Yesterday I renewed my 90 day travel visa to Costa Rica by entering and leaving Nicaragua. I drove about 2.5 hours to the border. While there, there were tons of people spreading disinfo to tourists saying they have to stay in Nicaragua for a few hours or even possible for a few days in order to be able to get a new visa. They try to offer safety in exchange for money.
I offered a tour guide $20 to walk me through the process on the stipulation I pay him once my visa was renewed.
There are four main steps:
1 Leave Costa Rica
Pay $7 to get an exit tax ticket, then go to official looking place to get a stamp.
2 Enter Nicaragua
Pay $1-3 for some small ticket. Then talk to an official, and TELL THEM THE TRUTH that you are only there to renew your visa when they ask the purpose of your visit. Then pay them $12.
3 Leave Nicaragua
Pay $2 fee.
4 Enter Costa Rica
Free, just show either a bus or plane ticket (picture on phone is okay) that leaves from Costa Rica within 90 days.
Kind of a pain in the ass.