Visa Types

Visa Types and Categories to Apply for Nicaragua Visa

You can realize your planned trip to Nicaragua by obtaining a Nicaragua visa. Foreign nationals can apply for Nicaragua visas for business, tourism, and other reasons.

Even if you are exempted from obtaining a visa to enter Nicaragua, you still need to get a tourist card in Nicaragua on arrival, which costs 10 USD.

According to the CA-4 Agreement between El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Honduras, visa holders of these countries, regardless of nationality, can travel to each of these countries without obtaining a new visa.

Additionally, in the case that the applicant has multiple entries used/unused Schengen or Canada or the United States visa in force, they no need the visa to enter Nicaragua. Even though the following countries are exempted from this opportunity, they can get a visa on arrival if they have valid multiple entries used/unused Schengen or Canada or the United States visa. The following nationals from the following countries cannot transit without a visa either.

 

Afghanistan

Algeria

Angola

Armenia

Bangladesh

Botswana

Republic of the Congo

DR Congo

Cuba

Eritrea

Ethiopia

Ghana

Iran

Iraq

Jordan

Kenya

Laos

Lebanon

Liberia

Libya

Mali

Mongolia

Mozambique

Nepal

Nigeria

North Korea

Oman

Pakistan

Sierra Leone

Somalia

Sri Lanka

Sudan

Syria

Timor-Leste

Venezuela

Vietnam

Yemen

 

 

 

 

Nicaragua Visa on Arrival

The following nationals are eligible to obtain a Nicaragua Visa on Arrival:

Angola

Algeria

Azerbaijan

Benin

Bhutan

Bolivia

Burkina Faso

Burundi

Cambodia

Cape Verde

Central African Republic

Chad

Colombia

Comoros

Cote d'Ivoire

Dominica

Dominican Republic

Djibouti

Egypt

Ethiopia

Equatorial Guinea

Eswatini

Gabon

The Gambia

Georgia

Ghana

Grenada

Guinea

Guinea Bissau

Guyana

India

Indonesia

Jamaica

Jordan

Kazakhstan

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

Zimbabwe

 

 

 

 

 

Required Documents for Nicaragua Visa on Arrival

 

1. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months

2. Any Supporting Documents Proving Your Purpose of Travel

  • Copy of round-trip air tickets
  • Proof of accommodation
    • Confirmation of hotel reservation or
    • Invitation letter from the host in Nicaragua
    • Any additional supporting documents

 

Nicaragua Visa on Arrival Fee

Nicaragua Visa on Arrival fee is approximately 50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality

Nicaragua Tourist Visa

Nicaragua Tourist visa is issued for applicants intending to visit Nicaragua for tourism and sightseeing. You can apply for a Nicaragua Tourist visa in order to realize your tourist activities.

 

Required Documents for Nicaragua Tourist Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Duly completed application form

2. Two Photos

  • Two passport size photos in the white background
  • No hat, glasses, cap, and bare forehead

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Travel Itinerary

  • Copy of round-trip air tickets
  • Proof of accommodation
    • Confirmation of hotel reservation or
    • Invitation letter from the host in Nicaragua
      • Contact details of the host must be included

6. Proof of Financial Means

  • Sufficient funds to cover the expenses for the whole duration of the stay
  • International Credit Card
  • Cash
  • Travellers’ checks
  • Sponsorship letter
  • Other

7. Criminal Record Certificate

  • It must be issued by the country of origin or where the applicant has legally stayed

8. Copy of Visas You Have Obtained

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Nicaragua Tourist Visa

The average processing time for a Nicaragua Tourist Visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Nicaragua Tourist Visa Fee

Nicaragua Tourist Visa fee is 20-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Nicaragua Tourist Visa?

You will apply for a Nicaragua Tourist Visa in Nicaragua visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nicaragua Business Visa

Nicaragua Business visa gives you the authorization to enter Nicaragua and stay here for a maximum period of your visa validity, as permitted. It permits its holder to engage in business-related activities.

 

Required Documents for Nicaragua Business Visa

 

1. Application Form

  • Duly completed application form

2. Two Photos

  • Two passport size photos in the white background
  • No hat, glasses, cap, and bare forehead

3. Passport and Copy of the Main Page

  • Passport must be valid for at least 6 months

4. National Identity Card and Resident Permit/Visa Copy (if Your Country of Residence and Citizenship are Different)

5. Travel Itinerary

  • Copy of round-trip air tickets
  • Proof of accommodation
    • Confirmation of hotel reservation or
    • Invitation letter from the host in Nicaragua
      • Contact details of the host must be included

6. Proof of Financial Means

  • Sufficient funds to cover the expenses for the whole duration of the stay
  • International Credit Card
  • Cash
  • Travelers’ checks
  • Sponsorship letter
  • Other

7. Proof of Purpose of the Travel

  • Copy of the legal personality of the public or private institution that requests the entry of the applicant
  • Power of legal representatives of the public or private institution
  • Certificate from General Director of Income, Unique Taxpayer Registry (RUC) and municipality registration where the business is located

8. Criminal Record Certificate

  • It must be issued by the country of origin or where the applicant has legally stayed

9. Copy of Visas You Have Obtained

*Additional documents can be required by the embassy.

 

Processing Time for Nicaragua Business Visa

The average processing time for a Nicaragua Business Visa is 3-15 working days. It depends on your visa application country.

 

Nicaragua Business Visa Fee

Nicaragua Business Visa fee is 20-50 USD. The fee may vary depending on your nationality or your country of submission.

 

Where to Apply for Nicaragua Business Visa?

You will apply for a Nicaragua Business Visa in Nicaragua visa application centers, embassies, or consulates, whichever accepts visa applications in your country of residence. If there is none of them in your country, you need to apply to the nearest embassy or consulate to your location.

Nicaragua Temporary Residence

If you want to stay in Nicaragua for a longer duration you need to obtain Nicaragua Residence Permit. Nicaragua Residence Permit fee is approximately 200 USD. It is issued by the Immigration Department in Nicaragua.

 
Required Documents for Nicaragua Temporary Residence

 

1. Application Form

  • Duly completed application form

2. Residence Application Letter

  • It must be addressed to the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration

3. Passport

  • Copy of a passport
  • Passport must be valid at least 6 months
  • CA-4 nationals can present a copy or original of Identity Card

4. Two Photos

  • Two 3.5x4.5 photos in the white background
  • No hat and glasses. Bare forehead

5. Criminal Record Certificate

  • It must be issued by the country of origin or where the applicant has stayed legally for the last 3 years
  • The certificate should be apostilled or validated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Ministry in Nicaragua, and Nicaragua Consulate
  • The applicants under 18 are not required to present a criminal record

6. Birth Certificate

  • It must be issued by the relevant authority and apostilled

7. Special Documents for Each Residence Type

  • For scientists, professionals, technicians, and specialized personnel:
    • Residence request letter.
    • Employment contract certified by the Ministry of Labor. It must indicate that the contract will be effective when the Immigration Department issues a permit to work
    • Commitment letter from the employer (notarized). It must show a guarantee of the employer and readiness of the applicant to return to his country of origin or residency once the contract expires
    • Copy of previous qualifications and achievements (university degree, profession, and activities related to the work that will be carried out in Nicaragua). It must be validated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Ministry in Nicaragua, and Nicaragua Consulate
    • Copy of the Deed of Incorporation of the applicant Company. If the company is NGO (Non-Government Organization), then Registration Certificate and copy of their publication in the Official Gazette
  • For non-profit businessmen and legal entities:
    • Copy of the Deed of Constitution and Statutes of the Organization or Company
    • Copy of General Power of Administration
    • Registration Certificate
    • Declaration of income sources
    • Value of return ticket which will be deposited to box of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration
  • For journalists:
    • Approval from the News Agency or Media
    • Employment contract certified by the Ministry of Labor
    • Value of return ticket which will be deposited to box of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration
  • For students:
    • Evidence of pre-enrollment from the educational institution. It must include the duration, level of the study, and career to be taken
    • Declaration of income sources (to finance your studies). If someone sponsors the applicant, a declaration of support from the sponsor who will cover the expenses for the student. The sponsor should also declare the income source
    • Qualifications (bachelor degree, transcripts and etc.). They must be apostilled
    • Value of return ticket which will be deposited to box of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration
  • For religious purposes:
    • Request letter for residency
    • Approval and constitution of the congregation
    • Declaration of undertaking responsibility by a religious entity
    • Value of return ticket which will be deposited to box of the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration
  • For independent workers:
    • Request letter for residency
    • Authenticated copy of the declaration of merchant registered, including the activities to be carried out
    • Declaration of income sources
    • State Provider Certificate for independent consultants
  • For artists:
    • Labor contract from Ministry of Labor
    • Approval from the Institute of Culture
    • Commitment letter from the employer (notarized). It must show a guarantee of the artist and readiness of the applicant to return to his country of origin or residency once the contract expires
  • For athletes:
    • Request letter for residency
    • Contract with Sport Organization. It must be certified by the Ministry of Labor
    • Commitment letter from the Sports Organization (notarized). It must show a guarantee of the athlete and readiness of the applicant to return to his country of origin or residency once the contract expires.

FAQ

What is the local currency in Nicaragua?

Nicaraguan Cordoba is the local currency in Nicaragua. 100 USD equals approximately 3, 505 Nicaraguan Cordoba.

Can I extend my visa in Nicaragua?

Yes. You can extend your Nicaragua visa for a period of 30 days. The fee for each extension is 25 USD.

I am from a country whose citizens do not need a visa to enter Nicaragua. Can I experience any problems at the border, while entering Nicaragua?

You must meet certain requirements to enter Nicaragua, even if you are not required a visa:

  • The purpose of your trip to Nicaragua must be plausible and comprehensible
  • Your passport should be valid at least 6 months beyond the departure date from the country
  • You must be able to finance your own living and travel costs
  • You must hold a confirmed return flight to prove that you are prepared to leave Nicaragua before the duration of the permitted stay ends
  • You must not pose a threat to security or public order

I got a visa from the Guatemala mission in accordance CA-4 Agreement. Can I enter El Nicaragua without visiting Guatemala?

No. Firstly, you should enter the region through any immigration office from the country issuing the visa.

Can the Embassy/Consulate request me to provide additional documents or information?

The embassy may request you to provide additional documents or information, according to your personal situation, even after you have submitted all the required documents mentioned on the official website of the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Application Center.

Do I have to participate in the Embassy/Consulate/Visa Administrative Center in person?

It depends on your country of residence or the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center’s rules and obligations.  In some countries, sending your documents via courier is enough to the embassy/consulate/Visa Administrative Center.

Can I travel to Nicaragua with a USA visa?

Yes, it is possible if you are not from a country that is exempted from this opportunity.

I got my Nicaragua visa. Can I face problems at the entry?

If you obtained a visa, this does not guarantee your entry to Nicaragua. The immigration officer and Customs Service at a port of entry will make the final decision regarding your entry.

Can I travel to Nicaragua with an unused Schengen visa?

Yes. You can travel to Nicaragua with a used or unused visa. The main requirement is its being a multiple entry visa.