Citizens of Nicaragua will soon need to apply for a new visa waiver to enter Europe.
The European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) will be launched in 2022 for visa-exempt visitors, including Nicaraguans.
ETIAS is not a visa but it will be mandatory for citizens of Nicaragua who want to travel to the Schengen Area.
Nicaraguans can find out everything they need to know about applying for ETIAS in this article.
Will Nicaraguan citizens need a visa for Europe?
No, Nicaraguans do not need a visa to enter Europe. Citizens of Nicaragua can stay in Europe for up to 90 days for tourism, business, or transit purposes.
However, from 2022, Nicaraguans will need an ETIAS visa waiver to enter any of the 26 Schengen nations.
With ETIAS, citizens of Nicaragua can continue to enjoy short, visa-free stays in European destinations.
Travellers from Nicaragua who do not meet all the ETIAS requirements, want to stay in the Schengen Area for more than 90 days or for other purposes need an entry visa.
What documents do Nicaraguans need to obtain ETIAS?
Nicaraguan citizens need just a few documents to apply for ETIAS:
- Valid Nicaragua passport
- Debit or credit card to pay the ETIAS fees
- Email address to receive the visa waiver
As ETIAS is not a visa, further supporting documents are not required.
The ETIAS application process for Nicaraguan citizens
Nicaraguan citizens will be able to apply for an ETIAS visa waiver online in just a few minutes.
Applicants need to provide the following information to successfully complete the ETIAS form:
- Personal details: full name, address, date of birth, place of birth
- Passport details: passport number, expiry date and country of issue
- Health and security information
- The first country they intend to visit within the Schengen Area
Travellers must check that all the information matches their Nicaraguan passport exactly. Any errors or missing information could cause delay and disrupt travel plans.
To finalise the request, the ETIAS visa waiver fees are paid using a debit or credit card.
How long does it take to get ETIAS from Nicaragua?
Obtaining ETIAS will be fast and efficient. The whole process is automated.
Once the application is submitted, it will be screened automatically against a series of Schengen security databases including Interpol and Europol.
Provided there are no hits in the system, the request will be approved quickly, usually within 72 hours.
In the unlikely event that there is a hit in one of the systems, the application will be reviewed manually by ETIAS authorities. A decision must be reached in 2 weeks.
Can ETIAS for Nicaraguans be denied?
It is expected that the vast majority of ETIAS applications submitted by Nicaraguan passport holders will be approved.
On approval, the visa waiver is electronically linked to the passport and will remain valid for 3 years or until the passport expires, whichever happens first.
Nevertheless, some applications may be denied. ETIAS is being introduced to increase safety and security across the EU. Nicaraguan citizens who are considered to pose a health or safety threat will not be granted visa-free entry.
Applicants have the right to appeal in case of rejection.
Travel to Europe from Nicaragua with ETIAS
With ETIAS visa waiver, Nicaraguans will be able to stay in Europe for up to 90 days per 180-day period.
The authorisation remains valid for 3 years, or until the passport expires, and can be used multiple times. It is not necessary to apply before each trip to Europe.
Nicaraguans will need the ETIAS visa waiver to cross the external Schengen border. Officials will verify the visa waiver when the passport is scanned at the border.
ETIAS does not guarantee entry to Europe, the final decision lies with the border authorities.
There are no internal border checkpoints in the Schengen zone. Nicaraguans can make the most of their trip to Europe by visiting several countries on one trip.
Why is ETIAS for Nicaraguans being introduced?
ETIAS is being launched to boost safety and security across the European Union. By pre-screening visa-exempt travellers, potentially dangerous individuals can be prevented from crossing the border.
The ETIAS visa waiver system will allow visa-free entry to top European destinations with even greater peace of mind.
ETIAS is not available yet, the system will go live at the end of 2022.