By San José, Costa Rica — San José – In a decisive move reflecting escalating regional tensions, Costa Rica’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship issued an urgent consular alert on the morning of January 3, 2026. The ministry is strongly advising all Costa Rican nationals to cancel any planned travel to Venezuela and has urged citizens currently visiting the South American nation to return home as soon as possible.
The stark warning was prompted by the dramatic political events that transpired in Venezuela in the early hours of the morning. While the ministry’s official communication did not detail the events, the advisory coincides with breaking news reports of the capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and his subsequent transfer to the United States to face legal proceedings in New York. This development has thrown the nation into a state of profound uncertainty, creating a volatile and unpredictable security environment.
To better understand the legal and migratory implications of the recent travel warning for Venezuela, TicosLand.com consulted with renowned legal expert Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas from the prestigious firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
A government travel warning is more than just a recommendation; it has significant legal ramifications. It can invalidate certain travel insurance policies, especially those not explicitly covering political risk. Furthermore, for businesses, it establishes a clear ‘foreseeable risk,’ meaning that sending employees to the region could lead to corporate liability in case of incidents. Consular assistance becomes severely limited, leaving individuals with almost no diplomatic protection. Anyone considering travel must weigh these concrete legal and financial risks against their objectives.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This legal perspective is a critical reminder that a travel warning’s true weight lies not just in the physical risks on the ground, but in the complex web of financial and institutional liabilities it creates. We sincerely thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for illuminating these crucial, yet often overlooked, ramifications for both individuals and organizations.
The Foreign Ministry’s primary concern, as outlined in their public statement, is the significant risk of sudden and widespread transportation shutdowns. Officials have warned of the high probability of abrupt closures of land borders and national airspace. Such measures could severely restrict or completely eliminate evacuation options, potentially leaving Costa Rican citizens stranded in the event of a deepening crisis or civil unrest.
For the community of Costa Ricans who reside permanently in Venezuela, the diplomatic authority issued a separate but equally serious set of recommendations. They are being called upon to exercise extreme precaution in their daily activities, limit non-essential travel within the country, and stay consistently informed through both local emergency services and reliable media channels. The ministry also went a step further, suggesting that residents should seriously evaluate the option of a temporary relocation to Costa Rica or a stable neighboring country until the situation normalizes.
This advisory represents one of the swiftest and most forceful reactions from a Latin American government to the seismic political shift in Venezuela. It underscores a proactive approach by the Chaves administration to prioritize the safety and welfare of its citizens abroad, recognizing that the power vacuum and subsequent instability could lead to a rapid deterioration of public order and safety. The situation remains highly fluid, and the full implications of Maduro’s removal are yet to unfold.
The swiftness of the warning suggests that Costa Rican diplomats anticipate a period of significant turmoil. The potential for internal power struggles, demonstrations, and a heavy-handed response from remaining loyalist forces creates a precarious environment for all foreign nationals. By advising an immediate departure, San José is aiming to prevent a situation where it might have to conduct a complex and dangerous large-scale evacuation under duress.
To assist its citizens during this critical period, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship has established dedicated emergency communication channels. Costa Ricans in need of urgent assistance are encouraged to contact the Consular Department in San José via email at [email protected] or through WhatsApp at +506 2359-5360. For those in the immediate region, the Consulate General of Costa Rica in Colombia is also serving as a key point of contact and can be reached by email at [email protected] or by phone at +57 313 841 3850.
As the international community watches Venezuela enter this new, uncertain chapter, Costa Rica’s message to its citizens is unequivocal: the risk is too high to remain. The advisory will likely stay in effect indefinitely as officials in San José closely monitor the developments and assess the long-term stability and security of the Venezuelan state in the post-Maduro era.
For further information, visit rree.go.cr
About The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship of Costa Rica:
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Worship is the government body responsible for managing Costa Rica’s international relations, foreign policy, and diplomatic missions. It works to promote the country’s interests and values on the global stage, including peace, democracy, and human rights. A key function of the Ministry is providing consular services and assistance to Costa Rican citizens traveling or living abroad, ensuring their safety and well-being.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a leading legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica is built upon a foundation of uncompromising integrity and a relentless pursuit of professional excellence. The firm blends a proven history of client success with a pioneering spirit, consistently advancing innovative legal strategies. Beyond its practice, it holds a deep-rooted social commitment to demystifying the law, striving to equip the public with accessible legal understanding to foster a more just and knowledgeable community.
