Why choose Nicaragua as your travel destination in 2024? As the tourism world reawakened last year, Nicaragua emerged as an alluring heaven, captivating the hearts of wanderlust-filled souls. Nestled between the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea, Nicaragua offers a captivating blend of pristine beaches, lush rainforests, and charming colonial towns. Before you set out on your Nicaraguan adventure, there are essential considerations to ensure a seamless and enjoyable trip. From safety tips to visa requirements and health precautions, this guide will equip you with the knowledge you need to make the most of your visit.

Recent Changes in COVID Restrictions

The Nicaraguan government has made significant changes to its entry policies regarding COVID-19. Effective July 2023, the previous mandates for travellers to present a vaccination card and a negative PCR test are no longer obligatory to enter the country. Consequently, visitors are not obligated to demonstrate their vaccination status to enter Nicaragua. Additionally, the requirement for a negative PCR test has been lifted, making it unnecessary for travellers to undergo testing before their trip.

Most Up-to-date Requirements About Flying to Nicaragua

Travelers can fly directly to the Augusto C. Sandino airport in the capital city of Managua, Nicaragua. This airport serves as the primary gateway for travellers entering the country. It offers a range of international flights from various destinations, making it a convenient choice for many travellers. Once you arrive at Managua Airport, you can easily access transportation to other parts of the country, such as Playa Colorados, Granada, León, and San Juan del Sur. Big airlines like Avianca, Copa Airlines, American Airlines, Spirit Airlines, United, Delta, and Aeromexico fly there.

Entry Requirements After Landing at Managua

When travellers arrive in Managua, there's a quick and straightforward process to go through at customs. To enter Nicaragua, every traveller needs a travel visa that costs $10 which you pay on arrival. Make sure to have some cash with you, like US dollars or Nicaraguan Cordobas, because you can't use a credit card for this. The visa is suitable for 90 days, but if you plan to stay longer, you will have to request more time through the immigration office in Managua. Your stay period can be extended up to 6 months. If this is something you are considering, the team at Surflink can help you with long-term accommodations at Hacienda Iguana in Playa Colorados.

Keep your travel details ready because the customs people will ask where you're going in Nicaragua and for a phone number to reach you. If you have expensive cameras or electronics, keep them out of their fancy boxes. The customs might notice and might charge taxes as it can be considered an importation item. Once you're done with customs, taxi drivers are ready to take you where you're going. The beautiful beaches of Costa Esmeralda are about 2.5 hours from the Augusto C. Sandino airport. HOT TIP: If you are staying with Surflink, the driver will be waiting for you at the airport, so one less thing to worry about. You can book it at the time you reserve your surf accommodation in Hacienda Iguana.

Travel to Nicaragua by Land

Suppose you're travelling to Nicaragua from Costa Rica by land through the Peñas Blancas border, which is in the north of Costa Rica. In that case, the requirements are pretty similar to entering Nicaragua directly. But the process is a bit different. Usually, people first fly to Liberia, a city in the north of Costa Rica, which is about a little more than an hour away from the border. There are direct flights to Liberia from most major cities in the US, making it a much-loved way to travel to Nicaragua.

Like Nicaragua, Costa Rica has become more relaxed about its COVID rules. By April 2022, you no longer needed previously mandatory travel insurance, proof of vaccination, or a negative COVID test to get into Costa Rica. However, you need to show that you're planning to leave Costa Rica, which can be proven by having a bus or a return plane ticket. In fact, you will often be asked for onward travel at check-in before you board your flight to Costa Rica. The border is open from 6 in the morning until midnight from Monday to Saturday and from 6 in the morning until 8 in the evening on Sunday.

Entry Requirements After Landing in Liberia

After you land in Liberia, Costa Rica, you'll find plenty of taxi drivers who can take you to the border. The ride usually costs around $80.00 to $90.00, but it might change based on your vehicle type. This will only take you to the border, so once you are in Nicaragua, you will need to get another taxi based on your final destination. The easiest and most convenient way is to book a taxi to pick you up before your arrival. When you are staying with Surflink at Hacienda Iguana, you can request transportation from Liberia which will include transport to the border as well as a trusted driver waiting for you on the Nicaraguan side. The cost is $150 for a sedan (up to 3 people) or $220 for a van (up to 8 people). The beauty is that you will not have to navigate the border crossing yourself and feel at ease, especially if it is your first trip to the land of volcanoes. The drive to the Costa Rican - Nicaraguan border is smooth and takes a little over an hour. It's best to get there in the morning or late at night because it gets busier in the afternoons and can be very hot in the middle of the day.

If you are coming straight from the airport, you do not need to pay the exit fee and can proceed directly to the passport control/immigration office. If you were staying in Costa Rica beforehand, you must pay a $10.00 exit fee when you reach the Costa Rican border. Look for a small office on the right side of the border. You can pay this fee in either Colones or USD. After paying the exit fee, go to the immigration office. Customs officers will request your passport, exit fee receipt, and depending on how they are feeling that day - a proof that you plan to leave Nicaragua. Onward plane or bus ticket will be sufficient. Make sure to have these documents ready to avoid any issues. If it's not too crowded, clearing Costa Rican customs usually takes about 15-20 minutes.

After you finish Costa Rican customs, you'll walk about 200 meters to the Nicaraguan customs office. If you have a lot of luggage or are tired, you can pay a small fee for a tricycle ride to the other side. Nicaraguan officers will stop you during your walk to check your passport and ensure you've followed all the exit requirements from the Costa Rican side. You will then be directed to the Nicaraguan Immigration Office where you will need to pay $1 for a tourist form and $10 for an entry visa. In the same way, as when you are flying into Managua, you will need to pay this in cash in Cordobas or US dollars.

The luggage scanners will check your bags and you will officially be in Nicaragua. If you booked private transportation, the driver will meet you at the Nicaraguan customs office and help you with your luggage.

In summary, whether you're planning to reach Nicaragua by air through Managua or opt for the land route via Liberia, this guide should provide you with up-to-date information on the travel requirements for each option. As you prepare for your trip, figure out when is the best time to travel to Nicaragua depending on the activities you want to do. Remember to stay informed about any updates or changes in travel guidelines.