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🇷🇺Russian Federation
🇳🇮NicaraguaRU-NI

Russian Federation to Nicaragua visa requirements

Russian ordinary passport holders can enter Nicaragua visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. No visa is required, but a US$10 tourist card must be purchased in cash on arrival. This visa-free status was confirmed retained under Nicaragua's new Decree 002-2026 (effective 16 February 2026). As of 30 May 2026, holders of an ordinary Russian Federation passport do not need a visa to visit Nicaragua for tourism or short visits. Russia is on Nicaragua's visa-exempt list (Category A), allowing stays of up to 90 days. Crucially, Nicaragua overhauled its visa policy via Decree 002-2026, effective 16 February 2026, which eliminated most visa-on-arrival arrangements and pushed over 120 nationalities into a mandatory pre-authorization (Consulted Visa) category. Russia was explicitly confirmed as retaining its visa-exempt status under this decree, alongside EU states, the US, Canada, the UK, Brazil and Argentina. On arrival, all visa-exempt visitors (except CA-4 nationals and diplomatic/special passport holders) must buy a tourist card for US$10 in cash, valid for the duration of the authorized stay. A passport valid at least 6 months beyond entry, proof of onward/return travel, and proof of sufficient funds may be requested. Because the regional policy environment is volatile in 2026, travelers should reconfirm with the Nicaraguan consulate before departure. The visa-free channel does not permit paid work.
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 entry (Category A / visa-exempt) with 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
US$10 tourist card on arrival (cash)
consular fee only
Processing time
Issued immediately on arrival at the border
standard track
Validity
Tourist card valid for the authorized stay (up to 90 days)
from issue date
/02 — The process

How to apply

/01
Confirm passport validity
Ensure your ordinary Russian passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned date of entry into Nicaragua and has at least one blank page.
· 6 months validity· 1 blank page
/02
Verify visa-free status before departure
Because Decree 002-2026 reshaped Nicaragua's entry rules in February 2026, reconfirm Russia's visa-exempt status with the nearest Nicaraguan embassy/consulate or a current IATA source within days of travel.
· Decree 002-2026· Reconfirm with consulate
/03
Prepare supporting documents
Carry proof of onward or return travel, proof of sufficient funds for your stay, and accommodation details, as immigration officers may request these on arrival.
· Onward ticket· Proof of funds
/04
Carry US$10 in cash for the tourist card
All visa-exempt visitors must purchase a tourist card on arrival. Bring exactly US$10 in cash, as card payment may not be available at the entry point.
· US$10 cash· Tourist card
/05
Pass immigration and buy the tourist card
At the airport or land border, present your passport, pay the US$10 tourist card fee, and receive your entry stamp authorizing up to 90 days.
· Entry stamp· Up to 90 days
/06
Respect the authorized stay
Do not overstay. If you need longer, request an extension at a Nicaraguan immigration (Migracion) office before the 90 days expire to avoid fines and future entry bans.
· Extend before expiry· Avoid overstay fines
/03 — The paperwork

Required materials

13 items
Personalized checklist
Russian Federation -> Nicaragua · Visa-free entry (Category A / visa-exempt) with tourist card on arrival
0 / 13 complete
Deadline reminderAdd a date before export
RequiredRussian ordinary passport valid 6+ months beyond entry
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
RequiredUS$10 cash for the tourist card on arrival
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RequiredProof of onward or return travel
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
RecommendedProof of sufficient funds for the stay
Bank, income, or asset proof with clear name, date, and balances
recommended
RecommendedConfirmed accommodation / address in Nicaragua
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
recommended
RecommendedRe-verify visa-free status post Decree 002-2026 before travel
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 vaccination certificate if arriving from an endemic country
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
situational
RequiredDeparture date within the 90-day limit
Provide a clear scan, digital file, or original as requested by the official channel
required
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.
Official sourcesVisa policy of Nicaragua - WikipediaNicaragua overhauls its visa policy (Decree 002-2026) - VisasNewsNicaragua Visa for Russian citizens - Visa List
Application link included: Visa policy of Nicaragua - Wikipedia
Open link
/04 — The cost

Fee breakdown

All-in estimate
Line itemAmountSource
Tourist card (on arrival)US$10Paid in cash at the border/airport by all visa-exempt visitors except CA-4 nationals
Tourism services / exit-related fees~US$2-3Minor municipal or airport charges sometimes collected; often bundled in airfare
Stay extension (optional)~US$20-30Charged at a Migracion office if you extend beyond the initial authorized period
Total estimateUS$10 — US$13incl. all
/05 — The wait

Processing time

On-arrival tourist card
Immediate (at entry point)
No advance application needed; the tourist card is issued on the spot when you pay US$10 on arrival.
/06 — The risks

Common refusal reasons

by frequency
/01
Russia is on Nicaragua's visa-exempt list (Category A)
Ordinary Russian passport holders are exempt from visa requirements for short tourist stays of up to 90 days.
High
/02
Visa-free status retained under Decree 002-2026
Nicaragua's February 2026 visa overhaul tightened rules for 120+ nationalities but explicitly kept Russia visa-exempt.
High
/03
Bilateral/long-standing exemption
Russia's visa-free entry to Nicaragua was resumed in 2009 and has remained in place since.
Medium
/04
Tourist card requirement
Even visa-exempt travelers must purchase a US$10 tourist card on arrival, which functions as the entry permit.
High
/05
Conservative re-verification advised
Given the volatile 2026 regional policy environment, travelers should reconfirm before flying.
Medium
/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
Russia to Nicaragua route verified
Confirmed Russia (ordinary passport) remains visa-free for Nicaragua for up to 90 days, with a US$10 tourist card on arrival. Verified retention of visa-exempt status under Nicaragua's Decree 002-2026 (effective 16 February 2026).
/09 — The questions

Frequently asked

Do Russian citizens need a visa for Nicaragua?—
No. Holders of an ordinary Russian passport can enter Nicaragua visa-free for tourism for up to 90 days. You only need to buy a US$10 tourist card on arrival.
How long can a Russian tourist stay in Nicaragua?+
Did Nicaragua's 2026 visa changes affect Russian travelers?+
How much does it cost to enter Nicaragua as a Russian tourist?+
What documents do I need at the Nicaraguan border?+
Can I work in Nicaragua on this visa-free entry?+
/11 — Passport tools

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