Do I need a visa for Nicaragua?

90 days visa-free for USA, EU, Canada, UK, Australia + CA-4 (Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador). $10 tourist card on arrival.

How to get residency in Nicaragua?

Pensionado (USD 600/month pension) or Rentista (USD 750/month) – one of the cheapest in the world. Investor route from USD 35K in real estate/business.

Best time to visit Nicaragua?

Dry season December–April. Green season May–November is lush and almost tourist-free.

Is Nicaragua safe for tourists in 2025?

Tourist areas (Granada, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe, León, Corn Islands) are very safe and calm. Avoid political gatherings in Managua.

Who is the President of Nicaragua?

Daniel Ortega (FSLN) – in office since 2007, re-elected 2021.

Complete Guide to Nicaragua: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts

Q: Top places to visit in Nicaragua?

Granada, Ometepe Island, León, San Juan del Sur, Cerro Negro (volcano boarding), Corn Islands, Masaya Volcano, Mombacho, Apoyo Lagoon.

Q: How to buy SIM card in Nicaragua?

Claro or Tigo at airport or any store – C$100–200 starter with 10–30GB data. Good coverage on Pacific side and islands.

The ultimate Complete Guide to Nicaragua: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts – the land of lakes and volcanoes, where you can surf, volcano-board, live on a tropical island, or retire for under USD 1,000/month. With one of the cheapest and easiest residency programs in the Americas, stunning colonial cities, and Pacific + Caribbean coasts, Nicaragua remains a hidden gem for adventurers and expats in 2025.

Introduction to Nicaragua – Land of Lakes and Volcanoes

Nicaragua (130,373 km², 6.8 million people) is the largest country in Central America yet one of the least visited — meaning pristine beaches, empty surf breaks, and authentic experiences. With 19 active volcanoes, the massive Lake Nicaragua, and two idyllic Corn Islands, this Complete Guide to Nicaragua: Visa, Travel, Investment & Important Facts shows why it’s quietly becoming a top retirement and digital-nomad destination.

Nicaragua Independence Date: September 15, 1821

Celebrated nationwide with parades and traditional dances.

Visa Policy & CA-4 Agreement

90 days visa-free for over 90 countries (USA, EU, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.). $10 tourist card paid on arrival. CA-4 allows seamless travel between Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala.

Residency Options – Among the Cheapest in the World

Pensionado – USD 600/month pension
Rentista – USD 750/month proven income
Investor – USD 35,000 in real estate or business

Top Places to Visit in Nicaragua

Granada – colorful colonial architecture
Ometepe Island – twin volcanoes in Lake Nicaragua
León – revolutionary history + volcano boarding on Cerro Negro
San Juan del Sur – surf town with sunset beaches
Corn Islands – Caribbean paradise (Little Corn is car-free)
Masaya Volcano – drive-up crater
Apoyo Lagoon – crater lake swimming
Mombacho Volcano cloud forest

How to Invest in Nicaragua

Real estate booming: beachfront lots in San Juan del Sur from USD 50K, Granada colonial homes from USD 120K. 100% foreign ownership allowed.

Economy Overview

GDP ≈ USD 17 billion. Key sectors: tourism (fastest growing), agriculture, free-trade zones, remittances.

How to Buy SIM Card in Nicaragua

Claro (best coverage) or Tigo – C$100–200 starter at airport or any pulpería. Strong 4G on Pacific coast and islands.

Current President of Nicaragua

Daniel Ortega (FSLN) – in office since 2007, re-elected November 2021.

Safety in 2025

Tourist areas (Granada, San Juan del Sur, Ometepe, León, Corn Islands) remain very safe and peaceful. Avoid political events in Managua.

Aviation Services in Nicaragua

Domestic flights to Corn Islands, San Juan del Sur area, and Ometepe via La Costeña
Scenic volcano flights and private charters
Medevac partnerships available

Climate & Practical Tips

Tropical 26–32°C year-round. Currency: Córdoba (NIO). Spanish dominant, English spoken on Corn Islands.