Preparing For A Trip To Nicaragua?

Visa Information / Entry requirements – Nicaragua

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Nicaragua set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Nicaragua’s entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

You should also consider checking with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Entry rules in response to coronavirus (COVID-19)

Entry to Nicaragua

There is currently a requirement to have a “negative COVID-19 RT-PCR Test” certificate or a Full Vaccination Certificate to enter Nicaragua. If entering by air you should check with your airline that they are satisfied that you meet these requirements. You should not use the NHS testing service to get a test in order to facilitate your travel to another country. You should arrange to take a private test.

Regular entry requirements

Visas

British nationals can visit Nicaragua for up to 3 months without a visa. You may be refused entry if you do not have an onward ticket out of Nicaragua.

There have been changes to the policy on entry at the Nicaraguan border, affecting some visitors to Nicaragua. For further information, you should check with your travel company or the Nicaraguan immigration authorities, either via their website (in Spanish) or by contacting your nearest Nicaraguan embassy.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry in Nicaragua.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Nicaragua. If you are using an ETD to enter Nicaragua, it should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Nicaragua.

Travelling with Children

Minors who hold single or dual Nicaraguan Nationality may require specific documentation to leave the country with one parent or a third party. Seek advice from the Nicaraguan migration authorities.

Arrival and departure tax

There is a US$10 arrival tax, which should be paid in cash. There is also a US$35 departure tax, which is normally included in the price of your air ticket. If in doubt, check with your airline.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Central America Border Control Agreement

Nicaragua is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists can travel within any of the CA-4 countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) for a period of up to 90 days which starts at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. They will be subject to immigration checks at the border (which does not interrupt or restart the 90 day count). Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90 day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.

Tourism Health Information – Nicaragua

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you are abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the Embassy, High Commission or Consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

Weather & When To Go – Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s ‘summer’ is known as the dry season which runs from December through to April, and the rainy season runs from June through October. Whereas May and November are ‘shoulder’ periods as one season evolves into the other from dry to rainy or rainy to dry.

Tropical in the lowlands, cooler in the highlands. Temperatures vary from 81-90°F (27-32°C) during the rainy season from May to October, and from 86-95°F (30-35°C) during the dry season from November to April. The climate in the western region of the country between the lakes and the Pacific Ocean is dry and has little precipitation. The eastern part is hot, humid and rainy.

Rainy season sees tropical rain where you get downpours for an hour or so most days, then it clears up refreshed. Often the rain can come at same time each day which could be at night time or evening – so Nicaragua still sees plenty of visitors in the UK and European and USA summer holiday period of July and August.