Peñas Blancas Border Crossing: Costa Rica To Nicaragua Step By Step (2026)

Peñas Blancas is the main land border between Costa Rica and Nicaragua, on the Pan-American Highway about 90 minutes north of Liberia. It is the go-to border run for anyone living in Guanacaste, and the gateway to San Juan del Sur, Granada and the rest of Nicaragua.

It is also one of the busiest and most chaotic crossings in Central America. Knowing the order of steps, carrying the right cash and completing Nicaragua’s pre-entry form before you go make a big difference.

Before You Go: Checklist

• Passport valid for at least six months
• Costa Rica land exit tax paid: US$8 per person, online through Banco de Costa Rica or at the BCR point at the border
• Nicaragua’s pre-entry application submitted online before you travel (see below)
• Cash in small US dollar bills for Nicaraguan fees
• Proof of onward travel out of Costa Rica, for your return
• Proof of funds and, ideally, a hotel booking in Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s Pre-Entry Application

Travelers entering Nicaragua by land are now expected to submit an online “orderly and secure entry” application before arriving at the border. Without it, travelers report being asked to withdraw their entry request rather than being formally refused. Check the current process with Nicaragua’s immigration authority or the Nicaraguan consulate a week or more before you travel, and carry a copy of your submission.

Before choosing Nicaragua for a border run, also read your government’s current travel advisory for Nicaragua.

Fees To Expect

Fees change and are not always posted, so bring extra small bills. Avoid relying on colones on the Nicaraguan side.

Step By Step: Costa Rica To Nicaragua

1. Arrive at Peñas Blancas by car, public bus or international bus. International buses usually handle part of the process for passengers, but you still go through migration yourself.
2. Exit Costa Rica at the Costa Rican migration building. Show your passport and exit tax proof and get your exit stamp.
3. Walk to the Nicaraguan side. Follow the flow of travelers; officials may check passports along the way.
4. Clear Nicaraguan immigration. Present your passport and pre-entry confirmation, pay the entry fee in cash and keep any receipt.
5. Clear customs, which may include a bag scan, and pay the small municipal fee if asked.

Step By Step: Nicaragua Back To Costa Rica

1. Pay the Nicaraguan exit fee and get your exit stamp.
2. Walk to Costa Rican migration and join the line for foreigners.
3. Show your passport, onward ticket out of Costa Rica and proof of funds. Officers at Peñas Blancas do ask for onward travel.
4. Check your new stamp for the number of days granted.

A real family’s experience of this crossing is in our Peñas Blancas border run story.

Tips

• Avoid holidays. Christmas, New Year and Semana Santa bring very long queues.
• Start early. Morning crossings are usually quicker.
• Never leave without both stamps. You need an exit stamp from one country and an entry stamp from the other every time.
• Be wary of “helpers” offering to fill in forms or carry passports for a fee.
• Consider a night in San Juan del Sur rather than a same-day turnaround, especially if you have done several runs in a row.

Alternatives

A quieter route into Nicaragua is Los Chiles and Las Tablillas. To Panama, see Paso Canoas or Sixaola. Compare all options in our Costa Rica border run guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to cross at Peñas Blancas?

Budget around US$25 to US$30 in fees for a round trip: the US$8 Costa Rica exit tax plus Nicaraguan entry and exit charges paid in cash.

Do I need to register before entering Nicaragua by land?

Travelers are now expected to submit an online pre-entry application before arriving. Confirm the current process before you go.

Do I need an onward ticket to come back into Costa Rica?

You should have one. Costa Rican officers can ask for proof that you will leave the country before your new stay ends.

How long does the crossing take?

Anywhere from under an hour to several hours, depending on the day and time.

Before You Go

Pay your exit tax, submit Nicaragua’s form, bring small bills, and have your onward ticket ready for the return. Need a reservation to show proof of onward travel? Fast Onward Tickets can get you one in minutes.