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.
