Known for its stunning landscapes, vibrant culture, and historical monuments, Nicaragua is an interesting destination for travelers. If you're planning a trip to Nicaragua, it's important to understand the entry requirements and visa regulations to ensure a smooth trip. Learn about the entry rules, tourist visa requirements, and necessary documents for traveling to Nicaragua.
Visa requirements for Nicaragua
The rules for entering Nicaragua depend on the nationality of the tourist. For foreigners from the EU, the USA, Canada, the UK, and many other countries, you only need a valid passport to travel. Citizens of these countries have the right to stay in Nicaragua without a visa for up to 90 days.
Citizens of about 100 countries must obtain a visa to Nicaragua in two ways:
- upon arrival; or
- through a diplomatic mission of Nicaragua (embassy, consulate, visa center).
To find out more about whether you need a visa to Nicaragua, how to get one, or how long you can stay in the country without a visa, enter your citizenship in the special search engine on the page.
Even if you don't need a visa, you must have certain documents with you to ensure smooth entry into Nicaragua:
1. A valid passport: With an expiration date of at least six months after the end of your planned stay.
2. Proof of accommodation: Hotel reservation, rental agreement or letter of invitation from your host in Nicaragua.
3. Proof of financial solvency: Bank statements, credit cards, or other proof of financial resources to cover your stay.
4. A round-trip airline ticket.
5. Health insurance: It is recommended to have a travel health insurance that covers medical expenses during your stay in the country.
Obtaining a visa upon arrival in Nicaragua
Entry under the CA-4 agreement
Thanks to the CA-4 agreement, visa holders from El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras, regardless of citizenship, can freely visit these countries without the need to obtain a new visa. However, if you don't need a visa to enter Nicaragua, you will need to purchase a tourist card, which costs $10.
Entry with a multiple-entry visa
If the applicant has a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, a Canadian or US visa, then a visa is not required to enter Nicaragua. Citizens of some countries that do not fall under this rule can obtain a visa upon arrival if they have a valid multiple-entry Schengen visa, Canadian or US visa. Citizens of other countries cannot enter Nicaragua without a visa, even in transit.
Documents for obtaining a visa upon arrival
The following documents are required to obtain a tourist visa to Nicaragua upon arrival:
• A passport valid for at least 6 months and a copy of it.
• A copy of round-trip airline tickets.
• Confirmation of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation from the host party in Nicaragua).
• Additional supporting documents upon request.
Visa cost upon arrival
The cost of a tourist visa to Nicaragua upon arrival is about 50 USD. The exact amount may vary depending on the applicant's nationality.
Applying for a tourist visa through an embassy / consulate
If you plan to visit Nicaragua for tourism purposes, you will need a tourist visa. Below are the necessary requirements and steps to obtain it.
Requirements for a tourist visa
• Application form: a properly filled out application form (see the example here).
• Photos: two passport-size photos on a white background. Hats, glasses and caps are not allowed.
• Passport: valid for at least six months and a copy of it.
• A copy of the identification card and visa/residence permit: if the place of residence and citizenship are different.
• A copy of round-trip airline tickets.
• Confirmation of the place of residence. Confirmation of hotel reservation or invitation from the host party in Nicaragua, with contact information.
• Confirmation of financial capabilities (availability of funds to pay for the entire period of stay).
• International credit card, cash, traveler's checks or a sponsorship letter.
• Certificate of no criminal record: issued by the applicant's home country or country of residence.
• A copy of the obtained visas: additional documents may be requested by the embassy.
Visa application timeframe
A tourist visa to Nicaragua takes from 3 to 15 business days to be issued, depending on the country of application.
The cost of a tourist visa
The cost of a tourist visa to Nicaragua ranges from 20 to 50 USD, depending on the applicant's nationality or country of application.
Where to apply for a tourist visa to Nicaragua?
You can apply for a tourist visa at the visa centers, embassies or consulates of Nicaragua in your country of residence. If there are no such institutions in your country, you should contact the nearest embassy or consulate.
In order to avoid delays during border crossing, the General Directorate of Migration and Foreigners recommends filling out and sending the application form 7 days before entering Nicaragua.
The Embassy also strongly recommends that citizens entering the country through the land or sea border follow this mechanism to avoid delays that can reach more than 24 hours.
Validity of a tourist visa in Nicaragua
A tourist visa is issued for a period of up to 90 days to stay in Nicaragua.
It is worth reminding that tourists who do not need to apply for a visa are required to purchase a tourist card for USD 10 upon entry. There is no fee for leaving the country.
If you want to stay for a longer period, you can apply for a tourist visa extension.
Special conditions for citizens with dual citizenship
Citizens with dual citizenship, including Nicaraguan citizenship, must provide documents confirming their citizenship if they exceed 90 days of stay in the country with a European passport.
Medical requirements for a tourist visa
The following vaccinations are required to obtain a tourist visa to Nicaragua:
Mandatory vaccinations:
• Yellow fever: for tourists from countries with a risk of the disease (Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guyana, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Venezuela, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago, African countries).
• Polio, DPT, MMR: for children under 5 years of age.
Recommended vaccinations:
• Measles and diphtheria-tetanus (D.T.).
• Tuberculosis: for minors.
Tips for a smooth entry
- Stay up to date: Check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before you travel, as regulations are subject to change.
- It is recommended that you keep your documents carefully and always have copies of your ID and passport with you in case they are stolen or lost.
- Be prepared for questions: Immigration officials may ask about your travel plans, housing, and financial resources. Answer clearly and confidently.
By following these instructions and recommendations, you will be able to successfully apply for a tourist visa to Nicaragua and avoid delays and problems when entering the country.
