🇳🇮Nicaragua Visa 2026: Entry Requirements
America· Updated 10/10/2026
Do you need a visa for Nicaragua?
It depends on your passport. Out of 196 nationalities documented by IziVisas, 67 enter Nicaragua visa-free, 44 obtain an e-visa or a visa on arrival and 85 must apply at a consulate before travelling.
Visa-free
67
nationalities
E-visa
44
nationalities
Consular visa
85
nationalities
Check the rule for your nationality
Pick your passport for the exact 2026 rule: fee, processing time, allowed stay and documents.
- 🇬🇧United Kingdom
- 🇺🇸United States
- 🇳🇬Nigeria
- 🇬🇭Ghana
- 🇮🇳India
- 🇵🇰Pakistan
- 🇰🇪Kenya
- 🇺🇬Uganda
- 🇿🇦South Africa
- 🇵🇭Philippines
- 🇨🇦Canada
- 🇦🇺Australia
- All nationalities
Transit visa for Nicaragua
Visa for airport or land transit.
- Stay:
- 5 days
- Fee:
- 25 USD
Data updated on · Official source
Rules by nationality cross-checked against the official list (mint.gob.ni), read on .
Pick your nationality to see the rule
Indicative information, drawn from official sources and Wikipedia, and updated automatically. Rules change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before booking. Our methodology · Official portal
Nicaragua visa requirements by nationality
The entry regime Nicaragua applies to the passports most often checked on IziVisas. Open a row for the fee, the processing time, the documents and the allowed stay of that exact route.
Nicaragua visa types, fees and processing times
Every visa category Nicaragua publishes, with the official fee, the allowed stay and the processing time when the source states them. Eligibility depends on your nationality: open your route for the rule that applies to your passport.
| Visa | Category | Allowed stay | Official fee | Processing time | Entries | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Short-stay (tourism) | Short stay | Portal | ||||
| Business visa | Business | 90 days | 15 business days | Multiple | Portal | |
| Work visa | Work | 1 year (renewable) | 100-200 USD | 30 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Student visa | Study | Duration of programme | 100 USD | 20 business days | Multiple | Portal |
| Transit visa | Transit | 5 days | 25 USD | 10 business days | Portal |
Visas
Visas from this country
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Information
Capital
Managua
Population
7,030,000
Currency
Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO C$)
Languages
Spanish, English, Indigenous languages
Continent
America
Calling code
+505
Timezone
America/Managua
Area
130,373 km²
Government
Unitary presidential constitutional republic
National day
September 15 - Independence Day
Internet domain
.ni
About
Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, located between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. It is known for its active volcanoes, lakes, and rich biodiversity. The country faces political and economic challenges under the authoritarian regime of Daniel Ortega.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Safety
Risk areas
Crime(High)
- Avoid protests
- Do not carry valuables
- Use official taxis
Terrorism(Low)
- Low risk, stay vigilant
Transport
- Prefer private transportation
- Check the condition of vehicles
Natural risks(High: hurricanes, volcanoes, earthquakes)
- Follow weather alerts
- Avoid active volcanic areas
Health(Limited healthcare system, overloaded hospitals)
- Vaccines: hepatitis A/B, typhoid, rabies
- Bottled water, anti-mosquitoes for dengue/Zika
Practical tips
- Register with the travel registry
- Comprehensive travel insurance
- Copies of important documents
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Cost of living
Accommodation
Food
Transport
Leisure
Health
Others
Indicative prices in USD in Managua · estimated in October 2026
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Practical information
Electricity
Emergency numbers
Practical information
Right
unsafe
10-15% in restaurants
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Partner link: IziVisas earns a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you.
Photos
Nicaragua
ROBERTO ZUNIGA
Nicaragua
ROBERTO ZUNIGA
Nicaragua
Alvison Hunter
Nicaragua
Diego Lopez
Nicaragua
Miguel González
Nicaragua
Cheese Burger
Nicaragua
Faver Ramirez
Nicaragua
Roger Ce
Nicaragua
Alejandra Montenegro
Nicaragua
HECTOR GARCIA
Nicaragua
ByChelo
Nicaragua
Fabian Wiktor
Nicaragua
ROBERTO ZUNIGA
Nicaragua
Roberto Castano
Nicaragua
Miguel González
Nicaragua
Gene Samit
Nicaragua
Joshuan Barboza
Nicaragua
Fabian Wiktor
Nicaragua
Fabian Wiktor
Nicaragua
Fernando Alcantara
Plan your trip
Tours and activities (GetYourGuide)
Book excursions ahead, with free cancellation on most activities.
Nomad Insurance travel cover (SafetyWing)
Medical cover and repatriation, can be taken out mid-trip.
eSIM data (Saily)
Stay connected on landing, with no roaming charges. Requires an eSIM-compatible phone.
Accommodation (Hotels.com)
Hotels and other stays, with a free-cancellation filter.
Partner links, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Guides to prepare your trip
Transit visa 2026: when a simple layover requires a visa
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Schengen Visa Travel Insurance: The 3 Official Criteria and the Pitfalls (2026)
€30,000 minimum, repatriation, full Schengen validity: what the Visa Code really requires, the mistakes that get applications refused, and…
Visa Refusal: The 10 Most Common Reasons and How to Avoid Them
Funds, home ties, insurance, inconsistencies… The 10 most common visa refusal reasons, how to avoid them, and your appeal options region by…
Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Nicaragua?▾
It depends on your passport. IziVisas documents the entry regime for Nicaragua across 196 nationalities: 67 visa-free, 44 with an e-visa, 85 with a consular visa. Pick yours for the exact rule, with documents, fees and processing times.
Check by my nationality →How much does a Nicaragua visa cost?▾
Fees vary by visa type and nationality. The lowest published official fee is 100 USD (Work visa). These are government fees only, providers and visa application centres add their own service charge.
Do you need a transit visa for Nicaragua?▾
Nicaragua issues a transit visa for travellers connecting or crossing the country without staying, valid 5 days. Conditions depend on your nationality, the length of the layover and whether you leave the airport's international zone.
Is it dangerous to travel to Nicaragua?▾
The overall risk level is currently rated "High risk due to political repression, crime, and instability.". See the Safety tab on this page for details by topic (crime, transport, health, areas to avoid) and practical tips.
What currency is used in Nicaragua?▾
The official currency is Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO C$). See sample prices (accommodation, meals, transport) in the cost of living section above.
What is the capital of Nicaragua?▾
The capital of Nicaragua is Managua. The main spoken languages are: Spanish, English, Indigenous languages.
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