Visa rules by passportLast checked October 16, 2026
Do citizens of Nicaragua need a visa for Costa Rica?
NicaraguaCosta RicaVisa requiredNationals of Nicaragua need a visa for short stays in Costa Rica.
- Note
- Consular visa; stay up to 90 days, passport valid 90+ days.
Diaspora: about 423,401 people born in Nicaragua live there (UN DESA 2024).
The visa route
Visiting Costa RicaCosta Rica sorts nationalities into four entry groups. Group 1 nationals enter without a visa for up to 180 days, and Group 2 nationals without a visa for up to 30 days, extendable to 90. Group 3 needs a consular visa and Group 4 a restricted visa, each allowing up to 30 days, extendable to 90. Group 3 and 4 nationals holding certain multiple-entry US, Canadian or Schengen visas, or residence in the US, Canada, UK, EU, Iceland, Norway or Switzerland, can enter without a Costa Rican visa.Requirements and documentsAnother passport?
Rules depend on the passport you travel on. Visas or residence elsewhere can open easier entry.
Official sources
Rules change: check the official page before you travel.
General information from official sources, not legal advice.