Nicaragua Entry Permit: the pre-arrival authorization
The Nicaragua entry permit is a pre-arrival authorization that certain travelers must arrange before reaching the country, whether by air, sea or land. It is processed in advance with the Ministry of the Interior (Migob) and, once approved, the authorization is communicated to the border post and to the applicant. In this guide we explain what it is, who it applies to, how to send it, when to do it and what happens next.
This is an informational page. Nicaragua's entry requirements and procedures can change without notice. Always confirm your case at migob.gob.ni before buying tickets or traveling.
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What it is and who it applies to
The pre-arrival entry permit is an advance authorization that the Ministry of the Interior may require from certain travelers before they enter Nicaragua. It is not handled at the border or on arrival: it is submitted before the trip so that the authorities can review it and issue a response.
This process has applied to different traveler profiles, in some cases including both nationals and foreign visitors, depending on the criteria in force at any given time. Because those criteria can vary, the safest approach is to verify whether your specific situation requires the request before planning your trip.
The entry permit does not replace your passport, visa or other entry requirements. It is an additional authorization on top of your usual travel documentation.
How to send the request
The request is sent by email to the Ministry of the Interior. The message should contain the traveler's details and the trip information clearly and completely:
- ✉️ Email address: solicitudes@migob.gob.ni
- 🪪 Personal details: full name, nationality and passport number.
- 🛫 Trip details: expected entry and exit dates, and the means of arrival (plane, boat or land).
- 🛂 Border post: the point through which you plan to enter the country.
- 📝 Purpose of the trip: tourism, family visit, business or another reason.
- 📞 Contact: an email and/or phone number where they can notify you of the response.
Attach a copy of your passport and of any document supporting the purpose of the trip. Write the email in an organized way to avoid delays in the review.
When to send it
It is recommended to send the request roughly 8 to 10 days before your travel date. That margin gives the Ministry of the Interior time to review your case and notify you of the response before you have to travel.
Do not wait until your entire trip is paid for to send the request. If you send it with little notice, you might not receive the authorization in time and your plans could be affected.
What happens next
Once received, the Ministry of the Interior reviews the request. If it is approved, the authorization is communicated in two ways:
- 🛂 To the border post where you plan to enter, so they have a record of your authorization.
- 📧 To the applicant, through the contact you provided in the email.
Carry a printed or digital copy of the response when you travel, in case it is requested on arrival. If you do not receive a reply in time, contact the Ministry or the consular office to check the status of your request.
Tips before you travel
- Check whether it applies to your case at migob.gob.ni before buying tickets.
- Send the request early, ideally 8 to 10 days before the trip.
- Review your travel documentation (valid passport and, if applicable, visa); this permit does not replace it.
- Save the response from the Ministry of the Interior, both printed and on your phone.
- Confirm the requirements of any transit or destination country if your trip includes other stops.
If you have questions about your documentation or you are organizing a trip from the United States, our guides on traveling without a passport and the requirements to travel to the U.S. may help. To find the nearest consular office, visit our home page.
Frequently asked questions about the entry permit
What exactly is the entry permit?
It is a pre-arrival authorization that some travelers must send in advance to the Ministry of the Interior before arriving in Nicaragua by air, sea or land. The authorization is communicated to the border post and to the applicant.
What email address is the request sent to?
It is sent by email to solicitudes@migob.gob.ni, including the traveler's details, the purpose of the trip and the expected entry and exit dates.
How many days in advance should I send it?
It is recommended to send it about 8 to 10 days before the trip, so that the authorities have time to review it and notify you of the response before you arrive.
How do I know if it was approved?
If it is approved, the authorization is sent to the border post where you will enter and also to the applicant, at the contact you provided in the email. Travel with a printed or digital copy of that response.
Does this permit replace a passport or visa?
No. It is an additional authorization that does not replace your passport, visa or other entry requirements. You must still meet your usual travel documentation.
Where do I confirm whether the request applies to my case?
The official source is the Ministry of the Interior at migob.gob.ni. Because requirements can change, always check that page and, if in doubt, contact the consular office before you travel.