Traveling to Nicaragua

Nicaragua is a sovereign and democratic nation in Central America. It borders Honduras and Costa Rica. The western coastline is on the Pacific Ocean and the east side of the country is on the Caribbean Sea.

In the past, people from the United States are free to travel in Nicaragua and other parts of Central America. However, in December 31, 2005, the U.S. government revised the rules on traveling to the Western Hemisphere.

From this date, U.S. citizens will need to submit a valid U.S. passport and must have an onward or return ticket. They are also required to show evidence of sufficient funds to support their travel to the country.

A Visa is not necessary, however, upon entry a traveler to Nicaragua will need to purchase a tourist card valid for 30 to 90 days. The traveler will then need to leave Nicaragua on or before the expiration of the tourist card. However, if the trip necessitates additional period of stay in Nicaragua, the traveler will need to visit the immigration to request for an extension of the tourist card.

For non-U.S. citizen, basic requirements for entry to Nicaragua are the following:

  • Valid Passport, which should be unexpired 6 months after the duration of the trip to Nicaragua
  • Onward or return ticket
  • Evidence of capacity to self-fund travel expenses to the Island
  • Entry Visa to Nicaragua.

Basic requirements for Visa processing would be for the traveler or his travel agent to visit the Embassy or Consulate of the U.S. or Nicaragua, if any, and submit the following:

  • 2 completed Visa application forms
  • Valid Passport
  • 1 (1 in. x 1.5 in.) picture
  • Proof of fund sufficiency for the travel

Processing will take 3 to 4 weeks; thus, you may need to plan in advance and process the necessary documentation way before the actual departure. This will avoid inevitable delays.

It may be worth it to mention that Nicaragua is a tropical weather country with two seasons. The wet or rainy season is from May to January and the dry season is from January to mid May. Let this be a guide for you to prepare for your trip to Nicaragua.

Additionally, for an activity-based trip, you may try to avoid September and October because these months are the very wet months in the Island. Trekking may become muddy and thus will not be as fun.

This does not mean that there are no other activities available for travelers on these months, because Nicaragua offers more than activity based trip. There are unlimited activities a visitor may enjoy in this country; this may also include a visit to the artist’s haven in Solentiname.

Have fun and enjoy traveling the largest country in the Central America.