Do China passport holders need a visa to visit NI?

No. As of 2026, Chinese ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter Nicaragua. Under Decree 002-2026 (in force since 16 February 2026), China is classified as a Category C "consulted visa" (visa con consulta previa) nationality, meaning the application must be pre-approved by Nicaraguan immigration authorities in Managua before you can travel. Nicaragua overhauled its visa policy in February 2026 through Decree 002-2026, which eliminated the previous visa-on-arrival/tourist-card route for many nationalities and moved roughly 128 countries, including mainland China, into the strictest "consulted visa" (Category C) category. For a Chinese ordinary passport holder, this means a visa is mandatory and it cannot simply be obtained on arrival or freely online: the application is filed through a Nicaraguan embassy or consulate and then forwarded to the Directorate General of Migration and Foreigners (DGME) in Managua for prior authorization. Approval typically takes around 30 calendar days (sometimes longer), so travelers should apply well in advance (45-60 days before departure). Consular fees are generally in the USD 30-50 range plus any service charges. An approved consulted visa generally permits an initial tourist stay of up to 90 days and must be used within 90 days of issuance. Because the consulted-visa channel requires case-by-case approval from Managua rather than a guaranteed automated grant, and because sources do not confirm China's eligibility for the new e-visa portal launched in March 2026, the conservative and accurate classification for a Chinese tourist is "visa-required." Always confirm current requirements with the nearest Nicaraguan embassy/consulate and the DGME (migracion.gob.ni) before booking, as this is a recent and still-evolving policy.