Home/from/Argentina/to/Nicaragua
🇦🇷Argentina
🇳🇮NicaraguaAR-NI

Argentina to Nicaragua visa requirements

Argentine ordinary passport holders do NOT need a visa for tourism in Nicaragua. You may stay up to 90 days. On arrival you simply pay a USD 10 cash tourist card (tarjeta de turismo) fee. Argentina is on Nicaragua's visa-exempt list, reconfirmed under Decree 002-2026 effective 16 February 2026. Argentine citizens holding an ordinary passport enjoy visa-free entry to Nicaragua for tourism and short visits. Under Nicaragua's immigration framework, Argentina sits in the visa-exempt group of nationalities, a status reaffirmed by Decree 002-2026 which took effect on 16 February 2026 (this reform mainly tightened the "consulted visa"/Category C list and scaled back visa-on-arrival for OTHER nationalities, but did not affect visa-exempt countries like Argentina). On arrival at Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) or at land borders, all foreign visitors purchase a tourist card (tarjeta de turismo) for USD 10, payable in cash, which authorizes a stay of up to 90 days. Travelers must hold a passport valid for at least six months, present an onward or return ticket, and may be asked to show proof of sufficient funds. A departure tax of approximately USD 42 applies on exit but is normally already included in the airfare for international flights. Nicaragua is NOT in the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Because Argentina's visa exemption is well documented across the destination authority's practice, IATA-based references, and the US State Department entry guidance, the verdict is firmly visa-free for a short tourist stay.
VISA-FREETOURISMSINGLE ENTRYLast verified 2026-05-30
For guidance only — visa rules change with little notice. Always confirm directly with the destination's embassy or foreign ministry before booking non-refundable travel. Information here applies to ordinary (non-diplomatic) passports unless noted.
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/01 — The numbers

Key facts

Last verified 2026-05-30
Visa type
Visa-free (tourist card on arrival)
Maximum stay
Up to 90 days
per entry
Entries
Single entry per tourist card (extendable/renewable in-country)
from issue date
Visa fee
USD 10 tourist card (cash) on arrival
consular fee only
Processing time
Immediate at port of entry
standard track
Validity
Tourist card valid for the authorized stay of up to 90 days
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport validity
Ensure your Argentine ordinary passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your date of arrival in Nicaragua and has at least one blank page.
· 6 months validity· Ordinary passport
/02
Book onward or return travel
Purchase a return or onward ticket out of Nicaragua. Immigration officers may ask to see it and may request proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
· Onward/return ticket· Proof of funds
/03
Carry USD cash for the tourist card
Bring USD 10 in cash (exact change recommended) to pay the tarjeta de turismo on arrival. Cards are generally not accepted for this fee.
· USD 10 cash· Exact change
/04
Arrive and purchase the tourist card
At Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) or a land border, pay the USD 10 tourist card fee and receive an entry stamp authorizing up to 90 days.
· MGA airport· Land borders
/05
Clear immigration
Present your passport, tourist card receipt, and onward ticket. The officer stamps your stay (up to 90 days).
· Entry stamp· Up to 90 days
/06
Plan your exit
Depart within the authorized period. A ~USD 42 departure tax applies but is usually included in international airfares; verify with your airline.
· ~USD 42 exit tax· Usually in airfare
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

12 items
Personalized checklist
Argentina -> Nicaragua · Visa-free (tourist card on arrival)
0 / 12 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredArgentine ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond arrival
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredAt least one blank passport page
Original passport; keep the blank pages and remaining validity required for this route
required
RequiredUSD 10 cash for the tourist card (exact change)
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredOnward or return airline ticket
Bookings, itinerary, or confirmations matching the requested stay dates
required
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedAccommodation/booking details for first nights
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedConfirm departure tax (~USD 42) is included in your airfare
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedTravel/health insurance for the trip
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
ConditionalYellow fever certificate if arriving from an at-risk country
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
situational
ConditionalOfficial application form or online application
Official form; submit online or print and sign as instructed
Visa-free routes usually do not require a visa form; submit any arrival card or authorization if required.
RequiredFlight and hotel itinerary
Confirmed or agency-arranged itinerary when the route guide requires it
Use dates that fit the allowed stay and visa validity.
RecommendedTravel medical insurance
Policy certificate showing traveler name, destination, and coverage dates
Some destinations or agencies require it even when the core visa rule only recommends it.
Application link included: VisasNews - Nicaragua overhauls its visa policy (Decree 002-2026)
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist card (tarjeta de turismo)USD 10Paid in cash on arrival; authorizes up to 90 days
Tourist visaUSD 0No visa required for Argentine nationals
Departure tax~USD 42Charged on exit; normally already included in international airfare
Stay extension (in-country)~USD 22Optional, paid at Migración if extending beyond the initial period
Total estimateUSD 10USD 52incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Visa exemption for Argentine nationals
Argentina is on Nicaragua's visa-exempt list, so ordinary passport holders enter without a visa for tourism.
High
/02
Decree 002-2026 reaffirmed exemption
The 16 February 2026 immigration reform tightened the consulted-visa list for other nationalities but kept Argentina visa-exempt.
Medium
/03
Mercosur / regional ties
As a Mercosur member, Argentina benefits from longstanding favorable mobility arrangements across Latin America.
Medium
/04
Reciprocity between the two countries
Argentina and Nicaragua maintain reciprocal visa-free short-stay access for tourism.
Low
/07 — On arrival

After you land

/01
Immigration
Keep your passport, visa or exemption proof, return ticket, and accommodation details ready for border inspection.
/02
Customs
Review the destination's customs rules before travel and declare restricted goods or large cash amounts when required.
/03
Connectivity
Check whether airport SIMs, eSIMs, or roaming are the best option for your route before arrival.
/08 — The history

Policy changelog

since 2024
2026-05-30 · major
Argentina to Nicaragua route verified
Confirmed visa-free status (90 days, USD 10 tourist card on arrival) against Nicaragua's visa-exempt list, Decree 002-2026, IATA-based references, and US State Department entry guidance.
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Argentine citizens need a visa for Nicaragua?
No. Argentine ordinary passport holders are visa-free for tourism and may stay up to 90 days. You only pay a USD 10 tourist card on arrival.
How much does entry cost?+
How long can I stay?+
Did the 2026 immigration decree change anything for Argentines?+
Is there an exit tax?+
What documents will immigration ask for?+
/11 — Passport tools

Tools for the Argentina passport

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