Nicaragua Visa Requirements
For 🇪🇸 Spain passport holders
Great news! Spain passport holders can enter Nicaragua without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Spanish citizens can enter Nicaragua visa-free for up to 90 days. Nicaragua is part of the CA-4 agreement with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, allowing combined travel of 90 days across these countries. A $10 tourist card is purchased on arrival.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond stay
Blank Pages
1 page(s) required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Entry Conditions
Valid passport with at least 6 months validity. Tourist card ($10) paid at entry. Return ticket and proof of funds ($200+) may be requested.
Overstaying results in fines and potential complications.
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid recommended. Dengue and Zika present - use mosquito repellent.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Nicaragua is generally safer than its northern neighbors. Tourist areas like Granada, León, and San Juan del Sur are relatively safe. Be cautious in Managua. Political protests can occur - check current conditions. Petty theft exists; take normal precautions.
Money & Costs
Currency
C$ Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $25 · Mid: $60 · Luxury: $150+
Tipping
Tipping 10% is customary in restaurants. Tip tour guides and drivers.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 120V
Driving
Right side
Emergency
118 (police), 115 (fire), 128 (Red Cross)
Getting There
Main Airports
Managua (MGA)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
November to April is dry season with warm, sunny weather ideal for beaches and volcanoes. May to October is rainy but lush, with fewer tourists. San Juan del Sur has consistent waves year-round.
Cultural Notes
Nicaraguans are proud and hospitable despite economic challenges. Revolutionary history is visible everywhere. Poetry is revered - Nicaragua produced Rubén Darío. Colonial cities showcase Spanish heritage. Family and faith are central.
Insider Tips
Nicaragua is one of Central America's most affordable countries. Chicken buses are cheap but crowded; tourist shuttles offer comfort. Córdobas are the currency but USD accepted everywhere. Spanish is essential outside tourist hubs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Spanish citizens need a visa for Nicaragua?
No, Spanish citizens can enter visa-free for up to 90 days (shared with CA-4 countries). A $10 tourist card is purchased on arrival at the airport or border.
Is Nicaragua safe for tourists?
Tourist areas like Granada, León, San Juan del Sur, and Ometepe Island are generally safe. Managua requires more caution. Check current political conditions before travel. Standard precautions against petty theft apply.
What are the highlights of Nicaragua?
Don't miss: Colonial Granada, revolutionary León, surfing at San Juan del Sur, volcano boarding on Cerro Negro, Ometepe Island in Lake Nicaragua, and the Corn Islands for Caribbean vibes.
How cheap is Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is one of the cheapest countries in the Americas. Budget travelers can get by on $20-30/day, mid-range on $40-70/day. Meals cost $3-8, hostels $8-15, and nice hotels $30-60.
What is volcano boarding?
Cerro Negro volcano near León offers the unique experience of sledding down volcanic ash slopes at speeds up to 50 km/h. It's Nicaragua's most famous adrenaline activity. Tours include the hike up and protective gear.