The Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners issued Provision No. 002-2026, updating the immigration visa categories applicable to foreign nationals seeking entry into Nicaragua.
The measure forms part of ongoing efforts to organize and update the country’s immigration framework, with the aim of clarifying classification criteria and strengthening the administrative management of foreign nationals entering the country.
Relevant changes to immigration classification
One of the key changes is that nationals of Mexico and Peru are now classified as Category “C” foreign nationals.
Under this immigration classification, foreign nationals falling within this category must obtain prior immigration authorization before entering Nicaragua.
Unlike the visa-free regime, entry cannot be processed directly upon arrival in the country. Instead, it requires a prior application before the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería, supported by documentation and subject to administrative review and approval.
Depending on the specific case, this process may require:
- An invitation letter issued by an individual or company in Nicaragua.
- A copy of a valid passport.
- Travel itinerary.
- Information regarding activities to be carried out in the country.
- Supporting corporate or commercial documentation.
As a result, individuals subject to this category should consider additional immigration processing time before coordinating travel arrangements.
Visa-exempt countries (visa-free regime)
The provision maintains the visa-free regime for various nationalities from Europe, the Americas, and Asia, in accordance with the official list included in the Provision.
Within Central America, nationals of the following countries continue to benefit from this regime:
- Costa Rica
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Honduras
- Panama
Impact on companies and corporate travelers
The update is particularly relevant for:
- Companies with operations or investments in Nicaragua.
- Businesses relocating executives, technicians, or specialized personnel.
- International suppliers conducting commercial or supervisory visits.
- Firms coordinating regional corporate mobility.
The main practical effect is the incorporation of prior visa processing into travel planning for nationals of the countries mentioned above, requiring adequate planning for timelines and supporting documentation.
What should companies consider?
To support organized and efficient immigration processes, companies may consider:
- Planning foreign personnel travel arrangements in advance.
- Verifying the applicable immigration category based on the activities to be performed in the country.
- Aligning invitation letters and corporate documentation with the corresponding immigration classification.
- Incorporating immigration considerations into regional project timelines.
