COSTA RICA: Immigration Bureau Closed [UPDATED]

September 10, 2018


On Tuesday 4 September 2018 the main offices of the General Directorate of Migration (DGME) in San Jose, Costa Rica, were closed after a raid by the Judicial Investigation Directorate (O.I.J.).

The joint operation with the Panamanian authorities named “Heaven and Earth” arrested 29 people in both countries, including immigration officials, in connection with human trafficking and the use of false documents.

Delays in immigration processing are highly likely, and appointments scheduled for this week are expected to be rescheduled by email.

[UPDATE] However, despite an indefinite strike of public-sector workers, due to start on Monday 10 September 2018, the DGME has declared that its offices will be open for business as usual.

Our Advice

Employers should allow extra time for delays in government immigration processing, and should inform their employees with pending or planned applications.

For general advice and information on immigration and business travel to Costa Rica, please email us at [email protected]