Background

Since November 22, 2021, Cubans can travel to Nicaragua without a visa. The Nicaraguan government adopted this measure due to the number of visa applications from Cuban citizens with relatives in Nicaragua. Also to promote trade and tourism between both countries.

Stay

The fact that Cubans can enter Nicaragua without a visa does not mean that they can stay in the country indefinitely.

Upon arrival in Nicaragua, Cubans must pay for a tourist card worth $10. This tourist card allows Cubans to be legally in Nicaragua for up to 90 days from the date of entry.

In case of requiring more than 90 days in Nicaragua, the person must go to the central office of the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs in Managua to request an extension of stay. Each extension extends the stay for another 30 days approximately and only three extensions can be requested.

Extension cost

Each extension costs $25. You must also buy a form that costs 5 córdobas and fill it out with your personal information. The córdoba (C$) is the currency of Nicaragua. One dollar is equivalent to approximately 36 córdobas.

Map

Use this map to get to the central office of the General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Affairs in Managua.

Tips

If you are going to be in Nicaragua beyond the 90 days allowed by the tourist card, request the extension two or three days before the deadline expires. Bring your passport and a pen. Also the identity card of Cuba because the form asks for data that are on the identity card.

You don’t need to queue to get in. Just approach the officer at the access door, show your passport, and tell him that you are going to do an immigration procedure. Once inside, go to an officer and tell him that you are going to make an extension of stay as a tourist. Always say that you are a foreigner, immigration procedures have preference.

Long stay

Cubans can be in Nicaragua as tourists for up to 180 days approximately from the date of entry, 90 days endorsed by the tourist card and 90 days through a maximum of three extensions of 30 days each.

If you need to stay longer, the easiest option, perhaps not the cheapest, is to leave Nicaragua and re-enter to get another 180 days. For example, travel to Cuba and in a few days return to Nicaragua.

The other option is that you apply for permanent or temporary residence in Nicaragua. Do not wait until the end of the 180 days to do this process because it takes some time.