Is Nicaragua Open for Tourists? – Latest Travel Restrictions

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Nicaragua is pretty unique in that it never fully closed its borders. Airports simply closed and airlines canceled flights, so there was no way of entering the country. However, like in many other countries that are open for tourism, in September and October 2020, several airlines resumed service to Nicaragua, so now tourists from any country can visit.

The main entry requirement for all travelers is that they must be able to present a certificate for a negative RT-PCR COVID test result from within 72 hours of arrival in Nicaragua. There is no requirement for international tourists to quarantine.

Can I travel to Nicaragua right now?

Travelers from any country can currently visit Nicaragua. Below is a map of all the countries that can visit Nicaragua right now.

Nicaragua - EN

Nicaragua COVID-19 travel restrictions and entry requirements

Nicaragua’s entry requirements are very straightforward and apply to travelers from all countries.

All travelers must present a certificate for a negative RT-PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Nicaragua.

Is PCR testing mandatory to travel to Nicaragua?

Yes, a RT-PCR COVID test is mandatory for all travelers to Nicaragua. Travelers must present a certificate upon arrival for a negative RT-PCR COVID test result that was obtained within 72 hours of arrival in Nicaragua. If you do not have this certificate, you may not be allowed to board your flight.

Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to enter Nicaragua?

Is there a mandatory quarantine upon arrival in Nicaragua?

No, there is no mandatory quarantine for any travelers upon arrival in Nicaragua.

Is travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage mandatory to enter Nicaragua?

No, you do not need travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage to enter Nicaragua, but it’s unwise to travel without it if you want to be safe and secure on your trip.

If you’re looking for great travel insurance with COVID-19 coverage for your trip to Nicaragua, look no further than Heymondo. They are the best travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage, since they include COVID-19 testing and treatment abroad. You can even get a 5% discount on their policies just for being our reader.

COVID-19 vaccine to travel toNicaragua

Although COVID-19 vaccine distribution has begun in most countries around the world, the Nicaraguan government has not yet confirmed whether it will be mandatory to present a proof of vaccine record (POVR) or an international certificate of vaccination or prophylaxis (ICVP) to enter Nicaragua.

If you’re going to get the COVID-19 vaccine before traveling to Nicaragua, I recommend taking a copy of a vaccination record or certificate with you in case Nicaragua changes its entry requirements.

Other travel restrictions for Nicaragua during COVID-19

Nicaragua has implemented a few other regulations for travelers:

• All travelers may be subject to a health screening upon arrival.
• Face masks should be worn in public areas.
• Social distancing must be observed.
• Depending on your nationality, you may need a tourist visa to enter Nicaragua. Check if you need one below.

What’s open in Nicaragua

Since Nicaragua never fully closed its borders, hotels, attractions, and restaurants never fully closed either. Airports were closed at one point, but they have since reopened, although only a few airlines are currently operating international flights.

Hotels and accommodations that are open in Nicaragua

There’s definitely no need to wonder if you’ll find a great place to stay when you visit Nicaragua. Hotels and accommodations are open, but they have implemented additional health and safety protocols to help keep everyone safe and healthy.

Hotels and accommodations that are open in Nicaragua

Nicaragua has implemented a Safe Travels program. Businesses that have received the Safe Travels stamp must comply with biosecurity protocols and can be trusted to be hygienic and safe. More on the Safe Travels stamp can be found here (in Spanish). A list of businesses that have received the Safe Travels stamp can be found here (in Spanish).

Guests should use masks at all times while they are staying at their accommodation. They should also keep a distance of 1.5 meters away from others who are not in their family group. Staff will inform guests of the accommodation’s regulations when they make their reservations and when they check-in. All accommodations, especially common areas, will be cleaned and disinfected frequently.

Some of the best resorts that are now open in Nicaragua are:

• Barceló Montelimar All Inclusive
• Hotel Globales Camino Real Managua
• Totoco Eco-lodge (Ometepe Island)
• Little Corn Island Beach and Bungalow
• Buddha Roc Beach Resort (San Juan del Sur)

More information on hotel and accommodation regulations can be found here (in Spanish only).

Attractions that are open in Nicaragua

Whether you want to take a tour, hike in a nature reserve, or go diving, you’ll find plenty to do in Nicaragua because many attractions and tours are open.

If you’re visiting an attraction, you should wear a mask at all times and keep a distance of 1.5 meters from others who are not in your family group. You should also wash and/or disinfect your hands frequently.

Tour sizes will be restricted to 10 people, so it’s definitely a good idea to book in advance. The tour guide will tell you about any health and safety measures at the beginning of the tour. You will also have your temperature checked before the tour starts.

Some of the best tours that are running in Nicaragua right now are:

• Masaya volcano night tour
• Mombacho volcano nature reserve
• Omepete island from Granada
• Cerro Negro volcano hike

Tours and attractions can also be Safe Travel certified. A list of Safe Travel certified attractions and tours is available here (in Spanish).

More information on regulations for tours and attractions can be found here and here (in Spanish only).

Restaurants and bars that are open in Nicaragua

Nicaragua’s restaurants are open, so be prepared to eat lots of delicious food. Bars are open too, so you can even enjoy a drink and some nightlife.

Restaurants and bars that are open in Nicaragua

Clients should wear masks at bars and restaurants except when they are seated and eating/drinking. Hand sanitizer is available at the cash register for clients to use. Tables are placed 1.5 meters apart so as to ensure proper distancing. Large groups will not be allowed. Common areas are cleaned frequently, and tables and chairs are disinfected after every use.

At bars, chairs are placed 1.5 meters apart. Finger foods will not be served.

The Safe Travels stamp can also be earned by restaurants. A list of Safe Travel-approved restaurants can be found here.

More information on restaurant and bar regulations can be found here and here (in Spanish only).

Airports that are open in Nicaragua

Nicaragua has a few international airports, but the biggest and the busiest is Augusto C. Sandino International Airport. It is currently open and is where most international travelers will arrive.

While many commercial airlines, such as Delta, United, AeroMexico, and American Airlines, have suspended their service to Nicaragua, Avianca is operating flights to Nicaragua. Copa Airlines is also operating flights to Nicaragua, since it resumed service in January 2021.

Travelers at all airports should wear face masks, social distance, and clean/disinfect their hands frequently. They may also be subject to health screenings.

Where to get a PCR test in Nicaragua – COVID-19 TEsting in Nicaragua

Your country may require you to take a PCR test in order to fly back home. If you need to get a PCR test in Nicaragua, you can find information on testing here.

Nicaragua reopening its borders to tourists – F.A.Q.

Check out these FAQs related to Nicaragua reopening for tourists and let us know if you have any other questions in the comments below.

Sources

We will update this guide on Nicaragua reopening to tourism with any new developments. If you need more information on travel to Nicaragua, you can check these official sources:

• US Embassy Updates on COVID-19 in Nicaragua
• CDC Travel Recommendations for Nicaragua
• General Nicaragua Travel Advisory
• Nicaraguan Ministry of Health Website in Spanish
• Nicaraguan Airport Website in Spanish
• Regulations for Hotels and Accommodations in Spanish
• Regulations for Transportation and Renting a Car in Spanish
• Regulations for Restaurants in Spanish
• General COVID-19 Regulations for Nicaragua in Spanish
• Regulations for Tours in Spanish
• Information on the Safe Travels Stamp in Spanish
• List of Businesses with the Safe Travels Stamp