Monitoring Report: Nicaraguan Migration Northern Border of Costa Rica - Regular Entries and Departures Based on the collection of information from field and official sources (May, 2025)

From January to May 2025, Costa Rica recorded over 137,000 regular entries and 120,000 regular departures of Nicaraguan nationals at official border posts (Peñas Blancas and Las Tablillas). Additionally, more than 96,000 irregular entries and 20,000 irregular departures were estimated at informal crossing points such as Paso Rojo, México–Upala, and Santa Cecilia. Most surveyed individuals resided in Costa Rica and were traveling for family, work, or to seek better living conditions. Unemployment affected 24% of migrants, with notable gender disparities. Moreover, 51% of those using irregular routes lacked valid documentation. These figures highlight the cyclical and transnational nature of Nicaraguan migration along the northern border.