AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Power Lines: Costa Rica’s constitutional court has ruled on howler monkey electrocutions, holding agencies accountable and ordering fixes in Nosara, as rescues like International Animal Rescue Costa Rica report rising cases tied to development and tourism. Public Access Clash: In Garabito, police reopened long-blocked public beach access at Punta Leona after a judge’s order; the operation sparked confrontations, injuries, and arrests as authorities said the road was public. Migration Update: Costa Rica reactivated a special temporary category for Cubans, plus Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, and Colombians, letting eligible asylum applicants live and work legally starting Sept. 1, 2026. Security & Crime Policy: President Laura Fernández says new legislation is coming with tougher penalties for landowners tied to clandestine drug airstrips, after Fuerza Élite coordination. Economy Watch: The dollar exchange rate has ticked up again, with analysts expecting further rise amid international pressures. Sports: Costa Rica’s La Sele is out of the 2026 World Cup, and recent friendlies ended with a 3-1 loss to Colombia.

World Cup Watch: Costa Rica will be watching from home for the first time since 2006 after a 3-1 loss to Colombia in a friendly, ending another painful World Cup campaign. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica is moving to legally curb howler monkey electrocutions from power lines after a court ruling held agencies accountable and ordered infrastructure changes in Nosara. Immigration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special temporary category for Cubans, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Colombians with asylum cases pending or rejected, starting Sept. 1, 2026, with legal work access. Security Crackdown: President Laura Fernández says legislation is coming with tougher penalties for landowners tied to clandestine drug airstrips, targeting a major organized-crime weak spot. Local Governance Clash: Garabito’s Playa Blanca access fight escalated into a police confrontation as crews removed a barrier tied to Punta Leona. Economy & Exchange Rate: The dollar has edged back up to around 461 colones, with analysts saying it may continue rising but likely as a short-term bounce. Coffee & Tourism: Coffee production is forecast to rise, while Guanacaste Airport logged a record pet-friendly travel surge.

Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica’s constitutional court backed the fight against howler monkey electrocutions from power lines, holding agencies accountable and ordering infrastructure changes in Nosara after cases surged. Public Safety & Environment: Researchers say development and tourism are pushing more animals into contact with lines, and they’re urging broader fixes like insulated cables and safer crossings. Beach Access Clash: Garabito’s crews removed a barrier tied to Punta Leona’s Playa Blanca access, triggering police confrontations and detentions as the dispute over public road access remains tangled. Migration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special temporary regularization category for Cubans, plus Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Colombians, letting eligible people work legally starting Sept. 1, 2026. Organized Crime Crackdown: President Laura Fernández says new legislation is coming with tougher penalties for landowners tied to clandestine drug airstrips. Economy Watch: The dollar exchange rate has ticked back up above 460 colones, with analysts linking the move to international tensions. Tourism Tips: Foreign visitors are being warned about a voluntary 6% card fee via dynamic currency conversion—decline it and pay in colones.

Insurance Watch: Costa Rica’s insurance market has crossed $2.4 billion in annual premiums (about 2.7% of GDP), with growth increasingly driven by voluntary coverage as reliance on mandatory policies fades. Earthquake Update: A magnitude 5.0 quake hit the Osa Peninsula area, felt across the south but with no reported damage; authorities are monitoring. Security & Crime: President Laura Fernández says new legislation is coming to hit landowners tied to clandestine drug airstrips, after a second Elite Force meeting flagged weak current penalties. Migration Rules: Costa Rica is reactivating a special temporary category for thousands of Cubans, plus other nationalities, to live and work legally starting Sept. 1, 2026, easing long legal limbo. Court/Travel: An appeals court cleared the deferred extradition of “Macho Coca” to the U.S., while a separate case highlights how Costa Ricans can check “impedimento de salida” travel bans online. Tourism & Consumer Tips: BAC Credomatic is charging a 6% fee for dynamic currency conversion if foreigners choose to pay in their home currency; travelers are urged to decline. Business & Jobs: LEAPCR launches to accelerate startups and attract investment, backed by the IDB and local partners.

Earthquake Watch: A magnitude 5.0 quake rattled Costa Rica’s Osa Peninsula near Puerto Jiménez, about 27 km southwest of Sitio Sirena, at just over 20 km deep; authorities reported no injuries, no damage, and no tsunami warning—just routine monitoring. Migration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special temporary migration category for Cubans, plus Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Colombians, letting eligible people live and work legally from Sept. 1, 2026, even if asylum cases were pending or rejected. U.S. Extradition: An appeals court ordered the deferred extradition of “Macho Coca” Gilbert Hernán Bell Fernández to the U.S., clearing the way for surrender once his local case is resolved. Wildlife Protection: Costa Rica moved to protect howler monkeys from electrocution after a rise in power-line incidents, including cases tied to expanding development. Security Push: President Laura Fernández outlined tougher coordinated action against organized crime, including proposed harsher penalties for owners of clandestine airstrips. Travel Advisory: BAC Credomatic began charging a 6% fee when foreign cardholders choose to pay in their home currency via dynamic currency conversion—customers can avoid it by paying in colones.

Migration & Work Rights: Costa Rica reactivated a special migration category for thousands of Cuban migrants, plus Nicaraguans, Venezuelans and Colombians, letting eligible people live and work legally even with pending or rejected asylum cases; the measure (DG-0064-05-2026) takes effect Sept. 1, 2026, with two-year renewable permits and unrestricted access to paid work. U.S. Extradition: An appeals court in San José ordered the deferred extradition to the United States of “Macho Coca” (Gilbert Hernán Bell Fernández), keeping him in custody while his local case is resolved. Tourism & Travel Costs: Guanacaste’s airport logged a record 876 pet arrivals in the first four months, while BAC Credomatic began charging a 6% fee for foreign-card holders who choose to pay in their home currency via dynamic currency conversion—travelers can avoid it by declining at checkout. Startup Push: LEAPCR launched to accelerate startups, attract investment, and create jobs, backed by the IDB Lab and local partners. Security Plan: President Laura Fernández outlined tougher coordinated action against organized crime, including a push for harsher penalties tied to clandestine airstrips. Sports: La Sele fell 3-1 to Colombia in a World Cup warm-up/farewell match in Bogotá.

Pet-Friendly Travel Boost: Guanacaste’s Liberia airport (LIR) logged a record 876 pets arriving in the first four months of 2026, up 4%, with dedicated pet-care areas and SENASA/MAG entry rules guiding travelers. Startup Push: Costa Rica launched LEAPCR, a new national program backed by the IDB Group to speed up high-potential startups, attract investment, and create formal jobs through training, early financing, and open innovation. Immigration Regularization: DGME announced a special temporary category starting Sept. 1, 2026, letting thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan and Colombian asylum applicants regularize and work legally while their cases were pending or denied. Tourist Warning on Card Fees: BAC Credomatic began charging a 6% fee when foreign cardholders choose to pay in their home currency via dynamic currency conversion—travelers can avoid it by declining at checkout. Security Crackdown: President Laura Fernández said a bill is being pushed to impose harsher penalties for owners of properties with clandestine airstrips, after identifying about 200 such sites. World Cup Fallout: Costa Rica’s national team lost 3-1 to Colombia in a friendly, ending a painful stretch after elimination from 2026 World Cup contention.

Immigration Regularization: Costa Rica’s DGME announced a special temporary complementary category for thousands of Cuban, Nicaraguan, Venezuelan, and Colombian asylum applicants whose cases are pending or rejected, letting them apply for legal residency and unrestricted work starting Sept. 1, 2026 (applications open Sept. 1, 2026 and run until Sept. 1, 2027). Tourism Costs: BAC Credomatic has started charging foreign visitors a 6% fee when they use dynamic currency conversion and choose to be billed in their home currency—travelers can avoid it by declining at checkout. Security Push: President Laura Fernández expanded her “Fuerza Élite” security plan, including polygraph tests for judicial-branch personnel attending the weekly meetings, aiming to build “mutual trust” in the fight against organized crime. Organized Crime Tactics: Authorities also moved against illegal gold mining on the northern border, reporting clashes with alleged miners and the seizure of about 5,000 sacks of material. Business Move: FIFCO named former Intel executive Timothy Scott Hall as Director of Corporate Affairs, a major leadership shift from global tech to the regional consumer giant. Sports: La Sele fell 3-1 to Colombia in a World Cup farewell friendly in Bogotá.

Immigration Reform: Costa Rica’s DGME announced a new “Special Temporary Category” letting thousands of Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Cubans and Colombians regularize and work legally starting September 2026, for asylum cases filed between June 1, 2014 and May 7, 2026. Security Crackdown: President Laura Fernández pushed tougher coordinated action against organized crime after a second Elite Force meeting, including a bill to impose severe penalties where clandestine airstrips are found, and expanded polygraph requirements across government branches. Border Violence: Police carried out a second operation against illegal gold mining on the northern border, seizing about 5,000 sacks of material, but clashes erupted with alleged miners armed with tools and machetes. World Cup Football: Costa Rica’s national team fell 3-1 to Colombia in Bogotá in a farewell match ahead of the tournament, ending another disappointing World Cup run. Travel Rights: A court ordered the Costa Rican State to compensate a traveler removed from a Mexico flight due to a records error tied to a child-support travel restriction. Fuel Prices: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments that will raise costs next week amid continued pressure on global energy markets. Culture & Tourism: National Geographic Traveller (UK) put Costa Rica on its June cover, while La Fortuna Waterfall earned a TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” spot in the top 1% of attractions.

Rock & Roll in Alajuela: Def Leppard confirmed its first-ever Costa Rica concert, set for Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2026 at Parque Viva’s Anfiteatro Imperial (Alajuela), with Extreme joining as special guests; tickets go on sale Friday, June 12 via Eticket.cr. Coffee Spotlight: Costa Rica’s Cup of Excellence 2026 crowned a Los Santos Java-washed coffee (91.36 points) as top lot, with Los Santos also winning in Honey/Natural and Experimental Fermentations categories. Tourism in the Spotlight: National Geographic Traveller (UK) put Costa Rica on its June cover, highlighting conservation and biodiversity from coast to coast. Travel Rights: A Costa Rican court ordered state compensation after a passenger was removed from a Mexico-bound flight due to an administrative records error tied to a travel restriction—warning travelers to verify “impedimento de salida” status before flying. Security & Governance: President Laura Fernández expanded her polygraph order, saying judicial branch personnel attending her “Fuerza Élite” meetings must also take lie-detector tests. Fuel Costs: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments starting next week, with prices expected to rise amid ongoing global energy pressures.

Coffee & Tourism Spotlight: Los Santos producers swept Costa Rica’s Cup of Excellence 2026, with a washed Java from Finca Río Blanco (91.36 points) taking top honors, plus first-place wins in Honey/Natural and Experimental Fermentations. Global Exposure: Costa Rica also landed on the June cover of National Geographic Traveller (UK), featuring Punta Catedral in Manuel Antonio and a “Coast to Coast” feature aimed at boosting European travel interest. Travel Rights: A man removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight over a child-support records error won state compensation (¢713,731), underscoring the need to verify “impedimento de salida” status before flying. Public Security: President Laura Fernández expanded her polygraph order to judicial branch personnel attending her “Fuerza Élite” security meetings. Border Crackdown: Police clashed with alleged illegal gold miners on the northern border near the San Juan River, seizing about 5,000 sacks of material. Food & Daily Life: New data says meat anchors 77% of Costa Rica’s lunches, while ARESEP fuel-rate adjustments are set to hit next week.

Child Support & Travel: A Costa Rica man says he was removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight because of a child-support payment system error, even after a court approved lifting his travel ban—now he’s seeking compensation. How to Check: The Judiciary’s online portal (pj.poder-judicial.go.cr) lets people check whether they have an “Impedimento de Salida,” showing the case file and contact info. Security Overhaul: President Laura Fernández expanded her polygraph order, saying judicial branch staff attending her “Fuerza Élite” security meetings must also take lie-detector tests. Fuel Costs: ARESEP’s new fuel-rate adjustments are set to raise prices next week, tied to RECOPE shipment costs and global oil pressures. Illegal Mining Clash: Police and alleged gold miners clashed on the northern border at Conchuditas hill, with authorities stopping about 5,000 sacks of mining material. Sports Discipline: Costa Rica’s national team dropped players ahead of friendlies with Colombia and England after an alleged shooting-linked incident and discipline concerns.

Child Support Travel Bans: A Costa Rica man says he was removed from a Costa Rica–Mexico flight because of an administrative error tied to a child support “impedimento de salida,” even though the court had approved a temporary lift—meaning the State may have to compensate him. How to Check: The Judiciary’s online portal (pj.poder-judicial.go.cr) lets adults check whether they have an exit restriction and view the case details. Security Oversight: President Laura Fernández expanded her polygraph order, saying judicial branch staff attending her “Fuerza Élite” security meetings must also take lie-detector tests. Illegal Mining Crackdown: Police clashed with alleged illegal gold miners on the northern border at Conchuditas hill, seizing about 5,000 sacks and reporting armed attacks. Fuel Prices: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments tied to RECOPE shipment costs, with prices set to change next week amid Middle East-driven oil market pressure. Food & Tourism: New data says meat protein shows up in 77% of Costa Rican lunches, while La Fortuna Waterfall earned a TripAdvisor “Best of the Best” spot in the top 1% of attractions.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: Costa Rica’s Fuerza Pública clashed with armed illegal gold miners on Conchuditas hill in Cutris de San Carlos, near the San Juan River, after police dismantled a camp and stopped about 5,000 sacks of mining material from being removed; roughly 150 suspects stayed and attacked officers with machetes and tools before police repelled the violence. Fuel Prices: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments tied to RECOPE shipment costs, with the next changes set to hit consumers next week amid Middle East-driven pressure on global energy markets. National Team Discipline: Costa Rica’s federation dropped Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas, and Warren Madrigal from upcoming friendlies against Colombia and England after a shooting incident outside a bar in San José’s Los Yoses. Electricity Market Fight: President Laura Fernández accused opposition lawmakers of “communists” and “vagrants” after they opposed electricity market harmonization, and said she would withdraw the bill rather than escalate. Tourism Spotlight: La Fortuna Waterfall earned TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” honor, placing it in the top 1% of attractions worldwide.

Crime & Justice: A Heredia court sentenced informal taxi driver Alfaro Mena to 30 years in prison for distributing pornographic material to two underage girls, after prosecutors said he used his proximity and daily school trips to exploit the victims. Energy Costs: ARESEP approved new fuel-rate adjustments tied to RECOPE shipment costs, with prices set to rise next week as Middle East instability keeps pressure on global oil markets. National Security & Sports: Costa Rica’s “La Sele” faces fresh disruption ahead of friendlies vs Colombia and England after three players—Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas, and Warren Madrigal—were dropped following a shooting incident in San José’s Los Yoses neighborhood. Tourism Spotlight: La Fortuna Waterfall earned TripAdvisor’s “Best of the Best” honor, placing it in the top 1% of attractions worldwide, with revenues reinvested locally through ADIFORT. Diplomacy: China’s foreign minister told Costa Rican officials in New York that ties serve long-term strategic interests, as both sides reaffirmed cooperation.

National Security & Diplomacy: Costa Rica and Panama agreed to a diplomatic truce and open dialogue to settle trade disputes, mainly in agri-food, with both sides calling for equal conditions. Energy Politics: President Laura Fernández withdrew the electricity harmonization bill from an extraordinary legislative session after opposition lawmakers voted against it, while she also escalated rhetoric by calling critics “communists” and “vagrants.” Public Safety: Health authorities are investigating a Salmonella outbreak linked to a commercial establishment in Ciudad Colón de Mora; 47 people have an epidemiological link, 12 tested positive, and one death is possibly connected. Sports & Discipline: Costa Rica’s national team dropped Alejandro Bran, Kenneth Vargas, and Warren Madrigal ahead of friendlies vs Colombia and England after a shooting incident outside a bar in San José. Tourism Spotlight: La Fortuna Waterfall in San Carlos earned TripAdvisor’s Travellers’ Choice “Best of the Best,” placing it in the top 1% of attractions worldwide. Environment & Economy: Costa Rica’s geologists warn of major gold deposits (including Crucitas) but say illegal mining is draining the region due to limited enforcement.