---
title: Costa Rica visa for citizens of Nicaragua
description: "Citizens of Nicaragua need a visa for Costa Rica and must apply in person at an embassy or visa centre. Stay up to 90 days. Fee: $30 + $20 service fee. Processing: 5–15 days. Documents checklist and application steps."
canonical: https://nowah.xyz/visa/costa-rica/nicaragua
lastModified: 2026-09-05
---

# Costa Rica visa for citizens of Nicaragua

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

- **Valid passport (original + copy of bio page)** (Travel): Must be valid for at least 6 months beyond entry date.
- **Completed visa application form** (Supporting): Download from embassy website or obtain in person.
- **Passport-sized photographs (2 recent, 2x2 inch, white background)** (Supporting): Specific size and background required for visa.
- **Proof of onward/return flight ticket** (Travel): Confirmed itinerary showing exit from Costa Rica.
- **Hotel reservation or letter of invitation** (Travel): Proof of accommodation for entire stay.
- **Bank statement (last 3 months)** (Financial): Must show sufficient funds to cover expenses.
- **Employment letter or proof of income** (Employment): Original letter on company letterhead, including salary and leave approval.
- **Travel health insurance (optional but recommended)** (Travel, optional): Coverage for duration of stay recommended.
- **Payment receipt for visa fee** (Supporting): Proof of payment of government fee and service fee.
- **Certified copy of birth certificate (if applicable for minors)** (Supporting, 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.

## FAQs

### 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.

## More

- [Costa Rica visa for every passport](/visa/costa-rica)
- [Every destination for Nicaragua passport holders](/visa/passport/nicaragua)