Entering by boat: Nicaragua
What to do to enter Nicaragua by sea: the procedures, the papers to present and the ports where you can clear in.
Check with the authorities before you leave (last checked on 28 October 2026).
The steps
- Go directly to an official port of entry.
- Health, agriculture, immigration and port captain visit.
- Customs (Aduana) for the boat.
- Zarpe for every move, even domestic.
Papers to have on board
- Passports for the whole crew
- Crew list
- Boat papers (registration certificate)
- Outward clearance from the previous country
Good to know
- Marinas ask for one week's notice (2022 report).
- Big Corn Island (2025): immigration $30, agriculture $40, health $30, port captain $80 per entry.
- Special navigation permit (MTI, ≈ $150) to anchor between Huehuete and the southern border, except San Juan del Sur.
Ports of entry
The ports where you can clear in, and the services available there.
- CorintoCustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- El Bluff (Bluefields)CustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- Marina Puesta del Sol (Aserradores)CustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- Puerto Cabezas (Bilwi)CustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
- San Juan del SurCustomsImmigrationHealthBiosecurityHarbour office
Prepare your arrival with Hullteam
In the app, free: the map of every port of entry and its offices with their contacts, the crew list and the entry forms filled in for you, ready to print or send to an agent.
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This information is gathered from public sources and sailors’ experience. It does not replace the country’s authorities, whose word is final: check before you leave.