Nicaragua: Entry Rules for VisitorsLast check:Last update:Data statusLast check:Last update:
Nicaragua:Visa Requirement Map
Explore which nationalities need a visa to enter this country and which can enter visa-free.
Nicaragua: Visa and entry documents and requirements
Visa requirements may change. Always verify the latest information through official government sources.
Visa-Free Entry Requirements
- The passenger must enter Nicaragua through an authorized border checkpoint where immigration control is conducted. The passport's validity period must be more than six months. Another immigration or travel document recognized by Nicaragua may also be used. If entry is based on a valid residence permit, the residence card must be presented.
- Non-Nicaraguan citizens must complete the online immigration form. It is recommended that the form be completed at least seven days before arrival. This form does not replace an electronic travel authorization or visa; it is an immigration form used to pre-register entry information.
- Foreigners entering the country as tourists, except those under legal exemption, are charged a tourist card fee of 10 US dollars or its equivalent in national currency.
- The immigration officer may, when deemed necessary, request the passenger to prove that they have sufficient financial means. In the legislation, the measure of financial sufficiency is defined as three times the current industrial sector minimum wage. The number of months the bank statement must cover is also not specified.
- The duration of stay granted to a visa-exempt passenger upon entry is indicated on the immigration record or entry stamp. The general duration of stay granted under visa exemption is 90 days and can be extended up to a total of 180 days by completing the necessary immigration procedures. If a shorter period is granted by officials upon entry, that period applies.
- A passenger arriving from a country with a risk of yellow fever and at least six days have passed since leaving that country must present the original International Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate physically or digitally. Those only transiting through a risky country and those transiting in Panama City for no more than 24 hours are exempt from this requirement. Children under nine months old, persons over 60 years old, pregnant women, breastfeeding women, those with egg allergy or immune system disorder may be exempted provided they present a health certificate issued by the health ministry of the country of departure.
E-Visa Application Requirements
- Applicants who need to obtain a visa in advance are assessed under the 'advisory visa', i.e., immigration category C. The current regulation requires that this visa be obtained before travel. The Ministry of the Interior's online consular procedures platform is used for the application, and a separate official verification system is used to check the validity of the approved visa.
- The applicant's passport must be valid for at least six months. A copy or scan of the biographical data page showing the passport's personal information must be submitted. The application must be completed with the personal and travel information requested by the electronic system.
- A reasoned visa request letter explaining the purpose of travel must be submitted with the application. Previous legislation stipulates that for applications made from outside the country, the letter should be addressed to the relevant diplomatic or consular mission; for procedures in Nicaragua, to the director of the General Directorate of Immigration and Aliens. In the current electronic system, the recipient and upload method of the request letter may be determined according to the application fields created by the system.
- The applicant is required to provide a judicial record or police clearance certificate covering the last three years in the country of which they are a citizen or in which they reside. Alternatively, a document issued by Interpol Nicaragua may be accepted. Whether a legal residence document will additionally be requested if the application is made from the country of residence may vary according to the personalized checklist of the electronic application.
- A subsistence and expense undertaking notarized by the applicant or the person assuming the costs must be submitted. The undertaking must cover the expenses of the applicant's stay in Nicaragua and departure from the country.
- After the visa is approved, a deposit equivalent to the cost of the return ticket may be requested.
- A recent, passport-type photograph may be requested in the electronic application.
- The current amount of the visa fee may be determined by the electronic system according to the applicant's situation and the type of procedure.
- A current mandatory minimum period for how many days before travel the application must be made has also not been published. Travel should not commence without obtaining the visa approval.
- Temporary visas other than transit may be issued with a validity of up to 90 days. The start and end dates written on the issued electronic visa are taken as basis. The duration of stay to be granted upon entry under category C is set as 30 days in the general regulation and can be extended up to a total of 90 days through appropriate extension procedures.
- Temporary visas may be issued for tourism and visits, business meetings or commercial activities, transit, and other short-term purposes accepted in the legislation. Persons whose purpose is work, paid activity, long-term study, or residence must apply for the relevant permit or residence category.
- The approved visa can be checked via the electronic verification system. The passenger must carry a downloadable copy of the approval document and, if possible, a printed copy during the entire journey.
- The rules regarding the yellow fever certificate also apply to passengers holding an e-visa. From applicants with a risky departure or travel history, a certificate or a valid health exemption document may be requested.
Transit Visa Requirements
- A transit visa is a temporary visa issued for passengers who will pass through Nicaraguan territory to reach another country. If the passenger is required to obtain a visa in advance due to their nationality and passport type, the transit visa must also be obtained before travel.
- The passport must be valid for more than six months, or a valid travel document recognized by Nicaragua must be presented. The transit route, the onward journey to the next country, and the purpose of travel must be stated in the application.
- The immigration officer may, when deemed necessary, request the passenger to prove their sufficient financial means. The general measure applied is three times the current industrial sector minimum wage.
- The maximum duration of the transit visa and transit stay is five days. For longer visits, another temporary visa suitable for the purpose of travel must be obtained.
- The transit visa fee is 25 US dollars.