Visa requirements

Nicaragua

General visa requirements for travelling to Nicaragua. These policies apply to all nationalities unless a country-specific policy exists.

Have a specific passport country? Check your specific route.

Tourist visa (Visa Consultada - China, Iran, Syria)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: Several weeks to 2 months
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: 30 days, extendable to 90 days
Entry: Single entry

Only ordinary passport holders require visa consultada. Diplomatic and official passport holders from China have separate bilateral agreements.

Eligibility

Nationality
Ordinary passport holders from China, Iran, and Syria. Diplomatic/official passport holders may be exempt under bilateral agreements.

Eligible countries: China, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Syrian Arab Republic

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photographs (4x5 cm), original color photos
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements and proof of financial means; Minimum amount: Sufficient financial means
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel booking or host letter; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Police clearance
Validity months: 36
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Visa Consultada Application

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather all required documents.
Document submission
Apply at Nicaraguan embassy with all documents.
Processing wait
Wait for authorization from Managua immigration authorities.
Visa collection
Collect approved visa.

Business visa (Business Visa Consultada)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: 1-3 business days to several weeks depending on nationality
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: 30 days, extendable to 90 days
Entry: Single entry

Countries requiring visa consultada for tourism also need it for business. Start application several weeks before travel.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Business meetings, negotiations, trade. No employment allowed.
Includes
- Business meetings
- negotiations
- trade

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-style photographs (4x5 cm)
Bank statement
Minimum balance: Sufficient to cover trip; Months required: 3
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, credit card statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: Yes; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: No
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Business letter of responsibility on company letterhead explaining nature of business and name/address of reference in Nicaragua
Police clearance
Validity months: 36
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Business Visa Application

How to apply

Document gathering
Gather business invitation, employer letter, financial documents, and police certificate.
Document submission
Submit application to Nicaraguan embassy.
Processing wait
Wait for authorization from Managua immigration.
Visa collection
Collect visa from embassy.

Tourist visa (Asian Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: $10 USD (Tourist Card)
Validity: 90 days cumulative across CA-4 countries
Entry: Single entry

Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia passport holders enjoy visa-free access. Diplomatic passport holders from Japan, Singapore, and Malaysia have separate agreements.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Brunei, and Malaysia.

Eligible countries: Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Korea (Republic of), Malaysia, Singapore

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to cover stay
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash payment at airport or border; Amount: $10 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Fee payment
Pay $10 USD tourist card fee upon arrival.

Business visa (Business Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: $10 USD (Tourist Card)
Validity: 90 days
Entry: Single entry

Business visitors from visa-free countries use same tourist entry but must carry business letter. No separate business visa required for short business trips.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Business meetings, negotiations, conferences. No paid employment allowed.
Includes
- Business meetings
- negotiations
- conferences

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for the visit
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Invitation letter
Host requirements: Business letter of responsibility on company letterhead addressed to Embassy of Nicaragua, Visa Section, explaining nature of business, name and address of reference to be visited
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash payment at airport or border; Amount: $10 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain business invitation letter from Nicaraguan company.
Fee payment
Pay $10 USD tourist card at arrival.

Tourist visa (Latin American Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: $10 USD (Tourist Card)
Validity: 90 days cumulative for CA-4 members
Entry: Single entry

Latin American visa-free countries. Costa Rica, Belize, Dominica, and Dominican Republic included. Bolivia diplomatic passport holders have separate agreements.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay, Bolivia, Ecuador, Costa Rica, Panama, Belize, Dominica, and Dominican Republic.

Eligible countries: Argentina, Belize, Bolivia (Plurinational State of), Brazil, Chile, Costa Rica, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Panama, Paraguay, Uruguay

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to cover stay
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash payment at airport or border; Amount: $10 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Fee payment
Pay $10 USD tourist card fee upon arrival.

Diplomatic visa (Diplomatic & Official Passport Holders)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: Free
Validity: 90 days
Entry: Single entry

Holders of diplomatic, official, service or special passports from any country exempt from tourist card fee and visa requirements. Some countries have specific bilateral agreements: Bolivia, Colombia, China, Dominica, Egypt, Grenada, Guyana, India, Jamaica, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Malaysia, Montenegro, Morocco, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Serbia, Singapore, Suriname, and Thailand diplomatic passport holders have 90-day visa-free access.

Eligibility

Nationality
Holders of diplomatic, official, service or special passports from all countries.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 6

How to apply

Document submission
Present diplomatic passport at immigration.

Tourist visa (Former Visa-on-Arrival (Now Visa Consultada Required))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: Several weeks
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: 90 days
Entry: Single entry

These countries previously had visa-on-arrival for $50 USD if holding valid US/Canada/Schengen visa. As of February 16, 2026, visa-on-arrival eliminated and replaced with visa consultada requirement. Cameroon, Haiti, India, Kenya, Pakistan, and Vietnam ordinary passport holders specifically mentioned.

Eligibility

Visa history
Previously allowed visa-on-arrival for $50 USD if holding valid US, Canada, or Schengen visa. As of February 16, 2026, visa-on-arrival eliminated and replaced with visa consultada requirement.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-style photographs
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, employment letters; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Police clearance
Validity months: 36
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Visa Consultada Application

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare all documents including passport with valid US/Canada/Schengen visa.
Document submission
Submit application to Nicaraguan embassy or consulate.
Processing wait
Wait for visa consultada authorization from Managua.
Visa collection
Collect visa from embassy.

Tourist visa (North American & Oceania Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: $10 USD (Tourist Card)
Validity: 90 days cumulative across CA-4 countries
Entry: Single entry

Part of CA-4 agreement. 90 days cumulative across Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Citizens of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are exempt from the $10 tourist card fee. U.S. citizens benefit from a bilateral agreement waiving the 6-month passport validity requirement but passports must still be valid for entire stay.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand.

Eligible countries: Australia, Canada, New Zealand, United Kingdom, United States of America

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to cover stay
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash payment at airport or border; Amount: $10 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Fee payment
Pay $10 USD tourist card fee upon arrival.

Work / Immigration visa (Temporary Work Visa / Work Permit)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: 2 weeks to 7 months (typically 6-7 months)
Fee: €60 (Temporary), €100 (Permanent)
Validity: 1 year, renewable up to 3 years
Entry: Single entry

Two types: Temporary Work Visa (€60, valid 1 year) and Permanent Work Visa (€100). Temporary residence permits valid for 1 year, renewable annually up to 3 years. After 3 years, must apply for permanent residency. Employer must demonstrate no qualified local workers available.

Eligibility

Employment
Must have job offer from Nicaraguan employer willing to sponsor the work permit. Employer must demonstrate no qualified local workers available.

Required status: Job offer from Nicaraguan employer

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Passport-style photographs
Employment letter
Provide a signed employer letter confirming your role, leave dates, salary and return to work.

Must include leave approval: No; Must include position: Yes; Must include salary: Yes
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

Required tests: Proof of no communicable diseases
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Work Visa Application Form
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain employment contract and employer sponsorship letter.
Document submission
Submit temporary residence application with work permit to Dirección de Migración y Extranjería.
Processing wait
Wait for processing (6-7 months typical).
Visa collection
Collect approved work permit and residence card.

Tourist visa (Visa Consultada (Category C))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 30 days
Processing time: Several weeks to months
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: 30 days, extendable to 90 days
Entry: Single entry

Visa Consultada (Category C) implemented February 16, 2026 via Decree 002-2026. Previously these countries had visa-free or visa-on-arrival access. Airlines and carriers deny boarding without valid visa consultada. Diplomatic/official passport holders may be exempt if bilateral agreement exists. Transit visas for these nationals allow up to 5 days.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens from 128 countries requiring prior authorization from Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería in Managua.

Eligible countries: Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Central African Republic, Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Madagascar, Morocco, Peru, San Marino, Senegal, Serbia, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Ukraine, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of), Zimbabwe

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photographs (4x5 cm), original color photos without head covers
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Bank statements, employment letters, or sponsorship; Minimum amount: Sufficient financial means
Accommodation proof
Provide hotel booking, tenancy evidence or host details that cover the planned stay.

Accepted types: Hotel booking or letter from host in Nicaragua; Must cover full stay: Yes
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: Yes
Police clearance
Validity months: 36
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Visa Consultada Application
Cover letter
Explain the purpose of travel, travel dates, who will pay, and why you will leave before the visa or permission expires.

How to apply

Document gathering
Collect all required documents including passport, photos, police certificate, and financial proof.
Document submission
Submit application to Nicaraguan embassy or consulate (cannot be issued without Managua approval).
Processing wait
Wait for consulate to obtain authorization from immigration authorities in Managua.
Visa collection
Collect approved visa consultada from embassy/consulate.

Transit visa (Transit Without Visa (TWOV))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 1 days
Processing time: Immediate
Fee: Free
Validity: 24 hours
Entry: Single entry

Travelers normally requiring visa can transit without visa if transiting within 24 hours with onward tickets. Does not apply to nationals of restricted countries (visa consultada required countries). Must remain in international transit area.

Eligibility

Nationality
Excludes nationals of Afghanistan, Albania, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Botswana, Cameroon, China, and several other countries requiring visa consultada.

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No

How to apply

Document submission
Present passport and onward ticket at immigration.

Student visa (Student Visa)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 365 days
Processing time: Several weeks to 2 months
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: Duration of study program, renewable annually
Entry: Single entry

Student visa enables temporary residence for educational purposes. Must maintain full-time enrollment. Renewable annually with continued proof of enrollment and financial support.

Eligibility

Purpose of visit
Must be accepted to full-time course at recognized educational institution in Nicaragua.
Includes
- Full-time study at recognized institution
Financial
Must demonstrate approximately $10,000 USD to meet currency requirements.

Minimum funds: $10,000 USD

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Photo
Count: 2; Specifications: Recent passport-style photographs (4x5 cm)
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Verified bank statements demonstrating ability to financially sustain stay; Minimum amount: Approximately $10,000 USD
Admission letter
Must be notarized: No; Must be original: Yes; Must show program dates: No
Police clearance
Validity months: 36
Medical certificate
Provide medical evidence from a recognised doctor or clinic when the route asks for health confirmation.

Required tests: Proof of no communicable diseases
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Student Visa Application Form
Academic transcript
Provide academic records for the course, qualification or training route.

Must be notarized: Yes; Must be translated: No

How to apply

Document gathering
Obtain admission letter from Nicaraguan university and gather financial documents.
Document submission
Submit student visa application to Nicaraguan embassy or consulate.
Processing wait
Wait for visa processing and authorization.
Visa collection
Collect student visa from embassy.

Tourist visa (European Union Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: $10 USD (Tourist Card)
Validity: 90 days cumulative across CA-4 countries
Entry: Single entry

All EU member states citizens enjoy visa-free access under Nicaragua's 2026 visa policy. Diplomatic, official, service or special passport holders are exempt from the tourist card fee.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of all 27 European Union member states enjoy visa-free access under Nicaragua's 2026 visa policy.

Eligible countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to cover stay
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash payment at airport or border; Amount: $10 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Fee payment
Pay $10 USD tourist card fee upon arrival.

Tourist visa (CA-4 Free Movement Agreement)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: Immediate
Fee: Free
Validity: 90 days, extendable to 120 days
Entry: Multiple entry

CA-4 Border Control Agreement members. Citizens of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras are exempt from the $10 tourist card fee and enjoy unrestricted movement. Extensions possible up to 120 days.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras under the CA-4 Border Control Agreement. Valid passport or national ID card accepted.

Eligible countries: El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 0; Validity months: 0

How to apply

Document gathering
Present valid ID or passport at border.

Transit visa (Transit Visa (Visa Consultada Countries))

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Embassy required

Maximum stay: 1 days
Processing time: 1-2 weeks
Fee: Varies by embassy
Validity: Up to 5 days
Entry: Single entry

Nationals of countries requiring visa consultada cannot transit without visa. Transit visas usually valid for up to 5 days. Airlines will deny boarding without proper transit visa for restricted nationalities.

Eligibility

Nationality
Nationals of visa consultada required countries must obtain transit visa even for short layovers.

Eligible countries: China, Colombia, Cuba, Haiti, India, Iran (Islamic Republic of), Iraq, Korea (Democratic People's Republic of), Libya, Syrian Arab Republic, Thailand, Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of)

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds for transit period
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: Yes; Must show return: No
Application form
Use the official application form for this route and complete all required fields.

Form name: Transit Visa Application

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare passport and onward flight booking.
Document submission
Apply for transit visa at Nicaraguan embassy.
Processing wait
Wait for transit visa authorization.
Visa collection
Collect transit visa.

Tourist visa (Other Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: $10 USD (Tourist Card)
Validity: 90 days
Entry: Single entry

Additional visa-exempt countries including Israel, Turkey, South Africa, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Angola, Albania, Solomon Islands, and Moldova.

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of Israel, Turkey, South Africa, Russia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Angola, Albania, Solomon Islands, and Moldova.

Eligible countries: Albania, Algeria, Angola, Bahrain, Belarus, Israel, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Moldova (Republic of), Qatar, Russian Federation, Saudi Arabia, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Turkey

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to cover stay
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash payment at airport or border; Amount: $10 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Fee payment
Pay $10 USD tourist card fee upon arrival.

Tourist visa (EFTA Visa-Free Entry)

Applies to all nationalities · Last updated: 25 June 2026

Visa free

Maximum stay: 90 days
Processing time: On arrival
Fee: $10 USD (Tourist Card)
Validity: 90 days cumulative across CA-4 countries
Entry: Single entry

Eligibility

Nationality
Citizens of Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.

Eligible countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, Switzerland

Documents you need

Passport
Blank pages required: 1; Validity months: 6
Proof of funds
Accepted forms: Cash, credit card, bank statements; Minimum amount: Sufficient funds to cover stay
Flight reservation
Provide flight booking or itinerary evidence when the route asks for travel plans.

Must be confirmed: No; Must show return: Yes
Visa fee payment
Accepted methods: Cash payment at airport or border; Amount: $10 USD

How to apply

Document gathering
Prepare valid passport and proof of onward travel.
Fee payment
Pay $10 USD tourist card fee upon arrival.

This information is provided for general guidance only. Visa requirements can change frequently and may vary by nationality. Always verify with the official embassy or consulate before making travel plans. Contact [email protected] for assistance.