politics
May 7, 2026
Embassy in Managua No Longer Issues 10-Year Visas, Clarifies Doubts About Bond
The United States Embassy in Managua clarified that new B1/B2 tourist and business visas for Nicaraguans will no longer be issued for 10 years and will be subject to the new immigration bond program in effect since April 2, 2026. Consul General Corey Bordenkecher explained that the visas will be valid for 90 days, will be for single entry, and warned that no one outside the embassy can guarantee approvals or collect payments related to the process.
TL;DR
- Nicaraguans applying for B1/B2 visas will no longer receive 10-year visas.
- New visas will be valid for 90 days for a single entry.
- A new immigration bond program is in effect from April 2, 2026.
- The bond program aims to decrease individuals overstaying their visas in the U.S.
- The application process remains the same initially: fill out the form, pay the $185 consular fee, and attend an interview.
- If a visa is approved, applicants will receive instructions to pay a bond, which can be up to $15,000.
- The bond is refundable if the traveler departs the U.S. within the established timeframe.
- Individuals who do not comply with immigration rules risk losing their bond and facing permanent travel bans.
- Visas issued before April 2, 2026, remain valid under their original terms.
- Entry with new visas is restricted to commercial air travel only, not land ports or cruises.
- The embassy warns against scams and emphasizes that only official channels should be consulted.