Central America
Mexico, Costa Rica, Panama, Guatemala, and more
Countries
Latest Updates
Costa Rica 15% tax plan would hit long-stay nomads, not visa holders
Costa Rica's proposed 15% tax on foreign passive income would reach nomads who become tax residents, not nomad visa holders. The bill isn't in force.
New 500,000 USD property threshold for Panama Qualified Investor visas took effect Sept. 16
Panama raised the resale property threshold to $500,000 for Qualified Investor visas on Sept. 16 while keeping new builds at $300,000 for foreign residents.
$50,000 in free health coverage now active for Panama air arrivals
Panama launched the Seguro al Turista program on Sept. 10, giving air travelers 10 days of free emergency medical insurance covering up to $50,000 automatically.
Costa Rica postpones yellow fever vaccine mandate for 8 nations until Oct. 1
Costa Rica's Ministry of Public Health has expanded mandatory yellow fever vaccination requirements for departures and arrivals involving designated South American and African countries. Travelers and foreign residents visiting these destinations must present proof of vaccination received at least 10 days before departure.
Panama extends mandatory transit visa rule for Cubans through June 30
Panama has extended its mandatory transit visa requirement for Cuban citizens making flight connections through the country. The executive decree requires affected travelers and remote workers using Panama as a regional flight hub to secure an approved transit visa before routing through Tocumen International Airport.
Nicaragua waives visas for HKSAR holders as Hong Kong reciprocity starts Aug. 26
Hong Kong passport holders can now enter Nicaragua without a visa for stays of up to 30 days. The agreement also grants Nicaraguan nationals reciprocal visa-free access to Hong Kong, simplifying travel for nomads and expats moving between these regions.
Guatemala air passengers must file the free DJRV within 72 hours of travel
Travelers to Guatemala must now complete a mandatory digital regional traveler declaration before entering or leaving the country. The updated guidance also warns of potential travel disruptions near the Mexican border following a July 17 earthquake.
Guatemala deploys 65 officers for Aug. 1 police escorts from El Salvador
Guatemala has launched a special border assistance plan for the Fiestas Agostinas, featuring monitored travel routes and police-supported safe passage from the Salvadoran border. The initiative includes themed tourism routes and increased security presence to facilitate regional travel for expats and visitors.
Costa Rica cuts DIMEX backlog 85% with simplified residence rules
Foreign residents in Costa Rica continue to experience significant processing backlogs for residency applications and DIMEX card renewals. These delays impact legal status and day-to-day compliance for expats and digital nomads living in the country.
El Salvador international arrivals jump 36% as 4.2 million visitor target nears
El Salvador recorded 473,000 international visitors in April, continuing a significant growth trend that is driving rapid expansion in local tourism infrastructure. The surge signals improved accessibility and services for digital nomads and expats considering the country for long-term stays.
Panama Stopover program allows 15 days at no extra airfare
Transit travelers can now spend up to 15 days in Panama without paying additional airfare when flying with Copa Airlines. This expansion allows digital nomads and tourists to explore the country for two weeks before continuing to their final destination.
Request the Copa Airlines Stopover during booking or lose your 15 days in Panama
Copa Airlines is extending its Panama Stopover program to allow travelers up to 15 days in the country at no extra airfare cost. This provides a low-cost opportunity for digital nomads to scout the local lifestyle before committing to the Panama Digital Nomad Visa.
What El Salvador's 90-Day Stay Rule Means for Temporary Residents
New amendments require temporary residents to remain in El Salvador for at least 90 days per year, either consecutively or cumulatively. Failure to meet this requirement may result in the cancellation of residency status unless a force majeure exception is granted.
What Nicaragua's Dual Nationality Ban Means for Expats
Nicaragua has modified its constitution to eliminate the right to dual nationality in most cases. This change significantly impacts expats seeking Nicaraguan citizenship and current dual nationals, potentially forcing a choice between citizenships to maintain legal status.
Understanding Guatemala's Residence Options for Remote Workers
Guatemalan authorities have introduced a temporary freeze on certain visa processing categories as of March 2026. This development impacts pending applications and new submissions, requiring expats and long-term travelers to monitor their legal status closely.
Costa Rica Rolls Out Immigration Filing at Post Offices
Foreign nationals can now submit select immigration applications at designated post offices in San Jose and Santa Ana. This pilot program introduces a more convenient filing method for a service fee ranging from approximately USD 10 to 25.
El Salvador Updates Minimum Stay Rules for Residents
A new bill aims to lower the annual residency requirement from 180 days to 90 days. This change would allow digital nomads and investors to maintain their legal status while traveling more frequently outside the country.
Inside Guatemala’s Digital Nomad Residency
Guatemala has introduced a temporary residency for remote workers and freelancers, eliminating the need for a local guarantor. The program features a 2-4 month processing time and a fee of approximately $225 USD.
Panama makes 300,000 dollar Qualified Investor Visa threshold permanent
Panama has finalized the minimum real estate investment for its Qualified Investor Visa at $300,000, ending previous temporary lower thresholds. The program continues to offer permanent residency within 30 to 60 days with a minimal physical presence requirement of one visit every two years.
Nicaragua Ends Visa on Arrival for Over 100 Nationalities
Nicaragua has overhauled its immigration policy, eliminating visa-on-arrival privileges and exemptions for several countries. Travelers from affected nations must now apply for visas in advance, leading to increased paperwork and longer processing times for entry.