As the US federal government enters a partial shutdown starting today October 1, travelers heading to Costa Rica face potential hurdles. The impasse stems from budget disputes in Congress, leaving hundreds of thousands of federal workers without pay. While flights between the US and Costa Rica remain operational, the ripple effects touch everything from airport …
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Bank of America has released a fresh analysis of Costa Rica’s economy, pointing to steady conditions ahead. The report predicts the dollar exchange rate will hold firm with only slight shifts in 2026, while interest rates stay elevated due to building price pressures. Analysts at the bank highlight the colón’s recent gains against the dollar. …
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Lawmakers in Costa Rica have put forward a bill to crack down on drinking in public spaces, aiming to cut down on related disturbances and boost safety. Bill 25.101, presented by Diputada Olga Morera Arrieta from the Nueva República party, would reform the existing alcohol regulation law to give police more power and impose heavier …
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US Marines plan to join forces with Panamanian security teams for a joint exercise in the country’s thick jungle next month. The move comes as relations between Washington and Caracas heat up, with American ships patrolling the nearby Caribbean waters. Panama’s public security ministry shared details about the upcoming training, set for October 9 through …
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The book The Bribri and The Bridge: Tales from Life with the Indigenous People of Costa Rica is both a celebration and a portrait of compassion’s enduring impact, revealing how it shapes the lives of those who extend it and those who receive it. When Nanci Wright-Stevens and her husband Barry left the United States to …
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FIFA has slapped the Salvadoran Football Federation with a fine and attendance cuts following racist slurs from fans aimed at Suriname players in a recent World Cup qualifier. The move pushes the federation to pour the money into programs fighting discrimination. The trouble came at the close of the September 8 game at Estadio Cuscatlán …
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Days after our report on the shark attack near Cocos Island, new details have emerged about the incident and the man involved. The diver, initially described as a Mexican tourist in his 40s, is actually Mauricio Hoyos, a 48-year-old marine biologist from Mexico with years of experience in shark research. Hoyos led a scientific team …
Read more “Update: Costa Rica Shark Bite Victim is a Renowned Marine Biologist”
The U.S. Embassy here has rolled out new guidelines for nonimmigrant visa applications, making in-person interviews the norm for most applicants. The changes, set to take effect tomorrow, October 1, end many of the interview waivers that eased the process during recent years. This shift affects thousands of Costa Ricans who travel to the United …
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Costa Rica’s President Rodrigo Chaves has publicly criticized the Supreme Electoral Tribunal (TSE) for rules that limit how the government can share information during the upcoming election period. In a national address on Sunday, Chaves called the restrictions a “muzzle” on his administration, claiming they prevent people from learning about public projects and government actions. …
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Crucitas ranks among Costa Rica’s most severe environmental setbacks. Illegal gold mining has ravaged the area for years, bringing crime, community unrest, water pollution, and deaths among those risking their lives in unauthorized operations. The once-rich natural zone now shows clear signs of decline, with forests cleared and rivers tainted by chemicals. Recent events highlight …
Read more “Bills Target Crucitas Gold Mining Mess in Costa Rica”