travel in Central America to renew 90 day stay allowance

[Mmelon 8]

I am considering the possibility of going and living in Costa Rica with my Costa Rican fiancé until he gets his K-1 visa approved. We are not very far along in the process waiting for our NOA2 from Vermont (May 3 NOA1). The idea we are talking about right now is that I would go in August after working awhile longer and saving money for us to live on and stay with him until he can come back to the US with me. Costa Rica only allows US citizens to visit as tourists for 90 days and they must have a return ticket or forward ticket upon entry to Costa Rica. If I go in August, chances are that it will still be longer than 90 days before we have an interview and approval, so I am going to have to leave the country for a couple days and come back in order to renew my 90 days. My fiancé has not traveled AT ALL and is very nervous about this. Can anyone guide me at all to some cheap, safe options for crossing the boarder for a few days (I think technically I have to be out for 48 hours or something)? Ideally we would like to go somewhere where meals are available and we don't have to leave the hotel/hostel. I am a free spirit and like adventure, but even the idea of travelling to an unknown, potentially dangerous place really scares my fiancé and he likes to know exactly what is going on and where we are at all times. In other words...no getting lost...no wandering around. Any tips or advice?

[stevie b 141]

I have a friend who has business in costa rica and travels there often

he has overstayed his 90 days many times

when he leaves, they impose a fine of something like a hundred bux

he never has issues going back

hope that helps

[Mmelon 8]

Thanks for the reply.

I am not going to risk an overstay, even if others have gotten away with it in the past. Me and my fiancé's future together depends on doing everything the right way and getting an approved visa and I don't want to do ANYTHING to compromise that. I just want to be able to quickly, safely, and easily make a short trip to Nicaragua or Panama or somewhere cheap close by so that I can return with another 90 days.

[Steph and Wagner 1]

I think Panama is a little bit safer than Nicaragua, its easy from San Jose to take a bus. I have done it to go and see the Panama Canal. I stayed with a family friend for a few days and bussed my way back to San Jose. Its not all that expensice maybe like 10,000 colones ($20 per person) for the bus ticket. Im sure while you are down there theyre are tours and stuff you can inquire about, maybe those are the "better areas" of Panama to visit. But Hey, The canal is beautiful, def something to see if you both have the chance. Not much of help, but just my insight

[glinda123 2]

Hi Mary Ellen,

Definitely smart NOT overstay the 90 days. Many times people take the bus and cross over into Nicaragua for the weekend. When they return, the "clock" restarts.

By chance, have you ever looked at the Yahoo group site: "Costa Rica Living"? If you subscribe to this digest, you can find LOTS of information about taking a bus right over

with lots of recommendations as to places to stay, etc etc. Lots of helpful advice and easy to post questions....often people respond with helpful information. Hope this helps.

Good luck!!! Glinda

[LoveMyTico 999]

I heard somewhere that they are cracking down on the 90 day stay and that leaving for 48 hours might not work anymore. Check into it. I know they were swarming the boarders during semana santa. Just a heads up. Why don't you stop in at the emabssy and see if you can get an extension? Explain that you have papers filed with the US government and would like to stay in CR while they are being processed. They might say no or that they don't do that, but I would rather try that then cross over into Nicaragua or Panama.

[Mmelon 8]

I heard somewhere that they are cracking down on the 90 day stay and that leaving for 48 hours might not work anymore. Check into it. I know they were swarming the boarders during semana santa. Just a heads up. Why don't you stop in at the emabssy and see if you can get an extension? Explain that you have papers filed with the US government and would like to stay in CR while they are being processed. They might say no or that they don't do that, but I would rather try that then cross over into Nicaragua or Panama.

Have you ever heard of something like this working? It would be a wonderful option if it is possible! I really don't have money to travel unnecessarily and I DEFINITELY don't want to get in any trouble with la migración. I am in the US right now. Do you think I would get an answer if I call the embassy from here and ask about it?

[TBoneTX 45,222]

I am in the US right now. Do you think I would get an answer if I call the embassy from here and ask about it?

Try it, si man.

[LoveMyTico 999]

I asked my husband about that the other night. He says he knows people do that but he was not sure if it was still allowed. Call annonymously. Just say you are planning a 6 month visit, what should you do about the 90 day stay. They might even tell you that you can get an extension. Its better to stay legally. ... and when you find out, please post so we all know for sure. Good Luck

[Mmelon 8]

Thanks everyone for the advice! I will report back after calling the embassy

[JParce 8]

My fiance used to travel to Nicaragua and Panama, sometimes alone because I was working or sometimes with group of friends and if you are looking something cheap you can go to Nicaragua. My fiance loved San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua and she said it was not dangerous and more if you are going with your fiance it will be easy to get to San Juan del Sur or you can also go to bocas del toro which is safe but it is more expensive than San Juan del Sur. You will be fine my fiance did it several times If you have any questions let me know.