Get Your Nicaragua Visa Online

Q: What documents are required for a Nicaragua visa application?

Essential documents include: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; recent passport photo (35x45mm, white background); completed application form ; proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter); return flight itinerary ; and proof of sufficient funds ($50 USD per day recommended). Business visas require additional documents including an invitation letter from a Nicaraguan company.

Q: How long does Nicaragua visa processing take?

Standard visa processing takes 5-10 business days . Processing times may vary depending on your nationality, the completeness of your application, and current processing volumes. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to allow adequate time for processing and any potential requests for additional documentation.

Q: What is the CA-4 agreement and how does it affect my travel?

The CA-4 agreement allows travelers to move freely between Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras for up to 90 days total. Your 90-day allowance applies to the entire region, not each country individually. Border crossings between CA-4 countries are typically quick. After 90 days, you must leave all four countries for at least 72 hours before re-entering.

Q: Can I extend my stay in Nicaragua?

Extensions may be possible through the Nicaragua Immigration Department (DGME) in Managua. However, due to the CA-4 agreement, your total stay in the region is limited to 90 days. For longer stays, many travelers leave the CA-4 region (to Costa Rica, Mexico, or Belize) for at least 72 hours before re-entering to receive a fresh 90-day period.

Q: Is Nicaragua safe for tourists?

Tourist destinations in Nicaragua, including Granada, Leon, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe Island, and the Corn Islands , are generally safe for visitors. Exercise standard travel precautions: avoid displaying expensive jewelry, stay in tourist areas, and travel during daylight hours. Most tourists enjoy safe, memorable trips when following sensible precautions.

Q: What currency is used in Nicaragua?

The official currency is the Nicaraguan Cordoba (NIO) . US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. ATMs are available in major cities like Managua, Granada, and Leon. Carry cash for markets, small restaurants, and rural areas.

Fast, secure visa processing for tourism, business, and adventure travel in Central America

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How to Get Your Nicaragua Visa

Simple 4-step process - most applications approved within 24-72 hours

Complete the online application

Fill out our streamlined application form with your personal details, travel plans, and purpose of visit. Our intelligent validation system guides you through each section, checking for common errors and ensuring your application meets Nicaragua visa requirements.

Upload your documents

Submit your passport scan (bio page clearly visible), a recent passport-sized photograph, and proof of accommodation. Our visa specialists review every document against Nicaragua Immigration standards before submission, significantly reducing the risk of rejection or delays.

We submit to Nicaragua Immigration

Your verified application is transmitted directly to Nicaragua official immigration portal. We monitor processing status in real-time and proactively communicate any updates, requests for additional documentation, or status changes via email and SMS.

Receive your visa by email

Your approved Nicaragua visa arrives as a PDF document. Print it clearly on A4 paper and present it at Nicaraguan immigration along with your passport. Welcome to Nicaragua - the land of lakes and volcanoes awaits!

Traveler using laptop to apply for Nicaragua visa while researching volcanic and colonial destinations

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Nicaragua Visa Requirements & Entry Information

Tourist Visa

Up to 90 days

Single or multiple entry for tourism, volcanoes, and colonial exploration

Business Visa

Up to 90 days

For commercial activities, meetings, and investment opportunities

Transit Visa

Up to 72 hours

For travelers passing through to other Central American destinations

Student Visa

Duration of study

For academic programs at Nicaraguan educational institutions

Essential Requirements

passportPassport valid 6+ months with 2 blank pages
photoPassport photo 35x45mm, white background
hotelHotel booking or invitation letter from host
flightReturn flight or onward travel itinerary
moneyProof of sufficient funds for your stay
documentCompleted visa application form

Visa Policy

Nicaragua maintains a welcoming visa policy for international travelers, with citizens from many countries enjoying visa-free access for short stays. As part of the CA-4 agreement with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, travelers can move freely within these four countries for up to 90 days total. Visa-Free Entry Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union countries, Canada, Australia, and many other nations can enter Nicaragua without a visa for stays up to 90 days. Visitors must hold a valid passport, return ticket, and proof of sufficient funds. A tourist card fee of $10 USD is payable upon arrival. Visa Required Countries Travelers from countries not on the visa-exempt list must apply for a Nicaragua visa before arrival. The visa application process is straightforward and can be completed online or through a Nicaraguan embassy or consulate. Processing typically takes 5-10 business days.

Managua cityscape with Lake Managua and volcanic mountains in the background — Managua - The vibrant capital city on the shores of Lake Managua

Visa Requirements

Essential Documents for All Applications All Nicaragua visa applicants must meet these fundamental requirements: Passport validity: Minimum 6 months beyond your intended arrival date with at least two blank pages for entry stamps. Photograph: Recent passport-sized photo (35x45mm) with white background, taken within the last 6 months. Accommodation proof: Hotel booking confirmation, eco-lodge reservation, or invitation letter if staying with friends or family. Travel itinerary: Flight bookings showing entry and exit from Nicaragua. Financial evidence: Bank statements showing approximately $50 USD per day of stay, or credit card statements demonstrating sufficient funds. Additional Business Visa Requirements Business travelers must provide an invitation letter from a Nicaraguan company, employer support letter, and details of business activities planned during the visit.

Leon Cathedral UNESCO World Heritage Site with white colonial architecture — Leon Cathedral - The largest cathedral in Central America and UNESCO World Heritage Site

Application Process

Online Application Steps The Nicaragua visa application process is designed to be straightforward and efficient: Step 1: Gather Documents - Collect all required documents including passport scans, photographs, travel bookings, and financial proof before starting your application. Step 2: Complete Application Form - Fill out the visa application with accurate personal information, travel dates, and accommodation details. Double-check all information for accuracy. Step 3: Submit and Pay - Upload all documents and pay the visa fee through secure payment processing. Keep your payment confirmation for reference. Step 4: Track and Receive - Monitor your application status through our tracking system. Once approved, your visa will be emailed as a printable PDF document. Processing Times Standard processing takes 5-10 business days. Express processing may be available for urgent travel needs. Apply at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure date.

San Juan del Sur beach with fishing boats and surrounding hills — San Juan del Sur - Nicaragua most popular beach destination on the Pacific coast

Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Nicaragua has a tropical climate with distinct dry and wet seasons. The dry season from November to April offers the best weather for volcano hiking, colonial city exploration, and beach activities. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon showers but also lush landscapes, fewer tourists, and lower prices. Currency and Payments The Nicaraguan Cordoba (NIO) is the official currency. US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments, but carry cash for smaller vendors and rural areas. ATMs are available in major cities. Health and Safety No vaccinations are required for entry, but hepatitis A, typhoid, and routine vaccinations are recommended. Drink bottled water and exercise standard travel precautions. Nicaragua is generally safe for tourists in main destinations. Getting Around Domestic flights connect Managua to the Caribbean coast and Corn Islands. Chicken buses are the cheapest option for mainland travel. Express minibuses connect major tourist destinations. Rental cars are available but road conditions vary. Water taxis connect the Corn Islands.

Masaya Volcano with active lava crater glowing at night — Masaya Volcano - One of the few accessible active volcanoes in the world

Why Choose DoVisa?

See the difference between applying yourself vs using our expert service

Feature	📋Applying Yourself	With DoVisa
Application reviewExpert review before submission	✗No expert check	✓100% reviewed by experts
Document validationCheck documents meet requirements	✗Risk of rejection	✓Pre-checked for errors
Customer supportHelp when you have questions	✗Government offices only	✓24/7 dedicated support
Form guidanceAssistance filling out forms	✗Complex forms alone	✓Step-by-step guidance
Status trackingKnow where your application is	✗Manual checking	✓Real-time updates
Refund if deniedProtection if visa is rejected	✗No refund possible	✓Money-back guarantee

1,850+Visas processed

24/7Expert support

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James T.Jan 18, 2026

"Fantastic service for my Nicaragua trip! Got my visa approved quickly and the support team was incredibly helpful with all my questions about visiting Granada and Ometepe Island."

Michelle R.Jan 8, 2026

"Visited Leon and the Corn Islands. The visa process through DoVisa was seamless. Highly recommend for anyone planning a Nicaragua adventure!"

Brian K.Dec 18, 2025

"Good experience overall. Processing took about a week which was as expected. The document checklist was very useful and immigration at Managua was smooth."

Patricia L.Nov 25, 2025

"Business visa for investment meetings in Managua processed without any issues. Professional service from start to finish. Nicaragua has great potential!"

Kevin M.Oct 10, 2025

"Straightforward process and helpful customer service. Applied for my tourist visa and received it within the expected timeframe. Loved volcano boarding at Cerro Negro!"

Susan W.Aug 15, 2025

"Family vacation to explore colonial cities and beaches. DoVisa handled all four of our applications efficiently. The kids loved Ometepe Island!"

Daniel P.Jun 20, 2025

"Second time using DoVisa for Central American trips. Consistently reliable service. Nicaragua trip was unforgettable thanks to hassle-free visa processing."

Rachel H.Apr 12, 2025

"Good value for the service provided. The application form was easy to complete and the tracking feature kept me informed throughout the process."

Andrew C.Feb 28, 2025

"Visited San Juan del Sur for surfing. Visa was approved quickly and entry at the airport was smooth. Will definitely use DoVisa again!"

Laura B.Feb 10, 2025

"Amazing trip to Nicaragua. DoVisa made the visa process so easy. Granada is absolutely beautiful and the people are so friendly!"

Chris N.Mar 15, 2025

"Efficient service and reasonable pricing. Had a few questions about document requirements and the support team responded promptly."

Nicaragua Visa FAQs

Do I need a visa to visit Nicaragua?

Whether you need a visa depends on your nationality. Citizens of the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, European Union countries, Australia, and New Zealand can enter Nicaragua visa-free for stays up to 90 days. A $10 USD tourist card fee is payable upon arrival. Visitors from other countries may need to apply for a visa before travel. Check the Nicaragua Immigration website or contact DoVisa support to confirm requirements for your specific nationality.

How long can I stay in Nicaragua with a tourist visa?

The initial tourist visa or visa-free entry permits stays of up to 90 days within the CA-4 region (Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras combined). Extensions may be possible at the Nicaragua Immigration Department. After 90 days, you must leave the CA-4 region for at least 72 hours before re-entering.

What documents are required for a Nicaragua visa application?

Essential documents include: Valid passport with at least 6 months validity and 2 blank pages; recent passport photo (35x45mm, white background); completed application form; proof of accommodation (hotel reservation or invitation letter); return flight itinerary; and proof of sufficient funds ($50 USD per day recommended). Business visas require additional documents including an invitation letter from a Nicaraguan company.

How long does Nicaragua visa processing take?

Standard visa processing takes 5-10 business days. Processing times may vary depending on your nationality, the completeness of your application, and current processing volumes. We recommend applying at least 2-3 weeks before your planned departure to allow adequate time for processing and any potential requests for additional documentation.

What is the CA-4 agreement and how does it affect my travel?

The CA-4 agreement allows travelers to move freely between Nicaragua, Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras for up to 90 days total. Your 90-day allowance applies to the entire region, not each country individually. Border crossings between CA-4 countries are typically quick. After 90 days, you must leave all four countries for at least 72 hours before re-entering.

Can I extend my stay in Nicaragua?

Extensions may be possible through the Nicaragua Immigration Department (DGME) in Managua. However, due to the CA-4 agreement, your total stay in the region is limited to 90 days. For longer stays, many travelers leave the CA-4 region (to Costa Rica, Mexico, or Belize) for at least 72 hours before re-entering to receive a fresh 90-day period.

What vaccinations are required for Nicaragua?

Nicaragua does not require any mandatory vaccinations for entry from most countries. However, yellow fever vaccination is required if traveling from a yellow fever endemic country. Recommended vaccinations include hepatitis A and B, typhoid, and routine immunizations. Consult your healthcare provider or a travel clinic at least 4-6 weeks before departure for personalized advice.

Is Nicaragua safe for tourists?

Tourist destinations in Nicaragua, including Granada, Leon, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe Island, and the Corn Islands, are generally safe for visitors. Exercise standard travel precautions: avoid displaying expensive jewelry, stay in tourist areas, and travel during daylight hours. Most tourists enjoy safe, memorable trips when following sensible precautions.

What currency is used in Nicaragua?

The official currency is the Nicaraguan Cordoba (NIO). US Dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, especially in tourist areas. Credit cards are accepted at hotels and larger establishments. ATMs are available in major cities like Managua, Granada, and Leon. Carry cash for markets, small restaurants, and rural areas.

What is the best time to visit Nicaragua?

The dry season from November to April offers the best weather with sunny skies and comfortable temperatures. This is ideal for volcano hiking and beach activities. The wet season from May to October brings afternoon rain showers but also lush landscapes, fewer crowds, and lower prices. The Pacific coast is driest; the Caribbean coast receives rain year-round.

Can I work in Nicaragua with a tourist visa?

No, tourist visas do not permit employment in Nicaragua. Working without proper authorization is illegal and can result in deportation and future entry bans. If you wish to work in Nicaragua, you must obtain a work permit through a Nicaraguan employer. Business visas allow attendance at meetings and conferences but not paid employment within the country.

Do children need their own visa for Nicaragua?

Yes, every traveler including children requires their own valid travel document and visa (if applicable). Children must have their own passport. When traveling with minors, especially if only one parent is present, carry a notarized consent letter from the absent parent translated into Spanish to avoid potential issues at immigration.

What are the main entry points into Nicaragua?

The main entry point is Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua with connections from major US and Central American cities. Land borders with Honduras at Las Manos and El Guasaule and Costa Rica at Penas Blancas are commonly used for overland travel. Ferries operate between San Carlos and Costa Rica across Lake Nicaragua.

Is there a visa on arrival option for Nicaragua?

Nicaragua does not offer a traditional visa on arrival system for most nationalities. Most visitors either enter visa-free (for eligible nationalities with $10 tourist card fee) or must obtain a visa before arrival. If you require a visa, apply in advance through a Nicaraguan embassy, consulate, or through DoVisa. Arriving without proper documentation may result in denied entry.

What happens if I overstay my visa in Nicaragua?

Overstaying your visa in Nicaragua or the CA-4 region results in fines of approximately $1-2 USD per day of overstay, payable when departing. Extended overstays may lead to detention, deportation, and future entry bans. If you need more time, leave the CA-4 region (to Costa Rica, Mexico, or Belize) for 72 hours before your authorization expires.

How do I get to the Corn Islands?

The Corn Islands (Big Corn and Little Corn) are accessible by domestic flight from Managua (approximately 1 hour) to Big Corn Island. From Big Corn, water taxis (pangas) make the 30-minute journey to Little Corn Island. No cars exist on Little Corn. Flights operate daily but book early as capacity is limited. No additional visa is required for visiting the islands.

What is volcano boarding and where can I do it?

Volcano boarding is an extreme sport unique to Nicaragua where you slide down the ash-covered slopes of Cerro Negro volcano near Leon at speeds up to 50 mph. Tours depart daily from Leon and include the hike up the volcano, equipment, and the thrilling descent. The activity is suitable for adventurous travelers in good physical condition.

Can I visit Ometepe Island with my tourist visa?

Yes, Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua is one of the countrys top destinations and fully accessible with your tourist visa. The worlds largest volcanic island in a freshwater lake features two volcanoes, petroglyphs, and beautiful nature. Ferries depart from San Jorge near Rivas and take approximately one hour. Many travelers spend 2-4 days exploring the island.