SAN JOSÉ, Costa Rica — In a recent development, former Costa Rican President and Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Oscar Arias, declared that the unexpected revocation of his U.S. visa by the American government will not deter him from voicing his opinions.
Arias, aged 84, revealed during an interview that he was informed via email by the U.S. State Department about this decision. The correspondence, received on Tuesday, stated that new information rendered him potentially ineligible for his previous visa. The email suggested that if Arias intended to visit the United States again, he would need to submit a new application. However, no specific reasons for the revocation were provided by the State Department.
The announcement comes on the heels of U.S. President Donald Trump’s decision to impose a series of tariffs affecting multiple international trade partners, including a 10% import duty on goods from Costa Rica.
Arias, a staunch advocate of free trade, expressed bewilderment at the U.S.’ actions, especially given its historical stance on promoting global trade liberalization and numerous free-trade agreements. “Historically, countries with open economies and expansive trade have seen accelerated growth and societal improvements,” he emphasized. As a pivotal figure in the Central American Free Trade Agreement with the U.S., Arias was particularly disconcerted by this shift in policy.
While Arias is uncertain about the specific reasons behind the visa cancellation, he speculated that his outspoken views on various global issues might have played a role. These include his remarks on the conflict in Ukraine, trade disputes with China, or the situation in Gaza.
Arias further highlighted the need for global disarmament and a reallocation of military expenditures toward key humanitarian priorities such as education, healthcare, and environmental protection. “Spending less on weapons and more on human development can benefit the world significantly,” he asserted.
The closure of the U.S. Agency for International Development, a body focused on addressing essential human needs worldwide, also baffled Arias. He believes such decisions reflect a misalignment of ethical priorities on the global stage.
Despite the setback, Arias remains unperturbed, reflecting on the numerous honorary degrees bestowed upon him by American institutions. “The United States has already honored me 93 times with honorary degrees,” he noted. “My primary travels there were for receiving these accolades. Although I regret the situation, my admiration for the country and its people remains unchanged.”