Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington D.C.: consular section open
Nicaragua's main consular office still operating in the U.S.
The consular section of the Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington D.C. is located at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, in the Dupont Circle area. After the closure of several Nicaraguan representations across the United States throughout 2024, this office in the capital has become the country's flagship consular office and one of only three that continue to serve the public on U.S. soil, alongside the consulates general in Miami and New York.
As the main office, it serves the Nicaraguan community nationwide —and especially those living in the Mid-Atlantic region: Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia—, while also acting as the diplomatic liaison with the U.S. Government. Keep in mind that, due to the reduced consular network, many procedures are now handled online; before traveling, it's worth checking whether your case can be started over the internet, and always confirm the hours and availability by phone, as the lines are often busy.
Contact details for the consular section in Washington
Office: Embassy of Nicaragua – Consular Section
Address: 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20009
Area: Dupont Circle (Washington D.C.)
Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm (confirm by phone)
Phone: +1 202-939-6531
Information line (Nicaragua): 2244-8008
Online appointments: citas.cancilleria.gob.ni
Public service hours
IMPORTANT: The hours shown are a guide and may change. Always confirm by phone before visiting, as the lines are often busy. Service is by appointment only.
Consular services in Washington D.C.
- Nicaraguan passport: Issuance and renewal, for adults and minors, by appointment.
- ID card (cédula): Procedures related to the Nicaraguan ID card.
- Civil registry: Registration of births of children of Nicaraguans, marriages and deaths.
- Certificates and records: Requests for birth certificates and other records from the Nicaraguan registry.
- Powers of attorney and notarial acts: For representation, asset management or legal matters in Nicaragua.
- Authentications and apostille: Legalization of documents for official use between Nicaragua and the U.S.
- Proof of life: For INSS pensioners living in the United States.
- Safe-conduct and entry permit: Travel documents and authorization to enter Nicaragua.
- Consular protection and assistance: Support in cases of detention, hospitalization or death.
How to book your appointment at the consular section
Service is by appointment only and the system is centralized by Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry. These are the steps:
- Online appointment portal: Go to citas.cancilleria.gob.ni, select the Washington D.C. office and the procedure you need, and choose an available date and time.
- Information line: For questions about requirements or the status of your procedure, call Nicaragua's line 2244-8008.
- Office phone: You can confirm your appointment and the hours by calling +1 202-939-6531; please be patient, as the lines are often busy.
Frequently asked questions – Nicaraguan consular section in Washington D.C.
Is the Nicaraguan consular office in Washington D.C. open?
Yes. The consular section of the Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington D.C., at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue NW, is still serving the public. After the 2024 closures, it is Nicaragua's flagship consular office and one of only three still operating in the United States. Service is by appointment, and it's best to confirm the hours by phone at +1 202-939-6531, as they may change.
What procedures can I complete at the Washington consular section?
In Washington D.C. you can handle Nicaraguan passports, ID cards, civil registry entries (births, marriages, deaths), birth certificates, powers of attorney and notarial acts, authentications and apostille, proof of life for INSS pensioners, safe-conduct and entry permits to Nicaragua, as well as consular protection and assistance. Remember that some procedures can be started online.
Can I apply for or renew the Nicaraguan passport here?
Yes. The Washington consular section is one of the three offices in the U.S. where you can apply for the issuance or renewal of the Nicaraguan passport, along with Miami and New York. You'll need your Nicaraguan birth certificate, your ID card if you have one, the previous passport in case of renewal, and an appointment generated at citas.cancilleria.gob.ni. Confirm the current fees before visiting.
Do I need an appointment to be seen?
Yes. Service is provided exclusively by appointment, which is requested through the Foreign Ministry's portal at citas.cancilleria.gob.ni by selecting the Washington D.C. office and the desired procedure. If you have questions, you can call the information line 2244-8008 or the office phone +1 202-939-6531. Come with your complete documentation and proof of your appointment.
My Nicaraguan consulate closed — where should I go now?
After the 2024 closures, only three Nicaraguan consular offices remain operating in the United States: the consular section in Washington D.C., the Consulate General in Miami and the Consulate General in New York. If the office you used to visit closed, you'll need to go to the nearest of these three. Many procedures, however, can now be started online without the need to travel.
What can I resolve online without going to the office?
More and more procedures are done over the internet. At citas.cancilleria.gob.ni you can schedule consular appointments and request the apostille; the passport has options that are started on the Immigration portal (DGME); and the entry permit to Nicaragua is processed by email at solicitudes@migob.gob.ni. For general information you can call the line 2244-8008. Always check the official channels, as availability may change.