Travel Vaccines and Advice for Nicaragua
Nicaragua is often referred to as “the land of lakes and volcanoes” because of its chain of volcanoes. that runs from the north to the south along the country’s Pacific side and the high number of lakes. The biological diversity and warm tropical climate make Nicaragua a popular tourist destination. With misty volcanoes, gorgeous seasides, and dense rainforests, Nicaragua has much to offer.
You can fill your trip with a variety of outdoor activities including hiking, kayaking, swimming and zip lining. If you want a more laid back holiday, you can go to the Corn Islands for some nightlife and lying out on the seaside.
Want to see some incredible wildlife? Take a boat into the Indio Maiz Biological Reserve, the largest area of untouched rainforest north of the Amazon. Check out León or Granada for colonial architecture and local attractions. Have a cup of Nicaraguan coffee and enjoy the scenery whilst you’re soaking up the country’s culture and history.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Nicaragua?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Nicaragua?
What is the Climate Like in Nicaragua?
How Safe is Nicaragua?
Zip Line over Mombacho Volcano
What Should I Take To Nicaragua?
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Nicaragua
Do I Need Vaccines for Nicaragua?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Nicaragua. The National Travel Health Network and Centre and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Nicaragua: COVID-19, hepatitis A, typhoid, rabies and tetanus.
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunisations:
- COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for all travellers - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. - Tetanus –
Wounds or Breaks in Skin –
Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. - Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Recommended for travellers
to most regions. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals.
See the tables below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Nicaragua |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for all travellers |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers to the region, especially if unvaccinated. |
| Tetanus | Wounds or Breaks in Skin | Recommended for travelers to most regions, especially if not previously vaccinated. |
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-stay travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
If you are visiting low-altitude areas malaria can be a risk. Consider getting an antimalarial medication from your local Passport Health travel health specialist.
Zika virus is present in Nicaragua. Women who or pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid travel to the region. Dengue, another mosquito-borne disease, is also present in the country. Take extra precautions including bringing mosquito repellents and using bed netting.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Nicaragua?
No visa is required for stays under three months in Nicaragua. Passport validity must be for at least six months to be allowed entry.
The country has set arrival and departure taxes. On arrival, $10 USD must be paid in cash. The $35 USD departure tax is usually included in the cost of tickets.
Nicaragua Entry Requirements |
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| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Nicaragua? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | ||
Sources: Embassy of Nicaragua and GOV.UK
What is the Climate Like in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is divided into three areas: Pacific lowlands, highlands, and Caribbean lowlands. Each of these areas has a different climate with the differences in elevation. Here’s what the climate is like in a few of the major cities in Nicaragua:
- Managua – The capital has a tropical climate with constant temperatures between 27 to 32 degrees. Between November and April there is a dry season. Most rainfall occurs between May and October. Temperatures reach their highest in the dry season.
- León – January to March there are dry periods and from April to December there is a rainy season. December is the wettest month and on average the temperature is high, between 27 and 32 degrees. The warmest month of the year tends to be April, pack for the heat.
- San Juan del Sur – This popular destination has a tropical savanna climate. Temperature average between 21 and 27 degrees. With its elevation, there is rarely a change with seasons during the year.
How Safe is Nicaragua?
There is no travel warning listed for Nicaragua. But, there is a high violent crime rate. Exercise caution whilst travelling.
Nicaragua’s government is authoritarian; it limits freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. Demonstrations happen throughout the country and many have turned violent in the past. For safety, try to avoid large gatherings and potential demonstrations.
Violent crimes such as vehicle burglaries, armed robberies, and pick-pocketing are not uncommon. Crime rates are high in the cities with street crime being common in Puerto Cabezas and Bluefields. Outside of the major cities police presence is limited. Be careful when venturing outside of popular tourist and urban areas.
Know the local laws of where you’re travelling. Keep your documents on hand, and have embassy information with you in case of emergencies.
Zip Line Over Mombacho Volcano
Looking for a great way to see the beautiful landscape of Nicaragua and have an adventure as well? Explore a breathtaking view of the tropical forest whilst taking a zip line tour over the Mombacho Volcano. The volcano is known for the mystical cloud forest that occupies much of the its sides and top. Your ride up guarantees gorgeous views of dense forest and agricultural areas.
There are four craters to tour and there are plenty of hiking tours that happen daily. All the craters have cloud forests. Take full advantage of your time on the volcano. You’ll even have the chance to see howler and white face monkeys.
What Should I Take To Nicaragua?
Your clothing will definitely depend on the time of year you visit. Depending on the region you visit you may have a very hot temperature or a cooler one. Here are a few essentials you should bring with you when you travel to Nicaragua:
- Umbrella/Raincoat – If you’re travelling to Nicaragua during the wet season, pack a small umbrella or a raincoat.
- Lightweight Clothing – The temperature averages are relatively high in Nicaragua year round. Having lightweight, breathable clothing will keep you cool in the heat. Ensure you include long trousers in your luggage. Shorts are seldom worn by adults except in more relaxed areas such as at the seaside or in your home. If you’re going to tour churches be sure your clothing is modest.
- Sun Cream – Nicaragua is along the equator, making it very hot and sunny a majority of the time. Take precautions and pack a sun cream with a high SPF.
Embassy of the United Kingdom in Nicaragua
If you are in Nicaragua and have an emergency (for example, been attacked, arrested or someone has died) contact the nearest consular services. Contact the embassy before arrival if you have additional questions on entry requirements, safety concerns or are in need of assistance.
While there is no consulate or embassy in Nicaragua, it is served by the British embassy in Costa Rica:
British Embassy in San Jose
Edificio Centro Colón,
Paseo Colón and Streets 38 and 40
San Jose
Apartado 815 – 1007
San Jose
Costa Rica
Telephone: (506) 2258-2025
Emergency Phone: +506 2258 2025
Fax: (506) 2233 9938
Contact Form: Click Here
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