A total of 26,409 people went from Costa Rica to Nicaragua, crossing the border of Peñas Blancas during the weekend, to spend Christmas and New Year in the neighboring country, reported the Directorate of Immigration.
The number of travelers to Nicaragua increased by 50% compared to Christmas last year, according to an officials.
Between December 22 and 23, 90% of the 26,409 people who crossed the border were foreigners, mainly Nicaraguans living in Costa Rica, but return home to spend Christmas and New Year with their families.
However, more than 2,600 Costa Ricans also traveled to the neighboring country to enjoy holidays.
According Migration it took each person in an average of 30 seconds to be cleared and stamped, thanks to new facilities at the border post, opened a few weeks ago.
“The new building in Costa Rica has 14 ‘counters’ available for check-out, which has enabled better flow through for the travelers,” the statement said.
By year-end there have been 74,000 people who have left the country through that border, although the figure is expected to continue rising this week.
The Costa Rica News (TCRN)
San Jose Costa Rica
