Visa requirements
The CA-4 law sets visa-exempt, consular and consulted categories; requirements depend on nationality and travel document.
Source: legislacion.asamblea.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Getting to Nicaragua
Check the official dollar rate, travel requirements and mobile connectivity.
Information from official sources, checked on the dates shown. It may change; confirm each detail with its source before travelling.
Names and logos identify their owners and do not imply sponsorship.
Before arrival
Length of stay
A tourist’s authorized stay depends on the applicable agreements and immigration rules; there is no universal period in law.
Source: www.pgr.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Entry requirement
The law sets a maximum five-day stay for transit travellers.
Source: www.pgr.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Entry requirement
Immigration may request proof of funds for the stay and to leave the country.
Source: www.pgr.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Customs and baggage
The airport says arriving passengers pass through Customs and Immigration control; check requirements before flying.
Source: www.eaai.com.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Prepaid SIM and eSIM
Claro
SIM cardClaro lists a starter SIM from 60 córdobas and online activation. We couldn't find the documents foreign visitors need on the source page checked.
Source: www.claro.com.nitelcor.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Tigo
SIM cardTigo lists its SuperChip at 50 córdobas. The line must be personalized to use top-ups; we couldn't find visitor document requirements on the source page checked.
Source: ayuda.tigo.com.nitelcor.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
CooTel
SIM cardTELCOR lists it as a mobile operator; we could not find a current prepaid sales channel.
Source: www.telcor.gob.nitelcor.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Tigo
eSIMTigo says prepaid and postpaid customers can activate an eSIM.
Source: ayuda.tigo.com.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Claro
eSIMClaro lists eSIM availability for prepaid and postpaid lines in Nicaragua.
Source: www.claro.com.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Airports
Augusto C. Sandino International AirportMGA
Managua
Airport-listed operator
EAAI lists it among its transport and tour operators; we couldn't find a fare on the source page checked.
Airport Express
EAAI lists it among its transport and tour operators; we couldn't find a fare on the source page checked.
MP Travel
EAAI lists it among its transport and tour operators; we couldn't find a fare on the source page checked.
Source: www.eaai.com.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Córdoba and exchange rate
Currency and cash
The córdoba (C$) is the monetary unit and is divided into 100 centavos.
Source: bcn.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Currency and cash
In 2026, common banknotes range from 5 to 1,000 córdobas; coins include 0.10, 0.25, 1 and 5 córdobas.
Source: bcn.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Exchange rate
The BCN set the official rate at 36.6243 córdobas per US dollar from January 1 to December 31, 2026.
Source: bcn.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Card payments
The BCN recorded in-person payments with foreign-issued cards; they represented 9.2% of payment value in Q2 2026.
Source: bcn.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Currency and cash
Card payments settled in Nicaragua must be made in córdobas, even when a price is shown in another currency.
Source: bcn.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Exchange rate
The BCN lists authorized currency-exchange providers and maintains a register of individuals offering the service.
Source: www.bcn.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
ATMs and fees
EAAI says Banpro, BAC and BANCENTRO ATMs are available at the airport.
Source: www.eaai.com.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Taxes
The general VAT rate is 15%. The 2026 amendment changed taxable bases for certain products, not the general rate.
Source: www.mem.gob.niwww.spiex.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Transport in Managua
Managua
The urban fare remains 2.50 córdobas. We couldn't find whether to pay by cash or card, or where to reload on the source page checked.
Source: www.lagaceta.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Granada
The National Tourism Map describes buses from the UCA and Mercado Huembes terminals to Granada. We couldn't find today’s fare or where to pay or reload on the source page checked.
Source: www.mapanicaragua.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Emergencies and help
Emergency response: National Police and United Fire Service
Source: www.policia.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
United Fire Service
Source: www.policia.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
DIPRODEC (MIFIC) consumer protection
Source: www.mific.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Destinations
León
From Managua · 90 km
INTUR gives 90 km northwest; we couldn't find transport on the source page checked.
Source: www.intur.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Volcán Masaya
From Managua · 20 km
From Managua, the National Tourism Map lists a minibus from the UCA towards Masaya or Granada; ask to get off at the volcano entrance. We couldn't find the current fare on the source page checked.
Source: www.intur.gob.niwww.mapanicaragua.com · Checked on 11 Nov
Pochomil
From Managua · 65 km
INTUR gives about 65 km south and around one hour; we couldn't find the transport mode on the source page checked.
Source: www.intur.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Xiloá
From Managua · 20 km
INTUR places it about 20 km north; we couldn't find the transport mode in the source checked.
Source: www.intur.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Sébaco
From Managua · 103 km
INTUR lists 103 km from Managua; we couldn't find a transport mode on the source page checked.
Source: www.intur.gob.ni · Checked on 11 Nov
Centro Turístico de Granada
From Managua · 45 km
A bus to Granada is available from the UCA or Mercado Huembes terminals. The page describes a route to Laguna de Apoyo, but we couldn't find a current fare to central Granada on the source page checked.
Source: www.mapanicaragua.com · Checked on 11 Nov