# Costa Rica automated immigration control implementation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-automated-immigration-control-implementation
> Updated: 2026-09-08T19:09:16.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 2.

Juan Santamaría International Airport in Costa Rica has launched its first four automated eGates, an immigration control system utilizing biometric passports and facial recognition. The project is a coordinated effort between the Costa Rican government and airport manager AERIS, representing an investment of approximately US$3 million.

Currently, the technology is restricted to Costa Rican citizens over the age of 18. Authorities are evaluating the possibility of extending the service to other nationalities, such as travelers from Canada and the United States, in future stages.

## Timeline

### 2026-09-08: Migration authorities implement new technologies in Costa Rica and Spain

Costa Rica has launched automated e-gate migration controls at Juan Santamaría Airport, while Spain is expanding Wi-Fi connectivity at migrant centers to manage administrative tasks during a migration crisis.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/migration-authorities-implement-new-technologies-in-costa-rica-and-spain

### 2026-09-08: Juan Santamaría Airport launches first automated eGates

Juan Santamaría International Airport has launched its first four automated eGates, currently available to Costa Rican citizens with biometric passports to speed up immigration.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/juan-santamara-airport-launches-first-automated-egates

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Cite as: Costa Rica automated immigration control implementation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/costa-rica-automated-immigration-control-implementation