Caution October 19, 2023

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Travel Advisory January 11, 2024

Nicaragua - level 3: reconsider travel.

Reissued with updates to information on arbitrary enforcement of laws.

Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to  arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability . Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to  crime.

Country Summary : Throughout Nicaragua, government and law enforcement officials continue to target individuals and organizations seen as opponents of President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Vice President Rosario Murillo. U.S. citizens, including dual Nicaraguan-U.S. citizens, have been subject to revocation of Nicaraguan citizenship, reentry bans, expulsion, and other actions. The government and its affiliated groups have been reported to:

  • Arbitrarily prevent individuals from entering or departing Nicaragua by air or land for perceived associations.
  • Search personal phones, computers, and documents for anti-government content, limit photography of government property, and sometimes seize devices.
  • Systematically target individuals for political reasons, regardless of nationality, including former allies, political activists, business representatives, clergy, human rights advocates, civil society leaders, academics, and members of the press.
  • Arbitrarily target pro-democracy advocates and their family members.
  • Confiscate privately-owned land, residences, financial assets, and personal property without warning or due process.
  • Arbitrarily detain, accuse, and charge individuals with terrorism, money laundering, and organized crime offenses for political reasons without respect for fair trial guarantees.

U.S. citizen residents of Nicaragua also report increased scrutiny of alleged political speech.

U.S. citizens arrested in Nicaragua may find themselves subject to prolonged detention without charges or respect of fair trial guarantees. The judicial process lacks transparency, especially in politically motivated arrests and property dispute cases. Political influence and pressure may influence the outcome of legal proceedings.

The Department has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Government of Nicaragua exists.

Travelers should exercise increased caution and be alert to the risks of crime, including violent crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery.

Poor infrastructure in parts of the country limits the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in emergencies. U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility may be subject to restrictions on their movements at any time.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Nicaragua.

If you decide to travel to Nicaragua:

  • Consider arrangements to depart the country quickly.
  • Ensure your U.S. passport is valid and available for a quick departure from the country, if needed.
  • Avoid demonstrations and restrict unnecessary travel.
  • Do not attempt to drive through crowds, barricades, or roadblocks.
  • Maintain adequate supplies of food, cash, potable water, and fuel in case you need to shelter in place.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Keep a low profile.
  • Do not display signs of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on Facebook  and Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Nicaragua.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Embassy Messages

View Alerts and Messages Archive

Quick Facts

Length of stay.

One page per stamp.

No (90 days or fewer). Tourist card at airport. See Entry, Exit & Visa Requirements below.

Yellow fever (in some cases, see Entry Requirements section).

Must declare $10,000 USD or more in cash.

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Managua

Km 5 ½ Carretera Sur Managua, Nicaragua Telephone:  +(505) 2252-7100 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(505) 2252-7100 Fax:  +(505) 2252-7250 Email:   [email protected]

Email:   [email protected]

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Government of Nicaragua has denied entry to or expelled U.S. citizens, including dual U.S.-Nicaraguan citizens, for political reasons including perceived support for or association with disfavored people or organizations.  The Government’s actions have been taken against NGO workers, academics, religious workers, journalists, and many others.  The Nicaraguan government has revoked residency status for foreign nationals for actions or expressions it perceives as political. Travelers attempting to leave the country have been arrested or denied permission to travel for political reasons. Immigration authorities regularly review social media for evidence of political expression or activity and warn against such activities.    

  • For visitors other than tourists , the Government of Nicaragua recommends that you pre-register your trip by following the instructions available on the Nicaraguan immigration website  (in Spanish only).  See  our website  for additional information.  
  • All travelers should have an  onward or return ticket  and  evidence of funds  to support yourself while in Nicaragua.  You must carry a valid identity document at all times, such as a U.S. driver’s license or U.S. passport.  
  • You must purchase a  tourist card for $10 USD  at the airport (exact change recommended), valid for up to a total of 90 days in any of the member countries of the  Central America-4 Border Control Agreement .  Visitors remaining longer must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan immigration or be subject to large fines.  
  • Individuals traveling from countries at risk of yellow fever transmission must show proof of yellow fever vaccination administered at least 10 days before travel to be permitted entry to Nicaragua.   
  • If you use a passport of a different nationality than you did on prior trips to Nicaragua, Nicaraguan authorities may deny you entry.  If you possess multiple nationalities, you should carry a valid passport for all of them.  If you have Nicaraguan nationality, you should have both your U.S. and Nicaraguan passports with you.  
  • You must  exit Nicaragua with the same passport used for entry .  If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen while in Nicaragua, you will need to  get a new entry stamp from Nicaraguan Immigration  before you can depart by following instructions available on the Nicaraguan immigration website (in Spanish only).  This cannot be done at the airport on departure.  
  • There is a  $42 USD tax  that must be paid upon exiting (this tax is normally included in the price of the plane ticket for air travelers).  
  • See the  U.S. Embassy website  for information regarding departure requirements for children under 18 who also are Nicaraguan citizens .  
  • Nicaraguan government authorities may search personal phones, computers, and documents for anti-government content and sometimes seize such private property.  Equipment such as binoculars, drones, or other items will generally be confiscated without a mechanism to retrieve these items later.  

Advanced Coordination Required for Volunteer Groups:  Please note that the Government of Nicaragua has forced the closure of more than 3,500 NGOs and charitable organizations.  Groups engaged in these types of activities, including the apolitical provision of basic services, may be denied entry.  You should email both the Embassy of Nicaragua in the United States ( [email protected] ) and the Nicaraguan Ministry of Foreign Affairs ( [email protected] ) to inform them of your trip and secure advance permission if you are leading one of the following types of trips, even if your group has worked in Nicaragua previously or has a local office:  

  • Volunteer mission;  
  • Charitable or medical brigade (the latter also need permission from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health); or  
  • Assistance visit organized by NGOs, religious groups, schools, or any other group doing this type of work in Nicaragua.    

For the latest visa and entry requirements, visit the  Nicaraguan immigration website (Spanish only).  

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or foreign residents in Nicaragua.  

Dual Nationality and International Parental Child Abduction :  Find information on  dual nationality ,  prevention of international child abduction , and  customs regulations  on our websites.  

COVID-19 Information:  As of July 21, 2023, the Nicaraguan government lifted all COVID-19 related travel restrictions.  Travelers arriving in Nicaragua do not need to provide proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test.  

Safety and Security

The Government of Nicaragua is authoritarian, limits freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, represses internal dissent, and monitors and responds to perceived threats to its authority.  Nicaragua’s Sovereign Security Law and its Terrorism and Money Laundering law allow for discretionary interpretation of often vaguely defined unlawful activities, such as threatening the peace and economic stability of Nicaragua.  Convictions under these laws have often been arbitrary and result in long prison sentences.  

Nicaraguan authorities and armed civilians in plain clothes known as “para police” may monitor, detain, deny entry to, expel, or question U.S. citizens concerning their activities, including their contact with Nicaraguan citizens.  Visitors should avoid any commentary on Nicaraguan politics or governance.  Nicaraguan authorities have subjected U.S. citizens, including dual U.S.-Nicaraguan citizens, to prolonged detentions which are often politically motivated or arbitrary.  Especially in politically motivated arrests, the judicial process has regularly been criticized as neither fair nor transparent.  

Demonstrations or strikes may occur throughout the country; in the past, the Nicaraguan government has violently suppressed them.  Avoid demonstrations and exercise extreme caution around large gatherings.  

Roads may be closed, and public transportation may be disrupted due to large crowds celebrating the following holidays:  

  • Semana Santa (the week before Easter);  
  • Repliegue Historico a Masaya (early July);  
  • July 19 celebration of the Sandinista Revolution;  
  • Celebration in Managua of Santo Domingo, the Patron Saint of the city (August 1st and August 10th);  
  • Day of the Nicaraguan Army (September 2);  
  • Nicaraguan Independence Day (September 14 and 15); and  
  • Immaculate Conception (December 8).   

Crime: Vehicle burglaries, pick-pocketing, and occasional armed robberies occur in store parking lots, on public transportation, and in open-air markets like the Oriental and Huembes Markets in Managua.  Petty street crime is common.  Police presence is extremely limited outside of major urban areas.  The Caribbean Coast’s geographical isolation further limits the U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens living in or visiting the area. Uniformed police and para-police commit violence and intimidate civilians throughout the country for political reasons.  

U.S. citizens have been sexually assaulted in beach resort areas. There are no forensic doctors on the Corn Islands , so victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault, must travel to Bluefields at their own expense for medical examinations and collection of evidence.  In several recent cases, police were reluctant to produce police reports or pursue charges .  Please report such incidents to the Embassy.  

Medical services outside Managua are limited, including for victims of crime.  

Exercise extreme caution when renting or driving vehicles.  In one common scam, “Good Samaritans” pull over to help change a flat tire.  While the driver is distracted, an accomplice steals the driver’s possessions.  

Due to crime and other illicit activity, U.S. government personnel under Chief of Mission security responsibility are prohibited from entering Managua’s Oriental Market and gentlemen’s clubs throughout the country.  

International Financial Scams:  See the Department of State and the FBI page for information.  

Victims of Crime: Report crimes, including sexual assault, to the local police at 118 (Nicaraguan equivalent of “911,” in Spanish).  Report serious crimes to the U.S. Embassy at 2252-7100 immediately and minor crimes during business hours.  

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes.  

See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .  

The U.S. Embassy can:  

  • Help you find appropriate medical care.  
  • Assist you in reporting a crime to the police.  
  • Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.  
  • Provide a list of local attorneys.  
  • Share information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States .  
  • Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or, limited financial support in cases of destitution.  
  • Help you find accommodation and flights home.  
  • Replace a stolen or lost passport.  

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.  

Coastal Disputes: Be aware of the following border disputes:  

  • Nicaragua and Colombia have an ongoing dispute over waters surrounding the San Andres Islands.  
  • The Nicaraguan Navy has challenged vessels passing through its exclusive economic zone.  
  • Nicaragua and Costa Rica have stationed security forces at Harbor Head (also called Isla Calero) at the eastern end of the San Juan River.  
  • Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador have maritime and land disputes over islands and access to fishing rights in the Gulf of Fonseca on the Pacific Coast, a closed sea under international law.  

Tourism: The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon.  Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified.  In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in major cities.  In the event of a diving injury, the only hyperbaric chamber is in Puerto Cabezas, over 100 miles from Corn Island where most tourists dive.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .  

Beach Safety: Exercise caution at the beach. U.S. citizens have drowned at Nicaraguan beaches, and in lagoons and lakes. Warning signs are not always posted.  Lifeguards and rescue equipment are not normally available.   

Hiking in volcanic or remote areas is dangerous.  Wear appropriate clothing and footwear.  Carry sufficient food, water, and communication equipment.  If you travel to remote areas, hire a reputable local guide. Nicaraguan law requires tourists hire a local guide for several volcanoes, including the two volcanoes on Ometepe Island (Maderas and Concepcion).  

Disaster Preparedness: Nicaragua is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions.  If you are at a coastal area when an earthquake occurs, move swiftly to higher ground (when safe to do so) to avoid possible tsunamis.  

In the event of an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or other natural disaster, U.S. citizens should pay close attention to local media reports. 

  • Follow the guidance of local authorities and monitor the websites of the Nicaraguan Institute for Territorial Studies ( INETER ) and the Nicaraguan Emergency Alert System ( SINAPRED ).  
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive important emergency information. 
  • See the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) website for information about disaster preparedness.  

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.  

  • Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nicaragua are severe, even for possession of small amounts of illegal drugs.  
  • Even with a prescription, marijuana is illegal in Nicaragua.  

There are severe penalties, including imprisonment, for domestic violence, psychological abuse, and non-payment of child support.  

Arrest Notification: Nicaraguan authorities do not always notify the U.S. Embassy when a U.S. citizen has been arrested or detained, especially if the arrestee has dual nationality.  If you are arrested or detained, ask both police and prison officials and friends or family to notify the U.S. Embassy.  After the U.S. Embassy learns of an arrest, it may be several days or weeks before the Government of Nicaragua permits a consular official to visit.  In the case of dual U.S.-Nicaraguan nationals, the U.S. Embassy may be denied consular access.  See our webpage for further information.  

  • The judiciary does not enjoy independence from political influence.  U.S. citizens who have been arrested in Nicaragua may find themselves subject to prolonged detention without charges, often for political reasons.  
  • Authorities have ignored or significantly delayed implementing judicial orders to release, deport, expel, or transfer prisoners.  

Purchasing Property: Exercise extreme caution before investing in property.  The Nicaraguan government may confiscate privately owned land or residences without warning or compensation.  Armed individuals have taken over privately owned land.  U.S. citizens have been arrested or threatened over property disputes.  See our website for more information.   

Customs Regulations: U.S. citizens planning to import items should contract a recognized local customs broker for assistance well in advance of their visit.  The U.S. Embassy is unable to assist with the customs or import process.  

  • Nicaraguan customs officials may delay or block import of goods, including items intended for donation.  
  • If you are planning to bring vehicles or household goods, consult Nicaraguan customs officials prior to shipment.  
  • When entering with your vehicle, you must have the original registration and title.  
  • Drones and similar devices are not permitted and will be confiscated by Nicaraguan customs authorities.  
  • Photography equipment, videography equipment, and binoculars may be subject to seizure by the Nicaraguan customs authorities.  
  • Approval from the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy Department is required to import large quantities of medicine, even for charitable purposes.  
  • Before excavating archaeological materials or buying historical artifacts, you must consult with the National Patrimony Directorate of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture.  Otherwise, severe criminal penalties may apply.   

Faith-Based Travelers: See the following webpages for details:  

  • Faith-Based Travel Information   
  • International Religious Freedom Report   
  • Human Rights Report   
  • Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers   
  • Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad   

LGBTQI+ Travelers: There are no legal restrictions on same-sex relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Nicaragua.  While violence against LGBTQI+ travelers is uncommon, widespread discrimination exists.  See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and the Department of State's Human Rights report for further details .   

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs):   The government of Nicaragua recently forced the closure of more than 3,500 NGOs and charitable organizations.  Employees of NGOs and volunteers supporting NGOs may be denied entry to Nicaragua.  Please see “Advanced Coordination Required for Volunteer Groups” above.  

Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance: There is limited or no accessibility assistance for public transportation and in many public areas.  There are few sidewalks and pedestrian road crossings.  

While Nicaraguan law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, in practice such discrimination is widespread in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of state services.    

Students: See our Students Abroad page.    

Women Travelers: See our travel tips for Women Travelers .  

Government hospitals are understaffed and some hospitals throughout the country may not be able to assist in emergencies.  Only basic, limited emergency medical services are available outside Managua.  

  • Ambulance services provide transportation and basic first aid only and are unreliable throughout the country.  
  • Physicians and hospital personnel frequently do not speak English.  
  • Tap water is not reliably potable.  Drink only purified bottled water.  

 The following diseases are prevalent:  

  • Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., Zika , Dengue fever , and Chikungunya )  
  • Upper respiratory viruses (e.g., Influenza)  
  • Infectious bacterial diseases (e.g., Typhoid fever and Leptospirosis)  
  • Intestinal illnesses (e.g., Giardia)  
  • Rabies  

The Department of State does not pay medical bills.  Please be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.   

Medical Insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Even with health insurance, most care providers overseas require cash payments prior to providing service.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .  We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.  

If traveling with prescription medication, review the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health's Pharmacy Department guidance on entering with pharmaceutical products.  Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging labeled with your doctor’s prescribing information.  

  Vaccinations: Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.  

Further health information:   

  • World Health Organization   
  • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)   

COVID-19 Testing Information:   

  • PCR tests are available only through the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health.  The Nicaraguan government prohibits the import of COVID-19 tests.  The U.S. Embassy has received reports of tests being confiscated from U.S. citizen travelers upon arrival in Nicaragua.  
  • All testing in Nicaragua is carried out at the National Center for Diagnosis and Reference (CNDR) and the Nicaraguan Institute for Health Investigation (INIS) from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. Test results are returned the same day between 3:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. and can usually be downloaded after 4:00 pm.  
  • Travelers wishing to be tested must present an identification card (cedula) or passport and their flight itinerary.  The $150 fee must be deposited in either Banpro account 10010012253774 (U.S. dollars) or 10010002253784 (cordobas), both registered under TGR-MINSA.  Cash payments can be made at Conchita Palacios National Health Complex or at the INIS cashier.  

COVID-19 Vaccine Information:   

Sputnik V, AstraZeneca, Covishield, and Pfizer Vaccines are available in Nicaragua for U.S. citizens to receive. Visit the FDA’s website to learn more about FDA-approved vaccines in the United States.   

Covid-19 Medical Evacuation:   

Click here for a list of private companies offering medical evacuation of COVID-19 patients from Nicaragua to the United States. U.S. citizens seeking information about medical evacuation of COVID-19 patients should contact these private companies directly.  

LOCAL RESOURCES:   

  • Health Ministry website    
  • The health ministry has created a 24/7 hotline to call regarding COVID-19 in Nicaragua. To reach the hotline, call +505-8418-9953.  
  • Managua Airport website with airline contact information.  

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety: Main roads between major cities are generally paved and in good condition. Other roads may have potholes, lack shoulders, be poorly lit and narrow.  Speed bumps are often poorly marked.  During the rainy season, roads may become flooded or have additional damage.  Horse carts, livestock, and pedestrians crossing roads in front of oncoming traffic are common, even on major roads in the main cities.  Most roads on the Caribbean Coast are unpaved.  Road signs throughout the country are limited or non-existent.  Road travel after dark is hazardous in all areas.  Carry a cellphone in case of emergency, but understand cell reception may be spotty in many areas of the country.  Do not drive outside urban areas after dark.  

Traffic Laws: If you are involved in a traffic accident, you must wait for the police and insurance company representatives to arrive before you move your vehicle.   However, especially during overnight hours, police and insurance companies may not respond.  Do not move your vehicle, unless a police officer tells you to do so, or you will be legally liable for the accident.    

Nicaraguan law requires that police take a driver into custody for:  

  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol (the legal limit is 0.05% blood alcohol content); or  
  • For being involved in an accident that causes serious injury or death.  

The minimum detention period is 48 hours.  In fatal accidents, drivers are held until they reach a legal settlement with the victim’s family. To avoid liability, consider hiring a professional driver through a reputable hotel.  

All drivers must carry:  

  • Driver’s license;  
  • Proof of insurance;  
  • Vehicle registration;  
  • Emergency triangle;  
  • Fire extinguisher; and  
  • Inspection and registration stickers   

These regulations also apply to drivers in rental vehicles.  Penalties for not having any of the above include fines and towing.  For more information, check with the Nicaraguan National Police or the Embassy of Nicaragua. 

Traffic Stops: Transit police often stop vehicles with either local or foreign license plates.  

  • If transit police demand a bribe in lieu of a fine, request a receipt and the officer’s name and badge number.  
  • To report mistreatment by police, email a complaint to Nicaragua’s National Police and forward a copy to the U.S. Consular Section in Managua .  
  • If you receive a traffic violation, police will confiscate your driver’s license until you pay the fine at a bank.  Depending on your length of stay, you may not be able to recover your license in a timely manner.    

Public Transportation: Buses, moto-taxis, and ferries often lack proper safety equipment.  

  • U.S. government personnel are not permitted to use public buses and most taxis (including moto-taxis) due to safety and crime concerns.  
  • Use only licensed taxis recommended by airport authorities, major hotels, restaurants, or other trusted sources.  
  • Exercise caution in the face of possibly overloaded or unsafe ferries and boats.  Check with local naval or police authorities about the safety of being on the water in local weather conditions.  Most vessels provide insufficient numbers of life vests and other safety equipment.   

Airports in remote locales often have short airstrips, minimal safety equipment, and little boarding security.  

See our Road Safety page for more information and the Nicaraguan Institute of Tourism and National Transit Authority .    

Aviation Safety Oversight: The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) assessed the government of Nicaragua’s Civil Aviation Authority as compliant with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Nicaragua’s air carrier operations in 2015.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .  

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Nicaragua should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts on the Maritime Administration website.  Information may also be posted to the websites of the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Geospatial Intelligence Agency .  

For additional travel information

  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
  • See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
  • Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
  • See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Nicaragua . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report.

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Nicaragua Travel Restrictions

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Recommended in public spaces.

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Can I travel to Nicaragua from the United States?

Most visitors from the United States, regardless of vaccination status, can enter Nicaragua.

Can I travel to Nicaragua if I am vaccinated?

Fully vaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Nicaragua without restrictions.

Can I travel to Nicaragua without being vaccinated?

Unvaccinated visitors from the United States can enter Nicaragua without restrictions.

Do I need a COVID test to enter Nicaragua?

Visitors from the United States are not required to present a negative COVID-19 PCR test or antigen result upon entering Nicaragua.

Can I travel to Nicaragua without quarantine?

Travelers from the United States are not required to quarantine.

Do I need to wear a mask in Nicaragua?

Mask usage in Nicaragua is recommended in public spaces.

Are the restaurants and bars open in Nicaragua?

Restaurants in Nicaragua are open. Bars in Nicaragua are .

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What you should know to travel to Nicaragua?

Nicaragua location.

Central America, between the Caribbean Sea (East), the Pacific Ocean (West), Honduras (North) and Costa Rica (South). Geographic coordinates: 13:00 North, 85:00 West.

WHAT’S NEW ON NICARAGUA ENTRY PROTOCOLS 

As of July 21, 2023, it is no longer necessary to present a COVID-19 vaccination card or negative PCR test to enter Nicaragua through any of its borders. The Government of Nicaragua has waived these requirements, allowing visitors to enter the country with no restriction so ever related to the pandemic.

Is it necessary to fill out a form to enter the country?

Non-nationals will have to complete an online immigration form that is available on the official website of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is recommended to complete this form at least 7 days before arrival.

Are there commercial flights to Nicaragua?

Yes. You can fly to Managua via Miami, Houston, Ford Lauderdale, San Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico and Panamá with Avianca, Spirit Airlines, United Airlines, Aeroméxico, Copa Airlines and SANSA.

Flights schedules are as follow:

travel requirements nicaragua

Note: In Nicaragua you can fly locally using La Costeña airlines.

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Nicaragua entry requirements

Nicaragua Finally Abolishes All Covid Entry Requirements for Travelers

  • by CA Staff
  • July 23, 2023
  • News , Nicaragua , Opinion , Travel

All Nicaragua entry requirements related to Covid-19 are now over says Health Minister Martha Reyes. Effective immediately, travelers no longer need to provide proof of vaccine or a negative test to enter Nicaragua.

It’s been months, thankfully, that we’ve written about Covid and the various rules and regulations surrounding travel to Central America during the pandemic. The reason is simple. Nothing much has happened. Since March, when Honduras finally lifted its Covid entry requirements, all of Central America has been back to normal. All, of course, except for that consistent outlier Nicaragua .

But now there’s news! News which will, we hope, finally condemn the whole Covid nightmare to history and ensure we never have to mention it again. Yes, at last, at long last, the Republic of Nicaragua has caught up with the rest of the region and finally abolished its Covid entry requirements .

We’re not sure how many countries around the world still require travelers to provide a negative Covid test or proof of vaccination, but we don’t think it’s too many. China and a few others? What we can say is that Nicaragua was the very last in Central America to do so, holding out until yesterday.

Health Minister Martha Reyes said the decision was made based on World Health Organization data that Covid no longer constitutes an “emergency situation”.

‘ It is crucial to confirm that the entry requirements previously mandated for the country included presenting a vaccination card for children aged 3 and above, or, for unvaccinated individuals, presenting a negative PCR test. These requirements are no longer needed, and anyone entering the country is not required to present any Covid-19-related documents, ” said Reyes yesterday in a press conference.

Toman en cuenta las declaraciones de la OMS y retiran el requisito de la prueba negativa o tarjeta de vacunación a viajeros. https://t.co/9QpSrGSxqu — LA PRENSA Nicaragua (@laprensa) July 23, 2023

All we can say is better late than never

The biggest irony of all this is that during the pandemic, Nicaragua was the one country in Central America with zero internal Covid regulations. It had some convoluted entry requirements which made it almost impossible for airlines to serve the country , but once you were in, you were good. It’s strange that they’re so late in abolishing these. All we can assume is that the Ortega regime simply wants to be seen to be different from everyone else. This would also explain their ludicrous rules with the airlines during the pandemic. Maybe it’s as simple as that? A need to be contrarian.

But whatever. It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that now, effective immediately, no country in Central America persists with any of these ridiculous Covid entry regulations and that’s a very good thing. It’s been a long time coming. And hopefully, it means that this is the last time we ever have to write about Covid in this region.

Well, we said we’d keep updating this until the bitter end, the day that ALL Central America is FINALLY free of all its ludicrous Covid entry requirements, and we have. Hopefully this is the very last time we need to update this: https://t.co/ws988F8Jv6 — Central America Living (@VidaAmerica) July 23, 2023

When did each Central American country drop its Covid entry requirements?

To give you an idea of how late Nicaragua is to the party, here is when each country ended their own Covid entry requirements:

1. El Salvador (November 2021) 2. Costa Rica (April 2022) 3. Belize (July 2022) 4. Guatemala (August 2022) 5. Panama (September 2022) 6. Honduras (March 2023) 7. Nicaragua (July 2023)

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Travel to Nicaragua: what you need to know

Jul 3, 2019 • 6 min read

travel requirements nicaragua

From lava-spewing volcanoes to idyllic, far-away beaches, Nicaragua's natural landscape measures up to some of the world’s best. But a series of clashes between anti-government protestors and the supporters of president Daniel Ortega have caused the death of 325 Nicaraguans in the spring of 2018 and placed a cloud of uncertainty over the entire country.

The ethical dilemma of traveling to Nicaragua

The Nicaraguan government has been accused of using tourism as a PR tool to promote a stable image of the country. While everything may seem ‘normal’ on the surface, the reality for Nicaraguans is quite different. Visiting tourists can provide a false image of normalcy, but tourists not visiting has a direct impact on an already bad economy and the livelihoods of thousands of families who rely on it.

Even the most intrepid travelers have concerns. The embers of violence have cooled and life is slowly returning to a sense of normalcy. It’s important to exercise caution, but here are areas in Nicaragua ready to welcome travelers.

A white plume of smoke escapes from the top a mountain. In front of the mountain is a collection of low-lying shrubs with larger trees framing the sides of the image. Nicaragua travel is still an area of concern for potential visitors.

Nicaragua’s misunderstood ugly duckling. As the capital, Managua is more prone to political demonstrations. The constant police presence is an occasionally alarming reminder that big brother is watching.

Even before the protests, many travelers used Managua as a hub to get other spots around the country. But, if you elect to stay in the city for a few days, exercise caution and avoid protests.

The chaotic city without street names is not easy to navigate, but you'll eventually find yourself exploring third-wave coffee shops, food-truck parks, authentic local food, specialty stores and local markets. And when the sun sets, the party begins with Nicaraguan music concerts, Latin dance parties, underground electronic fetes, craft beer bars and fine cuisine.

A baroque-style bright yellow church on a corner in the city of León. In front there are a pair of gothic-styled light posts; Nicaragua travel.

León and las Peñitas

León is a vibrant city full of inspiring architecture and artsy vintage murals.

The student town, considered the heart of Nicaragua, is located an hour-and-half from the capital city of Managua and was once home to Nicaragua’s greatest poet – Rubén Darío .

The city was a hot spot during the protests and demonstrations can happen anywhere around the city. If a protest begins, do not get involved and leave the area.

While in León, access the rooftop of the Cathedral Basílica de la Asunción (the largest in Central America) for a unique view of the city and the surrounding volcanic chain of Maribios. Pay a visit to Fundación Ortiz Gurdián to see one of the finest contemporary art museums in Central America. For an adrenaline fix, try volcano surfing down the black sands of the Cerro Negro.

Just 25 minutes west of León you’ll find Las Peñitas beach an easy-going surf spot with access to mangroves and Isla Juan Venado – a nature reserve popular for its bird-watching and turtle nestings.

Orange lava spews and white steam rises from the top of Masaya Volcano at night. Nicaragua travel offers chances to explore the country's rich landscape.

Volcán Masaya

In a country filled with volcanoes, Volcán Masaya stands out from the crowd. The very active natural wonder was known as the ‘mouth of hell’ by Spanish conquistadors, is located on Parque Nacional Volcán Masaya, the country’s largest national park. For truly mesmerizing views, visit Volcán Masaya at night.

The town of Masaya, located 30 minutes from the national park, was a stronghold of anti-government protesters. As a result there was a strong police presence in the area causing many businesses to close. Though the situation has cooled down, it would be best to skip this small town.

A weathered old yellow-painted church towers over the town of Granada. Houses with terra-cotta roofs line the streets.

History lives on every corner in Nicaragua’s oldest town. Founded in 1524, Granada has been invaded by pirates led by Henry Morgan and burned down twice by the self-proclaimed ‘President of Nicaragua’ William Walker, an American expansionist from Nashville.

To get a true sense of Nicaraguan history, however, visit Convento y Museo San Francisco, one of the best museums in the region.

Granada is located at the foot of the green and dormant Volcano Mombacho . The area boasts a nature and wildlife reserve with clear designated hiking trails, ziplines and coffee haciendas. Mombacho also offers panoramic views of Granada and Lake Cocibolca.

If the mainland isn’t for you, stay on one of the 365 islets that make up the archipelago – Isletas de Granada, which was formed by a massive volcanic landslide 20,000 years ago.

A darling among tourists, Granada has felt the brunt of the civil unrest. The peaceful and picturesque town painted in bright colors is now mainly shuttered as nearly half of the city’s businesses have closed in the past year. You can still find a decent variety of restaurants and cheap 'crisis' deals at a wide range of hotels as the remaining businesses try to stay afloat.

Corn Islands

The white-sand Caribbean paradise found on the Corn Islands remains remote and untouched. Distance kept the secluded getaway free of the violence and protests, leaving the beaches pristine and environment serene. Of course, all this serenity comes at a price – no cars, wifi or electricity (at times), particularly on Little Corn . But once you set eyes on the area, you won't mind at all.

Laguna de Apoyo

Located about 9 miles (15 km) north of Granada, this peaceful crater lake is believed to be the cleanest and deepest in the country. Whether you decide to just view from the crater's edge in Catarina or Diriá or head to the bottom of the crater for swim, you won't be disappointed.

Gentle waves lap the sandy light brown shores. In the background there's a large mountain dotted with homes and hotels. In the distance, a few boats are moored in the ocean; Nicaragua travel.

Pacific Coast Beaches

All the beach towns in Southwestern Nicaragua have remained relatively calm and isolated from the civil unrest. The cluster of mountains, bays and uncrowded waves have something for everyone; from world-renowned surf breaks in Popoyo, which hosted the world surfing games in 2015, to affordable luxury beach developments in Tola.

International hub – San Juan del Sur – attracts the young and beautiful, but also offers top-notch lodgings (try El Coco Azul ) and fantastic dining (try Asados Juanita ). Not completely immune to all the troubles, tourism numbers have also dipped in the area in comparison to prior years.

Reaching Ometepe and seeing its famed twin volcanic peaks –  Concepción and Maderas – was the kind of arduous journey that never attracted very large numbers of travelers.

The area was under heavy police presence during the height of the unrest, and though things have cooled down, the local economy is suffering. Tourism has almost completely disappeared and many people have gone back to basic agricultural practices to survive.

A man places a finished rolled cigar on the top row of a cigar holder. There's a collection of cigar holders on a cart; Nicaragua travel.

Northern Highlands

The land of coffee and cigars isn’t usually high on travelers’ list, but anyone seeking a mountain experience won’t find a better place.

The civil unrest reached the main towns of Matagalpa and Estelí , but things have settled down. Estelí is the major producer of premium cigars in the world. Spend an afternoon learning the art of cigar manufacturing.

Matagalpa is about an hour-and-half southeast of Estelí and is filled with endless lush green mountains and waterfalls. Enjoy the coffee farms , the farmstays and unspoiled country life.

Essential travel tips

The United States has issued a level 3 ‘Reconsider travel’ advisory on Nicaragua due to the ‘civil unrest, limited healthcare availability and arbitrary enforcement of laws'. Both the UK and Canada have issued ‘exercise a high degree of caution’ travel advisories.

Commercial airlines still fly to the country.

When in Nicaragua

  • Avoid all demonstrations
  • Don’t take photographs of the heavily armed police.
  • Sign up for online alerts from your local embassy to stay on top of any political unrest.

Nicaragua is under the international scope for sanctions, the economy is in a recession expecting a decrease in GDP of 7-11%  for 2019.

Armed robberies have been reported by travelers; however, no tourists have been killed, including during the height of the civil unrest.

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Entry Requirements & Customs in Nicaragua

Entry Requirements

Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the European Union require just a passport to enter Nicaragua and may stay for up to 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. Visas can be extended at the Office of Immigration in Managua for $12 a month. The office, called the Dirección General de Migración y Extranjería (tel. 505/2244-3989 ), is located 2 1/2 blocks north of the Tenderí stoplights.

Nicaragua is part of a 2006 border control agreement with Honduras, Guatemala, and El Salvador, allowing travel among the four countries under one tourist card. The number of days of your tourist card is determined at the first of the four countries entered.

When leaving Nicaragua, you must pay a C700 airport tax, which must be paid in cash in either U.S. dollars or Nicaraguan córdobas. (This is sometimes included in the price of your airline ticket.) There is also a tourist entry fee of C100 that must be paid upon arrival into the country.

Nicaraguan Embassy-Consulate Locations -- For countries not listed below, consult www.ni.embassyinformation.com.

In the U.S. and Canada: 1627 New Hampshire Ave., NW, Washington, DC 20009 (tel. 202/939-6531; fax 202/939-6532).

In the U.K.: 36 Upper Brooke St., London W1Y 1PE (tel. 171/409-2593; fax 171/409-2536; www.nicaragua.embassyhomepage.com).

In New Zealand: 50 Clonbern Rd., Remuera (tel. 64/9373-7599; fax 64/9373-7646; [email protected]).

The websites listed below provide downloadable passport applications, as well as the current fees for processing applications. For an up-to-date, country-by-country listing of passport requirements around the world, go to the "International Travel" tab of the U.S. State Department website at http://travel.state.gov .

For Residents of Australia -- You can pick up an application from your local post office or any branch of Passports Australia, but you must schedule an interview at the passport office to present your application materials. Call the Australian Passport Information Service at tel. 131-232 or visit the government website at www.passports.gov.au.

For Residents of Canada -- Passport applications are available at travel agencies throughout Canada or from the central Passport Office (Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, Ottawa, ON K1A 0G3; tel. 800/567-6868; www.ppt.gc.ca). Note: Canadian children who travel must have their own passport. However, if you hold a valid Canadian passport issued before December 11, 2001, that bears the name of your child, the passport remains valid for you and your child until it expires.

For Residents of Ireland -- You can apply for a 10-year passport at the Passport Office (Setanta Centre, Molesworth Street, Dublin 2; tel. 01/671-1633; www.dfa.ie). Those 17 and under, or 66 and older, must apply for a 3-year passport. You can also apply at 1A South Mall, Cork (tel. 21/494-4700 ) or at most main post offices.

For Residents of New Zealand -- You can pick up a passport application at any New Zealand Passports Office or download it from their website. Contact the Passports Office at tel. 0800/225-050 in New Zealand, or 04/474-8100, or log on to www.passports.govt.nz.

For Residents of the United Kingdom -- To pick up an application for a standard 10-year passport (5-year passport for children 15 and under), visit your nearest passport office, major post office, or travel agency; contact the United Kingdom Passport Service at tel. 0870/521-0410; or search its website at www.ukpa.gov.uk.

For Residents of the United States -- Whether you're applying in person or by mail, you can download passport applications from the U.S. State Department website at http://travel.state.gov . To find your regional passport office, either check the U.S. State Department website or call the National Passport Information Center 's toll-free number (tel. 877/487-2778 ) for automated information.

There is a C100 entrance fee for all tourists. In theory, you may also be asked for an onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds, but this rarely happens. There is a tax on all electronic, alcohol, and other luxury goods that are not obviously personal objects (things still in their original packaging, for example).

Note : This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Nicaragua travel advice

Latest updates: Health – editorial update

Last updated: March 4, 2024 12:07 ET

On this page

Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, nicaragua - exercise a high degree of caution.

Exercise a high degree of caution in Nicaragua due to the political situation, the potential for civil unrest and crime.

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Political situation

The political situation is volatile in Nicaragua. The country has experienced periods of political unrest since April 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths and detentions.

Since the 2021 Presidential elections, Nicaraguan government officials and law enforcement have severely repressed those critical or opposed to government policies. According to UN reports, Nicaraguan authorities:

  • undertake arbitrary arrests and detentions
  • censure media
  • prevent certain individuals from departing Nicaragua by air or land for political reasons
  • arbitrarily seize and search private property, including personal phones and computers for anti-government content
  • arbitrarily charge individuals with terrorism, money laundering, and organized crime offenses for political reasons

If you are in Nicaragua:

  • refrain from discussing the political situation in public or online
  • avoid all political activities
  • avoid posting information on social media

The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua to provide consular assistance may be limited in some circumstances.

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs. Crime against property, such as house and car burglaries also occur frequently.

  • Ciudad Sandino
  • León
  • in remote areas such as beach communities on the Pacific coast
  • in the North Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region

In Managua, the following neighbourhoods face very high levels of assault and robbery incidents:

  • Mercado oriental
  • Reparto Shick
  • Jorge Dimitrov
  • Ciudad Belén
  • Américas 1 y Américas 2
  • Barrio Camilo Ortega

In these areas, thefts from cars have occurred while drivers were waiting at red lights with open windows. Thefts also commonly occur in: 

  • popular tourist areas
  • bus terminals, train stations and airports
  • hotel lobbies
  • restaurants, including patios

Border areas also often see higher criminal activity and violence. Criminal gangs are more active in the border areas with Costa Rica and Honduras. Generally, the police are understaffed and lack resources.

While travelling:

  • ensure that your belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
  • don’t keep your passport and other types of ID in the same place and carry a photocopy rather than the original, including the Nicaraguan entry stamp
  • be aware of your surroundings, particularly in crowded and tourist areas
  • avoid showing signs of affluence or wearing expensive jewellery
  • avoid carrying large sums of cash or unnecessary valuables
  • avoid deserted areas
  • avoid walking alone at night
  • choose well-secured accommodation

While driving:

  • avoid picking up hitchhikers
  • keep your windows closed and doors locked at all times
  • keep your belongings out of reach
  • never leave belongings unattended in a vehicle, even in the trunk
  • use secure parking facilities, especially overnight
  • don’t stop to change a flat tire in an isolated area
  • be aware of strangers offering their help
  • use the official border crossings only

Violent crime

Violent crime, including murders, armed robberies and sexual assaults, occurs although difficult to assess and likely under reported.  

Most violent incidents are organized crime-related or politically motivated. Paramilitary forces and para-police, which are armed civilians in plain clothes, have committed exactions against citizens. Assaults mostly take place in major cities but sometimes also in rural areas.

Foreigners are rarely targeted but you could find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Express kidnappings

Express kidnappings, where kidnappers demand small immediate ransoms, have occurred.

Kidnappers usually take the victim to an ATM and force them to make a cash withdrawal. The victim is sometimes held overnight for a second withdrawal the next day.

Criminal taxi drivers sometimes use this ploy.

  • Only use reputable taxi companies
  • Avoid hailing a taxi on the street
  • If you are threatened, do not resist

Demonstrations and civil unrest

Demonstrations and civil unrest may occur.

Nicaraguan law prohibits political activity by foreigners. Participating in demonstrations or promoting dissent, including on social media, may result in you being detained or deported.

Even peaceful demonstrations, although infrequent, can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Credit card and ATM fraud occurs. Be cautious when using debit or credit cards:

  • cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN
  • pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others
  • avoid using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature
  • use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business
  • check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements

Overseas fraud

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to some forms of harassment and verbal abuse.

Local authorities may not regard harassment as unlawful unless physical contact or explicit threats are made.

Advice for women travellers

Water activities

Coastal waters can be dangerous, especially on the Pacific Coast. Riptides are common.

Rescue services may not be consistent with international standards. Warning signs, lifeguards and rescue equipment are often limited.

Drownings occur regularly.

  • Never swim alone, after hours or outside marked areas
  • Consult residents and tour operators for information on possible hazards and safe swimming areas
  • Only undertake scuba diving and other water activities with a well-established company
  • Monitor weather warnings

Water safety abroad

Adventure tourism

Outdoor activities, such as white-water rafting, scuba diving, surfing, canopy touring, hiking other adventure activities can be dangerous if unprepared. Trails are not always marked, and weather conditions can change rapidly, even during summer.

If you intend to practice adventure tourism:

  • never do so alone, and do not part with your expedition companions
  • obtain detailed information on your activity and on the environment in which you will be before setting out
  • buy travel insurance that includes helicopter rescue and medical evacuation
  • ensure that your physical condition is good enough to meet the challenges of your activity
  • avoid venturing off marked trails
  • avoid camping or sleeping overnight on beaches
  • ensure that you’re adequately equipped and bring sufficient water
  • stay informed about weather and other conditions that may pose a hazard
  • know the symptoms of acute altitude sickness, which can be fatal
  • inform a family member or friend of your itinerary
  • refrain from using facilities or equipment if you have doubts on their safety

Road travel

Road conditions.

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Except on the Pan-American Highway, driving conditions may be hazardous due to:

  • inadequate lighting
  • narrow or unpaved roads
  • lack of guardrails
  • lack of traffic signs
  • unnamed streets
  • roaming livestock

Road safety

Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws. They often drive at excessive speeds. They may be aggressive and reckless. Drinking and driving is prevalent.

Vehicles are poorly maintained. Roadside assistance is not available. Cell phone coverage outside urban areas can be lacking, particularly in mountainous areas. If you drive in Nicaragua:

  • always drive defensively
  • plan your trip ahead of time, especially if you plan to visit a rural area
  • avoid road travel at night
  • travel in convoys of at least two vehicles
  • keep your car doors locked and the windows closed at all times
  • carry a cell phone and a charger

Public transportation

Public transportation is unreliable and often overcrowded. Vehicles are generally in poor condition.

Pickpockets often target tourists on public buses. Travellers have also been assaulted when getting off a bus.

  • Don’t reveal your intended destination
  • Don’t share a cab with strangers at the end of a bus ride
  • Be cautious of any advice that could convince you to get off a bus earlier than planned to take a shortcut

Many taxis are in poor condition and lack safety features such as seat belts. Express kidnappings have occurred in unauthorized taxis. It’s common practice for taxi drivers to pick up other passengers en route.

If using taxi services while in Nicaragua:

  • use only Pink taxis booked ahead of time or a trusted ride-sharing app
  • agree on a fare with the driver for a private ride before departure
  • avoid sharing taxis with strangers
  • note driver’s name and plate number
  • avoid boarding taxis at taxi stands or flagging taxis in the street

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Nicaraguan authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Nicaragua.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

  • Foreign Representatives in Canada
  • Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays of up to 90 days Business visa: not required Student visa: not required Residency visa: required

Renewal of a residency visa is at the discretion of immigration authorities.

If you undertake this process, you may have to produce numerous documents showing your right to be in the country. You may also face lengthy interrogations.

Entry stamp

Immigration authorities will stamp your passport upon arrival and write down the number of days you are allowed in the country. The 90-day period is not guaranteed, and the decision is at their discretion.

You may face fines and possible delays if you fail to present an entry-stamped passport when departing Nicaragua.

  • Make sure your passport has been stamped upon arrival
  • Take good note of the maximum length of the approved stay

Central America-4 Border Control Agreement

Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (CA-4), Canadian tourists may travel freely within any of the following CA-4 countries:

  • El Salvador

You can travel between these countries for up to 90 days without having to undergo entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints.

You must still check in at immigration counters when you enter or exit these checkpoints.

The 90-day period begins at the first point of entry to any of the CA-4 countries. You will be fined if you exceed the 90-day limit.

You may request an extension of up to 90 days once a year. You must request this extension and pay the required fee at the Nicaraguan General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Nationals before your first 90-day limit expires. Immigration authorities will determine the length of the extension.

General Directorate of Migration and Foreign Nationals – Government of Nicaragua

Registration

To help facilitate your entry into the country, Nicaraguan authorities recommend pre-registering your trip if you are travelling for:

  • business purposes
  • study purposes
  • volunteering work

You should submit your form to the Ministry of the Interior in Spanish by email, at least 7 days before departure.

Entry and exit application portal - Government of Nicaragua (in Spanish)

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them:

  • a return or onward ticket
  • proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay

Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

  • Global Measles Notice - 31 August, 2023
  • Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
  • COVID-19 and International Travel - 31 August, 2023
  • Dengue: Advice for travellers - 4 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

  • There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

  • Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

  • Vaccination is not recommended.
  • Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
  • Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre

* It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Malaria  is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.   There is a risk of malaria in certain areas and/or during a certain time of year in this destination. 

Antimalarial medication may be recommended depending on your itinerary and the time of year you are travelling. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times:  • Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.  • Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows. • Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.  • Wear permethrin-treated clothing.    If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

  •  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
  •  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
  •  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

  • Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
  • Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
  • Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

  • Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
  • Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
  • Minimize exposure to insects
  • Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

American trypanosomiasis (Chagas disease)   is a risk in this country. It is caused by a parasite spread by infected triatomine bugs. The infection can be inactive for decades, but humans can eventually develop complications causing disability and even death.

Risk is generally low for most travellers. Protect yourself from triatomine bugs, which are active at night, by using mosquito nets if staying in poorly-constructed housing. There is no vaccine available for Chagas disease.

  • In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
  • Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
  • The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
  • Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
  • Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

  • Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
  • Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

  •   washing your hands often
  • avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
  • avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Medical services and facilities

Good health care is limited, especially outside of Managua. Quality of care varies greatly throughout the country. Most healthcare workers are located on the Pacific coast region, and rather scarce in the centre and along the Caribbean coast regions.

Public hospitals and clinics remain below Canadian standards. Services are limited. They may lack of medical supplies and adequately trained professionals.

Private facilities may be better equipped and provide better health care. They are mostly located in Managua and non-existent in rural areas. Services may be expensive and many institutions expect immediate cash payment.

Doctors may not speak English.

Emergency services are unreliable throughout the country. Ambulance services provide transportation and basic first aid only.

You might need medical evacuation in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Some prescription medication may not be available in Nicaragua.

If you take prescription medication, you’re responsible for determining their legality in the country.

  • Bring sufficient quantities of your medication with you
  • Always keep your medication in the original container
  • Pack your medication in your carry-on luggage
  • Carry a copy of your prescriptions

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Transfer to a Canadian prison

Canada and Nicaragua accede the Inter-American Convention on Serving Criminal Sentences abroad. This enables a Canadian imprisoned in Nicaragua to request a transfer to a Canadian prison to complete a sentence. The transfer requires the agreement of both Canadian and Nicaraguan authorities. This process can take a long time, and there is no guarantee that the transfer will be approved by either or both sides.

The legal system is generally cumbersome and not always transparent. If you are arrested in Nicaragua, even for a minor incident, you should expect long delays to resolve your case and you may not be allowed to leave the country.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences or heavy fines.

  • Pack your own luggage and monitor it closely at all times
  • Never transport other people’s packages, bags or suitcases

Drugs, alcohol and travel

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Nicaraguan law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

Outside urban areas, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could face discrimination based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

Identification

Authorities may request to see your ID at any time.

  • Carry identification or a photocopy of it at all times
  • Keep a photocopy of your passport in case it’s lost or seized
  • Keep a digital copy of your ID and travel documents

Photography

It’s illegal to photograph official buildings.

Verify with local authorities before taking photos.

Electronic smoking devices

E-cigarettes and similar devices are illegal.

Local authorities may confiscate them if they find you in possession of such items.

Drones are strictly prohibited in Nicaragua.

Local authorities will confiscate drones or similar devices upon entry.

Investments

Disputes related to property acquisition or other investments are costly and take time to resolve.

If you plan to buy property, or making other investments in Nicaragua:

  • seek legal advice in Canada and in Nicaragua before making commitments
  • choose your own lawyer
  • avoid hiring a lawyer recommended by a seller

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Nicaragua.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Nicaragua, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Nicaragua.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Nicaragua by an abducting parent:

  • act as quickly as you can
  • consult a lawyer in Canada and in Nicaragua to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
  • report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children’s Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre.

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country’s judicial affairs.

  • International Child Abduction: A Guidebook for Left-Behind Parents
  • Travelling with children
  • Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
  • Emergency Watch and Response Centre

You can drive in Nicaragua with a Canadian driver’s licence for up to 30 days. If you intend to stay longer, you must obtain an international driving permit.

In the event of a car accident:

  • remain at the scene
  • call 118 to report the accident and request Transit Police
  • don’t move your vehicle until the authorities arrive

Failure to remain at the site may be considered an admission of guilt under Nicaraguan law.

However, police may not respond, especially overnight. If you feel unsafe:

  • ensure your windows and doors are locked
  • drive to the nearest police station or a secure location
  • report the accident to the police and your insurance company as soon as possible

If you are involved in a road accident causing injuries, you may be detained until a legal decision is made, regardless of culpability.

International Driving Permit

The currency in Nicaragua is the córdoba (NIO).

You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Nicaragua. However, you can easily exchange U.S. dollars.

Credit cards are usually accepted. However, ATMs outside of major cities may not be available.

Exchange foreign currency at banks or official exchange offices only.

Nicaragua is subject to various natural disasters such as:

  • earthquakes
  • volcanic eruptions
  • torrential rains

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to a coastal area during the hurricane season:

  • know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
  • be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
  • stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
  • carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
  • follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
  • Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
  • Large-scale emergencies abroad
  • Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States’ National Hurricane Center

Rainy season

The rainy season occurs from May through November, with October being the month with the most rainfall.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads, including major highways, may become impassable, and bridges may be damaged. Heavy rains may also contribute to dangerous landslides.

  • Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions
  • Stay away from flooded areas
  • Monitor weather reports
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders

Bush and forest fires

Bush and forest fires are common between December and April.

The air quality in areas near active fires may deteriorate due to heavy smoke. In case of a major fire:

  • stay away from the affected area, particularly if you suffer from respiratory ailments
  • follow the instructions of local emergency services personnel
  • monitor local media for up-to-date information on the situation

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Nicaragua is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes and tsunamis can occur.

Even minor earthquakes can cause significant damage.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

  • Earthquakes - What to Do?
  • Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey
  • Tsunami alerts  - U.S. Tsunami Warning System

There are several active volcanoes in Nicaragua. Local authorities monitored closely the following volcanoes:

  • Cerro Negro
  • San Cristóbal

You must be accompanied by a local guide to visit some volcanoes, including the Maderas and Concepcion volcanoes on the Isla Ometepe. 

Eruptions may occur at any time. Series of tremors sometimes lead to evacuations of surrounding areas. Falling ash may also disrupt air traffic.

In the event of a volcanic eruption:

  • monitor local media to stay informed of the evolving situation
  • follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders 

 Useful links

  • Ineter  - Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (in Spanish)
  • National System for Prevention, Mitigation and Disaster – Government of Nicaragua

Local services

In case of emergency, dial:

  • police: 118
  • medical assistance: 128
  • firefighters: 115

Consular assistance

Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua

For emergency consular assistance, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua, in Managua, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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travel requirements nicaragua

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Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

UK government support 

There is no resident British diplomatic mission in Nicaragua, and FCDO cannot give in-person consular assistance. If you need emergency consular assistance or have passport-related issues, contact the  British Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica , on +506-2258-2025. Replacement travel documents may take up to 4 weeks longer than normal to reach you.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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travel requirements nicaragua

Nicaragua COVID Requirements: Everything To Know for Entry

  • Hidden Nicaragua
  • July 11, 2022
  • No Comments

travel requirements nicaragua

important UPDATE: As of July 21, 2023, Nicaragua has lifted ALL entry restrictions from the pandemic.  

The article below details the former COVID entry requirements that no longer apply.

Ready to travel to Nicaragua? Don’t let a few extra trip planning steps stop you. Here are all the Nicaragua COVID requirements vaccinated and unvaccinated travelers need to know for entry.

COVID digital test result, masks, toilet paper, and hand sanitizer.

First, let’s talk about the obvious: Nicaragua COVID test requirements . The rules vary depending on your vaccination status.

If you are FULLY VACCINATED :

Good news! Nicaragua just lifted its COVID testing requirements for entry if you are a fully vaccinated traveler.

That means you ONLY need to show proof of vaccination to enter Nicaragua. This can either be your physical or digital COVID vaccination card.

What Does Nicaragua Consider Fully Vaccinated?

COVID-19 Coronavirus vaccine vials

To be considered fully vaccinated against COVID in Nicaragua, you need to have received the full dose of any of the following WHO approved vaccines :

Sputnik V, Sputnik Light, Pfizer, Moderna, AstraZeneca, Covishield, Soberana 02, Abdala, Janssen from Johnson & Johnson, Sinopharm, or Coviran .

This means you have received at least two doses , or one dose of Johnson & Johnson or Sputnik Light. The two doses can also be a combination of two different vaccines.

Recovering from COVID or only receiving one dose of a two dose regimen is not accepted .

Scientist testing nose swab for COVID

Here’s what you need to know if you are UNVACCINATED or PARTIALLY VACCINATED :

If you have not received either dose of the COVID vaccine, or have received only one dose of a two dose regimen, then you are required to present a negative PCR test to enter Nicaragua.

Antigen , Rapid , and Antibody tests are not accepted by the country. Nicaragua only accepts proof of a negative PCR test upon entry. This can be digital or physical , but it’s best to carry multiple copies if you choose to print your results. 

HN Hint : Technically, Nicaragua requires a “ real time ” RT-PCR test, complete with the signature of the physician and logo of the lab. As long as you have an official PCR test result, you should be fine.

Masked traveler checking phone on a plane

What matters most is the time frame in which the test was taken. This is a two-part requirement , so stick with me here. 

Part 1: 

Nicaragua requires you to take the PCR test within 72 hours of arrival . Note this does NOT mean 72 hours before your flight time . The swab should enter your nostril no earlier than 3 days before you plan to set your feet on Nicaragua soil. 

Part 2: 

You must send your passport information and Covid PCR test results to the Nicaragua government no later than 36 hours before your flight . Typically, this process is managed by the airline. You can send them your information in a simple email according to the instructions they provide before your flight. Avianca, for example, sends passengers a short form to fill out with their passport information a few days before take-off.

Basically, if you are flying into the Managua airport, you have a 36 hour window to take a COVID PCR test and send the results to the airline. 

COVID Testing Options for Nicaragua Requirements

COVID PCR test swab

With the average PCR test turnaround time being 1-2 days , this might feel like a stressful travel requirement. The good news is, there are a few options if you don’t feel comfortable leaving your COVID test up to fate. 

In the COVID travel age, many private companies have popped up offering PCR testing services with expedited results. These can get pricey—we’re talking $100-$250 pricey—but may be worth it for the peace of mind. I have used Sameday Health in the past, but there are several options to choose from. Check what’s available in your area, and be sure to verify that their PCR testing services meet the Nicaragua requirements.

Nicaragua Flights During COVID

Masked flight attendants

When booking a flight, you may see discount airlines selling cheap tickets to Managua. 

Use Caution: Currently, the only reliable companies from the USA to MGA are Avianca , Copa , and Aeromexico . United, Spirit, and American Airlines have all recently returned, but bear in mind that they haven’t reestablished reliable reputations yet.

Filter your search to those three airlines, or be at risk of “cheap tickets” today leaving you high and dry tomorrow.

Entering Nicaragua From Costa Rica

Airplane in terminal at sunset

Too inconvenient? Another option is to fly into Costa Rica and cross the border. 

From Liberia (now Guanacaste) Airport, you can reach the Nicaragua border on foot, by taxi, or by bus. 

This has become a popular route because flying into Liberia is often cheaper and more flexible than Managua. Costa Rica currently supports more airlines and allows unvaccinated travelers to skip the 36 hour pre-flight test result submission requirement, but it comes with headaches of its own.

Note : Avoid flying into San Jose unless you want to take a long road trip through Costa Rica!

For a step by step guide to crossing the Peñas Blancas Nicaragua-Costa Rica border , check out this comprehensive guide by My Tan Feet . 

COVID Exit Requirements for Nicaragua

United States passport and plane ticket

You’re in! Whether you flew into Managua or drove across the Costa Rica border, now you get to relax and enjoy the stunning land of lakes and volcanoes.

If you can bring yourself to leave, what are the COVID requirements to exit Nicaragua?

Nicaragua does not require any additional COVID tests to leave the country. You only need to follow the requirements of your destination . 

If you absolutely must take a PCR test, however, be aware that you will be limited. In Nicaragua, the only place you can take a PCR test is the Ministry of Health (MINSA) in Managua . That means no matter where you are in the country, you will have to find a ride to the capital city and pay the flat rate of $150 for a PCR test the day before your return flight out of Managua. It’s a pain, but it is reliable. 

COVID antigen test positive result

If you’re going to a country that accepts an at-home antigen test , you must bring the test with you from home . Antigen tests are not available for purchase in Nicaragua. Make sure to pack it in your suitcase before you leave!

Nicaragua COVID Requirements Summary

Man standing at airport with luggage watching plane take off

And there you have it. Everything you need to start planning a trip to Nicaragua.

Details feel a bit overwhelming? Here is a quick guide to follow:

Most reliable airlines to MGA: 

Avianca, Copa, Aeromexico

Costa Rica border option: 

Use any airline to fly into Liberia Guanacaste Airport (LIR). Then take either a public bus, TicaBus, or arrange for a private driver to Nicaragua.

Managua vs. Costa Rica Airports: 

MGA is far more direct and centrally located. But flights are limited and more expensive. LIR may support more airline options and cheaper flights, but it’s less direct. Factor in the cost of transportation and hassle of crossing the border when making your decision.

COVID requirements:

If fully vaccinated : show proof of COVID vaccination. 

If unvaccinated , show negative RT-PCR test result taken within 72 hours of ARRIVAL (not flight) and sent in 36 hours before FLIGHT . 

ALTERNATIVE: Fly into Costa Rica via Liberia Airport and drive across the Peñas Blancas border.

EXIT: Follow destination country requirements. If necessary, either PCR test from Ministry of Health in Managua ($150) or pack an at-home antigen test.

travel requirements nicaragua

Meet your Tour Guides

Hola! We’re Gail & Luis, a team of two with a deep love for Nicaragua. Luis, a professional tour guide, is the knowledgeable source behind the blog. Gail, an American writer, is the voice. 

We started this blog as a way to stay connected from afar and support Nicaragua in our own small way.

Today, our mission is to open hearts and minds to the wonders of Nicaragua and make it easier than ever to start planning your trip.

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Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

  • Packing List

After Your Trip

Map - Nicaragua

Be aware of current health issues in Nicaragua. Learn how to protect yourself.

Level 1 Practice Usual Precautions

  • Updated   Dengue in the Americas February 28, 2024 Dengue is a risk in many parts of Central and South America, Mexico, and the Caribbean. Some countries are reporting increased numbers of cases of the disease. Travelers to the Americas can protect themselves by preventing mosquito bites. Destination List: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica, French Guiana (France), Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Haiti, Jamaica, Martinique (France), Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Turks and Caicos Islands (U.K.)

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Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

  • Chickenpox (Varicella)
  • Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
  • Flu (influenza)
  • Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Nicaragua.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Nicaragua. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Nicaragua.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to certain areas of Nicaragua take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Nicaragua.

Infants 6 to 11 months old traveling internationally should get 1 dose of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine before travel. This dose does not count as part of the routine childhood vaccination series.

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Nicaragua. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Nicaragua, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

  • Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
  • Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
  • Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Nicaragua. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

  • Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
  • Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
  • Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
  • Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites, chagas disease (american trypanosomiasis).

  • Accidentally rub feces (poop) of the triatomine bug into the bug bite, other breaks in the skin, your eyes, or mouth
  • From pregnant woman to her baby, contaminated blood products (transfusions), or contaminated food or drink.
  • Avoid Bug Bites

Chagas disease

  • Mosquito bite

Leishmaniasis

  • Sand fly bite
  • An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

  • Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
  • Bite from an infected rodent
  • Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
  • Avoid rodents and areas where they live
  • Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

  • Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Nicaragua, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

  • Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
  • Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
  • Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
  • Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Nicaragua. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

  • Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
  • Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
  • Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
  • Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
  • Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

  • FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
  • Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
  • Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
  • 2-undecanone
  • Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

  • Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
  • Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Nicaragua include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

  • Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
  • Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
  • Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
  • If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
  • Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
  • Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
  • Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

  • Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
  • Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
  • Do not dive into shallow water.
  • Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
  • Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
  • To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Nicaragua. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

  • Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
  • Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
  • Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
  • Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
  • If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

  • Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
  • Go to a doctor right away.
  • Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

  • Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
  • If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
  • Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
  • Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
  • If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

  • Use latex condoms correctly.
  • Do not inject drugs.
  • Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
  • Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
  • If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

  • Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
  • Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
  • Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
  • Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Nicaragua’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
  • Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in some parts of Nicaragua. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

  • Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
  • Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
  • Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

  • Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
  • Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
  • Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
  • Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
  • Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
  • Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

  • Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
  • Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
  • Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

  • Wear a seatbelt at all times.
  • Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
  • When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
  • Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Nicaragua may be poor.
  • Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
  • Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
  • If you choose to drive a vehicle in Nicaragua, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
  • Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
  • Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
  • Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
  • If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
  • Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Nicaragua, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Nicaragua .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

  • Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
  • Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
  • Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
  • Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
  • Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

  • Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
  • Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
  • Follow all local laws and social customs.
  • Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
  • Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
  • If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Nicaragua for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

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Granada, Nicaragua — Shutterstock

  • COVID-19 travel restrictions: Nicaragua
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Travel restrictions

By Kiwi.com June 13, 2022

By Kiwi.com | June 13, 2022

Last update: June 28, 2022

This article was published on June 13, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.

Can I enter Nicaragua?

You can enter Nicaragua if you follow the current COVID-19 requirements listed below. Please be aware that all foreign visitors are obliged to submit an o nline form when going to Nicaragua.

Ometepe island, Nicaragua — Shutterstock

Can I enter Nicaragua if I am vaccinated?

You can enter Nicaragua for tourism if you are vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated if you have completed the course of your vaccine at least 14 days before arriving in Nicaragua. 

At present, the following vaccines are approved in Nicaragua:

  • Soberana 02
  • Sputnik Light
  • AstraZeneca

Travel documents if I am fully vaccinated 

  • A certificate confirming your vaccination status
  • A negative PCR test result obtained no more than 72 hours before arriving in Nicaragua

Please be aware that any COVID-19 test results should be sent electronically to the airline prior to the date of travel.

Can I enter Nicaragua if I am unvaccinated?

Unvaccinated foreigners can enter Nicaragua. 

Travel documents if I am unvaccinated 

Note that the COVID-19 test results should be sent electronically to the airline before the day of the flight .

Can I leave Nicaragua?

You can leave Nicaragua. Nevertheless, COVID-19 regulations are still in place in most countries. Please take your time to check your destination country’s entry requirements in advance.

Travel documents if I am vaccinated 

  • A document confirming vaccination status

Travel documents if I am unvaccinated

  • A certificate of recovery from COVID-19 (no more than 180 days old before the day of crossing the border of a particular country), or
  • A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of the country of your destination)

COVID-19 situation in Nicaragua currently

Since January 2021, Nicaragua has been a holder of the Safe Travel Seal in recognition of the tourism sector’s contribution to biosafety measures to prevent COVID-19.

View of market stalls at a colorful street in Granada, Nicaragua — Shutterstock

Is it safe to travel to Nicaragua right now?

International travel to Nicaragua is safe providing you take basic Covid-preventative precautions — such as wearing masks, keeping a social distance, and avoiding crowded gatherings.

Is Managua open for travel now?

The capital of Nicaragua is open for tourists now. Be aware that when sightseeing in Managua, you should follow the Covid-related rules that are the same nationwide.

Do I have to go into quarantine if I go to Nicaragua?

No quarantine mandate with respect to incoming travelers is currently in place in Nicaragua.

How do I get a health pass to travel to Nicaragua?

The online form that should be completed before departure serves as a health pass in Nicaragua.

Useful links:

  • Online form to complete before departure to Nicaragua
  • Nicaraguan entry requirements  

Visit our   Travel Restrictions section at Kiwi.com Stories   to read   more travel restrictions articles.

COVID-19 Nicaragua

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Essential Travel Documents for Nicaragua: Your Must-Have Checklist

Planning to visit nicaragua make sure you have the necessary documents in hand. this checklist features the essential paperwork you need for a smooth trip, including passports, visas, travel insurance, and more. don't forget to carry these documents to ensure a hassle-free travel experience..

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Key Takeaways:

  • Essential documents for traveling to Nicaragua include a valid passport, visa (if required), return ticket, proof of sufficient funds, and vaccination certificates.
  • It is recommended to have travel insurance and accommodation confirmation, and minors may require additional documentation.
  • Make copies of important documents and familiarize yourself with local laws and customs for a smooth and respectful trip.

Essential Documents for Traveling to Nicaragua

Are you planning a trip to the picturesque nation of Nicaragua? Before you embark on your journey, it’s important to have all the necessary paperwork in order. Whether you’re going for a leisurely vacation, a business trip, or to explore the stunning volcanic landscapes, having the right documents will ensure a smooth and hassle-free travel experience.

Passport and Visa Requirements

First and foremost on your packing list should be your passport. It’s the ultimate travel must-have. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned date of departure from Nicaragua. This is a standard requirement for many countries.

Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a visa to enter Nicaragua. Citizens of many countries can enter without a visa for short visits, but it’s always best to check the latest entry requirements before you travel. Refer to the official immigration website of Nicaragua or consult your local Nicaraguan embassy to stay updated.

Image

Return Ticket and Proof of Sufficient Funds

While not always checked, immigration authorities may ask you to show a return ticket or an onward journey ticket as proof that you plan to leave Nicaragua after your visit. It’s a good measure to prevent illegal overstaying.

Also of Interest:

Switching employers with a pending i-140: understanding portability rules, can a non-us citizens own an eb5 regional center.

Additionally, carrying evidence that you have sufficient funds to support yourself during your stay is wise. This could be in the form of a recent bank statement or cash. It ensures that you won’t run into any issues with local immigration officials.

Vaccination Certificates

Health and safety always come first. Depending on your travel history, you may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate. This is particularly necessary if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Keep this certificate handy with your other travel documents .

Travel Insurance

While not a mandatory document, having a valid travel insurance policy is strongly recommended. It should cover any medical emergencies, accidents, or unexpected travel issues like lost luggage or trip cancellations. Keep a copy of your insurance details and emergency contact numbers with you at all times.

Accommodation Confirmation

Another useful document to have is proof of where you will be staying in Nicaragua. This could be a hotel reservation, a letter of invitation from friends or relatives, or details of a tour if you’re part of a travel group. It helps to confirm your travel intentions and provides reassurance to the local authorities.

Minor Travelers

Special attention is needed for minors traveling with one parent or without parents. You might need to present notarized consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardians. Check the specific requirements to ensure that your child’s travel complies with Nicaraguan laws.

Final Considerations

Before you set off, make a checklist of all these documents to ensure you’ve got everything you need. It’s also a good idea to make copies of important documents in case of loss or theft. Keep a physical copy separate from the originals and store digital copies in a secure but accessible location.

Take a few moments to familiarize yourself with the local laws and customs of Nicaragua. Respecting the culture and the legal framework makes for a more enjoyable and respectful visit.

“Being prepared is half the victory” when traveling. Your documents are the foundation of a successful trip, so give them the attention they deserve. With your paperwork in order, you’re ready to experience the rich culture, history, and natural beauty of Nicaragua!

Remember, rules and regulations can change, so for the most current information, always consult the Official Nicaraguan Immigration Website or your local embassy before departure. Bon voyage!

Ready to kickstart your Nicaraguan adventure? Make sure you have all your essential documents packed and ready to go! For more tips and information, head over to visaverge.com. They’ve got you covered with all the juicy details you need to know. Happy travels, amigos!

FAQ’s to know:

FAQ 1: What are the essential travel documents required for traveling to Nicaragua?

To travel to Nicaragua, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned departure date. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a visa. It’s recommended to refer to the official immigration website of Nicaragua or consult your local Nicaraguan embassy for the latest entry requirements.

FAQ 2: Do I need to show a return ticket and proof of funds when traveling to Nicaragua?

While not always checked, it’s advisable to have a return or onward journey ticket as proof of your intention to leave Nicaragua. Carrying evidence of sufficient funds, such as a recent bank statement or cash, is also wise to ensure a smooth immigration process .

FAQ 3: Are there any additional documents required for traveling to Nicaragua?

Depending on your travel history, you may be required to show a yellow fever vaccination certificate if you are traveling from a country with a risk of yellow fever transmission. Additionally, having travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, accidents, and unexpected travel issues is strongly recommended. Proof of accommodation, such as a hotel reservation or a letter of invitation, can also be useful. Minors traveling with one parent or without parents may require notarized consent from the non-traveling parent(s) or legal guardians.

What did you learn? Answer below to know:

  • True/False: Do travelers to Nicaragua need a visa regardless of their country of origin?
  • What type of document is strongly recommended but not mandatory for traveling to Nicaragua?
  • What is one of the essential documents needed for minors traveling with one parent or without parents in Nicaragua?

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The ‘Luxury Route’ to the U.S. for African Migrants

Colombia’s main airport has become a hub for migrants heading to the U.S. in greater numbers. Some have been stranded for weeks, or forcibly turned back.

A group of African migrants at El Dorado airport in Bogotá, Colombia. Credit...

Supported by

By Annie Correal

Photographs by Federico Rios

Reporting from Bogotá, Colombia.

  • Feb. 29, 2024

As record numbers of people cross into the United States, the southern border is not the only place where the migration crisis is playing out.

Nearly three thousand miles to the south, inside Colombia’s main international airport, hundreds of African migrants have been pouring in every day, paying traffickers roughly $10,000 for flight packages they hope will help them reach the United States.

The surge of African migrants in the Bogotá airport, which began last year, is a vivid example of the impact of one of the largest global movements of people in decades and how it is shifting migration patterns.

With some African countries confronting economic crisis and political upheaval, and Europe cracking down on immigration, many more Africans are making the far longer journey to the U.S.

The migrants in Bogotá come mainly from West African countries such as Guinea, Mauritania, Senegal and Sierra Leone, though some are from as far east as Somalia.

People going up and down stairs and escalators.

They are bound for Nicaragua, the only country in Central America where citizens from many African nations — and from Haiti, Cuba and Venezuela — can enter without a visa. Experts say the country’s president, Daniel Ortega, loosened visa requirements in recent years to compel the United States to lift sanctions on his authoritarian government.

To reach Nicaragua, migrants embark on a journey of several stops, flying to hubs like Istanbul, then on to Colombia , where many fly to El Salvador and then to Nicaragua. (There are no direct flights between Colombia and Nicaragua). Once there, they head northward again, by land, toward Mexico and the U.S. border.

The trip, which has been called by airline employees “the luxury route,’’ bypasses the dangerous jungle pass linking South and North America called the Darién Gap .

Last year, 60,000 Africans entered Mexico on their way to the United States , up from fewer than 7,000 the year before, Mexican authorities reported. (Overall crossings at the Southern border declined at the beginning of this year, but ebbs like those are not uncommon and can be affected by the season and other factors.)

Among those disembarking recently at El Dorado International Airport in Bogotá on a flight from Istanbul was Djelikha Camara, 24, who had studied engineering in Guinea, but said she wanted to leave because a military coup in 2021 had plunged the country into crisis.

She had seen the trans-Atlantic journey advertised on social media, she said, and thought, “I want to try it.”

A daily flight from Istanbul to Bogotá, on Turkish Airlines, has become the most popular route for African migrants trying to reach Nicaragua, airline officials say. But other trans-Atlantic routes — from Spain and Morocco, with stops in Colombia or Brazil — have also boomed. Officials say travel agents in Africa buy tickets in bulk that they resell at a profit.

They advertise online, including in WhatsApp groups like one in Guinea with thousands of members called “Let’s Leave the Country.”

Colombia’s migration director, Carlos Fernando García, said large numbers of Africans began appearing in Bogotá’s airport last spring after the government suspended transit visa requirements for citizens of several African countries to stimulate tourism.

In 2023, more than 56,000 people from Africa transited through Colombia, according to migration data. Authorities would not provide data from previous years but immigrant groups say last year’s figure is a huge increase and fueled primarily by migrants.

While flying is less dangerous than traversing a brutal jungle, migrants at Bogotá’s airport have also faced ordeals.

Some have had to wait for connecting flights scheduled days after they arrived. Others have been stranded after discovering that El Salvador, the next country on their itinerary, charges people from Africa a $1,130 transit fee.

The airport has no beds or showers for migrants. The only food and water is sold at pricey cafes.

There have been flu outbreaks. A woman went into labor. In December, two African children were found in a bathroom after being abandoned by travelers who were not their parents.

Mr. García said airlines were responsible for passengers in the airport between flights, not the government. “It’s private companies that are failing in their duty,” he said, “In their rush to make money, they’re leaving passengers stranded.”

Turkish Airlines did not respond to a request for comment.

Avianca, a Colombian airline that operates several routes used by African migrants headed to Nicaragua, said it was obliged to transport passengers who met travel requirements.

In Bogotá’s airport, migrants are largely kept out of view of other passengers.

Mouhamed Diallo, 40, a journalist who taught university courses in Conakry, Guinea’s capital, said he had spent two days in the arrivals area, before being allowed into the departures section the day of his next flight — to San Salvador, El Salvador.

“I found someone who left yesterday, ” he said. “He had been there 12 days.’’

Many Africans using this route are educated professionals like Mr. Diallo with siblings in the United States and Europe who help pay for their tickets.

Mr. Diallo said he left Guinea because he felt unsafe following the military coup. He is Fulani, the majority ethnic group in the country, and supported an opposition leader who had gone into exile, he said.

“Your leader go out, you go out,’’ he said. “If you don’t, you end up in prison.”

Some migrants have found themselves trapped in the airport.

Kanja Jabbie, a former police officer from Sierra Leone, said he paid $10,000 to travel to Nicaragua. But he learned of the transit fee El Salvador requires only after he arrived in Colombia.

He had no cash, he said, and no way to get it. There is no place to receive wired funds in the terminal, or even an A.T.M.

“I am stuck,” said Mr. Jabbie, 46, who spent three days wandering the terminal, surviving on tea.

The fee, which El Salvador imposed last fall, calling it an “airport improvement fee,” has been a main cause for the backlog of passengers in the Bogotá airport, according to airline officials. Nicaragua also charges a fee, a smaller one, for people from Africa. Neither government responded to a request for comment.

The area around Gate A9, where daily flights leave to San Salvador, is filled with migrants.

People sleep in a corner, or kneel in Muslim prayer, using airplane blankets. Laundry hangs on luggage.

A pregnant woman from Guinea sat at the gate one January afternoon. Asked why she left, she produced a photo showing her face, badly beaten. She pulled back a sleeve to reveal a scar.

“I am here to save my life — my life and my baby. I am hiding from my husband,” said the woman, who asked to go by only her first initial, T, for her safety. “Hopefully I can reach the U.S.”

She had arrived in Bogotá four days before. Her Avianca flight to El Salvador left that day, but she was bumped off.

“I don’t know why,” she said.

Airport and airline employees who said they were not authorized to speak publicly said passengers sometimes complained about migrants who had not been able to bathe for days.

In response, Avianca’s cabin crew will repeat the company motto: “The sky belongs to everyone.”

Migrants often fall sick after being stuck in close quarters, airline workers said, and some seem fragile. Last spring, on a flight from Madrid to Bogotá, a man from Mauritania died of a heart attack.

Since December, when the two migrant children were left behind in the airport, Colombian authorities have taken a tougher stance.

Airlines are required to verify that children are traveling with adults who are their parents and Colombian authorities are pressing them to permit aboard only people who have a connecting flight within 24 hours.

Migration officers have also started rounding up migrants whose tickets have expired, who linger in the airport for more than a day or who come from a handful of African countries from which Colombia still requires a transit visa. They are putting them on flights back to Istanbul.

Mr. Jabbie, the policeman from Sierra Leone, was among them.

At least one episode turned violent. This month, three women from Cameroon resisted and were dragged screaming through the airport by migration officers and the police and were struck repeatedly with a Taser, they said.

“When we collapse, they put us on the plane,” said Agnes Foncha Malung, 29.

Ms. Malung, who braids hair for a living, decided to leave her homeland with two friends, she said, after some relatives’ homes were burned down amid clashes between English- and French-speaking factions in Cameroon.

The women were held in Bogotá’s airport for several days over what migration authorities told them were visa issues before they were deported.

Ms. Malung, speaking by phone from Cameroon, said the three were sharing a rented room until they figured out their next move.

She said she paid $11,500 for the trip. “It cost me a lot,’’ she said.

Migration authorities did not respond to repeated requests for comment on the incident.

Still, many African migrants have managed to make it to the United States. Mr. Diallo, the journalist, arrived in New York’s La Guardia Airport — his ninth airport in 17 days — on a cold January day.

He had traveled through Central America and Mexico in smugglers’ vehicles, he said, and sat shivering all night in Arizona before he was picked up by the U.S. Border Patrol and requested asylum.

After being released with a date in immigration court, he traveled to the Bronx to join his brother. He has been staying in his cramped apartment, he said, and helping at his convenience store.

Asked if he would send his wife and children on the same route, Mr. Diallo said, “No, never.”

“Never in my life,” he added. “I have traumatism.”

Reporting was contributed by Genevieve Glatsky and Federico Rios from Bogotá, Colombia; Ruth Maclean from Dakar, Senegal; Mady Camara from Dakar, Senegal; and Safak Timur from Istanbul. Simón Posada contributed research from Bogotá.

Annie Correal reports from the U.S. and Latin America for The Times. More about Annie Correal

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In Senegal's Capital, Nicaragua Is a Hot Ticket Among Travel Agents as Migrants Try to Reach US

In Senegal's capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States

In Senegal's Capital, Nicaragua Is a Hot Ticket Among Travel Agents as Migrants Try to Reach US

Sylvain Cherkaoui

Sylvain Cherkaoui

Gueva Ba sells used cell phones in Dakar's Colobane market Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Ba, who tried to reach Europe via Morocco eleven times, flew legally to Nicaragua and made the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico's northern border, before being repatriated from the United States to Senegal in September 2023. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)

DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Gueva Ba tried to reach Europe by boat 11 times from Morocco, failing each attempt. Then, in 2023, the former welder heard about a new route to the United States by flying to Nicaragua and making the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico's northern border .

“In Senegal, it’s all over the streets — everyone’s talking about Nicaragua, Nicaragua, Nicaragua," said Ba, who paid about 6 million CFA francs ($10,000) to get to Nicaragua in July with stops in Morocco, Spain and El Salvador. “It’s not something hidden.”

Ba, 40, was deported from the U.S. with 131 compatriots in September after two months in detention, but thousands of other Senegalese have gained a foothold in America. Many turn to savvy travel agents who know the route — touted on social media by those who've successfully settled in the U.S.

They are part of a surge in migration to the United States that is extraordinary for its size and scope, with more people from far-flung countries accounting for crossings at the border. And as with this route used by the Senegalese, more are figuring out plans, making payments, and seeking help via social networks, and apps like WhatsApp and TikTok.

Arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico reached record highs in December . January saw a drop for the month, but arrests have topped 6.4 million since January 2021. And Mexicans account for only about 1 of 4 arrests, with the others coming from more than 100 countries.

U.S. authorities arrested Senegalese migrants 20,231 times for crossing the border illegally from July to December. That's a 10-fold increase from 2,049 arrests during the same period of 2022, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Many cross in remote deserts of western Arizona , like Ba, and California .

Photos You Should See

A Maka Indigenous woman puts on make-up before protesting for the recovery of ancestral lands in Asuncion, Paraguay, Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2024. Leader Mateo Martinez has denounced that the Paraguayan state has built a bridge on their land in El Chaco's Bartolome de las Casas, Presidente Hayes department. (AP Photo/Jorge Saenz)

Word of the Nicaragua route began spreading early last year in Dakar and took hold in May, said Abdoulaye Doucouré, who owns a travel agency that sold about 1,200 tickets from Dakar to Nicaragua in the last three months of 2023, for the equivalent of several thousand dollars each.

“People didn’t know about this route, but with social networks and the first migrants who took this route, the information quickly circulated among migrants,” he said.

Some are motivated by Senegal's political turmoil — authorities delayed February’s presidential elections by 10 months — but the sudden draw seemed to hinge largely on social media posts and the spread of the route there.

Spikes attributed to social media have occurred in other West African nations, whose people have historically turned first to Europe to flee. Mauritanians have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico in similarly large numbers, and migrants from Ghana and Gambia have come, too.

Many are eventually released in the U.S. to pursue asylum in immigrant courts that are backlogged for years with more than 3 million cases .

Passports from many African countries carry little weight in the Western Hemisphere, making the journey by land to the United States difficult to even begin. Senegalese can fly visa-free to only two countries in the Americas: Nicaragua and Bolivia, according to The Henley Passport Index . Nicaragua is much closer than Bolivia and avoids the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.

As U.S. sanctions against Nicaragua's repressive government have increased, the government of President Daniel Ortega has used migration to push back.

The Nicaraguan government went so far as to hire a Dubai-based firm to train Nicaraguan civil aviation to manage national immigration procedures for charter flight passengers. More than 500 charter flights landed from June to November, mostly from Haiti and Cuba , according to Manuel Orozco, director of the migration, remittances and development program at the Inter-American Dialogue.

But migrants from farther afield, like Ba, also made their way to Nicaragua on a series of connecting commercial flights from Africa. In African capitals, migrants typically buy multileg tickets from travel agents connecting through Istanbul or Madrid, followed by stops in Bogota, Colombia, or San Salvador, El Salvador, before ultimately arriving in Managua, Nicaragua. From there, they meet smugglers offering to take them to the Honduran border, or arrange the trip all the way to the U.S.

The U.S. State Department has called on Nicaragua to “play a responsible role” in managing hemispheric migration, but that has yet to be seen. Nicaraguan first lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo did not respond to a request for comment on the surge in extra-continental migration through her country.

In October, El Salvador began charging $1,130 for citizens of 57 largely African countries and India transiting the country’s airport. Authorities said most of those charged were on their way to Nicaragua aboard Avianca, a Colombian commercial carrier.

El Salvador’s fee caused airfares from Dakar to rise toward the end of 2023, said Serigne Faye, an agent at the Touba Express travel agency in Senegal’s capital. Some passengers instead fly through Bogota. Stopovers in Turkey are the most expensive.

While most asylum claims fail, the immigration court backlog means that people can remain in the U.S. for years, with eligibility for work permits. The asylum grant rate for Senegalese was 26% in the U.S. government’s budget year ended Sept. 30, compared with 14% for all nationalities, according to Justice Department figures .

Ousmane Anne, 34, left Senegal on Sept. 25 with a plane ticket to Nicaragua, purchased from a travel agency. His journey took a month — longer and costlier than anticipated. Mexico was treacherous, he said, describing his traveling group as frequently harassed, threatened and robbed by gangs.

Despite the enthusiasm back home, he said, he'd be hard-pressed to recommend the trip to anyone who doesn't understand the risks. But he made it to New York , which has the largest Senegalese population of any U.S. metropolitan area, according to census data.

“I knew it would not be very easy to come here to the States, but the hope that I had was higher than all the obstacles and problems,” Anne said. “I knew the opportunities would be greater here.”

He recently attended a forum in Harlem, hosted by the Senegalese Association of America. He learned basics of U.S. law, heard some do’s and don’ts from police officers about the e-bikes and mopeds that are popular with migrants, and got tips on navigating the health care system.

Even if he came away with more questions than answers, Anne said, he remains hopeful.

This story corrects the spelling of Colombia.

Associated Press writers Philip Marcelo in New York, Elliot Spagat in San Diego, and Christopher Sherman and Maria Verza in Mexico City contributed.

Copyright 2024 The  Associated Press . All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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In Senegal’s capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents as migrants try to reach US

Gueva Ba sells used cell phones in Dakar's Colobane market Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Ba, who tried to reach Europe via Morocco eleven times, flew legally to Nicaragua and made the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico's northern border, before being repatriated from the United States to Senegal in September 2023. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)

Gueva Ba sells used cell phones in Dakar’s Colobane market Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024. Ba, who tried to reach Europe via Morocco eleven times, flew legally to Nicaragua and made the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico’s northern border, before being repatriated from the United States to Senegal in September 2023. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)

Gueva Ba shows on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 a video of his crossing from Nicaragua to the United States. Ba, who tried to reach Europe via Morocco eleven times, flew legally to Nicaragua and made the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico’s northern border, before being repatriated from the United States to Senegal in September 2023. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)

FILE - People line up against a border wall as they wait to apply for asylum after crossing the border from Mexico Tuesday, July 11, 2023, near Yuma, Arizona. In Senegal’s capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States. Many migrants take various flights to eventually arrive there legally and then journey illegally by land to the U.S. border with Mexico. (AP Photo/Gregory Bull)

FILE - Migrants walk along the highway through Arriaga, Chiapas state in southern Mexico, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, during their journey north toward the U.S. border. In Senegal’s capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States. Many migrants take various flights to eventually arrive there legally and then journey illegally by land to the U.S. border with Mexico. The sudden draw of the United States seems driven in large part by social media posts by those who reached their destinations successfully and travel agents who know visa rules. (AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente, File)

FILE - Migrants sit atop a northbound freight train, in Irapuato, Mexico, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. In Senegal’s capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States. Many migrants take various flights to eventually arrive there legally and then journey illegally by land to the U.S. border with Mexico. The sudden draw of the United States seems driven in large part by social media posts by those who reached their destinations successfully and travel agents who know visa rules. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)

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DAKAR, Senegal (AP) — Gueva Ba tried to reach Europe by boat 11 times from Morocco, failing each attempt. Then, in 2023, the former welder heard about a new route to the United States by flying to Nicaragua and making the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico’s northern border .

“In Senegal, it’s all over the streets — everyone’s talking about Nicaragua, Nicaragua, Nicaragua,” said Ba, who paid about 6 million CFA francs ($10,000) to get to Nicaragua in July with stops in Morocco, Spain and El Salvador. “It’s not something hidden.”

Ba, 40, was deported from the U.S. with 131 compatriots in September after two months in detention, but thousands of other Senegalese have gained a foothold in America. Many turn to savvy travel agents who know the route — touted on social media by those who’ve successfully settled in the U.S.

Gueva Ba shows on Thursday, Feb. 1, 2024 a video of his crossing from Nicaragua to the United States. Ba, who tried to reach Europe via Morocco eleven times, flew legally to Nicaragua and made the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico's northern border, before being repatriated from the United States to Senegal in September 2023. (AP Photo/Sylvain Cherkaoui)

They are part of a surge in migration to the United States that is extraordinary for its size and scope, with more people from far-flung countries accounting for crossings at the border. And as with this route used by the Senegalese, more are figuring out plans, making payments, and seeking help via social networks, and apps like WhatsApp and TikTok.

Arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico reached record highs in December . January saw a drop for the month, but arrests have topped 6.4 million since January 2021. And Mexicans account for only about 1 of 4 arrests, with the others coming from more than 100 countries.

U.S. authorities arrested Senegalese migrants 20,231 times for crossing the border illegally from July to December. That’s a 10-fold increase from 2,049 arrests during the same period of 2022, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Many cross in remote deserts of western Arizona , like Ba, and California.

Word of the Nicaragua route began spreading early last year in Dakar and took hold in May, said Abdoulaye Doucouré, who owns a travel agency that sold about 1,200 tickets from Dakar to Nicaragua in the last three months of 2023, for the equivalent of several thousand dollars each.

“People didn’t know about this route, but with social networks and the first migrants who took this route, the information quickly circulated among migrants,” he said.

FILE - Migrants sit atop a northbound freight train, in Irapuato, Mexico, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. In Senegal's capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States. Many migrants take various flights to eventually arrive there legally and then journey illegally by land to the U.S. border with Mexico. The sudden draw of the United States seems driven in large part by social media posts by those who reached their destinations successfully and travel agents who know visa rules. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)

FILE - Migrants sit atop a northbound freight train, in Irapuato, Mexico, Saturday, Sept. 23, 2023. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)

Some are motivated by Senegal’s political turmoil — authorities delayed February’s presidential elections by 10 months — but the sudden draw seemed to hinge largely on social media posts and the spread of the route there.

Spikes attributed to social media have occurred in other West African nations, whose people have historically turned first to Europe to flee. Mauritanians have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico in similarly large numbers, and migrants from Ghana and Gambia have come, too.

Many are eventually released in the U.S. to pursue asylum in immigrant courts that are backlogged for years with more than 3 million cases .

Passports from many African countries carry little weight in the Western Hemisphere, making the journey by land to the United States difficult to even begin. Senegalese can fly visa-free to only two countries in the Americas: Nicaragua and Bolivia, according to The Henley Passport Index . Nicaragua is much closer than Bolivia and avoids the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.

FILE - Migrants walk along the highway through Arriaga, Chiapas state in southern Mexico, Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, during their journey north toward the U.S. border. In Senegal's capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States. Many migrants take various flights to eventually arrive there legally and then journey illegally by land to the U.S. border with Mexico. The sudden draw of the United States seems driven in large part by social media posts by those who reached their destinations successfully and travel agents who know visa rules. (AP Photo/Edgar H. Clemente, File)

As U.S. sanctions against Nicaragua’s repressive government have increased, the government of President Daniel Ortega has used migration to push back.

The Nicaraguan government went so far as to hire a Dubai-based firm to train Nicaraguan civil aviation to manage national immigration procedures for charter flight passengers. More than 500 charter flights landed from June to November, mostly from Haiti and Cuba , according to Manuel Orozco, director of the migration, remittances and development program at the Inter-American Dialogue.

But migrants from farther afield, like Ba, also made their way to Nicaragua on a series of connecting commercial flights from Africa. In African capitals, migrants typically buy multileg tickets from travel agents connecting through Istanbul or Madrid, followed by stops in Bogota, Colombia, or San Salvador, El Salvador, before ultimately arriving in Managua, Nicaragua. From there, they meet smugglers offering to take them to the Honduran border, or arrange the trip all the way to the U.S.

The U.S. State Department has called on Nicaragua to “play a responsible role” in managing hemispheric migration, but that has yet to be seen. Nicaraguan first lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo did not respond to a request for comment on the surge in extra-continental migration through her country.

In October, El Salvador began charging $1,130 for citizens of 57 largely African countries and India transiting the country’s airport. Authorities said most of those charged were on their way to Nicaragua aboard Avianca, a Colombian commercial carrier.

El Salvador’s fee caused airfares from Dakar to rise toward the end of 2023, said Serigne Faye, an agent at the Touba Express travel agency in Senegal’s capital. Some passengers instead fly through Bogota. Stopovers in Turkey are the most expensive.

While most asylum claims fail, the immigration court backlog means that people can remain in the U.S. for years, with eligibility for work permits. The asylum grant rate for Senegalese was 26% in the U.S. government’s budget year ended Sept. 30, compared with 14% for all nationalities, according to Justice Department figures .

Ousmane Anne, 34, left Senegal on Sept. 25 with a plane ticket to Nicaragua, purchased from a travel agency. His journey took a month — longer and costlier than anticipated. Mexico was treacherous, he said, describing his traveling group as frequently harassed, threatened and robbed by gangs.

Despite the enthusiasm back home, he said, he’d be hard-pressed to recommend the trip to anyone who doesn’t understand the risks. But he made it to New York, which has the largest Senegalese population of any U.S. metropolitan area, according to census data.

“I knew it would not be very easy to come here to the States, but the hope that I had was higher than all the obstacles and problems,” Anne said. “I knew the opportunities would be greater here.”

He recently attended a forum in Harlem, hosted by the Senegalese Association of America. He learned basics of U.S. law, heard some do’s and don’ts from police officers about the e-bikes and mopeds that are popular with migrants, and got tips on navigating the health care system.

Even if he came away with more questions than answers, Anne said, he remains hopeful.

This story corrects the spelling of Colombia.

Associated Press writers Philip Marcelo in New York, Elliot Spagat in San Diego, and Christopher Sherman and Maria Verza in Mexico City contributed.

travel requirements nicaragua

What are the 4 levels of travel advisory? What to know about spring break trips to Mexico

travel requirements nicaragua

The U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Mexico issued a spring break travel advisory on Feb. 26.

Violent crime is widespread and common in Mexico , according to the U.S. State Department . Crimes such as carjacking, homicide, kidnapping and robbery are prevalent.

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Here's what you need to know about U.S. State Department travel advisories:

Is Mexico safe 2024?

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is list of safety concerns to consider:

  • Arrests: Drunk and disorderly behavior, public urination, and open alcohol containers in vehicles are illegal in Mexico.  If you break Mexican law, you can be arrested.
  • Crime:  Crime, including violent crime, can occur anywhere in Mexico, including in popular tourist destinations. Travelers should maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur, and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. See the  Mexico Travel Advisory   for specific information for each Mexican state. U.S. citizens should exercise increased caution in the downtown areas of popular spring break locations including Cancun, Playa Del Carmen, and Tulum, especially after dark.
  • Drowning: Some beaches have strong undercurrents and rip tides. Beaches may lack lifeguards, warnings, or signs of unsafe conditions.
  • Drugs: Drug possession and use, including medical marijuana, is illegal in Mexico and may result in a lengthy jail sentence. U.S. citizens have become seriously ill or died in Mexico after using synthetic drugs or adulterated prescription pills.
  • Guns and Ammunition:  All guns and even small amounts of ammunition are illegal in Mexico.  Firearms and other weapons violations may result in lengthy jail time.
  • Immigration:   Violating the terms of your stay in Mexico can result in steep fines and detention.
  • Medical Emergencies: An illness or accident could result in the need to seek medical treatment or hospitalization in Mexico. Private hospital prices can be higher than those in the United States. Many facilities require payment (sometimes only in cash) either before providing treatment or before discharging a patient.
  • Pharmaceuticals:  Counterfeit medication is common and may prove to be ineffective, the wrong strength, or contain dangerous ingredients.  Medication should be purchased in consultation with a medical professional and from reputable establishments.
  • Sexual Assault: U.S. citizens have been victims of rape and sexual assault. Perpetrators may target inebriated or isolated individuals or may employ drugs that alter the victim’s physical or mental state.
  • Unregulated Alcohol: Unregulated alcohol may be contaminated, and U.S. citizens have reported losing consciousness or becoming injured after consuming alcohol that was possibly tainted.

Mexico spring break travel advisory 2024

According to the spring break travel advisory , there is a list of actions travelers should take:

  • Avoid strong currents and do not swim after drinking or when warning flags note unsafe conditions.
  • Be aware of your safety and protect your personal possessions when using public transportation. Use radio taxis or those from “sitio” taxi stands. Application-based car services such as Uber and Cabify are available in many Mexican cities, and generally offer another relatively safe alternative to taxis.
  • Call 911 in an emergency. Although there may be English-speaking operators available, it is best to seek the assistance of a Spanish speaker to place the call.
  • Consider downloading the “Guest Assist” application on your smart phone if traveling to Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, Cozumel, or other areas in the state of Quintana Roo. The Mexican government provides information on emergency services and assistance for tourists via the app and their  website .
  • Contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate if you need assistance.
  • Drink responsibly and always watch your drink. If you begin to feel ill, seek medical attention immediately. Report cases of suspected unregulated or contaminated alcohol to the Mexican Federal Commission for the Protection against Sanitary Risk (COFEPRIS) by  filing a report online   at the COFEPRIS website, call the COFEPRIS call center at +52 01-8—033-5050, or visit a COFEPRIS office.
  • Enroll in the State Department’s  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program   to receive up-to-date information on safety conditions in Mexico and to help the U.S. Embassy contact you in an emergency.
  • Keep friends and family at home informed of your travel plans, especially if traveling alone.
  • Keep your passport and entry permit (FMM), if applicable, in a safe place. Confirm the date you must depart Mexico.
  • Know your drinking companions and stay in a group of friends who have your safety in mind when you are in clubs and bars, walking in dimly lit areas, or in a taxi at night. Obey Mexican law and remember Mexican laws may differ from U.S. laws.
  • Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage in Mexico, or purchase travel insurance that covers you in Mexico. Seek coverage that includes medical evacuation.  Confirm costs of medical treatment in advance, when possible.
  • Read the  Mexico Travel Advisory  and  Country Information Page  for details on travel throughout Mexico, including entry requirements.
  • Regularly monitor your credit or debit card accounts to ensure there are no unauthorized transactions. Limit the amount of cash you carry in public, exercise caution when withdrawing cash, and avoid ATMs in isolated or unlit areas.
  • See our  advice for cruise passengers  , particularly those with underlying health conditions.

U.S. State Department Travel Warnings for Mexico

Here are the travel warnins from the U.S. State Department :

Do Not Travel To In Mexico

  • Colima state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Guerrero state  due to  crime .
  • Michoacan state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Sinaloa state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping
  • Tamaulipas state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping.
  • Zacatecas  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Reconsider Travel To in Mexico:

  • Baja California  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Chihuahua state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Durango state  due to  crime .
  • Guanajuato state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Jalisco state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Morelos state  due to  crime .
  • Sonora state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .

Exercise Increased Caution When Traveling To in Mexico

  • Aguascalientes  state due to  crime .
  • Baja California Sur state  due to  crime .
  • Chiapas state  due to  crime .
  • Coahuila state  due to  crime .
  • Hidalgo state  due to  crime .
  • Mexico City  due to  crime .
  • Mexico State  due to  crime .
  • Nayarit state  due to  crime.
  • Nuevo Leon  state due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Oaxaca state  due to  crime .
  • Puebla state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Queretaro state  due to  crime .
  • Quintana Roo state  due to  crime .
  • San Luis Potosi state  due to  crime  and  kidnapping .
  • Tabasco state  due to  crime .
  • Tlaxcala state  due to  crime .
  • Veracruz state  due to  crime .

Exercise Normal Precautions When Traveling To In Mexico

  • Campeche state
  • Yucatan state

Is Cancun safe in Mexico?

The Quintana Roo state − where Cancun is located − is under a Level 2 travel advisory, warning travelers to exercise increased caution due to crime.

According to the State Department, criminal activity and violence may occur at any time in any location, including in popular tourist spots. Maintain a high level of situational awareness, avoid areas where illicit activities occur and promptly depart from potentially dangerous situations. 

Travel advisory tips for Mexico trips

According to the State Department, consider these things when traveling to Mexico:

If you decide to travel to Mexico:

  • Keep traveling companions and family back home informed of your travel plans. If separating from your travel group, send a friend your GPS location. If taking a taxi alone, take a photo of the taxi number and/or license plate and text it to a friend.
  • Use toll roads when possible and avoid driving alone or at night. In many states, police presence and emergency services are extremely limited outside the state capital or major cities.
  • Exercise increased caution when visiting local bars, nightclubs, and casinos.
  • Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs.
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Follow the U.S. Embassy on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Mexico.
  • Mariners planning travel to Mexico should check for U.S. maritime  advisories  and  alerts , which include instructions on reporting suspicious activities and attacks to Mexican naval authorities.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the  CDC page  for the latest travel health information related to your travel. 

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What are the 4 levels of travel advisory?

Here are the four levels of travel advisory , according to the U.S. State Department:

Travel Advisory Level 1 - Exercise Normal Precautions

  • This is the lowest advisory level for safety and security risk. There is some risk in any international travel. Conditions in other countries may differ from those in the United States and may change at any time.

Travel Advisory Level 2 - Exercise Increased Caution

  • Be aware of heightened risks to safety and security. The Departments of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 3 - Reconsider Travel

  • Avoid travel due to serious risks to safety and security. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Travel Advisory Level 4 – Do Not Travel  

  • This is the highest advisory level due to greater likelihood of life-threatening risks. During an emergency, the U.S. government may have very limited ability to provide assistance. The Department of State advises that U.S. citizens not travel to the country or to leave as soon as it is safe to do so. The Department of State provides additional advice for travelers in these areas in the Travel Advisory.

Cheap flights: The destinations that could see a drop in airfare prices this year

What countries have a Level 4 travel warning?

  • Afghanistan
  • Burkina Faso
  • Central African Republic
  • North Korea
  • South Sudan

What countries have a Level 3 travel warning?

  • El Salvador
  • Guinea-Bissau
  • Papau New Guinea
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Trinidad & Tobago

Travel advisory tips for high-risk areas

The State Department recommends three websites for information on travel safety tips :

  • Bureau of Consular Affairs  
  • The Overseas Security Advisory Council  
  • The Federal Bureau of Investigation

Chris Sims is a digital producer for Gannett. Follow him on Twitter:  @ChrisFSims .

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travel requirements nicaragua

U.S. Embassy In Nicaragua

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Travel Advisory Level 3: Reconsider Travel

Date: December 5, 2022 Location: Nicaragua Travel Advisory Level 3: Reconsider Travel 

The U.S. Department of State renewed its Travel Advisory for Nicaragua on December 5, 2022. The Department continues to advise travelers to reconsider travel to Nicaragua.

Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to  limited healthcare availability  and arbitrary enforcement of laws . Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to  crime  and wrongful detentions .

Country Summary: The government of Nicaragua arbitrarily enforces laws for political purposes. Throughout Nicaragua, government officials and law enforcement continue to target those opposed to the rule of President Ortega. The government and its affiliated groups have been reported to:

  • Systematically target opposition figures (regardless of nationality), including former allies, political activists, business representatives, clergy, human rights advocates, and members of the press.
  • Arbitrarily target pro-democracy advocates.
  • Prevent certain individuals from departing Nicaragua by air or land for political reasons.
  • Arbitrarily seize and/or search private property including personal phones and computers for anti-government content.
  • Arbitrarily charge individuals with terrorism, money laundering, and organized crime offenses for political reasons.

U.S. citizens have reported being subject to this treatment. U.S. citizen residents of Nicaragua also report increased scrutiny of alleged political speech and additional scrutiny by immigration officials.

The Department has determined the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Government of Nicaragua exists.

Travelers should exercise increased caution and be alert to the risks of crime, including violent crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery.

Poor infrastructure in parts of the country limits the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in emergencies. U.S. government personnel may be subject to restrictions on their movements at any time.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Nicaragua.

If you decide to travel to Nicaragua:

  • Read the  Department of State’s COVID-19 page  before planning any international travel, and read the  Embassy COVID-19 page  for country-specific COVID-19 information.
  • Consider arrangements to depart the country quickly.
  • Ensure your U.S. passport is valid and available for a quick departure from the country, if needed.
  • Avoid demonstrations and restrict unnecessary travel.
  • Do not attempt to drive through crowds, barricades, or roadblocks.
  • Maintain adequate supplies of food, cash, potable water, and fuel in case you need to shelter in place.
  • Use caution when walking or driving at night.
  • Do not display signs of wealth such as expensive watches or jewelry.
  • Be aware of your surroundings.
  • Visit our website for  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
  • Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program  ( STEP ) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
  • Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
  • Review the  Country Security Report  for Nicaragua.
  • Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.  Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .
  • Visit the CDC page for the latest  Travel Health Information  related to your travel.

Assistance:

Please follow the links or call the numbers below for consular assistance.

  • Contact the U.S. Embassy in Managua , located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua, by calling +505-2252-7104, 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fridays. The American Citizen Services unit is also available by email during regular business hours at  [email protected] . For after-hours emergencies, call +505-2252-7171 and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.
  • Nicaragua Country Information 
  • Enroll in  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security updates
  • Follow us on  Facebook  and Twitter

travel requirements nicaragua

The official website, http://ustraveldocs.com/ni/ , provides information about how to apply for a visa, the steps you will need to take, the requirements, the form you will need to complete, and how to make an appointment. If you have a question about a visitor or tourist visa, you should contact the call center by calling 7877-7600 (Movistar) from Nicaragua or 703-745-5479 from the United States.  You can also send an email to [email protected] .

The United States welcomes foreign citizens who come to the United States to study.  Before applying for a visa, all student visa applicants are required to be accepted and approved by their school or program.  Once accepted, educational institutions will provide each applicant the necessary approval documentation to be submitted when applying for a student visa.

For more information about you may visit http://ustraveldocs.com/ni/ni-niv-typefandm.asp or http://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/study.html Other helpful links include:

  • https://educationusa.state.gov/
  • https://www.ice.gov/sevis/schools https://studyinthestates.dhs.gov/

The U.S. Department of State’s website offers information in English about the different types of employment visas available for working in the United States at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/employment.html.   The official website for visa information provides relevant information about work visas that require a petition: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ni/ni-niv-typework.asp

Detailed information on other frequently asked questions is available at https://www.ustraveldocs.com/ni/ni-gen-faq.asp

You can find information about immigrant visas at http://ustraveldocs.com/ni/ni-iv-visaapplyinfo.asp# and at https://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/immigrate.html .

If you have an inquiry about a pending immigrant visa case or questions about a new application for an immigrant or fiancé visa, please contact the National Visa Center at (603) 334-0700 or at [email protected] .  If your case has already been transferred to the U.S. Embassy in Managua, you can contact our call center by email at [email protected] or by calling 7877-7600 (Movistar) from Nicaragua.  From the United States, you can contact the call center at 703-745-5479.

The U.S. Embassy’s website has information about the various American citizen services that the Embassy provides, as well as important messages for U.S. citizens and general information about traveling and residing in Nicaragua.  Please visit our website at https://ni.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/

All U.S. Citizen services are by appointment only. To make your appointment, please visit https://evisaforms.state.gov/acs/default.asp?postcode=MNG&appcode=1 .

Questions? Please contact us at [email protected] .

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Please call: 2252-7104

Outside of Office Hours, contact: 2252-7100 or 8768-7100

Outside of Nicaragua: 011 505 2252-7104; 011 505 2252-7100; 011 505 8768-7100

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Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainian Citizens and Their Immediate Family Members

ALERT: Medical Attestation Requirements under Uniting for Ukraine

If you are a parolee under Uniting for Ukraine , you must complete your medical attestation requirements as a condition of your parole. The attestation needs to be completed in your USCIS online account .  

Effective Feb. 27, 2024, we will accept and consider, on a case-by-case basis, applications for certain Ukrainians and their immediate family members paroled into the United States under section 212(d)(5)(A) of the Immigration and Nationality Act. Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members may apply for re-parole by submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document , along with supporting documentation and the proper filing fee or fee waiver request . You can submit Form I-131 online or on paper by mail.  

To be eligible for re-parole under this process, you must demonstrate the following: 

That you are a Ukrainian citizen or immediate family member who was paroled into the United States on or after Feb. 11, 2022;

That there are continued urgent humanitarian reasons or significant public benefit for a new period of parole, as well as any additional factors;

That you warrant a favorable exercise of discretion;

That you are physically present in the United States;

That you have complied with the conditions of the initial parole; and

That you clear biographic and biometric background checks.

You can find your date of parole on your Form I-94, Arrival/Departure Record .

File Online. Create a USCIS Online Account if you do not already have one. Information about how to do so is available on our How to Create a USCIS Online Account webpage. (See also How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Ukrainian and How to Create a USCIS Online Account in Russian .) This will allow you to receive notifications related to the status of your filing. Even if you file by paper, you can add paper-filed cases to your account. As an applicant, click on “My Account” and then “Add a paper-filed case” in the drop-down menu. Enter your receipt number, and you can see your case status and history.

Reminder: Uniting for Ukraine parolees are required to attest to completion of all requirements including in their USCIS online account as a condition of their parole:

An attestation that you have completed vaccine requirements or are eligible for an exception to vaccine requirements for measles, polio, and the first dose of an FDA-approved or -authorized COVID-19 vaccine or a WHO-Emergency use listed (EUL) COVID-19 vaccine.

An attestation that you received a medical screening for tuberculosis, including an Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test, within 90 days

To apply for re-parole online under this process, you must submit the following:

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (completed and signed);

Select the option “I am outside the United States, and I am applying for an Advance Parole Document,” even though you are inside the United States and are applying for re-parole;

Select “Yes” to the question about applying for re-parole; and

If you are helping a minor file for re-parole, list the minor as the applicant; and

Submit required documentation and filing fee. Note: You cannot request a fee waiver if you are applying online. 

To apply for re-parole by paper, you must submit the following:

Form I-131, Application for Travel Document (completed and signed); 

Select item 1.e. in Part 2 to indicate that “I am outside of the United States, and I am applying for Advance Parole Document,” even though you are inside the United States and are applying for re-parole; and

Handwrite “Ukraine RE-PAROLE” at the top of the form; and

Submit required documentation and filing fee or fee waiver request.

Whether you are applying for re-parole online or by mail on paper, you will need to provide documentation to confirm your initial period of parole and identity, including your photo, name, and date of birth. Examples include:

Form I-94; 

A copy of your USCIS-issued Employment Authorization Document (EAD). Include copies of the front and back. It may be helpful to refer to your EAD when you are creating a USCIS online account to ensure consistency in your application;

A copy of both sides of your government-issued driver’s license or ID; and

A copy of the identity (biographical) page of your passport, with English translation and copies of all admission and parole stamps in your passport for entries into the United States.  Please note that children may be included in a parent’s Ukrainian passport; in such cases, the children’s information will not be on the identity page. 

If you submit any document containing foreign language to USCIS, you also must include a full English translation that the translator has certified as complete and accurate, as well as the translator’s certification that they are competent to translate from the foreign language into English. 

There is a filing fee to apply for re-parole under this process. Before you file, check for the most up-to-date filing fee by visiting the Form I-131 page.

If you are granted re-parole, you can apply for an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) as evidence of employment authorization for the duration of your new period of parole. To do so, submit Form I-765, Application for Employment Authorization , to USCIS. You may file Form I-765 either online or on paper, but we encourage you to apply through your USCIS online account. Do not file Form I-765 before you receive a Form I-131 re-parole approval notice. If you file Form I-765 before we grant re-parole, we may deny your Form I-765, and we will not refund any associated fees.

When you submit Form I-765 for a renewal EAD, you must include either the filing fee or a completed Form I-912, Request for Fee Waiver . If you are submitting a fee waiver request with Form I-765, you must file on paper by mail. You cannot apply online if you are submitting a fee waiver request. Parolees are encouraged to file Form I-765 as soon as we approve their re-parole application. 

Those parolees who are granted re-parole and whose most recent data of entry was on or before Sept. 30, 2023, will be able to show a new, unexpired Form I-94 with “UHP” class of admission and most recent date of entry of Sept. 30, 2023, or earlier as acceptable evidence of identity and employment authorization for a period of up to 90 days from the date of hire (or for reverification, when employment authorization expires). Within 90 days, the employee must present an unexpired EAD or unrestricted Social Security card and a List B identity document such as a state-issued driver’s license or identification card to meet the Form I-9 requirements.

You will need a Social Security number for employment, to collect Social Security benefits, and to receive other government services. If you did not complete Form I-765 and did not answer “Yes” to both Item Number 14 and Item Number 15 allowing USCIS to disclose your personal information on Form I-765, you will need to apply for a Social Security number and card using the instructions at the Social Security Administration’s  Request Social Security number for the first time  webpage. 

Frequently Asked Questions about the Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainian Citizens and Their Immediate Family Members  

In Senegal's capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents as migrants try to reach US

In Senegal's capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States

DAKAR, Senegal -- Gueva Ba tried to reach Europe by boat 11 times from Morocco, failing each attempt. Then, in 2023, the former welder heard about a new route to the United States by flying to Nicaragua and making the rest of the journey illegally by land to Mexico's northern border.

“In Senegal, it’s all over the streets — everyone’s talking about Nicaragua, Nicaragua, Nicaragua," said Ba, who paid about 6 million CFA francs ($10,000) to get to Nicaragua in July with stops in Morocco, Spain and El Salvador. “It’s not something hidden.”

Ba, 40, was deported from the U.S. with 131 compatriots in September after two months in detention, but thousands of other Senegalese have gained a foothold in America. Many turn to savvy travel agents who know the route — touted on social media by those who've successfully settled in the U.S.

They are part of a surge in migration to the United States that is extraordinary for its size and scope, with more people from far-flung countries accounting for crossings at the border. And as with this route used by the Senegalese, more are figuring out plans, making payments, and seeking help via social networks, and apps like WhatsApp and TikTok.

Arrests for illegal crossings on the U.S. border with Mexico reached record highs in December. January saw a drop for the month, but arrests have topped 6.4 million since January 2021. And Mexicans account for only about 1 of 4 arrests, with the others coming from more than 100 countries.

U.S. authorities arrested Senegalese migrants 20,231 times for crossing the border illegally from July to December. That's a 10-fold increase from 2,049 arrests during the same period of 2022, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Many cross in remote deserts of western Arizona, like Ba, and California.

Word of the Nicaragua route began spreading early last year in Dakar and took hold in May, said Abdoulaye Doucouré, who owns a travel agency that sold about 1,200 tickets from Dakar to Nicaragua in the last three months of 2023, for the equivalent of several thousand dollars each.

“People didn’t know about this route, but with social networks and the first migrants who took this route, the information quickly circulated among migrants,” he said.

Some are motivated by Senegal's political turmoil — authorities delayed February’s presidential elections by 10 months — but the sudden draw seemed to hinge largely on social media posts and the spread of the route there.

Spikes attributed to social media have occurred in other West African nations, whose people have historically turned first to Europe to flee. Mauritanians have arrived at the U.S. border with Mexico in similarly large numbers, and migrants from Ghana and Gambia have come, too.

Many are eventually released in the U.S. to pursue asylum in immigrant courts that are backlogged for years with more than 3 million cases.

Passports from many African countries carry little weight in the Western Hemisphere, making the journey by land to the United States difficult to even begin. Senegalese can fly visa-free to only two countries in the Americas: Nicaragua and Bolivia, according to The Henley Passport Index. Nicaragua is much closer than Bolivia and avoids the notoriously dangerous Darien Gap in Panama.

As U.S. sanctions against Nicaragua's repressive government have increased, the government of President Daniel Ortega has used migration to push back.

The Nicaraguan government went so far as to hire a Dubai-based firm to train Nicaraguan civil aviation to manage national immigration procedures for charter flight passengers. More than 500 charter flights landed from June to November, mostly from Haiti and Cuba, according to Manuel Orozco, director of the migration, remittances and development program at the Inter-American Dialogue.

But migrants from farther afield, like Ba, also made their way to Nicaragua on a series of connecting commercial flights from Africa. In African capitals, migrants typically buy multileg tickets from travel agents connecting through Istanbul or Madrid, followed by stops in Bogota, Colombia, or San Salvador, El Salvador, before ultimately arriving in Managua, Nicaragua. From there, they meet smugglers offering to take them to the Honduran border, or arrange the trip all the way to the U.S.

The U.S. State Department has called on Nicaragua to “play a responsible role” in managing hemispheric migration, but that has yet to be seen. Nicaraguan first lady and Vice President Rosario Murillo did not respond to a request for comment on the surge in extra-continental migration through her country.

In October, El Salvador began charging $1,130 for citizens of 57 largely African countries and India transiting the country’s airport. Authorities said most of those charged were on their way to Nicaragua aboard Avianca, a Colombian commercial carrier.

El Salvador’s fee caused airfares from Dakar to rise toward the end of 2023, said Serigne Faye, an agent at the Touba Express travel agency in Senegal’s capital. Some passengers instead fly through Bogota. Stopovers in Turkey are the most expensive.

While most asylum claims fail, the immigration court backlog means that people can remain in the U.S. for years, with eligibility for work permits. The asylum grant rate for Senegalese was 26% in the U.S. government’s budget year ended Sept. 30, compared with 14% for all nationalities, according to Justice Department figures.

Ousmane Anne, 34, left Senegal on Sept. 25 with a plane ticket to Nicaragua, purchased from a travel agency. His journey took a month — longer and costlier than anticipated. Mexico was treacherous, he said, describing his traveling group as frequently harassed, threatened and robbed by gangs.

Despite the enthusiasm back home, he said, he'd be hard-pressed to recommend the trip to anyone who doesn't understand the risks. But he made it to New York, which has the largest Senegalese population of any U.S. metropolitan area, according to census data.

“I knew it would not be very easy to come here to the States, but the hope that I had was higher than all the obstacles and problems,” Anne said. “I knew the opportunities would be greater here.”

He recently attended a forum in Harlem, hosted by the Senegalese Association of America. He learned basics of U.S. law, heard some do’s and don’ts from police officers about the e-bikes and mopeds that are popular with migrants, and got tips on navigating the health care system.

Even if he came away with more questions than answers, Anne said, he remains hopeful.

This story corrects the spelling of Colombia.

Associated Press writers Philip Marcelo in New York, Elliot Spagat in San Diego, and Christopher Sherman and Maria Verza in Mexico City contributed.

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  1. Nicaragua International Travel Information

    Reissued with updates to information on arbitrary enforcement of laws. Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and limited healthcare availability.Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime.. Country Summary: Throughout Nicaragua, government and law enforcement officials continue to target individuals and organizations seen ...

  2. ALERT: Updated Entry Requirements for Nicaragua

    Please follow the links or call the numbers below for consular assistance. Contact the S. Embassy in Managua, located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua, by calling +505-2252-7104, 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and 7:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Fridays. The American Citizen Services unit is also available by email during regular ...

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    Restaurants in Nicaragua are open. Bars in Nicaragua are . Find continuously updated travel restrictions for Nicaragua such as border, vaccination, COVID-19 testing, and quarantine requirements.

  4. What you should know to travel to Nicaragua?

    WHAT'S NEW ON NICARAGUA ENTRY PROTOCOLS. As of July 21, 2023, it is no longer necessary to present a COVID-19 vaccination card or negative PCR test to enter Nicaragua through any of its borders. The Government of Nicaragua has waived these requirements, allowing visitors to enter the country with no restriction so ever related to the pandemic.

  5. Nicaragua Entry Requirements for Covid End

    To give you an idea of how late Nicaragua is to the party, here is when each country ended their own Covid entry requirements: 1. El Salvador (November 2021) 2. Costa Rica (April 2022) 3. Belize (July 2022) 4. Guatemala (August 2022) 5. Panama (September 2022) 6. Honduras (March 2023) 7. Nicaragua (July 2023)

  6. Travel to Nicaragua: what you need to know

    The United States has issued a level 3 'Reconsider travel' advisory on Nicaragua due to the 'civil unrest, limited healthcare availability and arbitrary enforcement of laws'. Both the UK and Canada have issued 'exercise a high degree of caution' travel advisories. Commercial airlines still fly to the country.

  7. Entry requirements

    Passport validity requirements. To enter Nicaragua, your passport must have an 'expiry date' at least 6 months after the date you arrive. Check with your travel provider that your passport and ...

  8. Entry Requirements & Customs in Nicaragua

    Entry Requirements. Citizens of the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and the European Union require just a passport to enter Nicaragua and may stay for up to 90 days. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the date of entry. Visas can be extended at the Office of Immigration in Managua for $12 a month.

  9. Travel advice and advisories for Nicaragua

    Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country's entry rules. Regular Canadian passport. Your passport must be valid at least 6 months beyond the date you expect to leave Nicaragua. Passport for official travel. Different entry rules ...

  10. Nicaragua travel advice

    FCDO travel advice for Nicaragua. Includes safety and security, insurance, entry requirements and legal differences.

  11. Nicaragua COVID Requirements: Everything To Know for Entry

    COVID Testing Options for Nicaragua Requirements. With the average PCR test turnaround time being 1-2 days, this might feel like a stressful travel requirement. The good news is, there are a few options if you don't feel comfortable leaving your COVID test up to fate. ... In the COVID travel age, many private companies have popped up offering ...

  12. Nicaragua Entry Requirements

    All nations that could enter Nicaragua before covid are once again permitted to enter under regular visa requirements. Most nations visiting Nicaragua do not need to apply for a visa beforehand, as 92 countries can visit visa-free for 90 days, and another 73 countries are eligible for a visa-on-arrival. Visa-free countries include: USA, Canada ...

  13. Nicaragua

    If your travel plans in Nicaragua include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip. Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe. Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first ...

  14. COVID-19 travel restrictions: Nicaragua

    Travel documents if I am fully vaccinated. A certificate confirming your vaccination status. A negative PCR test result obtained no more than 72 hours before arriving in Nicaragua. Please be aware that any COVID-19 test results should be sent electronically to the airline prior to the date of travel.

  15. Traveling in Nicaragua

    Customs Regulations: Nicaragua. Nicaraguan customs regulations often change without notice. For specific Nicaraguan customs issues, please check with your tourist agency or a Nicaraguan Consulate or Embassy near you. Nicaraguan Visas, Entry/Exit Stamps, and other Immigration Requirements. Nicaraguan Government Travel Website.

  16. Travel Preparation Hub

    Travel requirements are subject to change at any time and without prior notice due to ever-changing government regulations and restrictions. We recommend you to check your travel requirements periodically to be aware of any changes or new requirements that may impact your trip. ... Travel Requirements for Nicaragua July 24, 2023 at 11:11 AM ...

  17. Essential Travel Documents for Nicaragua: Your Must-Have Checklist

    To travel to Nicaragua, you will need a valid passport with at least six months of validity beyond your planned departure date. Depending on your country of origin, you may also need a visa. It's recommended to refer to the official immigration website of Nicaragua or consult your local Nicaraguan embassy for the latest entry requirements.

  18. List of Nicaragua Entry Requirements

    The requirements are: Birth Certificate, Passport with at least 6 months of validity, Notarized Permission previously authorized and signed by the parents of the minor before a lawyer, Photocopy of the identity of the parents. Nicaraguans over 18 years of age do not require an exit visa. If the passenger is of foreign nationality and has ...

  19. Nicaragua Entry Requirements

    Sufficient funds and an onward or return ticket are required for a visit to Nicaragua. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens, but they must purchase a tourist card for USD $10. Tourist cards are typically issued for up to 90 days. A valid entry stamp is required to exit Nicaragua. Pay attention to the authorized stay that will be written ...

  20. Sherpa

    Sherpa - Move Freely is a webpage that helps you find out the latest travel restrictions and requirements for any destination in the world. You can enter your nationality and travel plans, and get personalized information on visas, health declarations, quarantine measures, and more. Sherpa - Move Freely is your one-stop source for hassle-free travel during the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.

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  22. In Senegal's Capital, Nicaragua Is a Hot Ticket Among Travel Agents as

    Word of the Nicaragua route began spreading early last year in Dakar and took hold in May, said Abdoulaye Doucouré, who owns a travel agency that sold about 1,200 tickets from Dakar to Nicaragua ...

  23. Homepage

    Outside of Nicaragua: 011 505 2252-7104; 011 505 2252-7100; 011 505 8768-7100 Emergency Contact - All Locations Get Travel Alerts International Parental Child Abduction Arrest of a U.S. Citizen Death of a U.S. Citizen Victims of Crime Emergency Financial Assistance

  24. Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents in Senegal's capital

    In Senegal's capital, Nicaragua is a hot ticket among travel agents serving people who want to live in the United States. Many migrants take various flights to eventually arrive there legally and then journey illegally by land to the U.S. border with Mexico. The sudden draw of the United States seems driven in large part by social media posts ...

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  27. Re-Parole Process for Certain Ukrainian Citizens and Their ...

    Ukrainian citizens and their immediate family members may apply for re-parole by submitting Form I-131, Application for Travel Document, along with supporting documentation and the proper filing fee or fee waiver request. You can submit Form I-131 online or on paper by mail.

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    Retention Date: May 23, 2024 A. Purpose This Emergency Message (EM) provides technicians with instructions for processing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) claims for nationals of Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela who are paroled into the United States (U.S.) under the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) new streamlined admittance process.