All Entries Tagged With: "immigration"
Immigration Plan to Restrict Mexican Nationals
The Costa Rican government is considering a plan to restrict entry to tourists from Mexico and Guatemala following the crash of a cocaine laden plane on takeoff from Tobias Bolaños airport in Pavas last week. The Piper Cherokee was discovered to be carrying 177 kilos of cocaine in its fuel tanks, and the added weight [...]
Arizona Law Sparks Debate Among Costa Ricans
An estimated 19,600 Costa Ricans live in the United States, however that figure excludes undocumented immigrants or those who have not reported to their local consulate. A recent article in La Nacion quotes one immigrant from Costa Rica who says she lives in constant fear, and dual citizen Randall Brenes calls the Arizona Law, “a [...]
Investigation of Bus Accident Worrisome
Last week a public bus on the San José to Alajuela route flew off a bridge and landed in the Rio Torres. The driver has now been identified as a Nicaraguan national with a tourist visa to enter Costa Rica. Miraculously only two people were killed on the bus carrying 52 people and the investigation [...]
Enforcement of New Immigration Law Difficult for Expats in Costa Rica
A new immigration law has taken effect and while all the provisions have yet to be enforced there are plenty of sad expat stories floating around Costa Rica. Among the nasty surprises are Perpetual Tourists who only get 30 day tourist visas in place of the customary 90 days visas. Deportation is also being ordered [...]
Federal Judge Blocks Arizona Immigration Law
A federal judge has issued a temporary injunction that blocks sections of a controversial measure against illegal immigrants in the state of Arizona. The law which enjoys widespread popular support in the state would require law enforcement officials to verify the immigration status of persons arrested. Many Latin American countries, Costa Rica included have officially [...]
Immigration Officers Are Taking Passports Now
Imagine you plan your vacation to Costa Rica, and take extra special care to make a photocopy of your passport and keep the original locked away in a safe place. One evening you are enjoying a meal at a restaurant in San Jose when a group of heavily armed police enter the establishment and demand [...]
Dealing with Immigration Department
Dealing with immigration is not for the faint of heart. Hours long waits are typical and it is necessary to move quickly when a number is called. Improvements in recent years have greatly reduced the lines and better organized the facility, however patience is required and those that do not speak Spanish fluently are encouraged [...]
Where Do Perpetual Tourists Go?
Perpetual Tourists in particular from the United States have enjoyed a presence in Costa Rica for many years. The truth is being a perpetual tourist is not the easiest existence as the work opportunities are not really good, and the culture can be difficult to adapt. Most people who start as perpetual tourists eventually move [...]
