Nicaragua visas
Nicaragua's borders, visas and residence permits are administered by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME), part of the Ministerio de Gobernación. Whether you need a visa before travelling depends on your nationality and the purpose of your trip: nationals of many countries enter visa-free as tourists, while others must obtain a "consulted visa" (visa consultada) authorised in advance by the DGME. This hub summarises the main entry, work, study, family, investment and residence routes; always confirm the current rules and figures on the DGME's official pages before you apply.
Nicaraguan visa categories
Explore visa categories by the purpose of your trip.
- Visitor & short-stay visasShort stays in Nicaragua — tourism, visiting family or friends, business visits and transit, plus any visa-free or e-visa options.3 visas
- Work visasComing to Nicaragua to work — the employment and skilled-worker routes and the permits they require.1 visa
- Study visasStudying in Nicaragua — student visas and permits for accepted students.1 visa
- Family visasJoining or sponsoring a partner, child or other relative in Nicaragua.1 visa
- Business & investor visasInvesting, doing business or coming to Nicaragua as a highly skilled individual.2 visas
- Residence & citizenshipLiving in Nicaragua long term — residence routes and, where available, the path to citizenship.3 visas
Nicaraguan visa application at a glance
From start to finish in five simple steps.
- 01Choose the right visa
- 02Check eligibility & documents
- 03Apply online
- 04Provide biometrics
- 05Wait for a decision
Nicaragua — key facts
- Visa authority
- Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME)
- Application
- Online (in most cases)
- Biometrics
- Usually required
- Currency
- Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO)
- Time zone
- Central Standard Time (UTC−6), America/Managua
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.