Nicaragua
How long you can stay, how long your vehicle can, and what your dog or cat needs to cross. Every rule links to the official source.
- Last checked 28 Sep 2026
Your rules for Nicaragua
You · American passport
90 days
Visa-free for short stays. Keep inside the limit and you don't need a visa.
mint.gob.ni · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your vehicle · United States plates
Up to 30 days per visit
It comes in on a temporary import with the Importación temporal de vehículo para turismo (DGA Nicaragua).
dga.gob.ni · Confirm before you go · Checked 27 Sep 2026
Your dog or cat
Start at least 30 days out
Nicaragua needs vaccines given 30-365 days before travel, deworming within 30 days and a health certificate; IPSA issues a quarantine permit at the border. See the steps
ipsa.gob.ni · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026
Watch Nicaragua.
We'll email you if Nicaragua's rules change for your American passport, United States plates or your pet. That's the only email you'll get.
What your pet needs to cross into Nicaragua.
Do these in order. Miss one and your pet can be held at the border.
- Still valid the day you arrive
Rabies vaccine still valid on arrival
Your pet's rabies vaccine must still be valid on the day you cross. Check the 'valid until' date on the vaccination record and book a booster before it runs out.
- 30 to 365 days before you arrive
Rabies and core vaccines 30-365 days before
Dogs: distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parvovirus and rabies. Cats: panleukopenia and rabies. Given between 365 and 30 days before export.
- Within 30 days before you arrive
Internal and external parasite treatment
Endo- and ectoparasite treatment within 30 days before shipment.
- Within 14 days before you arrive
Health certificate
Certificate from an official or private vet: examined, healthy, no infectious disease. APHIS certificate requires the exam within 2 weeks of departure.
- At the border
IPSA quarantine permit at entry
Get the quarantine permit and inspection from IPSA at the port of entry (no advance import permit for personal pets).
ipsa.gob.ni · Official source · Checked 28 Sep 2026. The app works these dates backward from your travel day and reminds you.
Every passport in Nicaragua
| Passport | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Visa-free | 90 days, shared across the CA-4 | mint.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
Every registration in Nicaragua
| Registered in | Entry | How long | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| United States (yours) | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Argentina | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Australia | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Austria | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Belgium | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Brazil | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Bulgaria | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
| Canada | Temporary import | Up to 30 days per visit | dga.gob.ni · Checked 27 Sep 2026 |
A plain-language summary of the official rules, checked on the date shown. It isn't legal advice, and the officer at the desk always has the final word.
Planning a Nicaragua leg?
We'll count it for you.
BorderRunner turns these rules into your exact exit date, for you, your vehicle and your dog, and reminds you well before it's close. The first week is on us.
