Nicaragua

🇳🇮

Telefonvorwahl

+505

Hauptstadt

Managua

Bevölkerung

6,9 Millionen

Einheimischer Name

Nicaragua

Region

Amerika

Mittelamerika

Zeitzone

Central Standard Time (North America

UTC-06:00

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Geld & WährungVisa-ÜbersichtVisa-ArtenWichtige HinweiseStädteBotschaften im AuslandBotschaften im Land

Nicaragua is Central America's largest country (slightly larger than Greece) but least densely populated, bordered by Honduras (north), Costa Rica (south), Pacific Ocean (west), and Caribbean Sea (east). Known as 'Land of Lakes and Volcanoes,' Nicaragua has 19 active volcanoes and two massive lakes (Lake Nicaragua is 8,264 km², 19th largest freshwater lake in world). Managua, the capital, was devastated by 1972 earthquake and lacks traditional colonial center. Colonial gem Granada (on Lake Nicaragua shore, founded 1524, oldest colonial city in mainland Americas) is tourist hub. Nicaragua experienced tumultuous 20th century: US occupation (1912-1933), Somoza dictatorship (1936-1979), Sandinista revolution (1979), Contra War (1980s-1990s), and recent political crisis (2018 protests, government crackdown). Current President Daniel Ortega (Sandinista, in power since 2007, increasingly authoritarian). Visitors are drawn to Granada colonial architecture, Ometepe Island (twin volcanic island in Lake Nicaragua), León colonial city and volcano boarding, Corn Islands Caribbean beaches, San Juan del Sur surf town, Masaya volcano active crater viewing, and budget travel (cheapest in Central America). Nicaragua offers authentic Central American experience at low prices but monitor political situation.

Visa Requirements for Nicaragua

Nicaragua offers visa-free entry to citizens of over 90 countries for tourist stays typically 90 days, including United States, Canada, United Kingdom, EU countries, Australia, and most of Latin America. Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond intended stay. Entry stamp free at land borders and airports (Managua Augusto C. Sandino International Airport). IMPORTANT: Nicaragua participates in CA-4 Border Control Agreement with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador - can travel freely between these four countries for up to 90 days total (not per country). After 90 days in CA-4 region, must leave for 72 hours before re-entering. Exit from Nicaragua requires $3 USD exit tax (varies by land border, sometimes included in ticket). Those requiring visas (primarily African and Asian nations) apply through Nicaraguan consulates. Political situation since 2018 protests has made government unpredictable - monitor travel advisories. Tourism declined after 2018 crisis but recovering. Border crossings with Costa Rica and Honduras generally smooth. US dollars widely accepted alongside córdobas.

Gängige Visumtypen

Visa-Free Entry

90 days typically (some nationalities 30 days); passport valid 6 months beyond stay; stamped free at entry; $3 exit tax when leaving; CA-4 agreement means 90 days covers Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador COMBINED (not per country); proof of onward travel may be requested; straightforward entry process; no advance application needed.

For tourism for citizens of 90+ countries including US, Canada, UK, EU, Australia, Japan, and most Latin American nations.

CA-4 Border Agreement

90 days TOTAL across all four CA-4 countries (not 90 days per country); passport stamped only when entering/exiting CA-4 region (not at borders between member countries); after 90 days, must exit CA-4 region for 72 hours (to Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico) before re-entering; popular backpacker route; convenient for regional travel but time limit applies collectively.

Free movement agreement between Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador for tourists.

Visa Extension

Extensions possible through immigration office (Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería) in Managua; additional 30-90 days; requires passport, application fee (~$50), proof of funds, accommodation; bureaucratic process; many travelers prefer to exit and re-enter from Costa Rica for new 90-day stamp rather than deal with extension process.

For travelers wishing to extend stay beyond 90-day visa-free period.

Tourist Visa (Consulate Application)

30-90 days; apply through Nicaraguan embassy or consulate; requires application form, passport, photos, invitation letter or hotel booking, return ticket, proof of funds; Nicaragua has limited consulate network; processing varies; relatively few tourists require visas due to liberal visa-free policies.

For nationalities not eligible for visa-free entry, primarily some African and Asian countries.

Important Travel Information

Political situation since 2018: Nicaragua experienced major political crisis in April 2018 when protests against social security reforms escalated into anti-government movement. Government crackdown killed 300+ protesters, thousands injured/arrested. President Daniel Ortega (Sandinista leader, in power since 2007) increasingly authoritarian - imprisoned opposition leaders, journalists, closed NGOs, rigged 2021 election. Tourism dropped 40% after 2018. Situation stable for tourists currently (2024) but politically repressive. Protests can erupt suddenly. Monitor news. US and EU sanctioned Ortega government. Generally safe for tourists who avoid politics/protests but uncertain situation.

Cheapest country in Central America: Nicaragua is budget paradise. Hostel beds $5-10/night. Budget hotels $15-30. Meals $3-7. Beer $1-2. Bus rides $0.50-10. Much cheaper than Costa Rica (30-40% less). Backpacker favorite destination. Can travel on $20-30/day comfortably. Chicken bus (local buses) extremely cheap. Gallo pinto (rice and beans) national dish, cheap and filling. Nicaragua offers best value in Central America alongside Guatemala.

Granada colonial beauty: Granada (founded 1524, on Lake Nicaragua) is Nicaragua's crown jewel. Colorful colonial architecture, horse-drawn carriages, central plaza (Parque Central), Iglesia La Merced church (climb bell tower for views), Calle La Calzada restaurant street, Lake Nicaragua waterfront. More authentic and cheaper than Antigua Guatemala. Base for visiting: Mombacho Volcano coffee plantation tours, Las Isletas boat tour (365 small islands in lake), Masaya volcano, Laguna de Apoyo volcanic crater lake swimming. Budget $30-50/day. 45 minutes from Managua airport.

Städte mit Vertretungen

Wo dieses Land Botschaften oder Konsulate unterhält

Managua
Vertretungen vor Ort

Ausländische Vertretungen in Nicaragua

Diese Botschaften und Konsulate haben ihren Sitz in diesem Land. Wähle eine Vertretung, um Details und Kontaktinformationen zu öffnen.

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