AGP Executive Report

Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special migration category letting thousands of Cubans (plus some from Nicaragua, Venezuela and Colombia) live and work legally, with applications tied to a 2014–2026 window and authorization granted for two-year renewable terms starting Sept. 1, 2026. Health & Travel Safety: PAHO issued a measles alert ahead of the 2026 World Cup, warning that rising cases and heavy international travel could fuel spread; it urged stronger surveillance, vaccination access for travelers, and rapid response planning across the Americas. Tourism & Pets: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport reported a record surge in pet arrivals, highlighting new pet-friendly terminal areas and reminding travelers to meet SENASA/MAG requirements. Legal/Travel Impact: An appeals court in San José ordered deferred extradition to the U.S. for “Macho Coca,” with surrender tied to the resolution of his Costa Rican case. Community & Study Abroad: A $1,000 Phi Kappa Phi grant will send a student to study in Costa Rica.

Health & Travel Safety: PAHO is urging countries across the Americas to tighten measles surveillance, vaccination checks, and rapid response ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, citing a fourfold rise in cases this year; Costa Rica Updates: Costa Rica is investigating alleged police officers involved in a Santa Cruz robbery case, and Guanacaste Airport says pet-friendly travel is surging (record pet arrivals in early 2026) with dedicated terminal areas and SENASA/MAG requirements; Money-Saving Tips for Visitors: BAC Credomatic has started charging a 6% fee when foreign cardholders choose dynamic currency conversion, so travelers should decline and pay in colones; Tourism & Infrastructure: Lufthansa plans to expand Allegris premium service to new routes including San José, Costa Rica; Road & Weather Watch: Costa Rica is dealing with warm Pacific conditions that raise erosion and flooding concerns, plus ongoing rain/thunderstorm risk as a tropical wave moves through.

Health Watch: PAHO says measles cases are rising across the Americas, with travel to the 2026 World Cup (US, Mexico, Canada) raising concern—PAHO notes many cases involve people unvaccinated or with unknown status, and it lists Costa Rica among countries linked to outbreaks/importations. Travel Safety: The U.S. Foreign Office issued a World Cup travel update tied to Ebola in parts of Africa, including temporary entry restrictions for travelers recently in DRC, Uganda, or South Sudan, plus advice to monitor symptoms for 21 days. Costa Rica Entry/Stay: Costa Rica announced a regularization program for thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants whose cases are pending or denied, aiming to protect legal stay and allow work. Visitor Money Tip: Tourists in Costa Rica are being warned about a 6% optional card fee via dynamic currency conversion—decline paying in your home currency to avoid it. Getting There: Delta plans to relaunch nonstop JFK–Liberia (LIR) to serve Costa Rica’s Guanacaste beaches starting Dec. 19 (weekly in winter). Local Travel Cost Quirk: In Costa Rica, “super” gasoline is currently cheaper than regular at the pump, per ARESEP pricing.

World Cup Travel Spotlight: England’s World Cup preparations are in full swing in Florida, with the squad landing in Miami and starting heat-acclimatization in West Palm Beach; an open community training session is set for Palm Beach Gardens, and warm-ups include New Zealand (Tampa) and Costa Rica (Orlando). Squad & Match Context: FIFA’s published shirt-number list points to Tuchel’s likely XI, with Jude Bellingham No. 10, Harry Kane No. 9, and Marcus Rashford No. 11; England’s group opener is against Croatia in Dallas. Costa Rica Football Link: Colombia’s World Cup farewell match against Costa Rica ended 3-1 in Bogotá, with Luis Díaz and Luis Suárez among the scorers, as both teams fine-tune ahead of the tournament. Family Travel Demand: Intrepid Travel is launching a Premium Family range with Costa Rica options, adding more guided inclusions and kid-friendly experiences for families. Local Nature & Community: A Costa Rican coastline restoration story highlights how a tree-planting program has revived shade and habitat across Playa Guiones and nearby beaches. Weather Watch: Expect Costa Rica’s early-June pattern—mostly dry mornings, then afternoon clouds, rain, and thunderstorms, especially over the Pacific side and South Pacific.

World Cup travel tie-in: England’s Three Lions have landed in Miami to start their pre-tournament camp, with warm-up matches set for New Zealand (Tampa Bay) and Costa Rica (Orlando) before the squad heads to Kansas City for the tournament. Costa Rica in the spotlight: National Geographic Traveller (UK) puts Costa Rica on its June cover, spotlighting Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and coast-to-coast nature and wildlife—another boost for European tourism interest. Tourism planning: Costa Rica’s green-season forecast points to clearer mornings and afternoon thunderstorms, especially over the Pacific and Central Valley—plan hikes, beaches, and park visits early. Safety on trails: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a faint hiss and a near-miss venomous pit viper strike, a reminder to keep distance from wildlife and watch footing. Climate watch: Oceanographers warn unusually warm Pacific waters are raising erosion and flooding risk along parts of the Central Pacific as Costa Rica heads into the more intense swells later this year. Hospitality business: A new piece on hosting for Costa Rica tourism and hospitality stresses website reliability and booking performance during peak travel demand. Coffee tourism angle: Costa Rica names top coffees of 2026 at the Cup of Excellence, led by a Los Santos washed Java winning lot.

Weather & Planning: Costa Rica’s green-season rhythm is back—bright, mostly dry mornings, then afternoon clouds, rain, and thunderstorms, especially over the Pacific side and Central/South Pacific. Coastal Safety Watch: Scientists warn unusually warm Pacific waters could boost erosion and flooding risk later this year, with sea temps running well above normal near Playa Herradura. Tourism Spotlight: National Geographic Traveller (UK) puts Costa Rica on its June cover, highlighting Manuel Antonio, Arenal, and coast-to-coast nature and wildlife. Coffee Pride: Los Santos leads at the Cup of Excellence 2026, with a Java-variety washed coffee scoring 91.36 for the top spot. Travel Rights (Important): A Costa Rica court ordered state compensation after a traveler was removed from a flight due to a records error tied to an exit restriction—reminder: check your “impedimento de salida” status online and carry paperwork. Air Access: Lufthansa expands Allegris service to new winter destinations, including direct flights to San José (Costa Rica) starting Oct. 25. Adventure & Nature: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a near-miss pit viper strike after hearing a faint hiss. Local Culture: TikTok creator Max Klymenko brought his “Career Ladder” street format to San José’s Teatro Nacional area.

Airport & Infrastructure: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is rolling out a $6M modernization (new VIP lounge, expanded parking, and a General/Business Aviation Terminal) between late 2026 and mid-2027 to boost capacity and service for North Pacific travelers. Travel Disruption & Rules: Costa Rica is dealing with fallout from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight incident tied to a child support “travel ban” system error, plus a guide on how to check your “Impedimento de Salida” online via the Poder Judicial portal. Nature & Safety on the Trail: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a faint hiss before a pit viper strike—another reminder to keep distance around wildlife habitats. Tourism Spotlight: A new VIP lounge and airport upgrades come as Costa Rica continues to market itself globally, including a recent push at Formula 1 events. Wildlife Discovery: Scientists described a new marine worm species found buried in sand at Playa Naranjo, adding to Costa Rica’s coastal conservation value. Culture in San José: TikTok creator Max Klymenko brought his “Career Ladder” street format to La Plaza de la Cultura in front of Teatro Nacional, turning a city stop into a travel-style viral moment.

Airport & Tourism Upgrades: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is rolling out a $6M modernization, including a new 354-sqm VIP lounge, expanded parking, and a General & Business Aviation Terminal, with works running late 2026 into mid-2027. Travel Disruption & Safety: Costa Rica is bracing for unstable weather from today through June 3, with warm mornings and frequent afternoon/evening rain and thunderstorms, especially in the Central Valley and Pacific. Wildlife Encounters: Hikers at a Costa Rica lookout reported a faint hiss before a pit viper strike—an eerie reminder to keep distance on trails and viewpoints. Nature Discovery: A new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, was found buried in sand at Playa Naranjo, adding to Costa Rica’s coastal biodiversity story. Visitor Tips: A guide highlights what travelers should know before booking a Costa Rica trip, while another piece spotlights La Fortuna Waterfall’s top TripAdvisor ranking. Local Travel Admin: Costa Rica’s “Impedimento de Salida” (child-support travel ban) can be checked online via the Poder Judicial portal, and a recent case shows how administrative errors can still derail departures.

Airport & VIP Upgrades: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is rolling out a $6M modernization, including a new 354-sqm VIP lounge, expanded parking, and a General/Business Aviation terminal—work runs late 2026 into mid-2027. Travel Disruption Watch: Route 27 is reopening only with limited, police-managed traffic after a sinkhole collapse near Coyolar de Orotina; a Bailey bridge is expected early next week and full repairs could take about two weeks. Weather Alert: Costa Rica faces unstable conditions through June 3, with warm mornings and afternoon-to-night rain and thunderstorms; parts of Guanacaste may hit 37–38°C. Nature & Conservation: A new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, was discovered buried in sand at Playa Naranjo—researchers say better coastal knowledge can support conservation and tourism planning. Tourism Safety/Operations: Costa Rica suspended an airport customs officer amid an alleged tourist scam. Travel Planning Tip: A guide rounds up what travelers should know before booking a Costa Rica trip. Sports Tourism Link: NORCECA beach volleyball opened in San Salvador with Costa Rica beating Bermuda in straight sets, highlighting the region’s growing visitor draw. Marine Expedition: For the Oceans Foundation launched Operation Peace for the Pacific, a scientific expedition in Costa Rica’s South Pacific corridor to study sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and more. Local Travel Culture: La Fortuna Waterfall is again ranking among the world’s top attractions on TripAdvisor.

Airport Upgrades: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport is pushing ahead with a $6M modernization plan, including a new 354-sqm VIP lounge, expanded parking, and a General & Business Aviation Terminal, with work slated for late 2026 through mid-2027. Road Disruption: Route 27 is still in chaos after a sinkhole near Coyolar (Orotina) shut the highway at km 56; MOPT is aiming for a temporary, police-managed single lane (light vehicles) and a Bailey bridge early next week while full repairs take about two weeks. Weather Watch: Unstable conditions continue through June 3 as Tropical Wave No. 5 and the ITCZ bring warm mornings, then afternoon downpours and thunderstorms—heaviest in the Central Valley and Pacific, with parts of Guanacaste hitting 37–38°C. Nature & Conservation: A new marine worm species, Sthenelais onca, was identified from Playa Naranjo sands, and a major South Pacific expedition (Isla del Caño to Puerto Jiménez) will track sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and other key marine life. Tourism Spotlight: La Fortuna Waterfall earned TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” top-1% status, with revenues reinvested locally through ADIFORT. Travel Safety/Operations: Costa Rica suspended an airport customs officer amid an alleged tourist scam, and the country is also rolling out travel-safety partnerships tied to the U.S. embassy. Travel Culture: Jason Lewis (Sex and the City) says he moved to Costa Rica to write a nine-book fantasy series, surfing and learning Spanish.

Road Safety & Infrastructure: Route 27 in Costa Rica is still in chaos after a sinkhole near Coyolar (Orotina) collapsed a culvert and cut the main San José–Pacific highway at kilometer 56; MOPT says limited, police-regulated one-lane traffic is expected to resume for light vehicles, with a modular Bailey bridge targeted for early next week and a full two-week repair timeline. Tourism Recognition: La Fortuna Waterfall (San Carlos, Alajuela) just earned TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best,” placing it in the top 1% of attractions worldwide, with the site’s community-run model (ADIFORT) reinvesting admission surplus into local roads, education, security, and conservation. Marine Conservation: For the Oceans Foundation launched Operation Peace for the Pacific, a scientific expedition in Costa Rica’s South Pacific marine corridor between Isla del Caño and Puerto Jiménez to study sharks, manta rays, sea turtles, and other key species. Travel & Culture Spotlight: Actor Jason Lewis says he moved to Costa Rica to immerse himself in writing a nine-book epic fantasy series, mixing beach time and daily work routines.

Route 27 Disruption: A sinkhole near Coyolar in Orotina has forced a full closure of Costa Rica’s Route 27 (km 56), triggering major San José–Central Pacific delays after heavy rains damaged a culvert system; MOPT expects a temporary regulated lane for light vehicles by tomorrow and a Bailey bridge installation early next week while Globalvia continues emergency repairs. Tourism & Travel Policy: Costa Rica’s tourism brand has canceled an Uber alliance after backlash, signaling tighter control over partnerships as the country pushes its destination image. Digital Work & Visas: A fresh explainer breaks down Costa Rica’s digital nomad visa—eligibility, income requirements, and document prep—aimed at travelers planning longer stays. Visitor Safety/Access: San José’s airport has inaugurated a new arrivals area to boost capacity and efficiency, while Juan Santamaría International Airport joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to improve traveler support. Nature & Experiences: A roundup highlights Costa Rica’s nature-first appeal, from forest-bathing wellness ideas to new wildlife finds and pollinator-focused conservation efforts.

Costa Rica Digital Nomad Visa: A new explainer highlights how Costa Rica’s remote-work visa lets eligible applicants live and work legally for up to two years, with income and document prep key to avoiding delays. Tourism & Travel Safety: San José’s airport is rolling out a new arrivals area for smoother summer travel, and Juan Santamaría International Airport has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program to support travelers who need extra assistance. Nature & Wildlife Tourism: Costa Rica continues to lean into conservation-led experiences, from bee genetics pilots in Guanacaste to sea turtle nesting insights and fresh reports on new species found at Playa Naranjo. Family Travel Products: Intrepid Travel is expanding its Premium Family range with new Costa Rica trips designed for small groups and “hassle-free” planning. Local Community Tourism: A medical mission in Costa Rica’s Talamanca Mountains shows how travel can support remote communities through hiking-based outreach. Sports Tourism Tie-In: England’s World Cup warm-ups include Costa Rica (June 10 in Orlando), with ticket sales reportedly lagging—something travelers may watch as match-week plans firm up.

Airport Accessibility: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Safety for U.S. Visitors: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, adding safety and water-risk info for arrivals. Tourism Growth Watch: A new look at Costa Rica’s 2026 momentum points to strong early-year visitor gains, with North America—especially the U.S. and Canada—driving demand. Regional Competition: El Salvador–Guatemala tourism is surging via road trips and short getaways, a trend that could reshape how Costa Rica competes for regional travelers. Family Travel Product: Intrepid expanded its Premium Family range with new Costa Rica itineraries designed for small groups and easier logistics. Wildlife & Nature Appeal: A bird-watching roundup highlights top global spots, including Costa Rica, reinforcing the country’s eco-tourism draw. Community & Service Travel: A GCU medical mission team spent nine days hiking into Talamanca cloud forest settlements to support indigenous communities. Sports Tourism Tie-In: England’s World Cup warm-ups in Florida include a friendly vs Costa Rica in Orlando, with ticket sales reportedly lagging—useful for travelers tracking match-week plans.

Airport Accessibility: Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO) has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower program, training frontline staff to better support travelers with non-visible conditions. Safety for Visitors: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, pushing safety alerts and emergency contact info for U.S. travelers—plus water-safety messaging for beachgoers. Tourism Growth Watch: A new look at Costa Rica’s 2026 momentum points to 653,000+ visitors in Jan–Feb (+10.4%), with North America driving demand and route connectivity boosting arrivals. Weather Alert: Costa Rica braces for a wetter end to May as Tropical Wave No. 5 and the ITCZ bring the heaviest downpours (and possible storms) Thursday into Friday across much of the country. Family Travel Trend: Intrepid expands its Premium Family range with new Costa Rica trips aimed at smaller groups and “hassle-free” planning. Regional Tourism Pressure: El Salvador–Guatemala’s road-driven tourism surge is reshaping Central America’s travel map, raising questions for Costa Rica’s positioning.

Airport Safety Push: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport partnered with the U.S. Embassy to promote STEP, putting safety enrollment info and water-safety videos in the terminal to help Americans get alerts and faster embassy contact during emergencies. Tourism Momentum: Costa Rica is leaning into a “new era” under Laura’s leadership—order, modernization, and faster delivery—while visitor numbers keep climbing (653,000+ arrivals in Jan–Feb, up 10.4%). Weather Watch: Tropical Wave No. 5 is expected to bring the heaviest rain and possible storms across much of the country later this week, especially afternoons and evenings. Regional Travel Context: Panama and Costa Rica agreed to a diplomatic truce at the UN to cool trade frictions, with talks focused on trade, customs, security, and migration. World Cup Travel Buzz: England is set to train in Palm Beach Gardens, and Curacao will also camp in South Florida—more sports-driven travel spillover for the region.