Nicaragua

Visas & Work Permits

Most passport holders have visa-free access or visas on arrival, for stays of up to 90 days.

Work permits aren’t required.

Before arriving, crews must first submit their project synopsis, schedule, flight information, crew and passport details, and an equipment list to INTUR, the government tourism agency responsible for filming in Nicaragua. The visiting crew is then provided with an official letter, to enter the country and clear equipment through customs. An official from INTUR will meet the crew at the airport to ensure everything runs smoothly. Permitting times vary. Allow at least three weeks for permission to film.

Projects of a politically or socially sensitive nature may be refused entry altogether.

Please contact a local embassy, consulate or representative for more information. Alternatively, there are specialist companies that provide visa and immigration support to the media industry who may be able to assist.

Film Location Permits

There are very few permitting requirements for b-roll shooting of public locations throughout Nicaragua.

Larger shoots requiring exclusive use of public space need permits. Protected areas, such as national parks, also require permits.

At present, filming with drones is prohibited.

Customs

For productions looking to bring in film equipment, Nicaragua is not an ATA carnet country.

Some production companies have equipment in-house. Otherwise, it’s best to bring equipment from abroad. Costa Rica is the closest production centre to bring in additional gear.

When to Film

Nicaragua has a tropical climate. The rainy season runs from May to October, with heavy storms common. November to April is the hot, dry season and the best time to film in the country.

Nicaragua is predominately Christian country, so those holidays are observed.

Pulic Holidays

Public holidays may affect timing, availability and costs. See here for public holiday dates in Nicaragua.

Nicaragua is a very cost competitive place to shoot, with prices often coming in at 50% of what it costs to shoot in Costa Rica. Locations, local talent and support crew are very inexpensive.

For larger projects, since there is little to no filming infrastructure, most key crew and equipment must be brought in from abroad.

The standard VAT rate in Nicaragua at the time of writing is set at 15%.

Funding

DOCTV Latinoamérica

Ibermedia

Incentives

At the time of writing, this country does not have any filming incentives. However, up to date information on global filming incentives may be found on the Entertainment Partners' Production Incentives Map.

At the time of writing, the UK does not have a trade agreement with this country. However, up to date information about UK trade agreements can be found on the GOV.UK website.