⚠️ Important 2026 update : Visa-on-arrival eliminated for most nationalities
Nicaragua's Ministry of the Interior overhauled its entry rules via Provision 002-2026. Visa-on-arrival has been eliminated for most nationalities : only around 67-69 nationalities now remain visa-exempt (still entering visa-free for 90 days under the CA-4 agreement). The other 128 nationalities : including Mexico, Peru and Colombia : must now obtain an advance "Consulted Visa" before travel; arriving without one can result in denied boarding or entry refusal. Check your nationality's status with a Nicaraguan consulate before booking travel.
Effective: 16 February 2026.
Source: Nicaragua Ministry of the Interior (Ministerio de Gobernación), Provision 002-2026.
Since 16 February 2026, only around 67-69 nationalities remain visa-exempt for Nicaragua (90 days, CA-4 agreement). 128 other nationalities now require an advance "Consulted Visa".
Nicaragua, Central America's largest country, allows a reduced list of around 67-69 nationalities to enter visa-free for 90 days (extendable) under the CA-4 agreement allowing free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Since 16 February 2026, 128 other nationalities must obtain an advance "Consulted Visa" before travel, as visa-on-arrival has been eliminated for them.
Tourist Entry
Nicaragua, Central America's largest country, allows around 67-69 visa-exempt nationalities to enter visa-free for 90 days (extendable) under the CA-4 agreement allowing free movement between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Since 16 February 2026 (Provision 002-2026), visa-on-arrival has been eliminated for the remaining 128 nationalities, including Mexico, Peru and Colombia, who must obtain a "Consulted Visa" from a Nicaraguan consulate before travel. For detailed and up-to-date requirements, always check the official immigration authority.
Typical Required Documents
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Return or onward flight ticket
- Proof of accommodation
- Sufficient funds for your stay
- Travel insurance (recommended)
Official Links
Always verify current visa rules on official government sites before travel.
📋 Complete Visa Categories for Nicaragua
Nicaragua offers several visa and permit categories depending on your purpose of travel, intended length of stay, and nationality. Below is a comprehensive overview of the main visa types available.
Planning a trip to Nicaragua? This 2026 guide explains the visa rules, costs and entry requirements for Nicaragua, plus the practical travel details you need before you go. Below you will find the key facts at a glance, followed by visa categories, required documents and a step-by-step application guide.
Nicaragua : Country Information
- Capital: Managua
- Currency: Córdoba (NIO)
- Official language: Spanish
- Main airports: Managua Augusto C. Sandino (MGA)
| Visa Type | Duration | Fee (approx.) | Key Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visa-Free Entry | 90 days | Free | ~67-69 exempt nationalities only (reduced since 16 Feb 2026) |
| Tourist Card (CA-4) | 90 days | $10-12 | CA-4 agreement (shared with Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador), for exempt nationalities |
| Consulted Visa (new, Feb. 2026) | Single/multiple entry | Varies by consulate | Required in advance for 128 nationalities (incl. Mexico, Peru, Colombia); apply at a Nicaraguan consulate before travel |
| Business Visa | 30 days | $50-100 | Business invitation |
| Residency (Pensionado) | Renewable | $300-500 | $600/month pension income |
Fees and requirements may vary by nationality. Always verify at the official immigration authority.
⏰ Processing Times & Fees for Nicaragua Visas
Processing times vary by visa type, nationality, and time of year. Apply well in advance of travel.
| Visa Type | Standard Processing | Standard Fee | Expedited | Expedited Fee |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist | Instant | $10-12 | N/A | N/A |
| Residency | 2-3 months | $300-500 | N/A | N/A |
🏥 Health & Entry Requirements for Nicaragua
No mandatory vaccinations. Yellow Fever certificate if from endemic area. Dengue and Zika present. Medical facilities limited. Travel insurance recommended.
🕑 Visa Extension & Overstay Rules in Nicaragua
CA-4 90-day period shared between Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua. Must exit CA-4 region for 72 hours to reset. Overstay fine: $2/day.
❌ Visa Refusal & Appeals for Nicaragua
Rare for visa-exempt tourists. Since the 16 February 2026 overhaul (Provision 002-2026), travelers from the 128 nationalities now requiring an advance Consulted Visa risk denied boarding by their airline or entry refusal on arrival if they do not hold the visa in advance. No formal appeal process exists for on-the-spot refusals; affected travelers should apply for the Consulted Visa at a Nicaraguan consulate well before their trip.
How to get the Nicaragua visa?
- Check whether you need a visa. Confirm your nationality's requirement for Nicaragua in the table above (visa-free, eVisa, visa on arrival or consular visa).
- Choose the right visa type for your trip : tourism, business, transit, work or study.
- Prepare your documents: a passport valid at least 6 months, a recent photo, proof of accommodation and onward travel, and sufficient funds.
- Apply online (eVisa) or at the nearest Nicaragua embassy/consulate, and pay the visa fee.
- Receive your visa and print or save the approval before you travel to Nicaragua.
For the exact fee, processing time and document list for your nationality, see the dedicated requirements and fees guides linked on this page.
This guide is maintained by our visa research team. Last updated: 8 July 2026.
Important: Visa rules change frequently. Always verify current requirements at Nicaragua Migración before travel. This page is for informational purposes only.