Costa Rica volunteers lose support as Global Vision International (GVI) enters liquidation

Volunteers and long-stay travelers in Costa Rica who booked through Global Vision International lost their in-country program support on July 2 when the 28-year-old UK operator shut down and entered formal liquidation.

What happens on the ground

GVI's Costa Rica bases, along with every other program worldwide, were cancelled with immediate effect. The company's notice confirms all current and future programs are terminated and that GVI staff on site are "supporting participants as they make plans to depart GVI bases." That means participants already in Costa Rica must arrange their own onward housing, transport and airport logistics rather than relying on the base coordinator.

Anyone holding a booking shouldn't travel expecting GVI to receive them. The website has been offline since July 1, customer service is winding down and there's no functioning check-in at any base. Travelers mid-program should confirm their return flights, secure independent accommodation and check that their travel insurance remains valid outside a structured volunteer placement, since some policies tie coverage to the sponsoring organization.

Emergency landing spot in-country

Costa Rica-based operator Maximo Nivel has opened a free emergency home base to affected GVI participants currently in Costa Rica, Guatemala or Peru. The offer covers safe accommodation, transportation, airport logistics and possible program continuation at no cost and isn't run in coordination with GVI. For travelers who arrived on tourist entry stamps expecting GVI housing to cover their stay, this is the fastest way to avoid a same-day scramble for lodging. Anyone planning a longer stay should review Costa Rica's entry and residency rules to make sure their status still lines up with what they're actually doing in-country.

Getting money back

Refunds won't come from GVI directly. Participants will receive formal correspondence from the appointed liquidator with instructions on lodging a claim as an unsecured creditor, though recovery isn't guaranteed. Two faster routes: cardholders who paid by credit card should file a chargeback with their issuer immediately and anyone with travel insurance covering supplier insolvency should open a claim before policy deadlines expire. Keep booking confirmations, receipts and email records intact.