Costa Rica Updates Migration Policy for Third-Country Deportees

Costa Rica Updates Migration Policy for Third-Country Deportees

Costa Rica and the United States recently finalized a migration agreement that allows Costa Rica to process a limited number of non-national deportees from the US. Under this non-binding deal signed in late March, the country will accept up to 25 individuals per week who cannot be easily repatriated to their home countries, such as Russia, China, or Afghanistan.

These individuals are granted a special temporary migratory status while the International Organization for Migration (IOM) coordinates their eventual return home. Costa Rica maintains the right to vet every case, prioritizing individuals without criminal records and ensuring no one is returned to a country where they face active persecution.

Who is affected by this policy

This change specifically targets third-country nationals caught in the US deportation process. It does not impact tourists, expats, or those holding a valid Digital Nomad Visa. If you are living or working in Costa Rica with legal residency or a standard entry stamp, your status remains unchanged.

While previous versions of this program in 2025 led to local legal challenges regarding detention conditions, the current framework emphasizes processing under local immigration laws with US financial support for housing and logistics.

What you need to do

For the vast majority of our community, there are no action items. Entry requirements, visa fees, and stay durations for remote workers and travelers are not affected by this administrative agreement between governments.

You can continue to monitor nomad news for any shifts in border enforcement, but for now, the focus remains entirely on transit migration rather than professional residency.

Read our full Costa Rica guide for the complete picture.