Nicaragua Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizensa

Entry Requirements for U.S. Citizens: Nicaragua

Note: Entry rules are generally stable but can change - check with the Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington, D.C. or the U.S. Department of State before your trip.

Passport & Visa Requirements

• Passport validity: Your U.S. passport must be valid for at least the duration of your stay in Nicaragua.
• Blank pages: At least one blank page is required for entry and exit stamps.
• Visa requirement: U.S. citizens do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days for tourism or business.
• Tourist card: Travelers must purchase a tourist card upon arrival, which currently costs about US$10.

Entry Procedures

• Onward/return ticket: Immigration officials may ask for proof of onward or return travel.
• Proof of funds/accommodation: Not always requested, but travelers should be prepared to show hotel reservations or evidence of sufficient funds if asked.
• Immigration form and fee: An entry fee of about US$14 may be collected at the airport or land border.
• Extensions: Tourist stays can sometimes be extended for an additional 90 days at the Nicaraguan Immigration Office.

Health & Vaccinations

• Routine vaccinations: No mandatory vaccinations are required for travelers arriving from the U.S.
• Yellow fever: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required only if arriving from or transiting through a country with yellow fever risk.
• COVID-19: There are no COVID-related entry requirements (no proof of vaccination or testing as of 2025).

Traveling with Minors

• Parental authorization: No special entry rules exist, but a a href="https://www.us-passport-service-guide.com/minor-travel-consent-form.html">notarized parental consent letter is strongly recommended if a child is traveling alone or with only one parent.

Additional Restrictions & Considerations

• Currency declaration: You must declare if carrying more than US$10,000 (or equivalent) in cash or monetary instruments when entering or leaving Nicaragua.
• Prohibited items: Drones and similar items are prohibited. Weapons of any form (functional, inert or decorative) are also strictly prohibited. Photography and videography equipment and binoculars may be seized and personal electronics may be subject to searches.
• Security advisory: The U.S. Department of State currently advises Level 3: Reconsider Travel to Nicaragua due to arbitrary enforcement of laws, limited healthcare availability, and civil unrest.
• Overstays: Staying beyond the allowed 90 days without an approved extension can result in fines, detention, or deportation.
• Denial of Entry and Expulsion The Government of Nicaragua has denied entry to and expelled U.S. citizens. This includes dual U.S.-Nicaraguan citizens and individuals that previously traveled to/from Nicaragua without incident. The government targets real or perceived opponents to the Government of Nicaragua. These include NGO workers, academics and students, business representatives, civil society leaders, religious and charity workers, and journalists, among others.