Trending Now - Costa Rica Closes Cuban Embassy Amid Economic Concerns

WHO:

Costa Rican President Rodrigo Chaves

Costa Rican Foreign Minister Arnoldo Andre Tinoco

Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez

Cuban Embassy in the U.S.

President Trump

WHAT:

Costa Rica closed its embassy in Havana on March 18th, 2026.

Costa Rica ordered Cuba's diplomats to leave San José.

Costa Rica cited "deep concern" about the human rights situation in Cuba.

Costa Rica requested the withdrawal of Cuban diplomatic personnel, except for consular officials.

Ecuador expelled Cuba's ambassador, Basilio Gutierrez, on March 4th, 2026.

WHERE:

Costa Rican embassy in Havana, Cuba

San José, Costa Rica

WHEN:

Embassy closure occurred on March 18th, 2026.

Ecuador expelled Cuba's ambassador on March 4th, 2026.

President Trump made statements regarding Cuba on March 15th and March 16th, 2026.

WHY:

Costa Rica cited attacks on free speech and a deteriorating economy in Cuba.

The Cuban government faced intense U.S. pressure and severe energy shortages.

HOW:

Costa Rica's decision was made following a diplomatic rupture with Cuba.

The Cuban Embassy in the U.S. alleged that Costa Rica's actions were made "under pressure from the United States."

(UPDATED March 19, 2026 03:50 UTC)

Costa Rica has officially closed its embassy in Havana as of March 18, citing deep concern over the human rights situation in Cuba and ordering Cuban diplomats to leave San José. This decision follows a diplomatic rupture with Cuba and comes on the heels of Ecuador expelling Cuba's ambassador earlier this month. The Cuban Embassy in the U.S. has claimed that Costa Rica's actions were taken under pressure from the United States, which has intensified scrutiny on the Cuban government amid ongoing economic struggles and attacks on free speech.