Published on Monday, January 5, 2026
By the A.M. Costa Rica staff

Due to uncertainty surrounding the political situation in Venezuela, following the arrest on Saturday of Venezuelan Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Cilia Flores, in Caracas during a U.S. military operation, Costa Rica is recommending that its citizens avoid traveling to the South American nation.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Costa Ricans who had planned to travel to Venezuela are advised to cancel their trips. Those currently visiting the country are urged to return to Costa Rica as soon as possible.

Regarding Costa Ricans residing in Venezuela, officials recommend exercising constant caution, closely monitoring local media and emergency services, and considering relocation to Costa Rica or to other countries while the political situation stabilizes.

“These recommendations are being issued given the possibility that borders and airspace could be closed, which would make the evacuation of Costa Rican nationals during an emergency extremely limited,” authorities said in a statement.

 

Authorities urged Costa Rican residents in Venezuela facing emergencies to use the emergency communication channels provided by the Consular Department, including the WhatsApp hotline at +506 2359-5360 or the email address hespinoza@rree.go.cr


Additionally, in case of emergency, Costa Ricans may contact the Consulate General of Costa Rica in Colombia by phone at +57 313 841 3850 or by email at concr-co@rree.go.cr


The Costa Rican government is calling for a democratic and peaceful transition in Venezuela that restores institutional order, the rule of law, and the will of the people as expressed in the July 28, 2024, elections, in which opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia was considered the winner of the presidential race.

“Costa Rica reaffirms its willingness to contribute to a peaceful and sustainable solution based on international law and the principles enshrined in the United Nations Charter and the Inter-American Democratic Charter of the Organization of American States,” the Ministry said.

Authorities added that such efforts should promote regional stability, respect for human rights, and a full regional commitment to combating drug trafficking and transnational organized crime.

Following the arrest of Maduro and his wife, President Rodrigo Chaves Robles issued a statement noting that Costa Rica had declared from the outset that Maduro committed electoral fraud; therefore, he was never a legitimate president and must now answer for his crimes in Venezuela and abroad.

In October 2025, Costa Rica congratulated Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado for being awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, stating that international recognition highlights her courageous commitment to defending human rights, promoting democracy, and tirelessly fighting against oppression in Venezuela.

In January 2025, Venezuelan opposition leader Edmundo González Urrutia arrived in Costa Rica to meet with President Chaves and members of Congress.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is the government organization responsible for Costa Rica’s foreign policy, including the management of its diplomatic missions worldwide.

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What have you heard about expatriates facing difficulties leaving Venezuela? We would like to know your thoughts on this story. Send your comments to news@amcostarica.com