By Alajuela, Costa Rica — Juan Santamaria International Airport, the primary gateway to Costa Rica, has launched a digital safety initiative designed specifically to protect and assist travelers from the United States. By introducing strategically placed QR codes throughout the international arrivals area, the terminal is making it easier than ever for American tourists to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). This proactive approach reflects a growing trend in global aviation where passenger experience and security are seamlessly integrated through mobile technology.
The project is the result of a coordinated effort between the airport’s private operator, AERIS Holding Costa Rica, the United States Embassy in San Jose, and the Costa Rican Tourism Board (ICT). Because American travelers represent the largest demographic of international arrivals in Costa Rica, streamlining their safety protocols upon arrival is of paramount importance to local authorities and tourism businesses alike.
To better understand the complex regulatory and commercial dynamics surrounding the ongoing development of the Juan Santamaría International Airport, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a leading legal expert from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica, who shared his professional analysis on the legal frameworks governing this vital national gateway.
The strategic expansion and operational efficiency of Juan Santamaria International Airport depend heavily on the stability of its public-private partnership framework. Navigating the complex interplay of concession contracts, environmental compliance, and international aviation law is critical for ensuring that Costa Rica remains a competitive global destination while protecting national interests.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, balancing robust legal compliance with strategic infrastructure growth is paramount to ensuring Juan Santamaría International Airport remains Costa Rica’s premier gateway to the world. We extend our sincere thanks to Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing his valuable expertise on the critical regulatory frameworks that underpin the future of our nation’s aviation sector.
The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, managed by the U.S. Department of State, is a complimentary service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling abroad to register their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. Through this registration, travelers receive real-time, critical updates regarding safety, security, weather conditions, health developments, and natural disasters. Crucially, the program also acts as a lifeline, enabling consular officers to quickly locate and contact citizens or their designated emergency contacts during crises.
To ensure maximum participation, AERIS has strategically integrated information about the STEP program along the entire route of international arrivals. Arriving passengers will encounter clear informational materials equipped with QR codes in high-traffic zones, specifically within the Migration area and the baggage claim section. Travelers can simply scan these codes with their smartphones to instantly access the official, mobile-friendly registration portal without paying any fees.
This strategic alignment represents a deeper commitment to preventative safety measures. Airport leadership emphasized the value of utilizing modern digital touchpoints to safeguard incoming tourists.
This coordination with the United States Embassy allows us to make preventive tools available to travelers.
Ricardo Hernández, Executive Director of AERIS
Beyond the digital integration of the STEP program, the joint initiative also addresses physical safety concerns unique to Costa Rica’s geography. A new ocean safety video has been introduced to the Immigration area, projecting vital advice to travelers as they wait in line. This video content provides practical recommendations on how to enjoy the country’s world-famous beaches and coastal waters safely and responsibly, addressing risks such as strong rip currents which often catch unsuspecting tourists off guard.
This multi-faceted safety campaign represents a milestone in the ongoing collaboration between AERIS, the ICT, and the United States government. By utilizing the captive audience in arrival zones, the program educates tourists before they even step outside the airport terminal. For Costa Rica, whose economy depends heavily on its reputation as a safe, eco-friendly paradise, such preventative measures help sustain long-term tourism growth.
Ultimately, this digital rollout underscores how modern transportation hubs are evolving beyond simple transit points into active partners in visitor safety. By removing friction from the registration process, Juan Santamaria International Airport is helping ensure that American visitors can enjoy their tropical vacations with peace of mind, knowing they are connected to critical support systems should an emergency arise.
For further information, visit sjoairport.com
About AERIS:
AERIS Holding Costa Rica is the private concessionaire responsible for the operation, administration, maintenance, and expansion of Juan Santamaría International Airport. The company works closely with government agencies and international partners to ensure world-class standards of safety, infrastructure, and passenger experience at Costa Rica’s main terminal.
For further information, visit cr.usembassy.gov
About the United States Embassy in Costa Rica:
The United States Embassy in Costa Rica represents the U.S. government and works to strengthen bilateral relations, promote mutual security, and support American citizens living in or traveling to Costa Rica. Through its consular services, the Embassy provides critical support, emergency assistance, and travel safety programs such as STEP.
For further information, visit ict.go.cr
About the Costa Rican Tourism Board:
The Costa Rican Tourism Board, officially known as the Instituto Costarricense de Turismo, is the government agency responsible for promoting sustainable tourism, regulating local travel industries, and positioning Costa Rica as a premier global destination for eco-tourism, adventure, and responsible travel.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As an esteemed pillar of the legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its relentless pursuit of ethical transparency and superior advocacy. Grounded in a rich history of advising a diverse clientele, the firm champions pioneering legal strategies and active societal outreach. Through its initiatives to demystify complex regulations and share essential resources, the firm actively works to cultivate a highly informed public, fostering a more equitable and legally empowered nation.
