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 celebrated across America as a common occasion for family get-togethers, outdoor barbecues, parades, and fireworks. We hope all U.S. citizens throughout Costa Rica have a wonderful and safe Fourth of July!
VOTING:
Did you know you can vote in U.S. elections from anywhere in the world? Celebrate democracy this Fourth of July by taking the necessary steps to vote in the 2022 U.S. elections! If you are a U.S. citizen living abroad, registering to vote and submitting a ballot is fast and easy. For more information, please go to https://cr.usembassy.gov/registering-to-vote/. You can vote from anywhere in two simple steps:
STEP 1: Fill out the Federal Post Card Application (FPCA) at FVAP.gov to register and request your ballot.
WHEN? Send it to your election office by August 1 (or later depending on your state) for the General Election on November 8, 2022
STEP 2: Fill out and send in your ballot when it arrives.
WHEN? By the recommended deadline of October 24, 2022
Remember: You can also send back your FPCA through the U.S. Embassy. Just follow the instructions provided in this link: https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/voting/
HURRICANE PREPARATION:
Hurricane Season is here, time to prepare! Hurricane Season in the Atlantic began on June 1 and runs through November 30. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Climate Prediction Center expects the 2022 season to be above average. Here are ways you can prepare:
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), a free service that allows U.S. citizens traveling or living abroad to receive the latest security updates from the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Encourage your friends and family to register as well if they plan to travel outside of the United States.
- Organize a kit of essential items in a waterproof container including bottled water, any medications taken regularly, non-perishable food, battery powered radio, and vital documents, especially passports.
- The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and NOAA have additional tips on their websites:
-https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
– https://www.noaa.gov/hurricane-prep
ADULT PASSPORT RENEWALS:
Renew your adult passport without traveling to the Embassy! Be sure to take advantage of the new DS-82 passport application mail-in program where you can pay the DS-82 passport renewal fee online and avoid traveling to the Embassy. More information can be found at https://cr.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/passports/.
EXPIRED PASSPORTS:
Returning to the United States with 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. Please see https://cr.usembassy.gov/message-us-citizens-travel-expired-passports/ for requirements. Do not wait, though…this program expires on June 30, 2022!
CDC CHANGE FOR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS TO U.S.:
Negative COVID-19 test no longer required to enter United States – The CDC no longer requires air travelers to show a negative COVID-19 test result, or documentation of recovery from COVID-19, prior to boarding a flight to the United States. For more information, please see https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/international-travel-during-covid19.html
