The Republic of Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, bordered by Honduras to the north and Costa Rica to the south. Nicaragua is a member of the Central American CA-4 Agreement (along with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras), which creates a de facto single visa and immigration zone for member states. Nicaragua’s visa policy was significantly updated in February 2026, expanding visa-free access to 69 jurisdictions. Entry is administered by the Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners (DGME).

2. CA-4 Agreement — Free Movement

Under the CA-4 (Central America-4) Agreement, citizens of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras may enter Nicaragua freely without a visa and may move throughout all four member countries under a single entry permit. The CA-4 region functions as a single immigration zone — a visa or entry stamp from any member state is valid throughout the region.

CA-4 Agreement Member States — Free Movement • El Salvador — free movement, shared visa zone • Guatemala — free movement, shared visa zone • Honduras — free movement, shared visa zone • Note: Entry to any CA-4 country starts the 90-day CA-4 clock

3. Visa-Free Access — 90 Days (Updated February 2026)

As of February 2026, Nicaragua grants visa-free entry for up to 90 days to citizens of 69 jurisdictions. This list was recently updated and expanded. Citizens of these countries may enter for tourism, business, or transit purposes without a visa.

Selected Visa-Free Countries — 90 Days • All European Union member states • Albania, Andorra, Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Australia • Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Bosnia and Herzegovina • Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Colombia • Costa Rica, Croatia, Ecuador, Georgia, Grenada • Hong Kong, Iceland, Israel, Jamaica, Japan • Liechtenstein, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Moldova • Monaco, Montenegro, New Zealand, Norway, Panama • Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Russia, Saint Kitts and Nevis • Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, San Marino • Serbia, Singapore, South Korea, Switzerland, Taiwan • Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine • United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States • Uruguay, Vatican City, Venezuela

4. Visa Extension

Visitors who wish to remain in Nicaragua beyond their initial 90-day entry may apply for a 30-day extension at the DGME office in Managua or at regional immigration offices. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration authorities and are not guaranteed.

5. Tourist Card

Most arriving visitors are required to purchase a tourist card (tarjeta de turismo) upon arrival at a cost of USD 10. This card is typically sold on arrival at all ports of entry. The following are exempt from the tourist card fee:

Tourist Card Exemptions (USD 10) • Citizens of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras (CA-4 members) • Holders of diplomatic passports • Transit passengers not clearing immigration

6. Transit Policy

Passengers transiting through Nicaragua for up to 24 hours without leaving the international zone do not require a transit visa. However, passengers who must clear immigration during transit need to meet standard entry requirements. Nationals of approximately 32 countries are required to obtain a transit visa in advance.

7. Visa Required Nationalities

Nationals not covered by the visa-free list or CA-4 agreement must obtain a Nicaraguan visa in advance from a Nicaraguan embassy or consulate. Some nationalities may also be eligible for a visa on arrival at Managua’s Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, subject to prior approval from the DGME.

Visa Application Requirements • Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity beyond stay) • Completed visa application form • Recent passport photographs • Confirmed return or onward ticket • Proof of accommodation in Nicaragua • Proof of sufficient funds • Visa fee (varies by nationality)

8. Visitor Statistics

Nicaragua is a significant tourism destination in Central America, attracting visitors from neighbouring countries as well as North America and Europe. Key visitor arrival statistics for 2015 show the regional importance of the CA-4 free movement area.

Country of Origin	Arrivals (2015)	Notes
Honduras	276,767	CA-4 free movement
United States	275,406	Largest non-CA-4 market
Costa Rica	167,448	Neighbouring country
El Salvador	~140,000 est.	CA-4 free movement
Guatemala	~90,000 est.	CA-4 free movement

9. Important Notes

Nicaragua’s political environment has been tense since 2018, and several Western governments maintain travel advisories recommending caution. Travellers should be aware that immigration authorities have broad discretion to refuse entry and that the political situation can affect border procedures with minimal notice. The CA-4 90-day clock is cumulative across all four member states — visitors must exit the CA-4 zone to reset their permitted stay.