Nicaragua Entry Requirements

Minors (under 18) traveling to Nicaragua must have a valid passport. Children traveling with both parents typically need no additional documentation beyond passports. However, minors traveling with only one parent, with relatives, or alone require special documentation: a notarized letter of consent from the non-traveling parent(s) authorizing the trip, including travel dates, destination, and accompanying adult details. This letter should be in Spanish or accompanied by a certified translation. If one parent has sole custody, bring certified custody documents. Adoption papers should be carried for adopted children. Birth certificates may be requested. These requirements are strictly enforced, especially at land borders, to prevent child abduction. Nicaragua also requires similar documentation for minors departing the country. Parents should check with the Nicaraguan consulate for the most current requirements, as regulations regarding minors are frequently updated and strictly enforced.

Bringing pets into Nicaragua requires advance preparation and documentation. Dogs and cats must have: (1) A valid rabies vaccination certificate administered at least 30 days but not more than 12 months before entry; (2) An international health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel, certifying the animal is healthy and free from contagious diseases; (3) An import permit from Nicaragua's Ministry of Agriculture (IPSA - Instituto de Protección y Sanidad Agropecuaria), which should be obtained before travel; (4) Proof of treatment for internal and external parasites within 15 days of travel. All documents must be in Spanish or accompanied by certified translations. Upon arrival, pets will be inspected by veterinary officials, and there may be additional fees. Some airlines have specific requirements for pet travel. Birds, exotic pets, and other animals have additional restrictions and may require special permits. Service animals have different requirements but still need health documentation. Check with the nearest Nicaraguan consulate and your airline at least 4-6 weeks before travel.

Tourist visas or visa-free entry typically allows 90 days within the CA-4 region (cumulative across Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador). To stay longer, you have several options: (1) Visa Extension: Visit the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (DGME) in Managua before your authorized stay expires. Extensions are granted at the discretion of immigration officials, typically for 30-90 days. You'll need your passport, proof of sufficient funds, accommodation details, and the extension fee (approximately $25-50 USD). (2) Border Run: Some travelers exit to Costa Rica or another non-CA-4 country and return to reset their 90-day period. However, this practice is discouraged by authorities, and repeated border runs may result in entry denial. (3) Temporary Residency: For stays exceeding 6 months, apply for temporary residency through DGME. Categories include pensioner/retiree, investor, family member of Nicaraguan citizen, or work permit. Requirements include background checks, health certificates, financial proof, and significant documentation. Processing takes 2-6 months. (4) Overstaying penalties: Overstaying your authorized period results in fines (approximately $2-5 USD per day), potential deportation, and future entry bans. Always maintain legal status and address visa issues before expiration.

Business travelers entering on tourist visas/visa-free entry can attend meetings, conferences, and conduct negotiations, but cannot engage in gainful employment or perform work that a Nicaraguan could do. For business activities beyond basic meetings, consider: (1) Business Visa: Required for extended business activities, consulting work, or setting up business operations. Requires invitation letter from Nicaraguan company, proof of business relationship, and additional documentation. Valid for 30-90 days typically. (2) Work Permit: Required for any employment in Nicaragua. Must be sponsored by a Nicaraguan employer who applies on your behalf. Process can take several months and requires labor ministry approval, proving no qualified Nicaraguan is available for the position. (3) Temporary import permits may be needed for bringing professional equipment, samples, or materials. Declare these at customs and inquire about ATA Carnets for temporary imports. (4) Business travelers should carry: business cards, letter from employer explaining purpose of visit, invitation from Nicaraguan business contacts, and proof of business registration. Keep detailed records of business activities for tax purposes.

Students planning to study in Nicaragua for more than 90 days need a student visa and must apply through the Nicaraguan embassy/consulate in their home country before travel. Requirements include: (1) Official acceptance letter from accredited Nicaraguan educational institution; (2) Proof of enrollment and payment of tuition; (3) Valid passport with 6+ months validity; (4) Police background check from home country; (5) Health certificate and proof of required vaccinations; (6) Proof of financial means to support yourself (bank statements, scholarship letters, or sponsor affidavit); (7) Passport photos and completed visa application forms. Student visas are typically valid for the duration of the academic program. Students must register with immigration within 30 days of arrival and may need to extend their visa if the program length changes. Students can work part-time with additional work authorization. Academic researchers and visiting professors have similar requirements but may need additional documentation from their institution and the hosting Nicaraguan institution. Language students attending short courses (under 90 days) can usually enter on tourist visas, but check with the language school and immigration authorities.

Travelers holding citizenship in multiple countries should be aware of Nicaragua's policies: (1) Entry passport: Use the same passport for entry and exit. If you hold Nicaraguan citizenship plus another nationality, Nicaragua requires you to enter and exit using your Nicaraguan passport. Entering on a foreign passport when you hold Nicaraguan citizenship can cause legal complications. (2) Nicaraguan citizens (including dual nationals) are subject to all Nicaraguan laws, including military service requirements for males and restrictions on certain activities. (3) Some countries don't recognize dual citizenship for consular protection purposes, meaning your other citizenship may not be acknowledged if you're in Nicaragua on your Nicaraguan passport. (4) If you've renounced Nicaraguan citizenship, carry documentation proving this, as Nicaraguan birth records may still show you as a citizen. (5) Children born abroad to Nicaraguan parents may automatically have Nicaraguan citizenship and should verify their status before traveling. (6) Different passports may have different visa requirements for onward travel, so plan accordingly. Always check with the Nicaraguan embassy regarding your specific situation, as dual citizenship regulations can be complex.