Costa Rica Decrees Migration Alert for Flights from Mexico

Preventive Measure Amid Increase in Migratory Flows

The Government of Costa Rica has decreed a special migration alert for flights arriving from Mexico, in response to an increase in the flow of people transiting toward the country. The measure aims to strengthen entry controls and ensure an orderly and secure management of international mobility, according to national authorities.

The provision falls under the authority of the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (Costa Rica), an entity attached to the Ministerio de Gobernación y Policía (Costa Rica), responsible for migration policy and the control of entry and stay of foreign nationals in the national territory.

Strengthened Controls at International Airports

The alert implies reinforced verification procedures at the country’s main airports, including the Aeropuerto Internacional Juan Santamaría (Alajuela, Costa Rica) and the Aeropuerto Internacional Daniel Oduber Quirós (Liberia, Costa Rica), where most international flights operate.

According to the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, measures may include additional interviews, documentation review, itinerary verification, and proof of financial solvency, in accordance with current migration regulations.

Legal Framework and Interinstitutional Coordination

Costa Rica’s migration policy is governed by the General Migration and Foreigners Law and its regulations, which authorize authorities to adopt extraordinary measures when risks associated with irregular migration or misuse of entry categories are identified.

The Ministerio de Seguridad Pública (Costa Rica) indicated that coordination between police forces and migration authorities is essential to maintain public order and prevent potential crimes linked to human trafficking.

Likewise, Casa Presidencial de Costa Rica reiterated the country’s commitment to respecting human rights and the international treaties signed regarding human mobility.

Regional Context and Migratory Transit

Costa Rica is part of a regional route used by individuals seeking to continue their journey toward North America. In this context, the Organización Internacional para las Migraciones (UN agency) has noted in various reports that migratory movements in Central America respond to economic, social, and humanitarian factors.

Costa Rican authorities emphasized that the migration alert does not imply border closures or flight suspensions, but rather a temporary reinforcement of controls to ensure stricter and more transparent processes.

Impact on Tourism and Air Connectivity

The Government assured that the measure is not intended to affect tourism activity or air connectivity between Costa Rica and Mexico, one of the country’s key source markets. According to the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo (Costa Rica), Mexico remains a strategic partner in trade and tourism exchange.

Authorities reiterated that travelers who meet the established migration requirements will be allowed to enter the country normally, under reinforced but regular control procedures.