Costa Rica Clausura Update: Saprissa Tops, Santa Ana in Crisis

There are only four rounds to go in the Clausura regular season, and things are heating up at both the top and bottom of the league—every match matters. After Pérez Zeledón’s disappointing 3-0 defeat last weekend to Cartaginés, they bounced back with a 3-0 win of their own against AD Guanacasteca, with goals from Brazilian …

Costa Rica Faces UN Lawsuit Over Rights of Deported Migrant Children

Costa Rica faces a lawsuit before the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child, accused of violating the rights of 81 migrant children deported from the United States in February 2025. The children, part of 200 migrants from countries including China, Iran, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, were detained for nearly two months at a …

Costa Rica to Launch Online Driver’s License Renewal Service in October

Starting October 2025, renewing or replacing a driver’s license in Costa Rica will be as simple as a few clicks, thanks to a new online service from the National Road Safety Council (COSEVI). Aimed at reducing long waits at Banco de Costa Rica (BCR) branches, this digital platform will streamline processes for expats, tourists, and …

Veteran’s Failed Hijacking of Tropic Air Cessna in Belize

An United States citizen armed with a knife attempted to hijack a small plane in Belize this Thursday but was shot dead by a passenger, local authorities reported. The Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft of Belizean airline Tropic Air had taken off in the morning with 16 people on board from Corozal bound for the island …

Easter Weekend in Costa Rica: Traditions, Beaches, and Pura Vida

As someone who is rooted in San José, I’ve watched Semana Santa bring Costa Rica to life each year, and this Easter Weekend is no exception. It’s a time when faith, family, and our Pura Vida spirit collide in a beautiful, vibrant way. For expats settling in, tourists exploring, or travelers curious about what’s happening …

Costa Rica’s Tourism Crisis: Why Tourists Are Vanishing

Maria Vargas, a third-generation tour operator in Nosara, stares at an empty booking calendar. “This is the worst high season I’ve seen in 20 years,” she says, her voice heavy with worry. Her story reflects a broader crisis gripping Costa Rica, where a sharp decline in tourist arrivals threatens the tourism industry—a sector that generates …

Costa Rica Proposes Strict Penalties for Illegal National Park Entries

Costa Rica is cracking down on illegal entries into its national parks and protected areas, citing dangers to visitors and environmental harm. Franz Tattenbach, Minister of Environment and Energy (MINAE), has called on lawmakers to approve a bill imposing fines of up to ¢2.3 million (approximately $4,400) on individuals and tour operators who access these …

Panamanian Judiciary Moves to Prevent US Troops in Canal Zone

A citizens’ coalition on Wednesday asked Panama’s Supreme Court to declare “unconstitutional” a controversial agreement signed last week that allows the United States to deploy troops in the Canal Zone. During a visit to Panama, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth signed the pact with Panamanian Security Minister Frank Ábrego. The agreement authorizes Washington to station …

Costa Rica Reports Sharp Dengue Decline, Urges Vigilance

Dengue cases in Costa Rica have plummeted in early 2025, with the Ministry of Health reporting 1,802 cases as of March 23, a 69.5% decrease from the 5,909 cases recorded during the same period in 2024. This marks a significant improvement from last year, which saw a record 27,791 cases by October. Despite this encouraging …

Costa Rican Bank Faces Money Laundering Probe Over $100M Transactions

Authorities in Costa Rica and Panama are investigating a Costa Rican bank for alleged money laundering and tax evasion involving over $100 million in undocumented transactions, according to a report by Panama’s La Estrella de Panamá newspaper. The probe centers on a network of companies, reportedly controlled by a Costa Rican businessman, that owns the …