Nicaragua Ends Visa on Arrival for Over 100 Nationalities

Nicaragua has officially overhauled its immigration framework, ending the long-standing visa-on-arrival system in favor of a stricter pre-authorization process. Under Provision No. 002-2026, the Ministry of the Interior has reclassified 128 nationalities into a Category C (Consulted Visa) status. This change requires travelers from affected regions to obtain prior approval before arriving at the border.

The move marks a significant shift in the country's border policy, moving away from the flexible entry rules that once made Nicaragua a popular transit hub. While the government frames the reform as an assertion of national sovereignty, regional analysts suggest the change aims to curb irregular migration flows following international diplomatic pressure.

Who is affected by the new rules

The impact of this policy depends entirely on your passport. The new system divides travelers into two primary groups:

• Category A (Visa-Exempt): Citizens from 69 countries, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, European Union, Australia, and Japan, remain exempt and can enter without a prior visa.

• Category C (Consulted Visa): Citizens from 128 countries now require pre-approval. This list includes Mexico, Colombia, Peru, India, China, Vietnam, and various nations across Africa and the Caribbean.

• Cuban Citizens: Formerly exempt, Cuban nationals are now firmly in Category C, requiring full consultation before travel.

Digital nomads with mixed-nationality teams or families should review these visa updates carefully, as the administrative burden for non-exempt staff has increased significantly.

How to apply for a Consulted Visa

For those in Category C, the days of spontaneous travel to Managua are over. You must now submit a formal request to the Ministry of the Interior via email at solicitudes@mint.gob.ni at least 15 to 30 days before your intended arrival.

The application requires a completed personal information form and a scanned copy of a passport valid for at least six months. While there is currently no fee for the consulted visa, processing typically takes 30 days. Once approved, you will receive an email notification which must be presented at a Nicaraguan consulate to receive your visa stamp. Approved stays generally allow for up to 90 days in the country.

Read our full Nicaragua guide for the complete picture.