Nicaragua at a glance
| Entry | 90 days (CA-4) · Tourist card on arrival |
|---|---|
| Advisory | Level 3 · Arbitrary entry denials reported |
| VA presence | None · FMP reimbursement |
| Time zone | UTC-6 · Currency: córdoba |
| Cost of living | Roughly USD 1,000 to 1,600 a month. |
| Money · language · time | Nicaraguan córdoba (NIO) · Spanish · UTC-6 |
Entering Nicaragua
No visa needed for U.S. citizens, who buy a tourist card on arrival (the fee is small, sources differ on the exact amount). Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador and Nicaragua share the CA-4 agreement: one combined stay of up to 90 days across all four countries, counted from your first entry into any of them. Extensions go through the immigration office of the country you are in. The State Department warns that Nicaragua may deny entry, re-entry or exit to U.S. citizens without explanation, including legal residents.
Long-stay and retirement visas
- Pensionado and rentista residency. The old incentive law (Law 694) set USD 1,000 to 1,250/month, but several 2026 sources report it was repealed in 2024 when a new tourism law took effect, folding these categories into general temporary residency. Confirm current rules and amounts with the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería or a Nicaraguan consulate before making plans.
VA care and benefits in Nicaragua
There are no VA facilities in Latin America. Care for service-connected conditions is reimbursed through the Foreign Medical Program. Be wary of any clinic that claims to be a "VA clinic". VA does not list an in-country toll-free FMP number for this country, so reach FMP through Ask VA or by international call. Social Security questions are handled by the regional Federal Benefits Unit at the U.S. Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, which makes periodic visits to Managua.
Vets in Nicaragua are already in the group
Ask about visas, hospitals and FMP claims from people who've done it there.
Healthcare
Hospital Vivian Pellas in Managua is the main private hospital used by expats. Care in Granada and San Juan del Sur is basic. Many residents go to Costa Rica or the U.S. for serious treatment.
Where veterans live
- Granada: Colonial lakeside town with a long-time expat community.
- San Juan del Sur: Pacific beach town popular with retirees.
- León: University city, hot, low cost.
- Managua: Capital, main hospital, U.S. Embassy.
Cost of living and property
Roughly USD 1,000 to 1,600 a month. Costs vary a lot by city and lifestyle, and health insurance is extra.
Foreigners can buy property, but title disputes are common and the government has seized property from people it considers critics. Use an independent lawyer and title insurance, and think hard before putting large sums into Nicaraguan real estate.
Watch out for
The State Department rates Nicaragua Level 3: Reconsider Travel. It reports arbitrary detentions, entry and exit bans, and limited consular access for U.S. citizens. Avoid political activity, protests and volunteer work with religious or non-profit groups. Drones and some photography gear can be seized at customs.
Veteran organizations
The American Legion's Department of Latin America lists Nicaragua among its countries. Contact the department for current post status. No VFW post is listed on the VFW foreign posts directory. See all veteran organizations abroad.
Common questions
Is Nicaragua's pensionado program still available?
The old Law 694 incentives may no longer apply. Several 2026 sources say the law was repealed in 2024. Retiree residency now runs through general temporary residency. Confirm with a Nicaraguan consulate.
Is it safe for U.S. veterans to live in Nicaragua?
The State Department rates it Level 3 and warns of arbitrary detention and entry denials. Many long-time expats have left. If you go, stay out of politics and register with STEP.
Last reviewed November 2026. See something out of date? Tell us.
