Costa Rica Visa for Nicaragua Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Costa Rica as a Nicaraguan citizen? This guide covers the tourist visa application: required documents, fees of $32, processing times of 30-60 days, and tips for approval. Costa Rica requires Nicaraguan citizens to apply for a visa before traveling.

Visa Application process

Nicaraguan citizens must apply for a Costa Rica tourist visa at a Costa Rican consulate or embassy.2 The process involves several steps:

Gather Required Documents

Collect all necessary documents including your passport, photographs, visa request letter, financial proof, police clearance, and travel itinerary.2

Complete the Application Form

Fill out the official Costa Rican visa application form completely and accurately. Sign where required.2

Submit Your Application

Submit your application via email or in person at the Costa Rican consulate or embassy serving Nicaragua.2 Include all required documents and the $32 visa fee.

Wait for Processing

Processing takes 30-60 calendar days from the date all documents are received.2 The consulate may contact you if additional information is needed.

Receive Your Visa

Once approved, you will be notified to collect your passport with the visa stamp. Verify the visa validity dates before traveling.

Visa Application Steps

1. Gather Required Documents
2. Complete the Application Form
3. Submit Your Application
4. Wait for Processing
5. Receive Your Visa

Visa Fees breakdown

Service: Cost	Tourist Visa Application: $32 USD	The fee is non-refundable regardless of the application outcome.2

What you need to prove

Costa Rica requires Nicaraguan applicants to demonstrate:

Legitimate travel purpose for visiting Costa Rica
Sufficient funds for your entire stay (minimum $100 per month)
Accommodation arrangements during your visit
Return or onward travel plans showing you will leave
Strong ties to Nicaragua that will ensure your return

Required documents

Valid Passport
Visa Application Form
Passport Photographs
Visa Request Letter
Travel Itinerary
Proof of Subsistence
Police Clearance Certificate
Return or Onward Ticket

Valid Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry to Costa Rica • Machine-readable passport required; • At least two blank pages for stamps; • Must be in good condition] (Tip: Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months of travelInclude copies of previous visas if available)

Visa Application Form

Complete the official Costa Rican visa application form • Fill out all sections completely; • Sign the form in the designated area; • Provide accurate contact information] (Tip: Double-check all information before submittingUse black ink if completing by hand)

Passport Photographs

Recent passport-style photographs • Two recent photographs; • White background; • Taken within the last 6 months; • Face clearly visible] (Tip: Follow standard passport photo guidelinesNo glasses or head coverings unless religious)

Visa Request Letter

A letter explaining the purpose of your visit to Costa Rica • State the purpose of travel; • Include planned dates of visit; • List cities you intend to visit; • Explain your connection to Costa Rica if any] (Tip: Be clear and concise about your travel plansWrite in formal language)

Travel Itinerary

Proof of your travel plans including transportation and accommodation • Flight reservations or bus tickets; • Hotel bookings or accommodation details; • Complete itinerary of your trip] (Tip: Use refundable bookings until visa is approvedInclude addresses and contact numbers for accommodations)

Proof of Subsistence

Evidence that you have sufficient funds for your stay in Costa Rica • Bank statements from the last 3-6 months; • Minimum of $100 USD per month of intended stay; • Employment letter with salary information; • Tax returns if self-employed] (Tip: Show consistent income and savingsCosta Rica requires proof you can support yourself)

Police Clearance Certificate

Criminal background check from Nicaraguan authorities • Issued by the Policía Nacional de Nicaragua; • Must be recent (within 3-6 months); • Must show no criminal record] (Tip: Request this document early as it may take time to obtainSome embassies require apostille certification)

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof that you will leave Costa Rica • Roundtrip ticket back to Nicaragua; • Or onward ticket to a third country; • Must show departure from Costa Rica] (Tip: Use flexible booking options when possibleBus tickets to neighboring countries are acceptable)

Optional documents

Yellow Fever Vaccination

Proof of yellow fever vaccination may be required • International Certificate of Vaccination; • Must be administered at least 10 days before arrival] (Tip: Check current health requirements before travelingNicaragua is not typically considered high risk but verify current status)

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incomplete Documentation
30%	Insufficient Financial Proof
20%	Weak Ties to Nicaragua
10%	Criminal Record Issues
5%	Unclear Travel Purpose

35% - Incomplete Documentation

How to avoid: Create a checklist of all required documents and verify each one is complete before submitting. Have someone else review your application.

30% - Insufficient Financial Proof

How to avoid: Show at least $100 per day of intended stay. Include bank statements with consistent activity over several months.

20% - Weak Ties to Nicaragua

How to avoid: Include employment letters, property documents, family certificates, and evidence of ongoing commitments in Nicaragua.

10% - Criminal Record Issues

How to avoid: Ensure your police clearance is recent, properly issued, and apostilled if required.

5% - Unclear Travel Purpose

How to avoid: Write a detailed letter explaining exactly why you want to visit, where you will stay, and what you plan to do.

Frequently asked questions

Do Nicaraguans need a visa for Costa Rica?

Yes, Nicaraguan citizens must obtain a tourist visa before traveling to Costa Rica. Unlike citizens from visa-exempt countries who can enter without a visa, Nicaraguans must apply at a Costa Rican consulate or embassy.

How long can I stay in Costa Rica with a tourist visa?

The standard tourist visa allows stays of up to 30 days. Overstaying can result in fines of $100 per month and potential difficulties with future visa applications.

How much does the Costa Rica visa cost?

The visa application fee is $32 USD. This must be paid when submitting your application and is non-refundable even if your visa is denied.

How long does Costa Rica visa processing take?

Processing typically takes 30-60 calendar days from when all documents are submitted. Apply well in advance of your planned travel dates.

Can I extend my Costa Rica tourist visa?

Extensions may be possible through Costa Rica's Immigration office (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería), but you must apply before your visa expires. Extensions are not guaranteed.

What if my visa is denied?

If denied, you must wait at least 6 months before reapplying. Address the reasons for denial in your new application with additional documentation.

Apply for Costa Rica tourist visa online

Sources

Costa Rica Immigration

https://www.migracion.go.cr/

Embassy of Costa Rica

https://www.costaricanembassy.co.uk/en/visas-residencias-permisos/

Costa Rica Entry Requirements

https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/costa-rica/entry-requirements

At a glance