Nicaragua Travel Information

Due to coronavirus, other countries in the region have introduced extensive entry restrictions for travelers from European countries. Travelers are requested to be prepared so that entry restrictions can be introduced with little or no warning. For more information about coronavirus, see the section on Health. According to Abbreviationfinder, NIC stands for Nicaragua in geography.

Safety

Nicaragua has been politically unstable since 2018, and there are constant clashes between protesters, government sympathizers and police forces. All forms of opposition to the incumbent government are being hard-fought.

Norway is represented by a Honorary Consulate General in Managua. Contact information for consulates and the embassy in Mexico can be found on the embassy’s website.

The crime in Nicaragua is a growing problem. To the greatest extent possible, tourists should avoid traveling on the roads outside cities and towns after dark.

Furthermore, caution must be exercised in some local markets, especially where there is great activity and close contact with people. Central America generally has a high crime rate and a high homicide rate in some areas. One must be vigilant about what is happening around them, and be careful about the choice of place of residence and where to travel, especially in the evening. By taking the right precautions, you can avoid being exposed to unpleasant episodes.

For trips to different places in the country, it is advisable to make known in advance about any special conditions. The situation in the country, both politically and economically, is such that there can quickly be conditions that arise so that visits should be avoided. Risk of terrorist incidents in Central America is considered low.

  • Countryaah: Managua is the capital of Nicaragua. Check to find information of population, geography, history, and economy about the capital city.

Traffic accidents are a frequent cause of death and accident that also affect tourists. The roads are of varying quality.

When using a taxi, prices should be agreed in advance and the taxi should not – as is often the case – bring other passengers on the trip. Tourists should also be wary of people begging at traffic lights and generally keep windows and doors closed and locked.

There is no rail network in Central America. There are frequent air services, including to remote locations, but when using small airlines, it is recommended to use those who partner with, or are part of, the larger international airlines in the region.

Nicaragua is earthquake exposed to tropical cyclones from June to November. The country has several active volcanoes.

With the exception of Belize, relationships between two people of the same sex are legal in all Central American countries. However, most residents have a conservative relationship with homosexuality, and it is recommended that gays exercise discretion to avoid getting into unpleasant situations.

Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in Central America are encouraged to register at http://www.reiseregistrering.no/.

Norwegian citizens are encouraged to have valid travel insurance. Make sure that the insurance also covers hospital stays and be aware of the type of activities that are not covered.

The local emergency number is 118. The tourist police «Polic¨ªa Turistica de Nicaragua» can be contacted on +505 2277 4139 ext. 1173.

In case of crisis and emergency, Norwegian citizens are encouraged to contact the Norwegian Embassy in Mexico on +52 (55) 50 47 37 00. The embassy’s central table is open Monday-Thursday from 09:00 to 15:00 and Friday 09: 00-12: 00.

Outside office hours, you can press selection key 5 to be transferred to the UD’s 24-hour operating center. The 24-hour operations center can also be contacted directly on +47 23 95 00 00 or e-mail UDops@mfa.no.

Norwegian citizens can also contact Norwegian honorary consulates and general consulates for assistance. There are Norwegian honorary consulates in Belmopan (Belize), Guatemala City (Guatemala), Managua (Nicaragua), San Salvador (El Salvador) and Tegucigalpa (Honduras). Updated contact information can be found here.

Major Landmarks in Nicaragua

Entry

Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.

Due to coronavirus, other countries in the region have introduced extensive entry restrictions for travelers from European countries. Travelers are requested to be prepared so that entry restrictions can be introduced with little or no warning.

Norwegian citizens do not need a visa for tourist and business stays of less than 90 days in Nicaragua. The passport must be valid for up to six months after the scheduled departure date. Although Norwegian citizens do not initially need a visa to travel to Central America, only a passport is an approved identification document.

For stays longer than 90 days, an application can be made for an extension at the Immigration Office in Managua. Alternatively, one can travel out and inland. You can be fined or imprisoned if staying in the country illegally.

For up-to-date information on entry rules, travelers are encouraged to check with Nicaragua’s nearest embassy.

It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure that travel documents are valid and that entry and stay regulations are complied with.

Health

Coronavirus (covid-19): Norwegian travelers should keep abreast of how the coronavirus is developing in the country. Follow local authorities’ advice, guidance and instructions on how to deal with the situation.

Also, keep track of information from local authorities for exceptional entry regulations. Please note that information may change quickly.

You can find more information and guidance from Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also the Foreign Ministry’s travel and coronavirus information.

Due to coronavirus, other countries in the region have introduced extensive entry restrictions for travelers from European countries. Travelers are requested to be prepared so that entry restrictions can be introduced with little or no warning.

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There is acceptable medical and hospital quality in the larger cities. Offers outside cities are limited. Public hospitals often lack basic medicines and equipment, so Norwegian citizens are advised to use private services. It is common to have to pay before treatment takes place.

For stays outside the largest cities, one must be aware that malaria may be relevant and that preventive measures should be taken against the disease, or be protected against mosquito bites.

There are zika in Nicaragua. For official health professional travel advice and health professional guidance, you can contact the Institute of Public Health.

No special vaccines are required by the government. For information on travel vaccines, see the recommendations of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.

It is permissible to introduce medicines for personal use, but it is recommended to check with Nicaragua’s nearest embassy for updated rules on the import of medicines.

Practical information

Nicaragua is one of seven countries that form Central America. The official language is Spanish.

The climate is warm and mostly humid all year. In the central mountain areas and in the north, the climate is a little colder and less humid.

Tourists can exchange money at the airport, in banks and in some hotels. Accepted credit cards are Visa, American Express, Mastercard and Diners Club. Credit card withdrawals are generally problematic, but card cloning occurs.

The traffic culture in the country is not like home. Caution must be exercised when driving on city roads as well as out in the country. Please note that cowl covers are often removed and therefore there may be large open holes in the roads in some places.

There is a well-developed express bus network from Managua to San Jos¨¦ (Costa Rica) and to Tegucigalpa (Honduras) by Tica or Nica bus. Foreign driver’s licenses are valid in Nicaragua.

According to allcitycodes, the area code for Nicaragua is +505. The telephone and mobile networks are stable. The Internet domain of Nicaragua is.ni.

Public offices are open every day from 0800-1300. Stores are usually open 8-17.

Public Holidays: January 1 (New Year’s Day), Easter Sunday, Easter Thursday, May 1 (Workers’ Day), July 19 (Sandinist Revolution Day), September 14 (Battle of San Jacinto), September 15 (Independence Day), 8. December (Mary’s Day of Conception), December 25 (Christmas).