State Department warns foreigners of residency loss in Nicaragua

What the State Department flagged

The U.S. State Department warned that Nicaragua has revoked foreigners' permanent residency over perceived political activity, part of a Level 3 "Reconsider travel" advisory issued May 14, 2026. The advisory cites arbitrary enforcement of local laws, wrongful detention, denial of entry, exit bans and seizure of land, homes, cash and financial assets.

Nicaraguan immigration rules can change without notice, the U.S. Embassy in Managua said and foreign residents must keep residency and identity documents in strict order. A constitutional change took effect Jan. 16, 2026 banning dual nationality in most circumstances, per the State Department. A separate border-territory law passed Aug. 5, 2025 makes land within 15 kilometers of a national border subject to seizure.

Who carries the risk

Permanent residents sit in the highest-risk tier. The State Department said residency can be pulled for actions, associations or expressions the government reads as political and affected foreigners may be blocked from entering or leaving the country.

Dual U.S.-Nicaraguan nationals face possible revocation of their Nicaraguan citizenship and limited consular access. The advisory specifically names NGO workers, journalists, teachers, researchers, business representatives and religious workers as targeted groups. Remote workers fall into the broader foreign-resident category and should expect scrutiny if they touch political speech, NGO work or journalism.

Tourists can still enter on the standard stamp, though they remain exposed to arbitrary enforcement.

Fees, documents and stay extensions

Short-term visitors generally receive up to 90 days on arrival. Extensions run through Nicaraguan Immigration and require an appointment, a form, a passport valid at least six more months and the entry/exit stamp, the embassy said. The fee is $25 per additional 30 days, capped at 90 added days.

Residency applications require passport copies, photos, an apostilled birth or naturalization certificate, an apostilled criminal record, a health record and a guarantee deposit after approval. Listed fees:

• $3 for residency forms
• $200 for temporary annual residency processing
• $500 for the permanent residency card

Property seizure and investment disputes can be raised through embassy business resources. Travelers should track visa updates before booking.

Read our full Nicaragua guide for the complete picture.