Passport/Visa | Passport Required? | Visa Required? | Return Ticket Required? |
| British | Yes | No/2 | Yes |
| Australian | Yes | No/2 | Yes |
| Canadian | Yes | No/2 | Yes |
| USA | Yes/1 | No/2 | Yes |
| Other EU | Yes | No/2 | Yes |
Passport NoteNicaragua is party
to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, tourists may travel within any of the CA-4 countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua) for a period of up to 90 days, without completing entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry into any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travelers who exceed this 90-day limit, although a 30-day extension can be made before the 90 days limit expires.
PassportsPassport valid for at least six months from the date of arrival required by all nationals referred to in the chart above except:
1. nationals of the USA who only require a valid passport on arrival.
VisasNot required by nationals referred to in the chart above.
Note: 2. All nationals referred to in the chart above can obtain a
Tourist Card on arrival for approximately US$5 for tourist stays of up to 90 days provided they are holding valid travel documents and, in the case of business travelers, a letter from their employer and/or company in Nicaragua.
Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see
General Info).
WarningHurricane Felix made landfall on the northern tip of Nicaragua on 4 September 2007. There are reports that electric power in the north of the country has been affected and some phone lines are down, making communications difficult. Exercise caution if traveling in the affected areas. Visitors should monitor local weather conditions and the National Hurricane Center for updates.
Travelers are advised to journey with caution in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) due to the remoteness of this area. There have been occasional incidents of violent crime in Bonanza, La Rosita, Siuna and Little Corn Island. It is not recommended to walk alone after dark.
Managua is prone to strikes and demonstrations. Visitors should avoid all public gatherings or demonstrations, which have occasionally turned violent and should also be aware that road blocks may occur on main roads during strikes, affecting access to and from the airport.
Dengue Fever is endemic to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007, there has been an increase in the number of reported cases of dengue. Malaria is also endemic to Nicaragua while there are occasional cases of cholera and leptospirosis.
In October 2007, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health confirmed over 1,500 cases of leptospirosis which has left 9 people dead to date. The departments of Chinandega and Leon are the worse affected. Brigades from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, Armed Forces and other government institutions have been attending victims in the affected areas and working to prevent further spread of the infection.
Visitors should carry a photocopy of the personal details page from their passport at all times for identification purposes. Road safety is also an issue.
It is advised not to hike without an experienced guide on volcanoes or in remote areas.
The hurricane season in Nicaragua normally runs from June to November.
The threat from terrorism is low but travelers should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:
British Foreign and Commonwealth Office Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website:
www.fco.gov.uk US Department of State Website:
http://travel.state.gov/travel Health | Special Precautions | Certificate Required? |
| Diphtheria | Sometimes | |
| Hepatitis A | Yes | |
| Malaria | Sometimes | |
| Rabies | Sometimes | |
| Tetanus | Yes | |
| Typhoid | Yes | |
| Yellow Fever | No* | |
Health CareEach department of Nicaragua has a public hospital. These do not charge for emergency services, but do charge for supplies and medicines. There is an extensive network of health posts and health centers in rural areas, but their resources can be limited. There are several private hospitals/clinics in Managua. Many doctors and hospitals require payment in cash before treatment, although some private hospitals may accept credit cards. International travelers are strongly advised to take out full medical insurance before departure.
Note* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers over one year of age arriving from an infected area.
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