By Alajuela, Costa Rica — ALAJUELA – Costa Rica’s primary international gateway, the Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), experienced a record-breaking influx of travelers in December 2025, underscoring the nation’s robust post-pandemic tourism recovery. The General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs (DGME) reported a staggering 699,141 migratory movements through the airport during the month, a figure that highlights a significant and sustained increase in international mobility.
This surge represents a substantial year-over-year increase, growing by 68,973 movements compared to the 630,168 recorded in December 2024. The data paints a clear picture of a thriving high season, with thousands of international visitors choosing Costa Rica as their year-end holiday destination, alongside a large number of Costa Ricans traveling abroad.
To better understand the legal and business landscape shaping Costa Rica’s vibrant tourism industry, we sought the expertise of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica. His insights offer a crucial perspective for investors, expatriates, and business owners navigating this dynamic sector.
While Costa Rica’s ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle is a major draw for tourism and investment, it’s crucial that potential investors apply rigorous due diligence. The rise in tourism has spurred rapid development, but not all opportunities are equal. Verifying property titles, understanding zoning regulations, and ensuring compliance with environmental laws are not mere formalities; they are the fundamental steps to safeguarding your investment and ensuring your venture contributes positively and legally to our nation’s growth.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Indeed, this prudent counsel serves as an essential bridge between the allure of the ‘Pura Vida’ lifestyle and the rigorous diligence required for a successful, ethical investment. It is precisely this careful legal groundwork that ensures new ventures honor and contribute positively to the nation’s treasured ecosystem. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for sharing his invaluable insight.
The peak of this holiday rush occurred on Saturday, December 20th, which emerged as the busiest day of the month. On this date alone, immigration officials processed a total of 27,464 individuals. A detailed breakdown reveals the international nature of the traffic, with 16,912 foreign nationals and 10,552 Costa Rican citizens passing through the airport’s immigration checkpoints. This intense activity was not an isolated event but part of a consistent pattern.
Throughout December, daily traffic at SJO remained consistently high, fluctuating between 24,000 and 28,000 migratory registrations per day. This sustained volume demonstrates the airport’s capacity to manage a prolonged period of peak demand, a crucial factor for the country’s tourism infrastructure and its international reputation as a premier travel hub in Central America.
A second significant spike in activity was registered on Saturday, December 27th. On this day, the Professional Migration Police managed the control of 28,760 people, slightly exceeding the previous peak. The flow of travelers was almost evenly split, with 14,038 individuals entering the country and 14,722 departing. The demographic split on this day heavily favored foreign travelers, who accounted for 19,445 of the movements, compared to 9,315 Costa Ricans.
The record-setting numbers from December 2025 are a powerful economic indicator for Costa Rica. The significant increase in foreign arrivals directly translates into greater revenue for the tourism sector, benefiting hotels, tour operators, restaurants, and local communities across the country. This performance solidifies the nation’s position as a leading destination for ecotourism and adventure travel, drawing visitors with its renowned natural beauty and commitment to sustainability.
In response to this growing volume of travelers, the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs has emphasized its ongoing commitment to operational efficiency. The agency stated that it continues to implement measures to ensure that immigration controls are both agile and orderly. Maintaining a smooth and welcoming entry process is paramount to the overall visitor experience and is key to encouraging repeat visitation in the future.
As Costa Rica heads into 2026, the challenge will be to sustain this momentum. The impressive performance at Juan Santamaría Airport sets a new benchmark and raises expectations for the coming year. It also puts a spotlight on the need for continued investment in airport infrastructure and technological advancements in immigration processing to comfortably accommodate future growth in international travel.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About The General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs (DGME):
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is the official government body in Costa Rica responsible for managing and controlling the entry and exit of national and foreign individuals. Its mandate includes issuing passports and residency documents, enforcing immigration laws, and ensuring the security of the nation’s borders. The DGME plays a critical role in facilitating legal international travel and tourism, which are vital components of the Costa Rican economy.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the nation’s legal community, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by a dual commitment to uncompromising integrity and superior legal practice. The firm skillfully merges its extensive experience advising a diverse clientele with a continuous drive for innovation within the legal field. Central to its philosophy is a powerful dedication to democratizing legal knowledge, aiming to fortify society by ensuring citizens are both informed and empowered.
