This week in Costa Rica, a tourism downturn is starting to bite, infrastructure warnings got louder, and political institutions came under fresh scrutiny at home and from abroad. Here’s a quick rundown of what actually matters if you live in, invest in, or travel to Costa Rica.
Top Story
U.S. Embassy issues security alert over rising crime against foreigners
The U.S. Embassy in San José released a new security alert warning U.S. citizens about a jump in crimes aimed at tourists and expats, including home invasions, armed robberies, ATM shakedowns, and break-ins at short-term rentals. The alert urges people to report crimes directly to the OIJ, verify the identity of anyone claiming to be an official, scale up home security, and avoid displaying cash or high-end watches, jewelry, and electronics in public. The guidance is especially aimed at expat-heavy areas like Guanacaste and the Central Valley as high season gets going.
More key stories
Dollar hits record low in Costa Rica’s Monex market
The U.S. dollar continued its slide against the colón, closing at about ₡493.47 in the Monex market, the lowest level in nearly two decades after six straight sessions of declines. The drop helps people paid in colones or holding local-currency debts, but it squeezes exporters, some tourism businesses, and anyone who earns or saves in dollars.
Read more →Avianca software issue brings days of flight disruptions
Avianca warned of major interruptions across its network after Airbus ordered urgent fixes to flight-control software on thousands of A320-family jets. About 70% of Avianca’s fleet is affected, and the airline has paused ticket sales through December 8 while it works through cancellations and rebookings. Travelers to and from Costa Rica are being told to check their reservations frequently as schedules shift.
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EU to send first observer mission for Costa Rica’s 2026 elections
For the first time, the European Union will deploy an electoral observer mission to Costa Rica, following an invitation from the TSE. A team of experts will arrive in January to review voter rolls, campaign financing, media access, and vote-counting procedures ahead of the February 1 national elections, then issue a public report with recommendations after the vote.
Read more →Costa Rica and U.S. seize 4.4 tons of cocaine in Pacific operation
Costa Rican and U.S. authorities intercepted a boat about 170 nautical miles off Golfito and found roughly 4,400 kilograms of cocaine on board, arresting two Colombian crew members. Officials say the bust is part of stepped-up joint patrols with U.S. Southern Command and comes in a year when Costa Rica’s total drug seizures are already setting records.
Read more →Bad Bunny fans angered by last-minute stage changes at National Stadium
Ticket holders for Bad Bunny’s upcoming show at the National Stadium reacted angrily after the international production team scrapped the original catwalk layout and added the “La Casita” structure on the opposite side of the venue. Some VIP buyers say their expensive seats will now have worse sightlines, while promoters argue the change is meant to bring the Costa Rica show in line with other tour stops.
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In case you missed it
Spotlight
Costa Rica’s Ombudsman sounds alarm over gender violence crisis
Costa Rica’s Defensoría de los Habitantes issued a stark warning on gender-based violence, reporting 33 femicides so far this year — one of the deadliest tallies since 2015. The Ombudsman links the crisis to deep-rooted inequality, weak state responses, and labor and care systems that leave women exposed, especially in poorer communities. The office is pressing for stronger prevention and protection policies, steady funding for support services, and coordinated action against harassment, organized crime, and obstetric violence.
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