What you should know to travel to Nicaragua? (2024)

FAQs

What you should know to travel to 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.

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.

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.

(Please be aware that your luggage may be hand checked, you may not bring plants, seeds, vegetables or fruits into Nicaragua). 4. After customs you will see a glass door on your left hand side. Pass through this door and your driver will be waiting for you with a sign with your name on it.

Before traveling to Nicaragua, it is important to know that the official currency is the córdoba (NIO). It is advisable to take US dollars with you, as they are widely accepted in stores and restaurants.

The United States remains Nicaragua's top economic partner, buying 50 percent of Nicaraguan exports and supplying 27 percent of its imports, and sending 67 percent of its remittances. Total (two-way) goods trade between the two countries was $6.8 billion in 2021.

Crime hot spots in Nicaragua

Most crime occurs in the capital Managua, and typically in certain hot-spots. Pickpocketing is common at bus stations, on crowded buses, and in the markets – especially the Oriental, Huembes, and Mayoreo Markets.

Violent Crime. Nicaragua has the lowest violent crime rate in Central America with far less violent crime than the more popular tourist destinations of Costa Rica, Belize, Panama, Mexico, or Guatemala*. In fact, Nicaragua has a violent crime rate considerably lower than the average in urban areas of the USA**.

It is better to avoid drinking tap water in Nicaragua as it can cause diarrhoea. Bottled water is readily available and is recommended. Alternatively tap water can be drunk if it has been boiled or purified with purification tablets.

What not to wear in Nicaragua? ›

Rule of thumb – avoid short, shorts (men and women) and skimpy tops or dresses, especially if visiting churches. Save your skimpy gear for Nicaragua's beach towns and islands such as San Juan Del Sur or the Corn Islands which are very relaxed.

Jeans, sneakers, and t-shirts are more common than backless dresses and beachy wedges (which might not do so well on the cobblestone streets of Calle La Calzada). Long skirts are popular with Nicaraguan women. Men might wear tank tops, but typically opt for pants. Keep in mind: Casual doesn't mean sloppy.

Courses or boosters usually advised: Hepatitis A. Other vaccines to consider: Rabies; Tetanus; Typhoid. Selectively advised vaccines - only for those individuals at highest risk: Hepatitis B.

Although the water quality in urban areas is adequate for drinking, we do recommend bottled or filtered water. Tap water might cause traveler's diarrhea. In order to consider the environment we recommend to buy a bottle and refill it with filtered water.

Country Entry Requirement*

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

Spanish is spoken almost everywhere in Nicaragua, except for some areas on the country's Atlantic Coast (actually the Caribbean coast), which was colonized by the British. Creole English is spoken there, as well as some indigenous languages that are in danger of extinction.