U.S. citizens do not need a visa for tourism in Nicaragua. They pay a tourist card on arrival and enter under the CA-4 arrangement shared with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, where a single 90-day allowance covers all four countries together.
Quick facts
Some nationalities need prior authorisation from immigration in Managua before a consulate can issue anything. Where that applies, the approval sets the timetable, not the consular appointment.
Fees breakdown
| Item | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tourist card on arrival | Charged at the airport | For visa-exempt travellers |
| Consular visa | Consular tariff | By nationality and category |
| Prior authorisation | Processed in Nicaragua | Immigration directorate |
| Residence | Filed in Nicaragua | After arrival |
| Apostille of supporting documents | $3–$25 per document | Secretary of State |
Requests for permission to enter are also handled by email through the immigration directorate, which is worth knowing where a case does not fit the usual categories.
How to apply
- Check whether your nationality needs a visa and whether it needs prior authorisation.
- Have any sponsor in Nicaragua start the authorisation first where it applies.
- Gather the category documents and have U.S. records apostilled and translated.
- Book the appointment through the ministry portal.
- Attend with originals and enlarged copies, and pay the tariff.
- Complete residence formalities in Nicaragua after arrival where required.
Required documents
- Passport valid for the stay, with blank pages.
- Completed application and photographs.
- Proof of lawful residence in the United States for third-country nationals.
- Criminal background check, apostilled, for residence categories.
- Evidence of funds and accommodation.
- Invitation or sponsorship letter where the category requires it.
Where to apply
At the consulate covering your U.S. address, with appointments booked through the ministry portal.
Additional notes
The CA-4 clock
Days spent in Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras count against the same 90 days. Crossing a border between them does not reset it.
Check current conditions
Entry requirements for Nicaragua have changed at short notice in recent years, including for nationalities that previously needed nothing. Verify close to the date of travel.
Nicaraguans need no visa
A Nicaraguan citizen travels on a Nicaraguan passport. Dual nationals deal with the passport section instead.
Documents go stale
Background checks and medical certificates have short validity and the apostille does not extend it.