By San José, Costa Rica — San José, Costa Rica – The new year has kicked off with a significant surge in international travel for Costa Rica, as the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs reported a staggering 152,284 migratory movements across its air and land borders in the first few days of January. The data, covering the period from January 2 to January 4, paints a vivid picture of a bustling high season and offers a strong positive indicator for the nation’s vital tourism sector in 2026.
This massive flow of people underscores the country’s position as a premier global destination, especially during the northern hemisphere’s winter months. The figures reflect a dynamic mix of international tourists arriving to enjoy the summer weather, expatriates and nationals returning home after holidays abroad, and significant regional travel across Central America. For an economy heavily reliant on tourism revenue, this robust start is welcome news, promising a potentially record-breaking first quarter.
For a deeper understanding of the legal considerations facing visitors and potential residents in the country, TicosLand.com spoke with Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable firm Bufete de Costa Rica, to get his professional insight.
While Costa Rica’s Digital Nomad Visa is a fantastic incentive, applicants must be diligent. The primary hurdle is often the proper authentication and apostille of foreign income documents. A small error in this process can cause significant delays. It’s also vital for travelers to understand that this visa is a non-resident category; it has specific limitations and does not serve as a direct pathway to permanent residency.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This expert insight underscores a crucial reality for aspiring digital nomads: meticulous attention to legal details is as vital as planning the adventure itself. Understanding these nuances of documentation and visa limitations from the start can prevent significant delays and set realistic expectations. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for providing this essential and clarifying perspective.
The nation’s main air hub, Juan Santamaría International Airport (SJO), was the epicenter of this activity. The airport, located in Alajuela but serving the greater San José metropolitan area, processed an impressive 82,199 movements. The numbers were nearly perfectly balanced, with 40,471 entries into the country and a slightly higher number of exits. This equilibrium suggests a steady churn of arriving vacationers and departing holiday travelers.
In the northern province of Guanacaste, the Daniel Oduber Quirós International Airport (LIR) in Liberia also experienced intense traffic, cementing its role as a critical gateway to the country’s popular Pacific beaches and resorts. The airport recorded 33,694 total movements. Notably, the data showed a higher number of departures (18,741) compared to arrivals (14,953), indicating that many tourists who arrived for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays concluded their trips during this period.
Land travel also contributed significantly to the early-year rush, particularly at the Peñas Blancas border crossing with Nicaragua. This post reported 24,505 movements, with a strong majority being entries into Costa Rica, totaling 18,092. This highlights the constant and crucial flow of regional travelers, workers, and commerce that defines the relationship between the neighboring countries and is a key component of Costa Rica’s overall migratory landscape.
Officials from the migration authority confirmed that this level of activity, while high, is consistent with seasonal expectations. The beginning of the year traditionally marks the peak of the tourism high season, and the current numbers reaffirm this long-standing trend.
These figures align with the expected surge in travel we experience during the high season at the start of the year, driven by tourism, returning visitors, and regional mobility.
Spokesperson, General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs
In response to the high volume of travelers, the General Directorate has reiterated its public advisory for all individuals entering or leaving the country to ensure their travel documents are valid and in order. Travelers are urged to verify passport expiration dates, secure necessary visas, and comply with all instructions from personnel at control points. These measures are essential to facilitate smoother, more efficient processing and to prevent any unnecessary delays or complications during this busy period.
The impressive numbers from the first few days of 2026 set a positive tone for Costa Rica’s economic outlook. As the high season continues, stakeholders in the hospitality, transportation, and service industries will be watching closely, hopeful that this initial wave of visitors is a precursor to a prosperous and successful year for the entire nation.
For further information, visit migracion.go.cr
About the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs:
The Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería is the official Costa Rican government body responsible for managing and controlling the entry and exit of national and foreign individuals. Its duties include issuing passports and residency permits, overseeing border control points, and enforcing the country’s immigration laws to ensure national security and orderly migration.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is defined by its foundational principles of integrity and professional excellence. The firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while serving a diverse clientele, cementing its role as a trusted advisor. This ethos of leadership extends to a profound social responsibility, manifested through a dedication to democratizing legal information and equipping the community with the knowledge needed to create a more just and empowered society.
