Visitor & short-stay visas
Nicaraguan Tourist entry (visa-free / tourist card)
For nationals of visa-exempt (Category A) countries taking short tourist trips, admitted with a tourist card purchased on arrival rather than a visa obtained in advance.
Expert reviewed Official guidance referenced
Under review — check current rules
Tourist-card fee (~US$10) and the 90-day CA-4 stay limit are from secondary sources; the official DGME pages could not be machine-read, so verify both figures.
Important information
Immigration rules and fees can change. This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Always check the latest requirements on the official Nicaragua government website before you apply.
- Official name
- Tarjeta de Turismo / ingreso de turistas (Category A entry)
- Route type
- Visa-free tourist entry
- Tourist card fee
- Around US$10 on arrival (cash)
- Amount from secondary sources; confirm with DGME.
- Maximum stay
- Short stay, counted across the CA-4 area
- Commonly stated as up to 90 days; confirm current limit.
Who it is for
- Tourists and short-term visitors holding a passport of a Category A (visa-exempt) nationality.
- Travellers whose purpose is tourism, family visits or similar short stays.
Requirements
- Passport generally valid at least six months beyond entry.
- Tourist card purchased/issued on arrival.
- Online entry request form completed before travel.
- Ability to show onward/return travel and sufficient funds may be checked.
What you can do
- Stay for tourism/short visits for the permitted period.
- Move within the CA-4 countries subject to the shared time allowance.
- Apply for an extension of stay at DGME offices if needed.
How to apply
- No advance visa needed for Category A nationals.
- Complete the online entry request form before arrival.
- Pay the tourist-card fee at the port of entry.
Official sources
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always refer to the official government sources.
Verified against official gov.uk sources · last reviewed 2026-08-21. Information only — not legal advice.
Related Nicaraguan visas
- SHORT STAYCATEGORY CADVANCE APPROVALConsulted visa (visa consultada)Advance entry authorisation for nationals of Category C countries, who must obtain approval before travelling to Nicaragua.View visa details
- SHORT STAYTRANSITTransit visaShort authorisation to pass through Nicaragua en route to another destination, required for certain nationalities.View visa details
