Entry Requirements & Visas
Easy Visa-Free Entry for Most Tourists in 2026
Citizens from over 90 countries, including the US, EU, Canada, and Australia, can enter Nicaragua visa-free for up to 90 days. A $10 tourist card fee is payable upon arrival at airports or land borders, valid for the entire stay.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Nicaragua, with at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This ensures smooth re-entry to your home country and avoids issues at borders.
Always renew passports early if nearing expiration, as airlines may deny boarding without sufficient validity.
Visa-Free Countries
Travelers from the US, UK, EU nations, Canada, Australia, and many Latin American countries enjoy visa-free access for tourism or business stays up to 90 days in any 180-day period. This policy promotes easy access to Nicaragua's beaches and volcanoes.
For extensions beyond 90 days, apply at the immigration office in Managua with proof of onward travel and sufficient funds.
Visa Applications for Other Nationalities
If a visa is required, apply at a Nicaraguan consulate or embassy in your home country, submitting documents like a passport photo, invitation letter if applicable, and proof of financial means (around $50/day). Fees range from $30-100 depending on nationality and visa type.
Processing typically takes 5-15 business days; expedited options may be available for an extra fee.
Border Crossings and Tourist Card
Upon arrival at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport or land borders like Peñas Blancas from Costa Rica, pay the $10 tourist card fee in cash (USD preferred). Overland crossings can involve short waits, but electronic pre-registration via the official migration website speeds things up.
Ensure you have proof of onward travel, such as a bus ticket or flight booking, to avoid fines or denied entry.
Health and Vaccination Requirements
No mandatory vaccinations for most travelers, but yellow fever vaccine is required if arriving from endemic areas like parts of South America or Africa. Hepatitis A/B, typhoid, and rabies shots are recommended for rural adventures like volcano hikes.
Malaria prophylaxis is advised for regions east of the Río San Juan; consult a travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
Extensions and Overstay Penalties
Extend your 90-day stay by applying at the Dirección General de Migración in Managua up to 30 days before expiration, providing reasons like extended tourism and paying a $25 fee per month. Successful extensions grant additional 30-90 days.
Overstaying incurs fines of $2-10 per day, payable at departure; repeated overstays can lead to bans or higher penalties.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Nicaragua uses the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO), but US dollars (USD) are widely accepted, especially in tourist areas. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Managua by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at local comedores or markets for affordable meals under $5, skipping touristy beachfront spots to save up to 50% on food costs.
Fresh fruits, pupusas, and nacatamales from street vendors provide authentic flavors at budget prices year-round.
Public Transport Passes
Use chicken buses for intercity travel at $1-5 per ride, or opt for weekly shuttle passes from companies like Tica Bus for $20-40, cutting costs significantly.
Many hostels offer free airport shuttles or discounted bus tickets as part of packages.
Free Attractions
Visit public beaches in San Juan del Sur, hike volcanoes like Cerro Negro for free (or minimal entry), and explore colonial towns like Granada on foot, which are cost-free and offer authentic experiences.
National parks often have low or waived fees for basic trails during off-peak months.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in larger hotels and shops, but carry USD cash for markets, small eateries, and rural areas where ATMs may be scarce.
Withdraw from bank ATMs for better rates, avoiding airport exchanges that charge high commissions.
Combo Tour Packages
Book multi-day tours covering volcanoes, lakes, and islands for $50-80, which include transport and meals, making it more economical than individual activities.
Hostel group deals often reduce per-person costs by 20-30% for shared adventures.
Smart Packing for Nicaragua
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothing for the tropical climate, including long sleeves for sun protection during volcano hikes and modest attire for visiting churches in León or Granada.
Include swimwear for Pacific beaches and a light rain jacket, as showers can occur even in dry season.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/B), portable power bank for remote areas like the Corn Islands, offline maps apps, and a waterproof phone case for boat trips on Lake Nicaragua.
Download Spanish phrasebooks and birding apps for exploring biodiverse reserves.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive travel insurance documents, a basic first-aid kit with motion sickness remedies for bumpy bus rides, prescription medications, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen.
Pack DEET-based insect repellent and antimalarials if venturing into lowlands; include water purification tablets for rural hydration.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack for surfing lessons or market explorations, a reusable water bottle with filter, microfiber towel for beach days, and small USD bills for tips and fees.
Include photocopies of your passport and a neck wallet to safeguard valuables in crowded areas like Managua markets.
Footwear Strategy
Choose sturdy, closed-toe sandals or hiking shoes for volcano trails like Masaya and Ometepe, paired with flip-flops for beach relaxation and water activities.
Waterproof options are essential for rainy season treks and crossing rivers on island adventures.
Personal Care
Pack travel-sized biodegradable toiletries, aloe vera for sunburn relief, and a wide-brim hat for intense equatorial sun exposure during canopy zip-lining.
Include wet wipes and hand sanitizer for hygiene on long bus journeys or when facilities are limited in remote ecolodges.
When to Visit Nicaragua
Dry Season Start (December-February)
Perfect for clear skies and beach hopping in San Juan del Sur, with temperatures of 25-30°C and minimal rain ideal for surfing and volcano boarding on Cerro Negro.
Fewer mosquitoes and peak festival season, though prices are higher; great for families avoiding wet roads.
Dry Season Peak (March-May)
Hot weather around 28-32°C suits island escapes to the Corn Islands and kayaking on Lake Nicaragua, with vibrant wildlife viewing in reserves.
Expect crowds at popular spots like Ometepe; book ahead for Easter celebrations and optimal hiking conditions.
Wet Season Transition (June-August)
Lush greenery enhances rainforest treks in Bosawás and coffee tours in Matagalpa, with afternoon showers keeping temperatures at 24-28°C and lower crowds.
Budget-friendly stays and fewer tourists; ideal for birdwatching as migratory species arrive.
Wet Season End (September-November)
Heavy rains (20-25°C) create dramatic waterfalls in Selva Negra and fewer visitors for cultural festivals in Granada, offering a serene escape.
Roads may flood, so focus on urban explorations; shoulder season deals make it affordable for extended stays.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO). US dollars widely accepted; exchange rates fluctuate. Cards work in cities but carry cash for rural areas.
- Language: Spanish is official. English spoken in tourist hubs like Granada and the Corn Islands.
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6
- Electricity: 120V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (North American two/three-pin)
- Emergency Number: 118 for police, 128 for ambulance or fire assistance
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated; 10-15% in restaurants, $1-2 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water unsafe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural spots
- Pharmacies: Farmacias available nationwide. Look for blue-and-white signs