminate child marriage, with Costa Rica among the co-sponsors.

Diplomacy Watch: Costa Rican President Laura Fernández said the decision to upgrade the country’s Jerusalem office to a full embassy is still under review and not finalized. Security & U.S. Ties: Fernández also told Reuters that any potential U.S. ground operations in Costa Rica could help national security against transnational crime, drug trafficking, and terrorism—but said there are no concrete plans and any move would require legislative approval. Human Rights: The UN General Assembly adopted an annual observance to eliminate child marriage, setting Nov. 27 as the International Day for the Elimination of Child, Early, and Forced Marriage, with Costa Rica among the co-sponsors. Housing Pressure: A new Costa Rica study finds 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to buying a home under formal financing rules. Justice Process: The Attorney General’s Office issued an immigration alert to summon presidential advisor Pilar Cisneros for an investigative statement after repeated failed attempts to serve her notice. Local Infrastructure: The Brasil de Santa Ana district council urged MOPT to speed up upgrades at the Piedades interchange, arguing for safer, faster fixes.

UN Leadership Race: Former Costa Rican Vice President Rebeca Grynspan is among the leading contenders to succeed António Guterres, with support shifting in polls as major powers weigh in. Local Politics & Accountability: President Laura Fernández called Rodrigo Chaves “president” during a live broadcast, then defended the title as a sign of respect. Judicial Corruption Probe: Costa Rica’s anti-corruption prosecutor’s office sought pretrial detention and other restrictions for Judge Ricardo Valverde López and Gelen Magaly Arias Monge, sister of “Diablo,” alleging facilitation of impunity, bribery, corruption, and misuse of public funds. Immigration Update: Costa Rica opened a legal status path for thousands of foreigners whose refugee cases were rejected or still pending, with about 98 applications on day one and potential regularization for roughly 10,000 people. Tourism & Culture: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló arrives in Costa Rica with an exhibition of 56 photographs plus music and public events across San José and Cartago. Wellness Travel Trend: A new look at why visitors keep returning to Costa Rica as wellness shifts beyond spa treatments toward nature, movement, and rest. Sports: Costa Rican triathlete Victoria Arce won silver at the Americas Triathlon Junior Cup in Lima.

Volcano Watch: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert for five areas near Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions in July and August, including a strong Monday event that sent material toward the Pénjamo River channel and raised lahars concerns—no evacuations, but heightened local monitoring. Education & Jobs: Costa Rica made history by launching a national English-learning initiative with Open English, aiming to deliver up to 2 million free licenses over four years for residents 15+ to boost employability. Business & Investment: PROCOMER opened the second Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit, bringing delegations from 40+ countries and 1,000+ companies for 3,600 tailored meetings to spur sourcing and expansion. Local Governance & Integrity: FAPTA requested six months of pretrial detention and other measures in the “Diablo” case, alleging impunity, bribery, corruption, and misuse of public funds involving judges and an OIJ agent. Tourism & Nature: The 16th Whale and Dolphin Festival in Uvita runs Sept. 4–6, spotlighting humpback whales and responsible viewing in Bahía Ballena.

Education & Jobs: Open English was chosen as Costa Rica’s strategic partner for a national English initiative, aiming to deliver up to 2 million free licenses over four years for residents 15+ to boost employability. Public Safety: Costa Rica issued a preventive green alert for five areas near Rincón de la Vieja after more than 100 eruptions, warning of possible lahars and keeping communities on heightened watch (no evacuations). Tourism & Nature: The 16th Whale and Dolphin Festival in Uvita (Sept. 4–6) will spotlight humpback whales, with Bahía Ballena’s whale-tail sandbar drawing visitors. Trade & Investment: PROCOMER opened the Costa Rica Trade & Investment Summit, bringing 40+ countries and 1,000+ companies for thousands of meetings to attract buyers and investors. Crime & Violence: A UNED police science expert warns Costa Rica’s crackdown won’t end violence unless the country tackles recruitment of younger leaders and the conditions that keep criminal groups replenishing. Local Economy/Cost of Living: Costa Rica tightened vehicle import rules—taxes now use the higher of invoice value or ministry valuation, and most non-dealers can import just one vehicle per year.

Happiness & Health Policy: Costa Rica jumped to 4th in the 2026 World Happiness Report, with analysts pointing to long-running choices like investing heavily in education and the Caja health system instead of a military. Security & Violence Cycle: A Costa Rican expert warns that police crackdowns may weaken gangs temporarily, but younger recruits and leadership turnover could keep the country stuck in a cycle unless prevention and social conditions improve. Tech & Connectivity: Tarana Wireless and Costa Rica’s Itellum demonstrated gigabit fixed wireless access, with SUTEL resolutions clearing the way for automated frequency coordination in the 6 GHz band. Crime & Governance: A study on President Laura Fernández’s first 100 days finds online sentiment turning more negative, with critics citing stalled initiatives and delays on inflation and public security. Regional Context: Nicaragua approved constitutional changes restricting opposition participation in elections, tightening political control. Sports & Culture: Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy is mentioned in a World Surf League event context, while the country’s independence anniversary and local cultural events continue to draw attention.

Tourism & Connectivity: Guanacaste Airport and the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT) announced a new once-a-week charter route from Chicago Rockford (RFD) to Guanacaste, running Feb. 5–Apr. 2, 2027, with Apple Vacations managing sales to meet rising demand and support jobs in the region. Sustainable Tourism: Arenal Fortuna (San Carlos) won top prize in the “Mature Destination” category at an Ibero-American sustainable and social tourism summit, highlighting community-led integration of tourism, sustainability, and local development. Health & Innovation: Peptides Costa Rica rolled out a new transparency standard with expanded batch/lot identification and easier access to certificates of analysis amid growing scrutiny of sourcing and labeling. Medical Tourism Shift: Costa Rican hospitals report more international patients coming for inpatient surgery and complex procedures—not just quick dental or cosmetic visits—driven by specialized care and coordinated recovery. Telecom Progress: Tarana Wireless and Itellum demonstrated live 1 Gbps fixed wireless access in Costa Rica using SUTEL’s 6 GHz framework. Culture & Community: Costa Rica marked Black People’s Day and Afro-Costa Rican Culture Day with major events in Limón, including the Grand Gala Parade 2026. Public Safety & Economy: In the South Pacific, local leaders say tourism investment is helping improve security and reshape perceptions in areas long linked to illicit activity.