AGP Executive Report

Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport has begun using its first four biometric eGates, letting eligible adult Costa Rican travelers clear immigration faster with biometric passports and facial recognition, with staff supervision and plans to expand to departures. Public Service Integrity: Costa Rica’s Finance Ministry has started an administrative process that could lead to the dismissal of 36 officials accused of using software to fake remote-work activity. Politics & Power Perception: A new CIEP-UCR survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions, despite Fernández denying a “two-headed” government. Economy & Exchange Rate: Fernández reiterated she will not artificially manipulate the dollar’s exchange rate, pointing to employment, tourism, and investment figures. VAT Clarification for Travelers: The government says overseas hotel stays booked via platforms using Costa Rican cards can trigger automatic 13% VAT, but refunds are possible through a separate application. Environment & Public Safety: UNA researchers link unusually warm deep ocean water to last month’s mass crab deaths in Guanacaste, while MOPT reports 425 traffic fatalities through August, with motorcyclists making up 58%. Immigration Case: An immigration agency employee was arrested in Limón over alleged manipulation of records to renew a residency card tied to a suspected criminal network. Wildlife Protection: Two people were detained for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Ostional during the September arribada. Human Interest: José Flores, 119, is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest person, pending verification of his birth records.

Airport Modernization: Juan Santamaría International Airport has started using its first four biometric eGates, letting eligible adult Costa Rican travelers clear immigration in seconds with biometric passports and facial recognition, with staff supervision and accessibility support on site. Politics & Power Perception: A new UCR/CIEP survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences decisions in Laura Fernández’s government, while Fernández rejects any idea of “dual presidentialism.” Immigration Crackdown: Costa Rica’s immigration police arrested a worker accused of manipulating residency renewal records in a scheme tied to alleged criminal links in Limón. Economy & Currency: Fernández says the government will not artificially peg the dollar’s exchange rate, pointing to jobs, tourism, and investment data. Tax Clarity for Travelers: Costa Rica explains how the 13% VAT works for overseas hotel bookings made with Costa Rican cards via platforms like Booking.com and Expedia, including how refunds can be requested. Public Safety: MOPT reports 425 road deaths through August, with motorcyclists making up 58% of fatalities. Environment & Wildlife: Researchers link unusually warm deep ocean water to mass crab deaths in Guanacaste, and authorities detained two people caught with 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs at Ostional. Human Interest: José Flores, 119, is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest person, pending verification.

Presidential Power Poll: A new UCR/CIEP survey says 84% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still influences President Laura Fernández’s decisions, with Fernández denying any “two-headed” government. Exchange Rate Stance: Fernández also rejected calls to artificially control the dollar, saying the exchange rate should follow economic conditions. Immigration Crackdown: Costa Rica arrested a DIMEX immigration worker in Limón accused of manipulating residency records to renew a card tied to a suspected criminal network. Judicial Integrity: The Supreme Court ordered a review of judge rules for preventive detention after corruption cases involving judges and an OIJ employee. Public Safety Numbers: Road deaths totaled 425 from January to August, with motorcyclists making up 58% of fatalities. Environment Watch: Scientists link last month’s mass crab deaths in Guanacaste to unusually warm deep ocean water and reduced food, while authorities detained two people caught with 125 sea turtle eggs at Ostional. Tourism & VAT: Costa Rica clarified VAT refunds for overseas hotel stays booked with Costa Rican cards, and added Booking.com/Expedia/ChatGPT to the 13% VAT list. Longevity Spotlight: Reuters reports 119-year-old Jose Flores is seeking Guinness recognition as the world’s oldest man, pending international verification.

Immigration Crackdown: Costa Rica’s immigration police arrested a DIMEX employee in Limón, alleging she manipulated residency renewal records to help a Nicaraguan woman linked to a criminal group tied to drug trafficking and homicides. Politics & Power Perception: A new UCR/CIEP survey says 64.4% of Costa Ricans believe former President Rodrigo Chaves still has a lot of influence over Laura Fernández’s government, fueling “dual presidentialism” concerns. Economy & Currency: Fernández rejected calls to artificially control the dollar exchange rate, saying the government won’t peg it and pointing to jobs, tourism, and investment data. Tourism Tax Update: Costa Rica clarified that booking hotels abroad via platforms using Costa Rican cards can trigger a 13% VAT charge, but refunds require a separate application. Public Safety: MOPT reported 425 traffic deaths through August, with motorcyclists making up 58% of victims. Environment & Wildlife: Two people were detained for allegedly stealing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs during Ostional’s arribada. Health & Environment: UNA researchers linked last month’s mass crab deaths in Guanacaste to unusually warm deep ocean water, reduced food, and currents pushing weakened crabs ashore.

Indigenous Rights & Governance: A new look at Boruca Peoples’ struggle says Integral Development Associations haven’t delivered real self-determination, with critics calling it “institutionalist racism” rooted in colonial-era control. Economy & Currency Policy: President Laura Fernández rejected pegging the exchange rate, arguing jobs, tourism, and investment data show the economy is holding up. Power Dynamics: A UCR CIEP-UCR survey finds most Costa Ricans believe Rodrigo Chaves still heavily influences Fernández’s decisions, fueling talk of “dual presidentialism.” Family & Citizenship at Borders: Guidance for Costa Ricans returning with kids born abroad explains why minors may need an exit permit and how citizenship-by-descent can trigger stricter checks. Public Safety: Road deaths remain high—425 fatalities through August, with motorcyclists at 58% of victims. Environment & Wildlife Enforcement: Two people were detained for allegedly taking 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs during Ostional’s arribada. Health & Regulation: CCSS data shows vaping-related disorder visits are rising among ages 10–19, while new rules won’t fully take effect until 2027. Justice System: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court ordered a review of judge rules for preventive detention and alternatives after corruption-linked cases. Nature & Science: Researchers described a “ghost shark” species off Costa Rica, based on specimens collected over years. Longevity Spotlight: A 119-year-old man in Sardinal is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest living person, pending verification. Culture & Heritage: San José opened a Gaudí photo exhibition tied to Gaudí Year 2026, with more panels planned in Cartago.

Oldest-possible resident: José Flores, 119, a Sardinal man on Costa Rica’s Nicoya “Blue Zone,” is seeking international recognition as the world’s oldest living man, with Guinness World Records among the groups expected to verify his July 11, 1907 birth date. Road safety: Costa Rica logged 425 traffic deaths through August, and motorcyclists accounted for 58% (247) of the fatalities, according to MOPT. Judicial integrity: The Supreme Court ordered a review of judge rules for preventive detention and alternatives after corruption-related cases, including arrests tied to the “Diablo” criminal network. Migration & asylum: Canada is seeing a noticeable surge in travelers from Costa Rica, while new figures show Costa Ricans filed 1,820 asylum applications abroad in 2025—mostly in the United States. Border tech: Juan Santamaría Airport began using biometric eGates, speeding eligible arrivals by matching passports to facial recognition. Culture & heritage: San José opened a Gaudí-themed photo exhibition on Casa Batlló, with more panels planned in Cartago. Environment & wildlife: Two people were detained for allegedly removing 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs from Ostional during the arribada. Economy & taxes: Costa Rica expanded its 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and others. Public health: CCSS data shows vaping-related disorders are hitting teens hard (ages 10–19 made up 2,438 of 5,901 outpatient visits in 2025).

Public Opinion & Security: Costa Rica’s new President Laura Fernández hits her first 100 days with about 64% approval, but many voters still think Rodrigo Chaves is “still calling the shots,” while a separate report highlights how unusually heavy security details are being used at Casa Presidencial. Road Safety: MOPT data shows 425 traffic deaths through August, with motorcyclists making up 58% of victims. Immigration & Travel: A surge in Costa Ricans seeking asylum abroad continues, with the U.S. receiving about 74% of 2025 applications, and Canada is also drawing thousands of Costa Rican travelers amid shifting migration patterns. Environment & Wildlife: Two people were detained at Ostional with 125 olive ridley sea turtle eggs during the arribada season. Economy & Costs: Inflation ended August at -0.11%, and coastal residents report steep price hikes, with 85% saying property prices rose. Tech & Border Control: Juan Santamaría Airport began using biometric eGates, and Costa Rica expanded its 13% VAT list for foreign digital services (including Booking.com, Expedia, and ChatGPT). Crime & Courts: The Supreme Court will review judge rules for preventive detention and restrictions after judicial corruption cases. Defense Debate: Fernández says U.S. ground operations could help security, but stresses no plans are in place and any deployment would need legislative approval.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations could be “very beneficial” against transnational crime, drug trafficking and terrorism, but said nothing is planned and any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Judicial Integrity: Costa Rica’s Supreme Court ordered a review of judge rules on preventive detention and restrictions after corruption-linked cases involving two judges and an OIJ official. Cost of Living Watch: INEC reported August inflation at -0.11%, but experts say people may not feel savings because price drops don’t erase earlier losses in purchasing power. VAT Update for Digital Services: Costa Rica expanded the 13% VAT list for foreign digital platforms, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and others—automatic on card charges. Public Health & Youth: CCSS data shows vaping-related disorders drove thousands of teen doctor visits, while new rules won’t take effect until August 2027. Environment & Tourism: UNED and SINAC launched the process to create the Chirripó UNESCO Global Geopark, while scientists warn Monteverde’s cloud forest is drying despite heavy rain. Culture & Community: San José’s Afro-descendant Diáspora Parade returned, and Heineken Costa Rica will print local identity words like “diay” and “pura vida” on select Imperial packaging.

Family Planning Debate: A UNFPA-backed report says young Costa Ricans still want families, but cost of living, housing, job insecurity, and childcare delays decisions. Community & Safety: Lynnwood’s “Fair on 44th” returns Sept. 12 with free family activities, emergency-services demos, and youth programs. U.S. Deportations: Monitoring groups say at least 45 Brazilians have been deported to third countries, with many sent to Costa Rica. Crime & Defense: President Laura Fernández tells Reuters U.S. ground operations could help fight transnational crime, but says nothing is planned and any move needs Legislative Assembly approval. Nicaragua Pressure: Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry expresses “deep concern” over democratic backsliding after Nicaragua restricts electoral participation. Cost of Living: INEC reports August inflation at -0.11%, but experts say savings won’t feel big after years of price hikes. VAT Update: Costa Rica expands the 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and more. Environment & Tourism: UNED and SINAC begin steps for Chirripó to become a UNESCO Global Geopark; Monteverde shows drought signs despite heavy rain. Sports & Culture: Alajuelense vs Saprissa (Clásico Nacional) headlines the weekend; San José hosts the Afro-descendant Diáspora Parade. Economy & Housing: A study finds 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations on Costa Rican soil would be “very beneficial” for national security against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism—but she stressed there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Nicaragua Democracy Concern: Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry issued “deep concern” over Nicaragua’s democratic deterioration after constitutional reforms further restrict political and electoral participation, signaling support for a coordinated OAS response. Vaping Health Update: Costa Rica’s CCSS says 4 in 10 vaping-related medical visits in 2025 involved teens ages 10–19; new rules won’t fully take effect until August 2027. Coastal Cost Shock: A new UNA/Idespo PIC report finds most residents believe coastal living is far more expensive, with 85% saying coastal property prices have risen. VAT Expansion for Digital Services: Costa Rica added Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and more to the 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, starting Tuesday. Wildlife Moment: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are nesting at Ostional in one of 2026’s biggest arribadas.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations could “very beneficial” for national security against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism—but insists there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Regional Democracy Watch: Costa Rica’s Foreign Ministry voiced “deep concern” over Nicaragua’s democratic backsliding after constitutional changes tighten political participation, signaling support for coordinated action via the OAS. Cost of Living & Housing: A new study finds coastal residents feel prices are rising across daily life, with 85% saying coastal property sale prices have jumped; another report says 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to formal mortgage financing. Tax for Digital Services: Costa Rica expands its 13% VAT list for foreign digital platforms, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT and others—banks will collect it automatically. Environment & Conservation: UNED and SINAC launch the process to make Chirripó a UNESCO Global Geopark; separate research warns Monteverde’s cloud forest is drying as mist contact changes. Culture & Tourism: Puntarenas expects a big cruise jump; San José hosts the Diaspora Parade; and National Geographic Germany runs an 11-page Costa Rica feature.

Digital Tax Update: Costa Rica is expanding its 13% VAT list for foreign digital services, adding Booking.com, Expedia, ChatGPT, Claude, Grok, TikTok and more—so charges on your card will show the tax automatically (no filings). Mining & Community Pressure: The Colegio de Geólogos is pushing for a referendum on Crucitas gold mining, arguing illegal extraction and environmental harm haven’t been properly addressed. Climate Watch: Monteverde’s cloud forest is showing drought stress even with heavy annual rain, as mist and cloud contact patterns shift. Security Diplomacy: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations could help national security against transnational crime, but insists there are no concrete plans and any deployment needs Legislative Assembly approval. Culture & Tourism: San José’s Afro-descendant Diáspora Parade drew crowds, while Puntarenas expects a big cruise jump and Ostional’s olive ridley turtles continue major arribadas. Sports & Nature: Alajuelense vs Saprissa (Clásico Nacional) headlines Saturday, and the Whale and Dolphin Festival returns in Uvita.

U.S. Security Talks: President Laura Fernández told Reuters that U.S. ground operations in Costa Rica could help national security if they target shared goals against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism—but she stressed there are no concrete plans and any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Wildlife Watch: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional for one of the year’s biggest arribadas, with the peak expected to continue into the weekend. Tourism Boost: Puntarenas is expecting a major cruise jump, projecting about 150,000 passengers in 2026–2027—up sharply from last season—bringing more business for local operators and shops. Sports Night: Alajuelense and Saprissa meet Saturday in the Clásico Nacional, with Saprissa leading the league and the result likely reshaping the top-four race. Culture & Pride: San José hosted the Afro-descendant Diaspora Parade, celebrating Costa Rica’s heritage through music, dance, and community events. Science Discovery: Researchers identified a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, off Costa Rica’s Pacific coast.

Afro-Descendant Culture: San José brought the streets to life with the return of the 2026 Diaspora Parade, part of the Festival Flores de la Diáspora Africana, featuring Zumba, a bike ride, and a major community opening at Parque Morazán. Tourism Boost: Puntarenas is bracing for a big cruise jump, with INCOP projecting about 150,000 passengers in 2026–2027—up sharply from last season. Sports Spotlight: The Clásico Nacional is set for Saturday night in Alajuela as Alajuelense hosts Saprissa, with the league race tight at the top. Security & Diplomacy: President Laura Fernández says U.S. ground operations could help national security if aimed at shared targets, but insists nothing is planned and any deployment would need Legislative Assembly approval. Wildlife & Nature: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional for one of the year’s biggest arribadas. Housing Pressure: A new study finds 81.4% of Costa Rican renter households face major barriers to buying a home, mainly due to income and down-payment limits. Immigration Update: Costa Rica opened a legal status path for thousands of certain foreign residents whose refugee cases were rejected or still pending, with 98 applications filed on day one. Science Discovery: Researchers identified a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, off Costa Rica.

U.S.-Costa Rica Security Talks: President Laura Fernández said U.S. ground operations could help national security against transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism, but stressed there are no plans underway and any deployment would need legislative approval. Wildlife Watch: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional in one of the year’s biggest arribadas, with more expected through Friday night and into Saturday. Immigration Update: Costa Rica has opened a legal status path for thousands of foreigners whose refugee cases were rejected or unresolved; 98 applications came in on day one, with an eventual target of about 10,000. Housing Pressure: A new study says 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to buying a home due to income and financing limits. Science & Nature: Researchers identified a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, off Costa Rica. Culture: Gaudí’s Casa Batlló arrives via an exhibition in San José and Cartago featuring 56 photographs and public music events. Sports: Victoria Arce won silver at the Americas Triathlon Junior Cup in Lima.

Wildlife Watch: Thousands of olive ridley turtles are arriving at Ostional in Guanacaste for one of the year’s biggest arribadas, with more expected through Friday night and into Saturday. National Security Debate: President Laura Fernández says potential U.S. ground operations could help Costa Rica fight transnational crime, drugs, and terrorism—but only with legislative approval and with no concrete plans underway. Diplomacy Update: Fernández says the decision to upgrade Costa Rica’s Jerusalem office to an embassy is still under review, not finalized. Immigration Pathway: Costa Rica has opened a legal status route for thousands of eligible foreigners whose refugee cases were rejected or unresolved; 98 applications came in on day one. Housing Pressure: A new study finds 81.4% of renter households face major barriers to buying a home due to income vs. financing requirements. Science & Nature: Researchers identified a new deep-sea “ghost shark” species, Rhinochimaera costaricana, off Costa Rica. Sports: Costa Rican triathlete Victoria Arce won silver in Lima, and Isabella Nichols pulled out of the Fiji Pro final with an ankle injury, handing the win to Erin Brooks.