Thailand to Nicaragua visa requirements

Yes - as of 2026, Thai ordinary passport holders need a visa to enter Nicaragua. Thailand was moved to the "consulted visa" (Category C) group under Provision 002-2026, effective 16 February 2026, so you must obtain advance authorization from immigration in Managua before you travel. Nicaragua overhauled its visa policy with Provision (Disposicion) 002-2026, issued by the Ministry of the Interior in mid-February 2026 and published in La Gaceta on 28 February 2026. The reform eliminated visa-on-arrival for roughly 128 nationalities, including Thailand, reclassifying them as "Category C" travelers who require a consulted visa (visa consultada). For a Thai ordinary passport holder there is no longer a visa-free or visa-on-arrival channel for tourism. The consulted visa requires the Nicaraguan immigration authority (DGME) in Managua to grant prior authorization; the application is filed through a Nicaraguan consulate/embassy (or the digitized process via the Ministry of the Interior), and once approved the traveler is notified by email and goes to the consular office to have the visa stamped. Typical processing is around 30 calendar days, with authorities advising applicants to allow 45-60 days. The consular fee is generally around USD 30-50 plus any service charges, and an approved visa usually permits an initial stay of up to 90 days and should be used within 90 days of issuance. Passports must be valid for at least 6 months. Note that Nicaragua is in Central America, not the Schengen area, so the Schengen 90/180 rule and ETIAS do not apply. Because this is a controlled "consulted" category requiring case-by-case approval from Managua and consular stamping rather than a simple online e-visa or arrival sticker, the correct verdict is visa-required. Apply well in advance and verify current details with the nearest Nicaraguan consulate before booking.