Author: allthingspanama.net

The U.S. government under Donald Trump canceled the visa of former Panamanian President Martín Torrijos after he criticized a new agreement allowing U.S. military deployment in Panama, the ex-president announced on Monday. The agreement, signed in April between Panama and Washington, permits the United States to use Panamanian air and naval bases for “training” purposes …

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Tourist arrivals to Costa Rica took another hit in May 2025, raising red flags for the country’s vital tourism industry. Data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) shows a 4.7% drop in air arrivals compared to May 2024, with total arrivals across all entry routes down by 5%. This marks a continuation of a …

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Costa Rica’s national soccer team edged out Suriname 4-3 in a thrilling match on Sunday, part of Group A in the Gold Cup, held at Snapdragon Stadium in San Diego, California. Under the guidance of Mexican coach Miguel “El Piojo” Herrera, Costa Rica scored through Alonso Martínez (14’), Manfred Ugalde (19’ penalty, 90+13’ penalty), and …

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Former Nicaraguan President Violeta Barrios de Chamorro, who died Saturday at the age of 95, was honored Monday in a funeral mass held in Costa Rica. Her family vowed to return her remains to Nicaragua once it becomes a “republic” again. The urn containing the remains of the woman who brought peace to Nicaragua—after defeating …

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Costa Rica’s reputation as a prime destination for foreign investment is under threat, according to a new study from the University of Costa Rica (UCR). While the country still boasts a stable economy and tax-free zones, worsening social and environmental conditions are raising red flags for investors. The UCR study highlights declining education, healthcare, public …

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The U.S. State Department is urging Americans to skip travel to Nicaragua due to increasing authoritarianism that puts tourists at risk. The Level 3 travel advisory, active since December 2024, points to arbitrary law enforcement, possible wrongful detentions, and limited healthcare, making the country a dangerous destination despite its budget-friendly appeal compared to Costa Rica. …

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Tourism Minister William Rodríguez López addressed growing concerns about crime and the strengthening colón’s impact on Costa Rica’s tourism industry, asserting that these issues are not scaring off international visitors. Speaking at a June 16, 2025, press conference, Rodríguez cited data from the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT) to counter fears raised by business owners …

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Panamanian authorities arrested Francisco Smith, leader of the banana workers’ union SITRAIBANA, accusing him of orchestrating road blockades during a six-week strike against Chiquita Brands. The arrest, just days after a deal ended the labor dispute, has sparked outrage among workers and heightened tensions in Bocas del Toro, near the Costa Rica border. Smith faces …

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‘Tariffs’ is one of the buzzwords of 2025. Defined as taxes imposed by one country on goods imported from another country, tariffs are essentially trade barriers that raise prices and reduce available quantities of goods and services for businesses and consumers. They are also meant to create an economic burden on foreign exporters. This in …

Read more “The Hidden Costs of Living in Costa Rica: Tariffs, Monopolies, and More”

Police and protesters clashed in Panama on Saturday during an operation to clear a highway near the Costa Rican border, where teachers and Indigenous groups are protesting against a pension reform. President José Raúl Mulino’s government, which in previous weeks dealt with road closures led by banana workers, launched Operation “Omega” with the goal of …

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