Some Not-So-Good News on Tourist Visa Extensions and Tourist Visa in General
As reported in the last issue of Nica Nuggets, a person in Granada was refused an extension on their tourist visa until they provided more documentation on why they were in Nicaragua. In that case, they produced a marriage document to a Nicaraguan and then received the extension. We have now heard of three more cases where people are being refused the 90 day extension without more documentation on why they are in Nicaragua. Such as proof working at an NGO, etc.
It appears that even leaving the country for three days then returning may require documentation to receive a new tourist visa. Authorities are stating that this has always been the case and that the purpose of a tourist visa is only for tourists or for the time to apply for residency. They may be viewing the three days of leaving the country as simply another tourist visa extension so may not automatically be allowed.
So do not wait until the last day to apply for the extension and if you leave for the three days, you may need to keep your documentation with you to prove you can re-enter Nicaragua.
Again, we are trying to determine why suddenly the rules are being enforced. Perhaps it is only a few overzealous immigration people in certain areas. As soon as we learn what is going on we will report on it. The majority of expats in Nicaragua are not residents. If someone knows more than this, please post it. Nicaragua Expat Network.
As reported in the last issue of Nica Nuggets, a person in Granada was refused an extension on their tourist visa until they provided more documentation on why they were in Nicaragua. In that case, they produced a marriage document to a Nicaraguan and then received the extension. We have now heard of three more cases where people are being refused the 90 day extension without more documentation on why they are in Nicaragua. Such as proof working at an NGO, etc.
It appears that even leaving the country for three days then returning may require documentation to receive a new tourist visa. Authorities are stating that this has always been the case and that the purpose of a tourist visa is only for tourists or for the time to apply for residency. They may be viewing the three days of leaving the country as simply another tourist visa extension so may not automatically be allowed.
So do not wait until the last day to apply for the extension and if you leave for the three days, you may need to keep your documentation with you to prove you can re-enter Nicaragua.
Again, we are trying to determine why suddenly the rules are being enforced. Perhaps it is only a few overzealous immigration people in certain areas. As soon as we learn what is going on we will report on it. The majority of expats in Nicaragua are not residents. If someone knows more than this, please post it. Nicaragua Expat Network.