AGP Executive Report

Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport is rolling out its first biometric eGates, letting eligible adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports clear immigration in seconds via facial recognition, with staff supervision and plans to expand to departures. Road Safety Accountability: Costa Rica’s Comptroller General ordered CONAVI to fix Route 32 roundabouts after finding they were designed for shorter trucks than the ones using the corridor, raising risks like lane encroachment and overturning; the redesign adds millions in costs. Tourism Demand & Costs: Costa Rica is bracing for higher fuel prices as global oil climbs back above $100, with knock-on effects expected at gas stations. Local Travel Planning: JacoBeach.com launched a dedicated independent travel guide for hotels, vacation rentals, tours, dining, nightlife, and visitor info—aimed at making trip planning easier for visitors heading to the Pacific hub. Nature & Wildlife Tourism: A new report flags unusually warm ocean water linked to mass crab deaths in Costa Rica, a reminder for travelers to stay mindful of changing coastal conditions.

Airport Tech Upgrade: Juan Santamaría International Airport is rolling out its first biometric eGates, letting eligible adult Costa Rican travelers with biometric passports clear immigration in seconds via facial recognition, with accessibility support and Immigration supervision on-site. Tourism & Planning: JacoBeach.com launched a new independent travel guide for Jaco, bundling hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, tours, nightlife, transport, and practical visitor info in one place. Travel Costs Watch: Costa Rica is bracing for higher fuel prices as global oil climbs back above $100 a barrel, with the increase expected to reach local gas stations soon. Family Travel Rules: Costa Rica is reminding parents of children born abroad that minors may need a Permiso de Salida (exit permit) tied to citizenship/registry checks—so families should sort paperwork before flying. Wildlife & Nature: UNA researchers say unusually warm ocean water in Guanacaste may explain last month’s mass crab die-off, with heat at depth and reduced food likely stressing animals before they washed ashore. Sports Travel Tie-In: Corendon is offering a limited fan trip to San José for the Curaçao vs. Costa Rica Concacaf Nations League match on Sept. 24, with supporters flying on the same aircraft as the team.

Tour Planning & Local Picks: JacoBeach.com just launched a full independent travel guide for Jaco, bundling hotels, vacation rentals, restaurants, tours, nightlife, and practical visitor info. Airfare & Events: Corendon is offering a limited 100-seat fan trip from Curaçao to San José for the Curaçao vs. Costa Rica Concacaf Nations League match on Sept. 24. Costs & Fuel: Costa Rica is bracing for higher gas prices as global oil climbs back above $100 a barrel, driven by renewed US-Iran tensions. Money & Taxes for Travelers: Costa Rica clarified that overseas hotel stays booked via Costa Rican cards on platforms like Booking.com and Expedia can trigger an automatic 13% VAT charge, but travelers can request reimbursement through a separate application. Nature & Wildlife: UNA researchers link unusually warm Gulf of Papagayo ocean water to mass crab deaths along Guanacaste beaches, with heat and reduced food likely stressing crabs before they washed ashore. Family Travel Reality Check: A reminder for Costa Rican parents returning with kids born abroad: immigration may require a Permiso de Salida (exit permit) even if the child enters on a foreign passport. Travel Deals: Travelzoo rolled out a Costa Rica package deal for members (13-day round trip with flights and a rental car).

Costa Rica Travel Deals: Travelzoo is promoting a Costa Rica package with flights and a rental car—13 days covering Caribbean beaches, national parks, and a Monteverde rainforest canopy hanging-bridge tour. Fuel Costs Watch: Oil prices jumped back above $100 a barrel after renewed US-Iran tensions, and Costa Rica travelers should expect higher gas prices in the coming weeks. VAT Refunds for Travelers: Costa Rica clarified that booking overseas hotel stays with Costa Rican cards can trigger an automatic 13% VAT charge via digital-service rules, but refunds are possible through a separate application process. Tourism & Exchange Rate: President Laura Fernández rejected calls to artificially peg the dollar, pointing to employment, tourism, and investment data as signs the economy is holding up. Wildlife & Nature Alerts: UNA researchers link unusually warm Gulf of Papagayo waters to mass crab deaths in Guanacaste, while new camera work in Santa Rosa National Park is reshaping what we know about Pacific nurse shark movement. Family Travel Rules: Costa Rica warns that kids born abroad may need an exit permit (Permiso de Salida) when they’re recognized as Costa Rican citizens at the border, even if they enter on a foreign passport. Health for Trip Planning: The CDC updated its global travel advisory after dengue upticks among travelers returning from Costa Rica and other countries, urging mosquito-bite precautions. Conservation Moments: Olive ridley “rush hour” arribada season is underway, with sea turtle biologists filming major mass-nesting activity on Costa Rican beaches.

Costa Rica Travel & Tourism: Corendon is selling an exclusive Curaçao fan trip to San José for the Sept. 24 Concacaf Nations League match vs. Costa Rica, with just 100 seats available and flights on the same aircraft as the team. Wildlife & Nature: In Guanacaste, researchers at UCR fitted nurse sharks with small cameras in Bahía Santa Elena, challenging the idea that Pacific nurse sharks barely move. Sea Turtles: Two people were detained at Ostional during the olive ridley arribada after allegedly removing 125 eggs without authorization. Travel Safety: The CDC updated its global dengue advisory, flagging higher-than-expected dengue risk among travelers returning from Costa Rica and other countries—pack repellent, cover up, and use screened or air-conditioned lodging. Local Travel Disruption: Route 1 through Cambronero is closed indefinitely after a truck crash. Practical Travel Tip (Citizenship/Docs): Costa Rican parents returning with a child born abroad may be required to secure a Permiso de Salida before leaving, even if the child enters on a foreign passport.

Mosquito-Borne Health Alert: The CDC updated its global travel notice after an uptick in dengue among returning travelers, flagging higher risk for visitors returning from Costa Rica and several other countries—pack repellent, wear long sleeves, and use screened or air-conditioned rooms. Wildlife & Nature Watch: Researchers at UCR fitted nurse sharks in Santa Rosa National Park with small cameras, revealing the animals move far more than previously thought. Sea Turtle Update: Costa Rica detained two people caught removing 125 olive ridley eggs from Ostional during one of the year’s biggest arribadas. Travel Disruption: Route 1 through Cambronero is closed indefinitely after a truck crash damaged a temporary Bailey bridge, with major delays expected for trips between San José and the Pacific coast. Local Tourism & Culture: The Gulf of Nicoya communities are pushing for greater say in protecting the sea, backed by new governance resources from Fundación MarViva. On-the-Ground Planning: A tropical wave moving into Costa Rica brings scattered afternoon storms and gusty winds, with heavier rain possible overnight in the Caribbean and Northern Zone.

Road & Weather: Route 1 through Cambronero is closed indefinitely after a truck crash hit a temporary Bailey bridge, with MOPT saying reopening depends on removal, inspection, and repairs—expect major delays between San José and the Pacific. A tropical wave (No. 41) is bringing scattered afternoon storms and gusts of 50–75 km/h, with the heaviest rain likely over the Central/South Pacific and Nicoya Peninsula. Wildlife & Conservation: Two people were detained for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs during Costa Rica’s Ostional arribada; authorities say they lacked authorization. Marine Science: UCR researchers are using cameras and drones to study Pacific nurse sharks in Bahía Santa Elena, challenging the idea that they barely move. Tourism Deals: Visa and Duty Free Americas extended and expanded their partnership, adding savings at DFA border stores—now including Paso Canoas (Panama–Costa Rica). Travel Health: The CDC updated its global dengue advisory after higher-than-expected cases among travelers returning from Costa Rica, urging bite prevention. Nature Tourism Spotlight: Costa Rica’s Whale and Dolphin Festival returns this weekend in Uvita.

Road Disruptions: Route 1 through Cambronero is closed indefinitely after a truck crash damaged a temporary Bailey bridge, with MOPT saying crews must remove the vehicle, inspect the structure, and decide on repairs—expect major delays for travel between San José and the Pacific coast. Weather Watch: Tropical Wave 41 brings scattered afternoon storms and gusts of 50–75 km/h, with the heaviest rain likely for the Central and South Pacific and the Nicoya Peninsula, plus overnight downpours in the Caribbean and Northern Zone. Tourism & Community: Gulf of Nicoya communities are pushing for greater local say in protecting the sea, backed by MarViva’s governance study and heritage manual aimed at strengthening participation and enforcement. Travel Planning: A new cost comparison weighs all-inclusive vs DIY trips to Costa Rica (for a family of four, 7 nights), with all-inclusive estimated around $6,000–$9,000 and DIY around $5,000–$7,500. Cross-Border Perks: Visa and Duty Free Americas expanded benefits, adding DFA’s Paso Canoas border store between Panama and Costa Rica with discounts for eligible Visa cardholders. Travel Culture: Costa Rica’s surf and wildlife draw continued attention, including tips for responsible sloth spotting and off-season travel.

Costa Rica Travel & Costs: Costa Rica’s inflation dipped again in August (monthly -0.11%), but many travelers and expats say they’re not feeling cheaper prices yet—negative inflation doesn’t erase earlier purchasing-power losses. Tourism Pricing Pressure: A new UNA/PIC study finds coastal communities—especially Guanacaste—perceive big jumps in costs tied to tourism and real estate, with most residents reporting higher prices for food, lodging, dining, and even transport. VAT Update for Visitors: Starting Tuesday, Costa Rica will apply 13% VAT to a wider list of foreign digital services, including Booking.com, Expedia, and ChatGPT—so hotel and travel bookings may show a higher total on your card statement (the advertised price stays the same). Conservation & Tourism Planning: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have launched applications to create the Chirripó UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to spread tourism beyond the main peak while protecting geological and cultural sites. Practical Travel Tips: Guides highlight Costa Rica’s best uses of points and miles plus top spots for surfing and sloth sightings, with responsible wildlife-watching advice.

Cruise Boom for Puntarenas: Costa Rica is expecting a big jump in cruise tourism, with INCOP projecting about 150,000 passengers arriving in Puntarenas in the 2026–2027 season (up from roughly 90,000 last season), plus more ship visits—good news for local tours, restaurants, transport, and shops. VAT Hits Foreign Booking Platforms: Starting Tuesday, Costa Rica’s 13% VAT will show up on bills from Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and other foreign digital providers added to the VAT register (prices stay the same, but your card statement will reflect the tax). Chirripó UNESCO Geopark Push: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have opened applications to establish the Chirripó UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to diversify tourism beyond the summit while protecting geological sites and supporting local communities. Wildlife Watch: Ostional’s major olive ridley arribada is underway in Guanacaste, with thousands already nesting and more expected through Friday night and into Saturday morning. Air Access Update: British Airways is moving its San José (Costa Rica) service from Gatwick to Heathrow from Oct. 25, adding winter frequency and better connections. Cost of Coastal Living: A new UNA/PIC study says many coastal residents feel prices have surged—especially real estate, with 85% reporting higher sale prices.

Tourism Costs & Housing Pressure: A new UNA/Idespo PIC report says Costa Ricans near the coast feel prices have jumped across daily life—food, restaurants, transport, and even Airbnb—while real estate is the biggest worry, with 85% saying coastal property sale prices are up, especially in Guanacaste. UNESCO Geopark Push: UNED and SINAC-MINAE have started the application process to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to spread tourism beyond the main peak while protecting geology and supporting local and Indigenous communities. Wildlife Tourism Spotlight: Ostional’s olive ridley arribada is underway, with thousands nesting at Guanacaste’s refuge and more expected through Friday night and into Saturday. Cruise Growth in Puntarenas: INCOP projects about 150,000 cruise passengers for 2026–2027, with 72 ship visits—up sharply from last season—boosting demand for tours, transport, and local stops. VAT Update for Travelers: Costa Rica expands its 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia, and ChatGPT (and more), meaning higher totals on card statements for bookings and subscriptions. New Direct Access: British Airways will move its San José route from Gatwick to Heathrow starting Oct. 25, adding winter frequency and more connection options.

VAT Update for Travelers: Costa Rica expanded its 13% VAT register for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT (plus Claude and Grok), and TikTok—so hotel and travel charges may show higher totals on your card statement starting Tuesday. Cruise Growth in Puntarenas: INCOP projects about 150,000 cruise passengers in the 2026–2027 season, with 72 ship visits—up from roughly 90,000 passengers and 64 ships last season—boosting demand for tours, transport, and quick port-day experiences. Wildlife & Responsible Tourism: National Geographic’s German edition runs an 11-page Costa Rica feature, while another report highlights how tourists can get in trouble for taking wildlife or plants home—and why sloth handling and “easy spotting” trends can stress animals. Local Travel Economy Shift: In the Southern Zone, communities are moving from banana monoculture toward biodiversity-led ecotourism, with mangrove and river protection tied to formal tour operations. Nature Calendar: Ostional’s olive ridley arribada is underway, with thousands of turtles expected through the weekend. Air Access: British Airways will move its San José (Costa Rica) service from Gatwick to Heathrow from Oct. 25, adding winter frequency and more connection options.

Cruise Boom for Puntarenas: Costa Rica is expecting a major jump in cruise tourism, with INCOP projecting about 150,000 passengers and 72 ship visits in 2026–2027—up from roughly 90,000 and 64 ships last season—boosting demand for local tours, transport, and short excursions. Wildlife Watch (Ostional): Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving for one of the year’s biggest arribadas at Ostional in Guanacaste, with peak numbers expected through Friday night into Saturday morning. Responsible Sloth Tourism: A new wildlife guidance piece warns that “easy” sloth spotting on social media can mask stress from handling and noise, urging visitors to keep distance and use ethical guides. Tourism & Media Spotlight: National Geographic Germany is running an 11-page Costa Rica feature across jungle, beaches, and parks, with ICT saying the partnership helped put the country in front of European readers. New Luxury Developments: Punta Cacique’s Costa Rica luxury coast continues to take shape, while JW Marriott Costa Elena is set to open Sept. 10 as the brand’s first all-inclusive in Guanacaste. Travel Safety & Rules: A reminder campaign says it’s illegal to take home shells, plants, or other wildlife from Costa Rica—officials have confiscated thousands of specimens from travelers’ luggage since 2024. Getting There: British Airways will move its San José, Costa Rica service from Gatwick to Heathrow starting Oct. 25, adding winter frequency and more connection options.

Cruise Boom for Puntarenas: INCOP expects about 150,000 cruise passengers in 2026–2027, up from roughly 90,000 last season, with 72 ship visits (vs. 64) — a big lift for port-area tours, restaurants, transport, and shops. More UK Flights to Costa Rica: British Airways is shifting its San José (Costa Rica) service from Gatwick to Heathrow starting Oct. 25, adding five weekly flights and connecting travelers to BA’s larger Heathrow network. Wildlife Watch—Ostional Arribada: Thousands of olive ridley turtles have begun nesting at Ostional in Guanacaste, with major arrivals expected through Friday night into Saturday morning. Conservation Reminder: Costa Rican authorities have seized thousands of animal and plant specimens from travelers’ luggage since 2024, part of the #WhatYouCarry push to stop taking wildlife home. Tourism Growth & Safety: Brasil de Santa Ana’s district council is urging MOPT to speed up upgrades at the Piedades interchange, arguing for a safer, smoother fix. UNESCO Push for Chirripó: UNED and SINAC are renewing efforts to make Chirripó Costa Rica’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to protect geology while boosting nearby communities.

Wildlife Tourism: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional in one of 2026’s biggest arribadas, with more expected through Friday night and into Saturday—another major draw for travelers chasing Costa Rica’s iconic nesting season. Resort & Real Estate: JW Marriott Costa Elena Resort & Spa is set to open Sept. 10 as the brand’s first all-inclusive in Costa Rica, while Punta Cacique’s Costa Rican luxury coast continues to take shape with branded wellness and rental options. Conservation Rules for Visitors: Costa Rica is cracking down on tourists taking home wildlife and plants—officials have confiscated thousands of specimens since 2024, tied to the #WhatYouCarry campaign. Travel Safety & Infrastructure: Santa Ana’s district council is urging MOPT to speed up upgrades at the Piedades interchange, arguing for a faster, safer fix. Whale Season: The 16th Whale and Dolphin Festival runs Sept. 4–6 in Costa Ballena, timed to humpbacks off Uvita. Air Connectivity: British Airways will move its San José, Costa Rica service from Gatwick to Heathrow starting Oct. 25, adding winter frequency and more connection options. Airport Ownership: ASUR has closed a nearly $1B deal expanding its airport portfolio to include Costa Rica’s Juan Santamaría International Airport. Off-Season Tip: Costa Rica’s off-season is getting a push for fewer crowds and greener scenery.

Wildlife Watch: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional National Wildlife Refuge for one of the year’s biggest arribadas, with more expected through Friday night into Saturday morning—September is typically peak season. Tourism & Wellness: Costa Rica’s wellness appeal is being framed as more than spa time, with visitors returning for outdoor movement, good food, and real rest. Conservation Rules: A reminder for travelers: taking wildlife or plants out of Costa Rica is illegal, and officials have confiscated thousands of specimens from luggage under the #WhatYouCarry campaign. Infrastructure & Safety: Brasil de Santa Ana’s district council is urging MOPT to speed up upgrades at the Piedades interchange, arguing for a faster, already-reviewed roundabout fix or an overpass. Geotourism Push: UNED and SINAC renew efforts to make Chirripó Costa Rica’s first UNESCO Global Geopark, aiming to protect geological heritage and spread benefits locally. Festival Spotlight: Costa Rica’s Whale and Dolphin Festival returns this weekend in Uvita, timed to humpback season. Travel Costs: Dollar weakness is making Costa Rica more expensive for expats and tourists. Immigration Update: Costa Rica opened a new legal status path for thousands of foreigners, with 98 applications logged on day one. Aviation/Access: British Airways plans to add Costa Rica service from Heathrow (first time for BA at LHR). Major Business Move: ASUR’s near-$1B airport acquisition expands its reach to include Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica.