Overview

• Oscar Arias, former Costa Rican president and Nobel Peace Prize laureate, announced his U.S. visa was revoked without explanation on April 1, 2025.
• Arias speculated that the revocation was retaliation for his February criticism of President Donald Trump, whom he compared to a 'Roman emperor.'
• The U.S. State Department cited unspecified new information as the reason for the visa cancellation but provided no further details.
• Arias vowed to continue criticizing U.S. policies, including its geopolitical stance and recent trade tariffs, despite the revocation.
• The incident sheds light on broader U.S. actions targeting critics and raises questions about freedom of expression and U.S.-Costa Rica relations.