Reports from several people visiting Migration offices recently (and conversations with some of them after) indicate that Migration is no longer (as a rule) giving foreign visitors a consecutive 30 day extension of stay under the “Extraordinary Service Rule” which they have been offering since June of 2020.
Foreign visitors that have been denied an extension are being asked to leave the country. If they wish to re-enter, they will be effectively be “re-setting” their status to the standard 90 day stay and 90 day extension (if applicable) for a maximum of 180 days, as per the 2011 General Law on Migration.
Background to the 30 Day Extension
Migration announced the introduction of the “Covid-19 Pandemic related extraordinary extension of stay” (for 30 days) on their web site and in the national news. (June 3rd 2020 and September 20th 2020)
The Ministry of the Interior through the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners (DGME or Migración y Extranjería) outlined an “Extraordinary Service” whereby foreigners could extend their stay in Nicaragua by 30 days for a fee of US $25.
Officials from the DGME made it clear that the extraordinary service was because of the worldwide Covid-19 pandemic and acknowledged the difficulties visitors faced in getting home. They were allowing visitors who had already completed their stay in Nicaragua to continue to legally extend their stay, 30 days at a time until they could return to their country.
The application process was similar to the usual 90 day “Extension of stay” (Prórroga de estancia para extranjeros no residentes) application. That is; complete an application form, submit original passport, photocopy of the passport biodata page, photocopy of the last entry stamp or the last extension received and make the payment of the application form and fee.
The DGME also stressed the importance of citizens of other nationalities coming to Migration to carry out this procedure “to avoiding falling into irregularity” (meaning becoming an illegal alien).
To facilitate the procedure, the DGME made it available at their central headquarters as well as “any of the 27 Immigration Procedures Service Centers (SERTRAMIS) around the country”. The difference being that you wait a few days and then go back to collect your passport if you use the service of a SERTRAMIS location.
In other words, Migración is saying that they are returning to the rules and process that existed before their temporary (emergency) process, right?
Yes, exactly. They cancelled the emergency measure that had run its course.
Does that mean you must get a PCR test in Managua before going to CR? CR requires a current negative test before you can to return to Nicaragua…
You can get the PCR test in Costa Rica if you wish
Thank you very informative, 2 remarks. The covid pandemic has not gone away and it is even more challenging to cross from one country to the next, more reason to grant 30 day extentions and 2 I believe because of the elections coming up they would prefer to have as few outsiders as posible in the country
I haven’t been out & about much this week but I’ve had numerous people say they went to the Rivas Migracion & were told they could no longer get the 30 day stamp & HAD to leave immediately if they didn’t want to be over their visa. This explains why a few months ago they started asking us to also provide a copy of our last entry stamp along with the photo page of our passport & last visa stamp.
Note that the 3 were “Perpetual Tourists” that don’t get enough to qualify for residency though were living a very good life here (one is just $15 shy of the now $1,000 needed for Pensionado Residency so come January she will be able to finally file!!).
One was able to get an extension in Managua.
The BIG difference between then & now is now one MUST have the toxic PCR up your nose near your brain for a virus that predominately affects the brain – test to re-enter Nicaragua. Personally I won’t put that crap in my body so VERY sadly I will be leaving Nicaragua & all the things I’ve been doing to help street animals & people & this AWESOME life I’ve created for myself in Rivas & returning to my FAV city in the world – Mexico City (& I’ll be saving a LOT of $$$$ not putting out so much for street dogs!!)
I just did a search on Life in SJDS & didn’t find any current comments. Have you heard if it’s official & for all people now as the way it was explained to me was it was for everyone but I haven’t checked into it lately.
THANX for ALL you do keeping us informed!!
I just heard that Mexico are not giving consecutive renewals either. Better check. Some friends are having to leave there for another country.
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