Forty two new Peace Corps volunteers will work in English Teaching as Foreign Language and Youth Development in Limón, Puntarenas, Alajuela and San José. These volunteers will devote two years of their lives to contribute with Costa Rican growth through their professional experience in linguistic education, psychology, sociology and business administration. Peace Corps has been ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 24 October, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: Tico 36
The U.S. Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is supporting the Judicial Branch of Costa Rica with a special two-year project to strengthen the anti-corruption efforts; create a new internal ethics code, and tools improve anti-corruption training and investigations. As part of this project, representatives from the Costa Rican Judicial Branch of ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 4 October, 2018 | Topics:
Featured Event, News
| Tags: Anti-Corruption, Judicial Branch of Costa Rica, NCSC
A partir de HOY, miércoles 3 de octubre, a las 10:00 a.m., y hasta las 11:00 a.m. del martes 6 de noviembre de este año, está disponible el formulario electrónico para participar en el programa de lotería de visas de diversidad, conocido como lotería de visas, organizado por el Departamento de Estado de Estados Unidos. ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 3 October, 2018 | Topics:
Immigrant Visas, Visas
| Tags: dvlottery, Loteria, Visas
San Jose, September 17th, 2018 The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Inter-American Institute for Cooperation on Agriculture (IICA) are conducting in Costa Rica the Intensive Workshop for Lead Leaders in the Fresh Agriculture Products Safety Norm, where more than 60 professionals from 13 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean participate. The main objective of ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 18 September, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
| Tags: FDA, FMSA, IICA
The White House / Office of the Press Secretary For Immediate Release September 13, 2018 National Hispanic Heritage Month, 2018 By the President of the United States of America A Proclamation During National Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor all American citizens of Hispanic descent and celebrate their rich and vibrant traditions of faith, family, hard work, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 17 September, 2018 | Topics:
Press Releases
| Tags: National Hispanic Heritage Month
San José, September 11th,2018 Today we pay tribute to the more than 3,000 people who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks in New York, Pennsylvania, and Washington D.C, on September 11, 2001. We gather to show the world that we will never forget what happened 17 years ago, the day when the entire world ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 13 September, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
| Tags: Ambassador Sharon Day, September 11
San José, August 20, 2018 The U.S. Embassy has received information about a possible immigration protest today at 4:00 PM in downtown San Jose in the areas of Parque La Merced, Central Park, Plaza de la Democracia, and/or Parque Nacional. The Embassy encourages U.S. citizens to monitor local media for updates. The majority of protests in Costa ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 20 August, 2018 | Topics:
Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, Security & Emergency Messages, Travel & Tourism, U.S. Citizen Services
| Tags: immigration protest
What does a company like Del Monte -based in Costa Rica- need to do to sell its pineapples, bananas and other agricultural products to the United States? The Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) works jointly with companies in Costa Rica to ensure that their agricultural exports destined for the United States comply with U.S. requirements. ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 17 August, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
The United States strongly condemns the ongoing violence in Nicaragua and human rights abuses committed by the Ortega regime in response to protests. After years of fraudulent elections and the regime’s manipulation of Nicaraguan law – as well as the suppression of civil society, opposition parties, and independent media – the Nicaraguan people have taken to ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 30 July, 2018 | Topics:
News, Press Releases
| Tags: HUMAN RIGHTS, Press Release, The White House
The Tico Times July 23, 2018 Peace Corps Volunteer Collin traveled from his site in Talamanca, on Costa Rica’s southern Caribbean coast, all the way to the Northern Zone earlier this year to learn more about the functionality of a recently implemented Bricks to Bread oven. He had so many positive things to say about ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event, Press Releases
| Tags: Talamanca
Global Undergraduate Exchange Program Thanks to the Global Undergraduate Exchange Program (Global UGrad), five students from Costa Rican public universities will study one academic semester at a higher education institution in the United States. They will participate in pre-academic English language training, academic coursework, service learning opportunities, professional development workshops, and cultural enrichment activities; and ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 18 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event, Press Releases
| Tags: Ambassador Sharon Day, Global UGRAD, Global Undergraduate Exchange Program
Peace Corps in Costa Rica Katherine Stanley July 16, 2018 Costa Rican public schools are returning from vacation this week, and many students are still riding high on their successes during June’s educational celebrations. During that month, one of the more active in the Costa Rican academic calendar, Peace Corps Volunteers we see festivals of ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 17 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, English Language Learning, Press Releases
| Tags: English Festival
By Capt. LaDarian Outsey, 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron / Published June 19, 2018 JUAN SANTAMARIA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT, Costa Rica (AFNS) — The 571st Mobility Support Advisory Squadron recently conducted their first-ever mission to the Central American country of Costa Rica. The nine member team, executed a three-week building partnership capacity mission with the air vigilance ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 16 July, 2018 | Topics:
Featured Event, Press Releases, Success Stories
| Tags: Humanitarian
Ambassador Sharon Day Welcome Remarks July 4 Celebration Tuesday, July 3, 6:00 PM President of the Legislative Assembly, Carolina Hidalgo President of the Supreme Court, Carlos Chinchilla Vice President and Minister of Foreign Affairs Epsy Campbell Members of the Diplomatic Corps Representatives of the Government of Costa Rica Ladies and Gentleman Buenas Noches…Bienvenidos todos This ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 10 July, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event, News, Speeches
| Tags: Fourth of July
Location: Nicaragua and its border areas Event: Roadblocks are present throughout Nicaragua, including the border crossings with Costa Rica, making overland travel unpredictable; road travel is even more dangerous after dark, when the likelihood of violence at roadblocks, and other crime, increases. Nicaraguan authorities may deny entry to travelers attempting to cross into Nicaragua via ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 6 July, 2018 | Topics:
Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, Security & Emergency Messages, Travel & Tourism, U.S. Citizen Services
| Tags: Nicaragua and its border areas
Marked by their leadership, academic excellence, and desire to excel, nine distinguished students from San Carlos went to the United States as representatives of Costa Rica through the U.S. Department of State’s Youth Ambassador Program. Each student attends a public high school in San Carlos and participates in the Access English Program, which is an ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 2 July, 2018 | Topics:
English Language Learning, Events, Featured Event
| Tags: Access program, English, Youth Ambassadors
Paniamor Foundation and YouthBuild International have begun an ambitious project to improve employment opportunities for young Costa Ricans by expanding opportunities for work-based training for youth, such as apprenticeships, with a focus on including vulnerable and marginalized youth. This project is funded by a $3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor. The project ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 15 June, 2018 | Topics:
Economic Affairs, Events, Featured Event
| Tags: Employment Opportunities, Epsy Campbel, Paniamor
New trees decorate the gardens of the U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day’s Residency. In commemoration of World Environment Day, Ambassador Day and representatives from the Costa Rican government and environmental organizations planted a tree, and discussed Costa Rica’s current environmental situation and the efforts of each country do to protect Costa Rican and the world’s biodiversity. ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 11 June, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Environment, Featured Event
| Tags: debt-for-nature, Tropical Forest Conservation Act, World Environment Day
Coming to Costa Rica soon? Follow the below tips and exercise caution and good judgment to make your stay a pleasant and safe one. Know Your Environment Costa Rica lies in an active seismic zone; small earthquakes are commonplace and authorities sometime limit access to national parks near active volcanoes for safety. During the rainy ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 29 May, 2018 | Topics:
Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, Security & Emergency Messages, Travel & Tourism, U.S. Citizen Services
| Tags: Beach Safety, Drink Responsibly, Driving and Vehicle Rental, Getting Help from the Embassy, Hospitalization in Costa Rica, Staying Safe, STEP
A group of 17 new Peace Corps volunteers will begin their service in Costa Rica where they will work with communities in Limón, Puntarenas, Alajuela, and San Jose to develop economic opportunities. The group of volunteers, with their varied academic background, will work for two years in the Community Economic Development program, which aims to ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 23 May, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event
| Tags: Tico 35
The U.S. Embassy, in partnership with the Universidad Latina, the Costa Rica Journalists’ Guild and the Freedom of Press and Expression Institute (IPLEX) organized a special program for journalist and journalism students on digital tools for journalists. Expert Sandra Crucianelli was the keynote speaker and shared with the audience a number of useful digital tools ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 17 May, 2018 | Topics:
Press Releases, Public Affairs
Dulce Nombre de Cartago, 16 de mayo de 2018 The U.S. Embassy and the Municipality of Cartago joined efforts to improve the Dulce Nombre multi-purpose track and provide a safe place where community members can practice sports, and enjoy healthy lifestyles. By means of the Bureau of International Antinarcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), the ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 16 May, 2018 | Topics:
Events, Featured Event, News
| Tags: Cartago
Caldera, Puntarenas – April 26th, 2018 As part of the security cooperation with Costa Rica, the United States donated a third Libertador 110 foot cutter. Thanks to this third vessel, Costa Rica is now better prepared to safeguard its territory from narcotrafficking, trafficking in persons, illegal fishing and other illicit activities. It also will be ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: humanitarian support, Libertador 110 foot cutter
Puerto Caldera, Costa Rica After months of training, the crew of the two 110 feet Libertador ships donated by the United States arrived in Caldera in command of the vessels. The 44 officers of the Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service were trained how to operate and maintain the vessels. U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day stated that “even ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: 110 feet Libertador ship
The United States and Costa Rica formalized the donation of four UH-1ST helicopters to the Costa Rican Air Surveillance Agency (SVA) of the Ministry of Public Security. With these helicopters, Costa Rican increases its capability to provide aerial support during maritime operations, as well as to provide direct support to the National Coast Guard Service ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: Costa Rican Air Surveillance Agency
Caldera, Puntarenas – Thursday, April 26, 2018 Remarks by Ambassador Sharon Day Island Class Cutter Commissioning Ceremony Thursday, April 26 | 11:00 AM Buenos días a todos: President Solis, Colonel Arias, Colonel Madrigal, Admiral Michel, Deputy Assistant Secretary Glenn, distinguished guests and — most importantly – The commanding officers and crew of the Libertador Class Cutters. ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
| Tags: Island Class Cutter, Libertador Class Cutters
English teaching and learning The U.S. Embassy signed a memorandum of understanding with the Ministry of Public Education (MEP), committing to work together for four more years in order to strengthen the teaching of English in public schools. The memorandum of understanding includes support for English language development for students, professors and MEP staff with ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 16 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, English Language Learning
| Tags: Ambassador Day, English, MEP, TeachHer
The Costa Rican Coast Guard crew sail for Costa Rica on April 3 aboard the two Libertador vessels that were donated to the Costa Rican government by the United States. The crew having been trained by their U.S. counterparts are now in command of these vessels. Costa Rican Coast Guard officers were in the U.S. ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 5 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, Featured Event
| Tags: Costa Rica Coast Guard, Roman Macaya
Deily Alpízar, Melanie Morales, Isaac Oviedo and mentor Brian Paz will travel to the United States in the upcoming weeks to represent Costa Rica in the Youth Ambassadors Program, a unique experience of youth diplomacy that will give to Latin American students and mentors the opportunity to learn about U.S. culture, society and education. The three students from ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 4 April, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: Access program, Youth Ambassadors Program
Press Release Monday, April 2, 2018 The United States congratulates Carlos Alvarado Quesada on his election as the next President of Costa Rica in free, fair, and peaceful voting that continues to be a model for the region. Our long and enduring partnership with Costa Rica is rooted in a shared history of support for human rights, democracy, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 2 April, 2018 | Topics:
Press Releases
| Tags: Carlos Alvarado, Elections, President of Costa Rica
There have been recent cases of fraud related to the visa fee payment system in which visa applicants found their visa fee receipts were already used and therefore invalid for booking a visa appointment. The Embassy is investigating, and reminds applicants to protect their fee receipt carefully and not share it with anyone. There is ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 27 March, 2018 | Topics:
Alert, Visas
| Tags: Fraud Alert, NIV, Visas
First Central America Regional Forensic Conference Why does the quality of forensic science matter for the criminal justice? What is the value of having an accredited forensics lab? Why is a DNA database useful? These questions among others were addressed at the first Central America Regional Forensic Conference that took place in Costa Rica with ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 23 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: CAPRI, DNA, Forensic Conference, ICITAP
The U.S. Embassy donated disaster relief materials – including mobile hospitals, blankets, stretchers, sleeping bags, and tents — to the Municipality of Desamparados to support improved preparedness in case of natural disasters. The donation is valued at more than $85,000.
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 19 March, 2018 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission
| Tags: Municipalidad de Desamparados, Natural disasters, ODR
TeachHer Seventeen students from the TeachHer Initiative participated in a special science camp encouraging the study of science, technology, engineering, arts/design and mathematics (STEAM careers). This science camp took students to Ad Astra Rocket Lab and the Science Corner – the U.S. Embassy space at EARTH University in Liberia- where they learned about the development, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 16 March, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: Ad Astra, Liberia, TechHer
U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Regional Agricultural Counselor Anita Katial welcomes Prairie View A&M University (PVAMU), Texas Students and Faculty to Costa Rica on Sunday, March 11. Anita Katial provided students with an overview of Costa Rican Agricultural and how USDA works with host nations around the world to further bilateral trade relationships, agricultural capacity building, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 12 March, 2018 | Topics:
Agriculture
| Tags: FAS, Prairie View A&M University, PVAMU, U.S. Department of Agriculture, USDA
Register and request your absentee ballots for all 2018 elections now at
FVAP.gov This year the entire House of Representatives and a third of the U.S. Senate are up for election. Don’t miss your opportunity to vote in your state’s primary election as it will determine who is on the November 2018 general election ballot. To ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 12 March, 2018 | Topics:
Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens
| Tags: FVAP, Primary Elections
2018 AFS-CRUSA Scholarships Emerson González, Geovanny García, Daniela Lai, Ximena Quesada, Amanda Valdez and Diana Mejías will travel in August to study one academic year at a high school in the United States. The six students from the Science High School System were awarded with the AFS-CRUSA scholarship that CRUSA Foundation and AFS Costa Rica, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 27 February, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events
| Tags: AFS Costa Rica, AFS-CRUSA, Science High School System
11 years ago, the American Corner opened its doors to the public. Located in the Limon Public Library, residents have access to free information about the United States through books, compact discs, complimentary access to Internet and cultural events. More than 110,000 people have taken advantage of the didactic resources available in the American Corner, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 22 February, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event, News
| Tags: Ambassador Day, American Corner, Limon
The Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE) and the U.S. Geological Service signed an agreement to evaluate Costa Rican aquifers that will provide Costa Rica with clearer information related to its underground water sources. The agreement entitled “Mapping of the Ground Water Hydric Resource in Costa Rica” will be developed in 14 months and will ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 19 February, 2018 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Events, News
| Tags: Hydric Resource, MINAE, Saud Amer, WATEX
The 44 person Costa Rican Coast Guard crew that has assumed command of two 110 feet cutters donated by the United States are receiving special training from their U.S. counterparts at the U.S. Coast Guard shipyard in Baltimore. The training that begin in January and will end in April will prepare the crew to command, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 14 February, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
| Tags: 1110 feet cutters, Baltimore, Costa Rican National Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard
The Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) donated an all-terrain vehicle to the Costa Rican Border Police for the transportation of materials and supplies. The vehicle, valued in $122,500, supports the surveillance work the Border Police performs while surveying hundreds of kilometers in the borders with Nicaragua and Panama with their 400 ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 7 February, 2018 | Topics:
Featured Event, News
| Tags: International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, Policia de Fronteras
San Jose, January 25th, 2018 The United States donated three armored vehicles to the Government of Costa Rica to strengthen security throughout the country. One vehicle is destined for Fuerza Publica, another for the Special Intervention Unit (UEI), and the third for the Judicial Police (OIJ). The three four-wheel drive vehicles were equipped in the ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 25 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event
| Tags: Fuerza Publica
Baltimore The members of the two crews that will be in charge of the two 1110 feet cutters that the United States donated and already transferred to the Costa Rican National Coast Guard Service already arrived to Baltimore. The 44 Coast Guard officers are in the Baltimore U.S. Coast Guard shipyard for a three-month training ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 24 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
| Tags: 1110 feet cutters, Baltimore, Costa Rican National Coast Guard, U.S. Coast Guard
Perez Zeledon, January 20th, 2018 For two years, 80 students from 12 Perez Zeledon high schools devoted many hours to learning English through the Access English Microscholarship, a U.S. Embassy-sponsored program implemented by the Universidad Nacional. After much hard work, these bright students can now speak and understand English at an intermediate-advanced level. With this ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 23 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, English Language Learning
| Tags: learning, Perez Zeledon, UNA, Universidad Nacional
Yuriana Arnesto will be Costa Rica’s first female helicopter pilot. She is currently participating in the basic course for pilots at the Colombian Armed Forces School of Helicopters, thanks to U.S. Embassy sponsorship and the support of a U.S. Southern Command special program. The course lasts eight months. By March, 2018, Yuriana will return to ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 16 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, News
| Tags: Helicopter, Pilot, SVA, Yuriana Arnesto
Youth Ambassadors Program A total of nine high school students and one English teacher will represent Costa Rica this year in the Youth Ambassadors program. The first group of six students will travel in January during three weeks to the United States, and will visit Washington D.C.; Marquette, Michigan and San Antonio, Texas. A second ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 10 January, 2018 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event, Public Affairs
| Tags: Ambassador Day, San Carlos, Youth Ambassadors
On Wednesday, January 10, 2018, the Department of State will make changes to our safety and security information to make it easier to find, understand, and use. Travel Advisories will replace the formally used Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts. Every country will have a Travel Advisory, which will provide one of four standard levels of advice. The Travel ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 3 January, 2018 | Topics:
Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, Travel & Tourism, U.S. Citizen Services
| Tags: Safety and Security Information, STEP, Travel Advisory
Community College Scholarship Program José Rodolfo Gámez, Génnesis González, Brandon Navarro, Brandon González, Natalie Ulate, Duvan José Ramírez and Jefferson Phillips, graduates from technical high schools, will study Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) careers at community colleges in Orlando, Florida; Reno, Nevada; Appleton, Wisconsin; and Seattle, Washington for two years. The Community College Scholarship ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 18 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event, Public Affairs
| Tags: Ambassador Day, BNC, Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano, CINDE, CRUSA
EARTH University – Graduation 2017 Guacimo, Costa Rica – December 8th, 2017
U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day participated in the graduation of 106 students from EARTH University, a university that has been key in producing future leaders in solving some of the most urgent social and environmental challenges of the world. Since the foundation of the university in 1986, EARTH ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 12 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events
| Tags: Class 2017
ACCESS 2017 San Jose, December 7th, 2017
U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day celebrated the graduation of 121 students from the English Access Microscholarship and CARSI English programs that the U.S. government sponsors and the Binational Center imparts in Costa Rica. After two years of efforts and dedication, these students graduated with an intermediate advanced English proficiency which allows them to ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 7 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, English Language Learning, Events, Public Affairs
| Tags: Centro Cultural Costarricense Norteamericano
10 Costa Rican young entrepreneurs participated in the Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative for five weeks in the United States to foster innovation, trade and investment in the region. U.S. Ambassador Sharon Day met with this group of entrepreneurs to know more about their experiences in the United States and about their companies in ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 7 December, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Featured Event
| Tags: Ambassador Day, YLAI, Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
TeachHer San Jose, November 30th, 2017 The TeachHer program was created to encourage adolescent girls to pursue Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Design, and Math (STEAM) careers one year ago in Costa Rica.
U.S. Ambassador Sharon Da y celebrated 12 months of trainings, workshops and community service projects with approximately 250 students; Costa Rican First Lady Mercedes Penas; Ministry ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 30 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, English Language Learning, Events, News
| Tags: STEAM, TeachHer, UNESCO, Women
Michelle Moya Rodriguez has a gift that she is now formally developing thanks to Girasoles, a project that the U.S. Embassy supports in Santa Cruz, Guanacaste and in Garabito, Puntarenas. “At Girasoles, for the first time, I received a drawing course. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always liked to draw. Only ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 13 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador
| Tags: Ambassador Day, Girasoles, Sunflower, Young Women
More than 1200 students from elementary and secondary schools commit to say NO to drugs. During the 11th Red Ribbon Week in Costa Rica, children and young students from Tamarindo, Guanacaste, learned about the harmful effects of drugs, tobacco and alcohol; how to analyze risks and consequences of their decisions and how to resist group ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 3 November, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events
| Tags: Ambassador Day, DARE, DEA, Kiki Camarena, NO to drugs, Red Ribbon, Tamarindo
Costa Rican Forensics Labs are now internationally accredited thanks to support from the U.S. Embassy’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). Now the labs fulfill the ISO 17020 and 17025 specifications for forensics topics in toxicology, chemical analysis and biochemistry, which represent 60 percent of the tasks that the forensics labs in ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 30 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News, Public Affairs
| Tags: Ambassador Day, Forensics Labs, ISO 17020, ISO 7025, OIJ, Sharon Day
The Fulbright Program is the flagship international educational exchange program sponsored by the U.S. government and is designed to increase mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries. During the celebration of the 71st anniversary of the program, organized by the Costa Rican Fulbright Alumni Association,
Ambassador Day had the ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 30 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
| Tags: Costa Rican Fulbright Alumni Association, Fulbright Program
Due to technical issues with the website
www.dvlottery.state.gov all enrollments made prior to October 18th, 2017 will need to be resubmitted. Therefore, if you registered for the Diversity Visa Lottery before October 18th, 2017, you may submit a new entry through
www.dvlottery.state.gov without fear of disqualification for submitting more than one entry. The current registration period for ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 18 October, 2017 | Topics:
News
| Tags: Diversity Visa Lottery, dvlottery
Sharon Day presents her credentials to President Solís The new U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica Sharon Day presented her credentials to President Solis today and now begins her official duties as the highest ranking representative of the U.S. Government in Costa Rica. In her meeting with President Solis, Ambassador Day reiterated the United States’ commitment ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 5 October, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Press Releases
| Tags: Sharon Day
The Costa Rican Ministry of Health has reported limited local transmission of malaria in Matina Canton in Limón Province, Sarapiquí Canton in Heredia Province, and Pital District in San Carlos Canton in Alajuela Province. Local transmission means that mosquitoes in the area are infected with malaria and spreading it to people. Other than a small ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 September, 2017 | Topics:
Alert, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. & Costa Rica
| Tags: CDC, Malaria, mosquitoes
Friday, September 15, 2017 STATEMENT BY SECRETARY TILLERSON On behalf of the Government of the United States, we congratulate the people of Costa Rica on the196th anniversary of your independence on September 15th. The strength and depth of our countries´ relationship is evident not only in our joint efforts to promote regional prosperity and security, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 15 September, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News, Press Releases, Public Affairs
| Tags: Rex Tillerson
The U.S. Embassy most recently visited Limon where it donated $12,000 worth of tech equipment, participated in the “Dia del Negro” Parade, and met with emerging and established entrepreneurs. Chargé d’Affaires Robin Matthewman reiterated U.S. Embassy support to young students of Limon with a special donation of technological and robotics equipment, a donation that will ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 12 September, 2017 | Topics:
Charge D’Affaires, Events, Public Affairs
| Tags: Chargé d’Affaires, Limon, robotics equipment
San Jose, September 11th, 2017 DCM Robin Matthewman presided over a U.S. Embassy ceremony honoring the victims of the 9/11 terrorist attacks with a minute of silence. Both U.S. and Costa Rican citizens participated in the emotional service. Each remembered like it was yesterday what happened 16 years ago, a day that transformed each of their lives. We will never forget!
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 11 September, 2017 | Topics:
Charge D’Affaires, Events
| Tags: Chargé d’Affaires, September 11
San José- September 11th, 2017 Park Inn Hotel English version Mr. Edgar Gutiérrez, Minister of Environment and Energy Mrs. Lesbia Sevilla, President of the Oversight Committee for the First Debt-for-nature Swap Mrs. Zdenka Piskulich, Director of Costa Rica Por Siempre Friends Good afternoon. It is my great honor to join you on this important occasion, to ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 11 September, 2017 | Topics:
Deputy Chief of Mission, Speeches
Ten very talented Costa Rican entrepreneurs will participate in the State Department-sponsored Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative (YLAI). Among the group, there is a beer maker, a bathing suit producer, and a coffee shop owners, all true reflections of Costa Rica’s entrepreneurial spirit. The YLAI program will take 10 Costa Rican entrepreneurs for five ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 8 September, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Featured Event, Public Affairs
| Tags: Young Leaders of the Americas Initiative
Costa Rica is among the countries that could be part of a new program the U.S. government wants to implement to reduce inspection times for Costa Rican exports at the different U.S. ports of entry. The Offshore Cuttings Pilot Certification is in its initial phases at four Central American country – Costa Rica, Guatemala, El ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 11 August, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News
| Tags: APHIS, Ticoplant, U.S. Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
In July, U.S. Embassy San Jose, Minister of Education Sonia Marta Mora, CRUSA President David Gutierrez and Costa Rican Investment Promotion Agency (CINDE) President Luis Gamboa announced a new scholarship program to send promising Costa Rican students from Costa Rica’s public vocational high schools and public schools with International Baccalaureate programs to study STEAM fields ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 3 August, 2017 | Topics:
News, Public Affairs
| Tags: EducationUSA, scholarships
During a busy July 2-8 visit, pop fusion trio APEX toured Costa Rica through the Department of State’s Arts Envoy Program and reached over 1,000 Costa Ricans through performances and workshops, as well as tens of thousands via the Embassy’s Facebook Live broadcasts and over 50,000 listeners at the leading English radio station, Radio Dos. The opera-trained duo of ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 2 August, 2017 | Topics:
Art & Culture, Culture, Events
| Tags: APEX, Arts Envoy Program, Hospital Mexico, La Carpio
The United States Embassy will donate approximately $ 39,000 (or 22,000,000 colones) to preserve the archaeological site, Finca 6, a World Heritage site consisting of the stone spheres of the Diquís delta in the south of the country, connecting the country to its pre-columbian past. Specifically, the funds will be used by the local conservation ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 1 August, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador's Fund, Events, News
| Tags: Ambassador’s Fund, Diquis, Museo Nacional, Pre-Columbian
Welcome to the Procurement Section at the General Services Office On this page you will be able to find information about solicitations issued by U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica for the acquisition of commodities and/or services.If you or the company you represent would like to participate in the solicitations, or would only like ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 10 July, 2017 | Topics:
Embassy
| Tags: compras, contratos, licitacion, licitaciones, Procurement
UNITED STATES MISSION TO THE UNITED NATIONS Office of Press and Public Diplomacy FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 20, 2017 Statement by Ambassador Nikki R. Haley on World Refugee Day “As a wife and mother, it is hard to imagine the kind of terror that leads to families leaving their homes for the unknown. The Syrian ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 20 June, 2017 | Topics:
Policy
| Tags: World Refugee Day
Yes, we have a brand new website! Have a look around! The new-look website has seven sections representing broad topics that may be of interest to you. The sections are broken down further into sub-categories to assist you in finding specific information. The Seven Sections are:
Visas – For all your Visa needs and questions.
U.S. Citizen Services – ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 27 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
Washington D.C. – March 17, 2017 U.S. Vice President Michael Pence met with Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis at the White House on March 17, 2017. The Vice President praised Costa Rica’s role as key partner of the United States in promoting regional economic prosperity, security, and good governance throughout the hemisphere. The two ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 24 March, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
| Tags: Costa Rica, President Solis, S. Fitzgerald Haney, White House
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) updated its Zika travel guidance on March 10, 2017, recommending that pregnant women not travel to any area where there is a risk of Zika virus infection. For a world map of the Zika-affected areas, please visit CDC’s
interactive map . For more information about travel
guidance for pregnant women , visit the ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 21 March, 2017 | Topics:
Alert, Security & Emergency Messages
54 students from public high schools were granted with a two-year English Access Microscholarship training that allowed them to study English, leadership, community services, environment and multicultural understanding. This group from the Liceo de Poas de Alajuela and the Colegio Tecnico Profesional de Educacion Comercial y de Servicios (Cotepecos) is the sixth generation graduating with ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 24 February, 2017 | Topics:
Events, News
The U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica will be closed for business on Monday, February 20, 2017, in observance of the Presidents’ Day holiday. The Embassy will resume normal operations at its regular schedule on Tuesday, February 21.
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 16 February, 2017 | Topics:
Events, Press Releases
More than 300 teachers participated in the National Conference of English Teachers that this year focused on skills to inspire young English students from the 21st century, topic that was selected to support the new English program for Costa Rican public schools. Several workshops were conducted during the conference; including the ones that Joan Kan ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 7 February, 2017 | Topics:
Education, Events, News, Public Affairs
| Tags: BNC
La Cruz, Guanacaste- February 2, 2017 The International Narcotics and Law Enforcement office gave strategic and economic support to Rahab Foundation and thanks to this support the foundation opened an agency in La Cruz, Guanacaste, where they will take care of cases of trafficking in persons at rural border communities. The total support was for USD ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 2 February, 2017 | Topics:
Charge D’Affaires, Events, News
| Tags: Rahab, trafficking in persons
Alajuela- January 19th, 2017 #GoodNews The U.S. government gave one million dollars to the Ministry of Public Security for the refurbishment, maintenance and spare parts for a King Air F90 plane. The aircraft was seized to drug traffickers and now and thanks to the refurbishment process, the plane collaborates in the fight against drug trafficking, ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 19 January, 2017 | Topics:
Ambassador, Events, News
| Tags: King Air F90 plane, Ministry of Public Security
Carrillo, Guanacaste – November 17, 2016 Every year, Costa Rica celebrates Red Ribbon Week when DEA’s Special Agent Enrique Kiki Camarena, is honored. Mexican drug traffickers murdered Kiki in the 80s, while he was fighting against drug trafficking in the region. This year, 1300 students from 19 schools and high schools from Carrillo, Guanacaste, participated ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 17 November, 2016 | Topics:
Events, News
| Tags: Kiki Camarena, Red Ribbon
Carrillo, Guanacaste – November 17, 2016 The first playground for children called after DEA’s Special Agent, Enrique Kiki Camarena, was inaugurated during the commemoration of Red Ribbon Week in Carrillo, Guanacaste. Thanks to a donation by the U.S. government and the Municipality of Carillo, the Segovia neighborhood now houses a playground with a basketball and ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 17 November, 2016 | Topics:
Events, News
| Tags: Embajada de Estados Unidos, Kiki Camarena, Lazo Rojo
The Consular Section at U.S. Embassy San Jose is pleased to announce a Consular Outreach event in Tamarindo on October 20, 2016. Embassy staff will be available to accept adult passport renewals, perform notarial services, and answer your quesions. WHEN: Thursday, October 20, 2016, 9:00 a.m. -11:00 a.m.; Embassy Town Hall at 11:00 a.m. WHERE: ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 20 October, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens in Costa Rica that recent ashfall from Turrialba Volcano has caused a temporary interruption of service to and from Juan Santamaria Airport in San Jose (SJO) and Tobías Bolaños Airport in Pavas. The Embassy advises U.S.-bound travelers to avoid going in person to the airport if they do not ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 20 September, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
Be an Active Voter by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2016 U.S. elections and participating in Absentee Voting Week! In many states, the voter registration deadline for the November 2016 elections is October 10. For some voters this might mean their paper voter registration and absentee ballot request must reach their local ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 20 September, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
San José, September 12, 2016 Vice President Chacón and distinguished guests. Good morning! It is my pleasure to welcome you to this first-ever LGBTI Trade Mission Summit in Costa Rica. Thank you Julio César Calvo for your kind invitation and your vital work since founding Costa Rica’s Diversity Chamber in early 2015, which led us to ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 12 September, 2016 | Topics:
Former U.S. Ambassadors
The Consular Section at U.S. Embassy San Jose is pleased to announce a Consular Outreach event in Puerto Viejo next month. Embassy staff will be available to accept adult passport renewals, perform notarial services, and answer your questions. WHEN: Thursday, September 1, 1:30-3:00 PM; Embassy Town Hall at 4:30. WHERE: La Costa de Papito Restaurant ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 1 September, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
August 22, 2016 The White House Office of the Vice President For Immediate Release The President attended a meeting today between the Vice President and President Luis Guillermo Solis of Costa Rica at the White House to discuss the overall situation in Central America and new steps to improve security and governance and protect vulnerable ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 22 August, 2016 | Topics:
Press Releases
August 22, 2016 President Obama and Vice President Biden meet with President Solís at the White House The United States and Costa Rica are longstanding close operational and strategic partners in an impressive range of security cooperation activities. We view our support as part of a holistic partnership with the country and its security forces. ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 22 August, 2016 | Topics:
Ambassador, News, Press Releases
| Tags: Presidente Solis, Security
The U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, informs U.S. citizens of a nationwide taxi driver strike against the Uber service to take place starting at 5:00 AM on Tuesday, August 9, 2016. Current information suggests more than 13,000 demonstrators will participate across Costa Rica, with at least 7,000 individuals participating in the San Jose ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 9 August, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
San Jose – July 26, 2016 The Government of Costa Rica has announced that they have agreed to enter into a protection transfer arrangement (PTA) with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to help address this regional migration challenge. Through coordination with UNHCR and IOM, the United ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 July, 2016 | Topics:
News
| Tags: Public Outreach
July 26, 2016 The Government of Costa Rica has announced that they have agreed to enter into a protection transfer arrangement (PTA) with the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to help address this regional migration challenge. Through coordination with UNHCR and IOM, the United States government will ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 July, 2016 | Topics:
Events, News
| Tags: HUMAN RIGHTS, IOM, Refugees, UNESCO, UNHCR
The Consular Section at U.S. Embassy San Jose is pleased to announce a Consular Outreach event in Quepos later this month. Embassy staff will be available to accept adult passport renewals, perform notarial services, and answer your quesions. WHEN: Thursday, June 23, 10:00-12:00; Embassy Town Hall at 12:30. WHERE: Marina Pez Vela Meeting Room (Quepos) RSVP: ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 23 June, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The Consular Section of U.S. Embassy San José is pleased to announce an upcoming Consular Outreach event in Perez Zeledon. Embassy staff will be available to accept adult passport renewals and to perform notarial services. WHERE: Hotel Zima, 200 meters North, 100 meters East of McDonald’s San Isidro, Perez Zeledon (2770-1114) WHEN: Monday, April 25, 2016 – ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 25 April, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, informs U.S. citizens that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a travel notice for Costa Rica
regarding the Zika virus . There is evidence that Zika is linked to birth defects in the fetuses of infected pregnant women and Guillain-Barré syndrome in infected individuals of any age ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 19 February, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, informs U.S. citizens of a scheduled protest which will take place on Thursday, February 18, 2016, beginning between 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. The protest will start near La Sabana park in front of the National Gymnasium (at the end of Route 27). According to Costa Rican Government ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 18 February, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica informs U.S. citizens that the Center for Disease Control (CDC) is upgrading its
advisories regarding the Zika Virus . For general information about Zika, please visit the
CDC website . To obtain Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (
CDC ) travel notices, call the
CDC at 1-800-
CDC -INFO (1-800-232-4636) from within the United States, or 1-404-639-3534 from ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 10 February, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
Your vote counts! Did you know that many U.S. elections for house and senate have been decided by a margin smaller than the number of ballots cast by absentee voters? All states are required to count every absentee ballot as long as it is valid and reaches local election officials by the absentee ballot receipt ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 28 January, 2016 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The Embassy has been notified that on Sunday, November 8th at approximately 9:30 p.m. several apartments in a building housing several expatriates from the United States and Canada were forcibly entered and burglarized by two armed individuals. Two assailants, reportedly wearing dark clothes and masks and armed with pistols, entered the residential compound by way ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 8 November, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The Embassy has been notified that on Sunday, November 8th at approximately 9:30 p.m. several apartments in a building housing several expatriates from the United States and Canada were forcibly entered and burglarized by two armed individuals. Two assailants, reportedly wearing dark clothes and masks and armed with pistols, entered the residential compound by way ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 8 November, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
This message is to alert U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Costa Rica to a small but increasing trend of daytime targeted shootings and other violent criminal acts. While expatriate U.S. citizens were not targeted in the recent shootings, they have previously been the victims of opportunistic crimes. These attacks reflect a rise in the ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 4 November, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
San José, Friday October 9, 2015 Good afternoon distinguished speakers and guests, ladies and gentlemen. I am honored and grateful to be able to join you today. I wish I could say we are all here to celebrate our success, that we have made significant progress toward protecting our journalists and independent media. Of ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 9 October, 2015 | Topics:
Ambassador, Speeches
| Tags: Haney
The U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, informs U.S. citizens that on Thursday, September 3, the Costa Rican National Emergency Commission and the San Jose Municipal Emergency Committee will stage a citywide earthquake simulation in downtown San Jose. The simulation is scheduled to begin at 10:00 a.m. and conclude at 11:00 a.m. The simulation ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 3 September, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, informs U.S. citizens of a series of scheduled protests which will take place tomorrow, Thursday, August 20, 2015, in San José and other locations throughout Costa Rica. In central San José, an estimated 10,000 individuals are expected to participate in a demonstration organized by the Union of ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 20 August, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The Consular Section at U.S. Embassy San Jose is pleased to announce a Consular Outreach event in San Ramon later this month. Embassy staff will be available to accept adult passport renewals and to perform notarial services. WHEN: Thursday, June 25, 2015 11:30-12:30 and 2:00-3:00 WHERE: COOPENAE Bank, San Ramon de Alajuela (50 meters north ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 25 July, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy in San Jose alerts U.S. citizens living or traveling in Costa Rica of heavy rain and flooding in the Limon Province and in the areas of Sarapiqui and Turrialba. At this time Route 32 (San Jose – Limon) and Route 4 (Rio Frio to Puerto Viejo) as well as other roads in ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 28 June, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
The U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, informs U.S. citizens of a scheduled protest which will take place on Wednesday, June 10, 2015 in San José beginning at approximately 6:00 a.m. San Jose taxi drivers are expected to stage a protest that may affect commuters in the San Jose area during the morning rush hour. ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 10 June, 2015 | Topics:
Security & Emergency Messages
Washington, D.C. -February 20, 2015 REMARKS WITH COSTA RICAN MINISTER MANUEL GONZALEZ John Kerry Secretary of State SECRETARY KERRY: Good afternoon, folks. I’m really happy to welcome to Washington the foreign minister of Costa Rica, Gonzalez Sanz, who is a good partner with the United States. Costa Rica has been doing a great deal on ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 20 February, 2015 | Topics:
Former U.S. Government Leaders
| Tags: John Kerry
The U.S. Embassy donated 19 canines and four vehicles to the Costa Rican Penitentiary Police as part of the strengthening of this police corps as part of our bilateral assistance program. The donated dogs are Golden Retrievers, Belgium Mallinois and German Shepherds, trained in the Colombian School for dogs of the National Colombian Police. The ...
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 10 November, 2014 | Topics:
Public Affairs
