Deep breath. Here's the answer.

Smartraveller says Australians buy a tourist card at the airport on arrival, for stays of up to 90 days. Nicaragua is part of the CA-4 agreement with Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, so those 90 days are shared and start at your first entry into any of the four. You need an onward ticket, enough funds and a valid passport. We have not independently confirmed the wider visa-exemption rule, so this page stays under review.

Key facts

For Australian passport holders, tourism or short business trips.

You may need a visa if…

• Entry requirements can change without notice; always verify before travel.
• Overstaying your permitted period can result in fines and future entry restrictions.
• Proof of sufficient funds for your stay may be requested.
• Yellow Fever vaccination certificate may be required if arriving from an infected country.
• Nicaraguan authorities have strict entry requirements; non-compliance can lead to denial of entry.
• Even with a visa, final entry approval rests with immigration officers at the port of entry.
• The tourist card is bought at the airport on arrival and covers up to 90 days.
• The 90 days are shared across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua from your first entry.
• You need an onward ticket, enough funds and a valid passport.
• The tourist card covers tourism only. Other purposes require a visa — confirm with the official authority.

Before you travel

• ✓Confirm if a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is needed based on your travel history.
• ✓Ensure you have proof of onward or return travel.
• ✓Carry proof of sufficient funds for your trip.
• ✓Print copies of all important travel documents, including visa, passport, and flight itineraries.
• ✓Check your passport is valid and confirm the exact validity rule with the official authority.

Common questions