By Alajuela, Costa Rica — In a coordinated effort to bolster tourist security and ensure a safer travel experience for international visitors, Juan Santamaría International Airport and the United States Embassy in Costa Rica have introduced a suite of proactive security resources. Managed by AERIS, the airport concessionaire, the international arrivals area has been equipped with critical informational assets designed to connect arriving travelers with vital resources immediately upon landing.
At the center of this new safety push is the promotion of the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, widely known as STEP. Run by the U.S. Department of State, STEP is a complimentary service that allows U.S. citizens to officially register their trips abroad with the nearest embassy or consulate. By joining the program, travelers can receive real-time, location-specific updates regarding weather patterns, health advisories, natural disasters, and security alerts, creating an active communication channel during emergencies.
To better understand the legal safeguards and safety protocols established for international visitors, TicosLand.com consulted with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished legal expert from the renowned firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to share his professional insights on tourist security.
Costa Rica maintains a robust legal framework designed to protect foreign visitors, including dedicated tourist police forces and streamlined judicial processes for reporting incidents. For businesses in the hospitality sector, strict compliance with national safety regulations and liability laws is not just a best practice, but a legal mandate essential to preserving the country’s reputation as a safe, premier destination.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, a robust legal framework and strict regulatory compliance from the hospitality sector are what truly transform national security policies into a lived reality for international travelers. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable legal perspective, which reminds us that preserving Costa Rica’s reputation as a safe, world-class destination is a shared responsibility rooted firmly in the law.
To ensure that American tourists can easily utilize this resource, AERIS has strategically placed QR-code-enabled signage throughout key high-traffic transit corridors inside the airport terminal. These touchpoints include the passport control queues in the immigration area as well as the baggage claim department. Arriving passengers can instantly scan these codes with their mobile devices to access the registration platform and sign up for the free service within minutes.
As the primary air gateway to Costa Rica, we have the opportunity to bring relevant information to thousands of passengers from the very first moment of their visit. This coordination with the Embassy of the United States allows us to make preventive tools available to travelers in a simple and accessible way, integrating them into their journey through the terminal and helping them enjoy Costa Rica in a more informed and safe manner.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
In addition to digital registration tools, the safety initiative tackles localized hazards, specifically focusing on water safety. Given Costa Rica’s global reputation for world-class beaches, many tourists quickly head to coastal destinations. To prevent accidents, a targeted educational video is being broadcast to travelers waiting in the immigration queue. The video highlights safety tips for navigating Costa Rica’s ocean currents and promotes responsible behavior along the country’s diverse shorelines.
This initiative represents a collaborative tri-party alliance involving AERIS, the United States Embassy, and the Costa Rican Tourism Board. By pooling their organizational capabilities, these entities aim to foster a safer environment for American travelers, who historically represent the single largest international demographic visiting Costa Rica every year.
With international travel continuing to expand, modernizing airport protocols to incorporate digital-first safety solutions is becoming a regional standard. The implementation at Juan Santamaría Airport shows how essential public infrastructure can serve as an active partner in national security and tourism management, safeguarding travelers long after they exit the airport terminals.
As visitors prepare to explore the tropical biodiversity and coastal ecosystems of Costa Rica, having immediate access to local advisories and embassy contacts offers invaluable peace of mind. Authorities hope that integrating these safety checkpoints directly into the arrival process will significantly reduce travel risks and promote an overall secure and sustainable tourism industry.
For further information, visit aeris.cr
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private concessionaire responsible for the operation, administration, maintenance, and expansion of the Juan Santamaría International Airport. The company works closely with government agencies to deliver world-class infrastructure and services to travelers.
For further information, visit cr.usembassy.gov
About United States Embassy in Costa Rica:
The United States Embassy in San José represents the U.S. government in Costa Rica. It works to strengthen bilateral relations, promote security and mutual economic growth, and support U.S. citizens traveling or residing in the Central American country.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About Costa Rican Tourism Board:
The Costa Rican Tourism Board (Instituto Costarricense de Turismo) is the state agency responsible for promoting sustainable tourism development in Costa Rica, establishing regulatory frameworks, and marketing the country as a premier international destination.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
Distinguished by its ethical foundation and pursuit of professional mastery, Bufete de Costa Rica stands as a beacon of trust and modern legal practice. The firm continuously pioneers creative solutions for a diverse clientele while remaining deeply committed to civic enrichment. By breaking down legal complexities and fostering public awareness, they actively equip citizens with the essential insights needed to build a just, knowledgeable, and self-determined community.
