Nicaragua Visa: Entry requirements and pre-travel information for Nicaragua

Traveling to Nicaragua? You may need a visa – find out if you do, which type, and how to apply so you can get the paperwork out of the way and focus on your trip.

What’s a Nicaragua Immigration Form and who’s it for?

Who’s the Nicaraguan Immigration Form for?

Citizens of all nationalities must apply for this form at least seven days before entering the country.

What’s the purpose of a Nicaraguan Immigration Form? It simplifies border procedures, making your entry into Nicaragua quick and hassle-free. Whether you’re visiting for business, tourism, transit, or other reasons, you must present this document to immigration authorities.

Please note: This form is not a visa. Use our Visa Checker Tool to find out if you require a visa to visit the country.

How long can you stay with a Nicaraguan Immigration Form?

This document is valid for a Single Entry into the country. The duration of your stay will be stated on your visa (if you need one to enter the country).

Learn more about the Nicaragua Tourist Immigration Form

What’s a Nicaragua Visa on Arrival and who’s it for?

Who’s the Nicaraguan Visa on Arrival for?

Travelers from the following countries and territories can enter Nicaragua by obtaining a visa on arrival at the airport:

Angola, Algeria, Azerbaijan, Benin, Bhutan, Bolivia, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Colombia, Comoros, Côte d'Ivoire, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Djibouti, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Ghana, Grenada, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, India, Indonesia, Jamaica, Jordan, Kiribati, Kyrgyzstan, Lesotho, Malawi, Maldives, Mauritania, Mauritius, Micronesia, Moldova, Montenegro, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Namibia, Nauru, Niger, North Korea, Oman, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Peru, Philippines, Rwanda, Samoa, Senegal, Serbia, Seychelles, Suriname, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Togo, Tonga, Tunisia, Turkmenistan, Uganda, Uzbekistan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.

Who isn’t eligible for the Nicaraguan Visa on Arrival? Nationals from over 90 countries can visit Nicaragua visa-free for up to 90 days (they must show proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay and documents required for their next destination), including those from:

• The European Union

• The United States

• Australia

• New Zealand

• South Africa

What’s the purpose of a Nicaraguan Visa on Arrival?

Ideal for spontaneous or last-minute travelers for tourism, it streamlines the entry process with on-the-spot approval, allowing you to dive into your Nicaraguan adventure with ease.

How long can you stay with a Nicaraguan Visa on Arrival?

The validity of the visa on arrival is determined based on your nationality, but it’s usually 90 days.

What’s a Nicaragua Tourist Visa and who’s it for?

Who’s the Nicaraguan Embassy Visa for?

Those who can’t enjoy visa-free access or can’t get a visa on arrival must apply for a tourist visa at the nearest Nicaragua Embassy or Consulate.

What’s the purpose of a Nicaragua Embassy Visa? Tourism, short visits, medical appointments, or humanitarian reasons.

How long can you stay with a Nicaragua Embassy Visa?

It’s valid for three months from the moment of arrival.

At iVisa, we don’t currently offer a Nicaraguan Tourist Visa, but you can find out more from the Nicaraguan Embassy or Consulate.

What are the Nicaraguan long-term visa options?

Nicaragua offers several long-term visa options for various purposes, such as employment, study, business, and residence. Here are some of the common long-term visas:

• Work Visa: Foreign nationals aiming to work in Nicaragua for up to a year are required to obtain a work permit.

• Study Visa: The Nicaragua Student Visa enables foreign nationals to reside in the country for educational purposes temporarily.

• Investor Visa: Nicaragua presents an enticing offer for investors: Invest a minimum of $30,000 in the local economy and gain a 5-year permanent residency visa, a potential pathway to citizenship.

• Pensioner Visa: For the Pensioner Visa, eligibility requires being 45 years or older, along with a proven fixed monthly income of at least US$1,000.

• Rentista Visa: The Rentista Visa does not require a minimum age but demands proof of a minimum monthly passive income of US$1,250, typically from sources like dividends or rental income.

At iVisa, we don’t currently offer these visas, but you can find out more from the Nicaraguan government website.

Staying healthy in Nicaragua: Here’s what you need to know

Healthcare facilities and standards in Nicaragua can vary significantly depending on the location and the type of facility. Here's what travelers should know.

Make sure to stay updated on routine vaccines

• Depending on the areas you plan to visit, vaccinations for diseases such as typhoid and hepatitis A and B may be recommended.

• Protection against mosquito bites is also important due to the risk of diseases like dengue and Zika.

• A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year and over arriving from an area with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

• Keep updated with Nicaragua's COVID-19 requirements, such as quarantine, testing, or vaccine certificates, through your airline or the Nicaraguan government website.

Medical facilities

• The public healthcare system is accessible to all, but it may be limited in resources and the quality of care, especially in rural areas. A basic understanding of Spanish or a translation app with offline access can be helpful.

• Private healthcare facilities, mainly located in larger cities like Managua, tend to offer higher-quality services with more English-speaking staff.

• Pharmacies are widely available in Nicaragua, especially in urban areas. They typically carry a range of medications, but the availability of specific drugs may vary.

Health insurance

We’d always recommend taking out health insurance before you travel anywhere from any destination. All the major cities in Nicaragua will have private medical care, but it’s expensive. You should choose travel insurance with high medical limits.

Contact your insurance provider before traveling to make sure you have the right level of coverage.

Other things to consider:

• Trip cancellation, delay, and interruption benefits.

• Medical expenses and medical evacuation benefits.

• Baggage coverage.

Things to be aware of when visiting Nicaragua

Keep an extra eye on the following to keep healthy and safe during your trip to Nicaragua:

1. Food and water contamination: Stomach issues, hepatitis A, and typhoid fever are risks associated with contaminated food and water. It's advisable to drink bottled or boiled water, avoid raw foods, and eat at reputable restaurants.

2. Mosquito-borne illnesses: Dengue fever, malaria, and the Zika virus are prevalent in Nicaragua. It's important to take measures to avoid mosquito bites, such as using insect repellent and wearing long sleeves and pants.

3. Volcanic activity: Nicaragua has active volcanoes, and exposure to volcanic ash can cause respiratory issues. Be aware of local advisories if visiting volcanic areas.

Medication for personal use

Follow these tips to bring into Nicaragua some over-the-counter medicines:

• Declare all medications: Report all medication for personal use to customs authorities.

• Original packaging: Always keep medicines in their original containers and in transparent bags in your hand luggage.

• Prescription or doctor's letter: Present the medical prescription issued by your doctor or other competent authority, in English.

• Check for restrictions: Call Nicaragua's embassy to verify that all of your prescriptions are legal to bring with you.

• Quantity aligned with itinerary: Bring only a reasonable quantity that aligns with the duration of your stay to avoid complications.

Need embassy support?

For other consular needs for Nicaragua, your first point of contact is the Nicaraguan Embassy or Consulate in your home country.

Need assistance while traveling in Nicaragua? Your home country's embassy or consulate is your go-to place for support. Check our useful Embassies Finder to locate the nearest one.