Nicaragua passport → Costa Rica

Costa Rica visa for citizens of Nicaragua

Embassy / VFSVisa de Turista (Tourist Visa)

Citizens of Nicaragua need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre.

Verified · Last checked 2026-09-05. Policies change. Confirm with the embassy or official visa portal before you travel.

Key facts

Entry route	Embassy / VFS · Visa de Turista (Tourist Visa)
How to apply	In-person at an embassy or visa center
Maximum stay	Up to 90 days
Visa validity	90 days
Entries	Multiple entry
Processing time	5–15 days
Government fee	$30 + $20 service fee
Passport validity	At least 6 months
Biometrics	Required
Appointment	Required
Interview	Not required
Onward or return ticket	Required
Proof of funds	Bank statement showing sufficient funds for stay

How to apply

1
Check visa requirements
Confirm that a visa is required for your nationality and travel purpose.
2
Gather required documents
Collect all original and photocopied documents listed above.
3
Complete visa application form
Fill out the official tourist visa application accurately.
4
Pay visa fees
Pay the government fee of USD 30 and service fee of USD 20, keep receipt.
5
Schedule an appointment
Book an appointment at the embassy or visa application center for submission and biometrics.
6
Attend biometrics appointment
Submit documents and provide fingerprints and photograph in person.
7
Wait for processing
Processing typically takes 5 to 15 business days.
8
Collect passport with visa
Return to the embassy/center to collect your passport or receive it by courier if arranged.
9
Travel to Costa Rica
Bring passport with visa and supporting documents for entry.

Documents checklist

Travel

Valid passport (original + copy of bio page)
Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date.
Proof of onward/return flight ticket
Confirmed itinerary showing exit from Costa Rica.
Hotel reservation or letter of invitation
Proof of accommodation for entire stay.
Travel health insurance (optional but recommended)
Optional
Coverage for duration of stay recommended.

Financial

Bank statement (last 3 months)
Must show sufficient funds to cover expenses.

Employment

Employment letter or proof of income
Original letter on company letterhead, including salary and leave approval.

Supporting

Completed visa application form
Download from embassy website or obtain in person.
Passport-sized photographs (2 recent, 2x2 inch, white background)
Specific size and background required for visa.
Payment receipt for visa fee
Proof of payment of government fee and service fee.
Certified copy of birth certificate (if applicable for minors)
Optional
Required for applicants under 18 traveling with one parent.

Proof of funds

Minimum balance: Equivalent of approximately USD 300 per month of stay

Bank statements (last 3 months)
Pay slips
Sponsor letter with bank statements

Sufficient funds must cover accommodation, food, and return expenses.

Good to know

Appointments are mandatory and may have limited availability, book well in advance.
Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended departure date from Costa Rica.
Visa processing can take longer than the minimum; apply at least 2 weeks before travel.

Common refusal reasons

Incomplete or incorrect application form

Double-check all entries and use the official form from the embassy.

Insufficient funds or lack of proof of financial means

Ensure bank statements clearly show a steady balance that covers your stay.

Weak ties to home country (employment, family, property)

Provide robust evidence of return intention, such as employment letter and family ties.

Invalid passport or missing pages

Check that passport has at least two blank pages and is valid for 6 months beyond travel.

FAQ

Do citizens of Nicaragua need a visa for Costa Rica?

Citizens of Nicaragua need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Visa type: Visa de Turista (Tourist Visa).

How long can citizens of Nicaragua stay in Costa Rica?

Up to 90 days.

How much does the Costa Rica visa cost for citizens of Nicaragua?

Government fee: $30 + $20 service fee.

How long does Costa Rica visa processing take?

Typically 5–15 days.

What documents do citizens of Nicaragua need for Costa Rica?

Valid passport (original + copy of bio page); Completed visa application form; Passport-sized photographs (2 recent, 2x2 inch, white background); Proof of onward/return flight ticket; Hotel reservation or letter of invitation; Bank statement (last 3 months); and 4 more.

How long must my passport be valid for Costa Rica?

At least 6 months.

Plan your trip to Costa Rica

Nowah is an AI travel agent that books flights, hotels and eSIMs in one conversation and keeps track of your visa paperwork along the way. Need data on arrival? See the Nowah eSIM guide for Costa Rica.

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