Skip to main content

Nicaragua Visa for France Citizens 2026

Visa Free

French citizens enter Nicaragua visa-free for up to 90 days, paying a roughly USD 10 tourist card fee on arrival rather than a visa - this stay is shared across the CA-4 Central America bloc.

Guide last updated September 23, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid at least 6 months beyond arrival
  • Proof of onward or return travel
  • Evidence of sufficient funds for the stay
  • No visa application, form or photo is required in advance - only a tourist card purchased at the border

Visa types

  • Not applicable - entry is visa-exempt; travelers instead purchase a tourist card on arrival covering tourism or short business visits

Entry conditions

  • Up to 90 days for tourism or business, no work authorized
  • Nicaragua is part of the CA-4 Central America Border Control Agreement with Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador - the 90 days is shared across all four countries, not reset by crossing between them
  • Officers may ask to see an onward ticket or proof of funds
  • Extensions beyond 90 days are handled by the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería in Managua for an extra fee

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist card fee: approximately USD 10, payable in cash at the airport or land border
  • No advance visa fee and no processing time - entry is immediate after payment
  • Extension fee inside the country: roughly USD 20-30 per additional 30 days

Tips for France travelers

  • Keep track of cumulative days across Nicaragua, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador under the CA-4 agreement
  • Carry small USD bills for the tourist card fee, especially at land crossings
  • Land border fees can vary slightly by crossing point (e.g. Peñas Blancas from Costa Rica, Las Manos from Honduras)
  • Check the current French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs travel advisory before departure given occasional political unrest

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.