- Former Costa Rican president received visa revocation notice via email
- US State Department provided no specific reason for cancellation
- Arias criticizes US tariffs, Ukraine/Gaza policies, and USAID dismantling
- Revocation follows decades of promoting US-Central America free trade
Oscar Arias, the 84-year-old Nobel Peace Prize recipient and two-term Costa Rican president, revealed this week that his US visa was abruptly revoked without explanation. The States Department’s terse email cited undisclosed eligibility concerns, requiring Arias to reapply if seeking future entry. This decision surfaces amid heightened trade tensions, including new US tariffs impacting Costa Rican exports.
Arias, architect of the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA), expressed bewilderment at Washington’s move. “You can’t champion globalization while punishing allies with arbitrary barriers,” he stated, referencing the 10% duty imposed under Trump’s recent policy shifts. Analysts note Costa Rica exports $5.7B annually to the US, with tech manufacturing representing 38% of bilateral trade.
The visa revocation coincides with Arias’ vocal opposition to US military spending and arms proliferation. His “Human Security” doctrine advocates redirecting 15-20% of global defense budgets to education and healthcare—a stance conflicting with current NATO expansion strategies. Similar visa restrictions affected Guatemalan anti-corruption judge Erika Aifán in 2022, suggesting regional pattern.
Experts highlight growing diplomatic friction between Washington and Central American leaders advocating neutral foreign policies. “Visa denials increasingly serve as soft power tools,” notes Georgetown University’s Maria Fernanda Espinosa. A 2023 Council on Foreign Relations report shows 27% rise in diplomatic visa rejections for Latin American officials since 2020.
Arias remains defiant, vowing to continue advocacy through digital platforms. With 93 US honorary degrees and multiple Ivy League affiliations, he represents a bridge between academic diplomacy and grassroots activism. The case underscores evolving challenges for Nobel laureates navigating modern geopolitical tensions.
