Crossing the Border Between Costa Rica and Nicaragua

Tica Bus- $27.00 per person. Tica has it’s own bus station in San Jose and most cities in Nicaragua. The bus goes directly from San Jose, Costa Rica to Managua, Nicaragua. It takes about 7-8 hours. They collect your passports on the bus and walk you through customs and immigration at the border. You have to pay an additional road tax to cross on the bus that you don't have to pay if you walk across.  

Deldu Bus Station- $9.00 per person. Buses from the Deldu Station in San Jose leave for the border every hour. It goes to the border and then turns around and returns. You have to go through immigration and customs yourself. It is a short 5 minute walk to cross the border on foot and many people do it that way. There are chicken buses and taxis waiting on the Nicaraguan side waiting to take travelers to a number of cities. 

NOTE*You don’t have to worry about changing money as long as you have US dollars. The immigration officers all ask for dollars, not colones or cordobas.

*Be aware- There are many men at the border that seem helpful. They will try to show you where you need to go next or give you immigration forms to fill out. They will want a tip for the papers they give you or for walking you to the next location. They will also try to talk you into booking a taxi ride with them before you exit the immigration office. If you want the help or are looking for a taxi, then chose one man in the beginning and have him walk you through the whole process. 

On the Costa Rican Side

• Pay 8 dollars.
• Go to immigration office. Fill out immigration form and get exit stamp.
• Walk across the border.

On the Nicaraguan Side

• Show passport to gate attendant- enter Nicaragua
• Show passport to another person who gives you a piece of paper with a stamp on it.
• Take the piece of paper and your passport to the immigration office.
• Pay a $1.00 fee when you enter. Get a piece of paper to keep in your passport. 
• Fill out another immigration form and get an entrance stamp with a 90 day visa. Pay $12.00. They may ask you for a return ticket. 
• Go into another room where they randomly scan bags. 
• Exit and find a taxi or bus to your next destination.

Check out more info about Nicaragua on our website www.vayavolunteers.com !