Demonstration Alert – U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica November 21, 2023 Location: Near the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, on Via 104 near Plaza del Oeste in the Pavas neighborhood. Event(s): A demonstration is expected to take place at 9:30 a.m. on Tuesday, November 21 near the U.S. Embassy in San Jose, Costa …
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By ramirezej | 20 November, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Demonstration Alert, demonstrations, STEP
Security Alert – U. S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica (August 15, 2023) Location: Locations throughout Costa Rica. See link to map below. Event: There is no change to the Travel Advisory level for Costa Rica, which remains at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution. In addition, the U.S. Embassy advises U.S. citizens that it has established …
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By ramirezej | 17 August, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: 911, Areas of Increased Caution, CRIME IN COSTA RICA, Emergency Services at 911, Message for U.S. Citizens, OIJ, Organismo de Investigacion Judicial, safety, Security Alert, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP
Stay up to date on key topics important to the U.S. citizen community in Costa Rica Introducing the U.S. Citizen Services Navigator: Need to contact the U.S. Embassy? Please use our U.S. Citizens Services Navigator to schedule an appointment or contact us. This is the most efficient and fastest way to reach the American Citizen Services unit Beach …
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By ramirezej | 1 August, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: ADULT PASSPORT RENEWALS, Beach Safety, Crime and Security, Interested in Serving as a Citizen Liaison Volunteer?, Screwworm Outbreak Puts Dogs at Risk, Voting Abroad
Location: Countrywide Event: During the last six weeks, three adults have had fatal infections with Rickettsiosis rickettsii disease in areas just east and south of San Jose in Cartago and Aserri. Rickettsiosis rickettsii, also called Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF), is transmitted by ticks. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that severe illness is …
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By ramirezej | 31 July, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Aserri, Cartago, CDC, DEET, DEET is an effective tick repellent, disease, EPA, pets’ tick protection, Rickettsiosis rickettsii, RMSF, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, south of San Jose, ticks
U.S. Embassy San Jose June 12, 2023 The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the Hurricane Season which lasts through November 2023. Hurricane Season in the Atlantic began June 1 and runs through November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center expects the 2023 season to be near-normal or average. NOAA predicts that the 2023 Atlantic hurricane season will …
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By ramirezej | 13 June, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: FEMA, Hurricane Season 2023, NOAA, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP, storms
Location: Countrywide Event: There have been reports of an increase in the number of Malaria cases in Costa Rica. Though these cases have been reported primarily in the Caribbean province of Limon, there is an increased risk anywhere in Costa Rican, especially in coastal or low-lying zones. Malaria is a mosquito-borne disease caused by a …
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By ramirezej | 13 April, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Caribbean province of Limon, CDC, Malaria
Stay up to date on key topics important to the U.S. citizen community in Costa Rica Hurricane Season Begins June 1st: As we approach the upcoming hurricane season, it is important to take necessary precautions to ensure your safety and well-being. Hurricanes are not just a coastal problem. Impacts from wind and water can be …
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By ramirezej | 4 April, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services
Security Alert: U.S. Embassy, San Jose, Costa Rica (March 1, 2023) Location: San Jose and generally in Costa Rica. Event: The U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica advises U.S. citizens of increasing levels of crime, particularly violent crime, in Costa Rica and specifically San Jose. For this reason, the Embassy would like to remind you of …
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By ramirezej | 2 March, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: 911, CRIME IN COSTA RICA, Emergency Services at 911, Message for U.S. Citizens, OIJ, Organismo de Investigacion Judicial, safety, Security Alert, Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP
The Embassy has received increased reporting of road rage incidents in the metropolitan San Jose area. The U.S. National Highway Transportation Safety Administration defines road rage as “anassault precipitated by an incident that occurred on a roadway.” These assaults can take the form of aggressive driving with the intent to cause harm or fear, verbal …
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By ramirezej | 1 February, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Press Releases, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: American Citizens Services, Avoiding Road Rage, Message for U.S. Citizens
Important Message to Social Security Beneficiaries in Costa Rica The U.S. Embassy in San Jose is sharing important information from the Federal Benefits Unit for beneficiaries of Social Security. If you receive Social Security benefits and live in Costa Rica, you may need to contact the Embassy’s Federal Benefits Unit to continue receiving benefits. In addition …
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By ramirezej | 30 January, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Press Releases, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: benefits suspended, Federal Benefits Unit, Social Security beneficiaries, SSA-7161, SSA-7162
If you receive Social Security benefits and live in Costa Rica, you may need to contact the embassy’s Federal Benefits Unit to continue receiving benefits. The Social Security Administration resumed mailing Foreign Enforcement Questionnaires [forms SSA-7161 (Pdf – 74 KB) and SSA-7162 (Pdf – 59 KB)] in late June 2022. Forms were mailed to individuals whose last two …
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By ramirezej | 27 January, 2023 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Press Releases, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: benefits suspended, Federal Benefits Unit, Social Security beneficiaries, SSA-7161, SSA-7162
Stay up to date on key topics important to the U.S. citizen community in Costa Rica HAPPY HOLIDAYS – The U.S. Embassy wishes you and your family a Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year! HELP YOUR FELLOW U.S. CITIZENS – Become a Citizen Liaison Volunteer A Citizen Liaison Volunteer (CLV) is a key component …
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By ramirezej | 8 December, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: ADULT PASSPORT RENEWALS, Beach Safety, Citizen Liaison Volunteer (CLV), CRIME IN COSTA RICA, Protective measures:
U.S. Embassy in Costa Rica Weather Alert Location: Throughout the country Event: The National Hurricane Center is tracking the development of a tropical storm forming in the southwestern Caribbean Sea that could strike Costa Rica. This storm is expected to become Hurricane Julia by Saturday night as it approaches the coast of Costa Rica. It …
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By ramirezej | 7 October, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: CNE, Costa Rica’s National Commission on Risk Prevention and Emergency Response, floods, heavy rain, Hurricane Julia, landslides, National Hurricane Center, Safe Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP, Weather Alert
Be an Active Voter by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2022 U.S. elections and participating in Absentee Voting Week! In some states voter registration and ballot request deadlines for the November 2022 are as early as October 5th. Whether you are a first-time voter or have already received ballots and voted absentee in …
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By ramirezej | 13 September, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Elections, Federal Post Card Application, Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP.gov, Message for U.S. Citizens, or citizens, Registering to Vote, Voting overseas
Stay up to date on key topics important to the U.S. citizen community in Costa Rica: Welcome to the Quarterly U.S. Citizen newsletter! Stay up to date on key topics important to the U.S. citizen community in Costa Rica September 2022 Edition Costa Rica’s pristine coasts and natural parks attract tourists from around the world. …
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By ramirezej | 1 September, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: ADULT PASSPORT RENEWALS, Beach Safety, LOST OR STOLEN PASSPORT, Quarterly U.S. Citizen newsletter!, VOTING:
Start by confirming your voter registration with your state. Some states require absentee voters to register annually so you may need to re-register. Go to FVAP.gov to connect to your state’s voter portal to register to vote, request a ballot, and more. Once you confirm your registration, follow a few simple steps to vote in the …
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By ramirezej | 3 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Elections, Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP.gov, Message for U.S. Citizens, or citizens, Registering to Vote, Voting overseas
On July 31, 2022, the United States conducted a precision counterterrorism strike in Afghanistan that killed Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden’s deputy and successor as leader of al-Qa’ida. Al- Zawahiri was one of the masterminds of the attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001, and had continued to urge his followers to attack …
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By ramirezej | 3 August, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: al- Qa’ida, al-Zawahiri’s death, anti-American violence, attack U.S. facilities, Message for U.S. Citizens, or citizens, personnel, terrorist, Worldwide Caution
June 29, 2022 Location: Throughout the country Event: The U.S. National Hurricane Center and Costa Rica’s National Commission on Risk Prevention and Emergency Response (CNE) are tracking the development of a tropical storm forming in the southern Caribbean Sea that could affect Costa Rica. This event is projected to bring heavy rain to parts of …
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By ramirezej | 29 June, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: CNE, Costa Rica’s National Commission on Risk Prevention and Emergency Response, floods, heavy rain, landslides, National Hurricane Center, Safe Traveler Enrollment Program, STEP, Weather Alert
Stay up to date on key topics important to the U.S. citizen community in Costa Rica: AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY: Happy Fourth of July – The United States celebrates the Fourth of July to honor the birthday of the United States and the adoption of the Declaration of Independence by the Continental Congress. Independence Day is …
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By ramirezej | 17 June, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: ADULT PASSPORT RENEWALS, AMERICAN INDEPENDENCE DAY, CDC CHANGE FOR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO U.S., EXPIRED PASSPORTS, HURRICANE PREPARATION, VOTING:
Message for U.S. Citizens The Department of State is pleased to announce that U.S. Embassy San Jose will begin supporting online payment for DS-82 passport renewal fees. Qualified applicants will no longer need to make an interview appointment at the U.S. Embassy. Beginning March 21, 2022, passport applicants wishing to pay for their DS-82 renewal …
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By ramirezej | 22 March, 2022 | Topics: Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: American Citizen Services, DS-82, Online Fee Payment, Passport Renewal, Pay.gov, U.S. Citizens
Do not travel to Costa Rica due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica due to COVID-19, indicating a very high level of COVID-19 in the country. Your risk of contracting COVID-19 and developing severe symptoms …
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By ramirezej | 25 January, 2022 | Topics: Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Costa Rica Level 4: Do Not Travel, COVID-19, crime, STEP
Health Alert – U.S. Embassy San Jose, Costa Rica (January 19, 2022) Reconsider travel to Costa Rica due to COVID-19. Exercise increased caution in Costa Rica due to crime. Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 3 Travel Health Notice for Costa Rica due to COVID-19, indicating a high level of COVID-19 in the country. …
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By ramirezej | 19 January, 2022 | Topics: Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: CDC, Costa Rica Level 3: Reconsider Travel, COVID-19, crime, STEP, travel
Start by confirming your voter registration with your state. Some states require absentee voters to register annually so you may need to re-register. Go to FVAP.gov to connect to your state’s voter portal to register to vote, request a ballot, and more. Once you confirm your registration, follow a few simple steps to vote in the …
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By ramirezej | 14 January, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: ballot delivery online, Federal Post Card Application, Federal Voting Assistance Program, FPCA, FVAP, Registering to Vote, Safety Alert, Special Elections
Message to U.S. Citizens: U.S. Embassy San Jose (January 3, 2022) Location: Costa Rica Subject: Travel to the United States on Expired U.S. Passports If you are overseas and your U.S. passport expired on or after January 1, 2020, you may be able to use your expired passport to return directly to the United States …
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By ramirezej | 3 January, 2022 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Press Releases, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Expired U.S. Passports, Message for U.S. Citizens, passport, security-related costs for processing passports
Register and Request Your Absentee Ballot Now for this Upcoming Election: March 1, 2022: Texas Primary Election The State of Texas will conduct a primary election for U.S. House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 1, 2022. Service members, eligible family members, and overseas citizens can register to vote between January 1 and February 9, 2022. Voters …
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By ramirezej | 20 December, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Congressional District 20, Congressional Districts 11 & 15, Federal Voting Assistance Program, Florida, FVAP, Ohio, Safety Alert, Special Elections
Location: Worldwide Event: Passport Fee Increase Effective December 27, 2021 Effective December 27, 2021, the passport security surcharge will increase from $60 to $80 for U.S. passport applicants using the DS-82 form or the DS-11 form, including first-time applicants over age 16, children under age 16, and applicants who apply after reporting their previous passport lost …
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 17 December, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Press Releases, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: DS-82, Message for U.S. Citizens, passport, security-related costs for processing passports
The U.S. Embassy in San Jose is conducting an annual verification of STEP enrollments. Please log in to your STEP account to verify that your profile, phone numbers, email address, travel dates, and location in Costa Rica are up-to-date. If you are visiting or living in Costa Rica, and have not yet enrolled in STEP , we strongly …
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 26 November, 2021 | Topics: Messages for U.S. Citizens, News, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Citizen Services
Register and request an absentee ballot now for these special Congressional elections: November 2, 2021: Florida Special Primary Election in U.S. Congressional District 20 November 2, 2021: Ohio Special General Election in U.S. Congressional Districts 11 & 15 January 11, 2022: Florida Special General Election in U.S. Congressional District 20 If you would like …
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By ramirezej | 27 October, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Congressional District 20, Congressional Districts 11 & 15, Federal Voting Assistance Program, Florida, FVAP, Ohio, Safety Alert, Special Elections
July 23, 2021 Location: Costa Rica Event: Costa Rica’s National Emergency Commission (CNE) has placed all of Costa Rica under weather alerts due to heavy and persistent rainfall for the next 12 to 24 hours. The entire Caribbean and Northern regions of the country are currently under an Orange Alert, indicating there may be localized evacuations or …
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 23 July, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Security & Emergency Messages, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: CNE, Emergency Commission, rainfall, Weather Alert, Yellow Alert
The United States Embassy joined the Costa Rican Tourism Institute (ICT), the National Tourist Security Council (CONSETUR), and the National Women Institute (INAMU) to create the Guide to Good Security Practices in Tourism Operations, a document that supports the work of tourism services operators on safety and security issues. These guides will contribute to enhancing …
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By U.S. Embassy San Jose | 16 June, 2021 | Topics: Travel & Tourism, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Costa Rican Tourism Institute, ICT, INAMU, National Tourist Security Council, National Women Institute, Safe Tourists, SOFIA Network program
Submit your absentee ballot now in these special elections for federal office: July 27, 2021: Texas Special Runoff Election in U.S. Congressional District 6 August 3, 2021: Ohio Special Primary Election in U.S. Congressional District 11 & 15 If you would like more information on the Federal Voting Assistance Program, or need help with the …
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By ramirezej | 24 May, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP, New Mexico, NM, Safety Alert, Special Elections
RESIDENTS OF TEXAS AND LOUISIANA: UPCOMING SPECIAL ELECTIONS Submit your absentee ballot now in these special elections for federal office: The following states have elections in the next 90 days: March 20, 2021: Louisiana Special Primary Elections in U.S. Congressional Districts 2* and 5** May 1, 2021: Texas Special Election in U.S. Congressional District 6*** …
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By ramirezej | 4 March, 2021 | Topics: Alert, Messages for U.S. Citizens, U.S. Citizen Services | Tags: Federal Voting Assistance Program, FVAP, Louisiana, Safety Alert, Special Elections, Texas