Whether you’re heading to Nicaragua for work or pleasure, you may be wondering what all you need to do to get yourself there. Luckily, you should have no problem getting there by plane or bus as long as you have all of the proper documentation.
StepsPart 1Part 1 of 3:Preparing for Your Travels
1Get a passport. No matter where your traveling from, if it’s outside of Nicaragua, you’ll need a passport to get into the country.X Getting a passport is a little different for every country, but you’ll likely have to fill out a few forms, provide supporting documents, take your passport photo, pay a few fees, and then submit your application and wait to receive your passport in the mail.XIf you’re a U.S. citizen, you’ll need to fill out a DS-11, a DS-82, and a DS-5504.If you’re a U.S citizen, you’ll need to provide documentation that proves your identity and also your citizenship.Make sure that your passport expiration date is at least 6 months away, or else you may not be able to get into Nicaragua.
2Get a visa if you’re required to based on your nationality. Nicaragua requires a visa of some and not of others, depending on nationality. If you need a visa, contact your country’s embassy to find out what forms you need to complete and what fees you need to pay in order to get one.If you’re a citizen of one of the following countries, you are not required to have a visa and will instead be required to pay for a tourist card upon arrival: United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Scandinavia, Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Argentina, Chile, Bolivia, European Union.There are several different types of visas that you can choose from, including a tourist visa, a 3-month visa, a 6-month visa, and a 1-year visa.
3Get a residency permit if you’re going to live in Nicaragua. If you plan to stay in Nicaragua for 1-5 years, you’ll need to have a residency permit. To apply for a residency permit and also find out information about immigration procedures and laws, go to https://www.migob.gob.ni/migracion/.X
4Get all of the necessary vaccines. Firstly, make sure that you have all of your routine vaccines–this includes the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, the diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, the varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, the polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. In addition to these, you’ll need the hepatitis A and typhoid vaccines.XAlso get the hepatitis B vaccine if you think you might have sex with a new partner, have a medical procedure, or get a tattoo or piercing while you’re in Nicaragua.Get the rabies vaccine as well if you’ll be spending a lot of time outside and/or working with animals while in Nicaragua.
5Plan to go during the summer to experience the best weather. Nicaragua has 2 seasons–summer and winter. During the winter, which is May to November, it rains a lot. It’s better to go during the summer, which is December to April, so that you can avoid the rain.X
6Pack for warm weather. Nicaragua tends to have warm weather, so be sure to pack plenty of tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, sandals, shorts, and/or dresses so that you’re comfortable while you’re there. Bring along a light jacket if you want, but keep thicker, heavier garments at home. Part 2Part 2 of 3:Crossing the Border
1Arrive in Nicaragua by plane for efficiency. While this is typically one of the most expensive options, it’s likely your best choice if you’re traveling far. Purchase a plane ticket online that leaves from an airport near you and lands in Augusto C. Sandino International Airport, which is located in Managua.XIf you’re traveling to Nicaragua from Europe or Asia, you’ll likely have a connecting flight in the United States.Flights from the U.S. to Nicaragua most commonly leave from Houston, Miami, and Atlanta.Look on a few different websites, such as Expedia and Google Flights, and opt for the most affordable flight option that departs and lands on preferable days and times.
2Cross the border by bus for a lower cost. If you’re in a country in central or South America, this may be your best option. International buses fill up fast, so be sure to get your ticket ahead of time. The main international buses that travel to Nicaragua start in San Jose, Costa Rica, San Salvador, El Salvador, and Honduras, and end up in Managua.XYou can get bus tickets ahead of time from many different bus companies, including Tica Bus and Nica Expreso.If you’re traveling from a surrounding country that doesn’t have an international bus, you may be able to take a bus that drops you off at the border of Nicaragua.
3Pay for a tourist card upon entry if you don’t have a visa. After arriving in Nicaragua, your passport will be stamped. Then, you’ll need to fill out an immigration form and pay $10 USD for a tourist card. Your tourist card will allow you to stay within Nicaragua for 1-3 months without a visa, depending on your nationality.XPart 3Part 3 of 3:Traveling Within Nicaragua
1Save money by taking the “chicken” bus. This is a really common, reliable way to get from one big city to the next in Nicaragua. These buses are usually packed with people, but they’re extremely cheap and depart every couple of hours.XYou can travel from San Juan del Sur to Léon for about $5 USD on a chicken bus.
2Ride on the shuttle for a more comfortable experience. The shuttles are less commonly used by locals, and as a result, are less crowded. They’re more expensive than the chicken buses, but they’re still very affordable.XShuttles will likely cost you about $10-15 USD per trip.
3Take a private taxi if you’re with a group. Taxis are more efficient and also more expensive than chicken buses and shuttles. They’re a great option if your traveling with 2-3 other people because then you can split the fare and save some money, and also have a comfortable traveling experience.It costs about $55 USD to take a taxi from Managua to San Juan del Sur.
4Fly when you’re traveling far. If you’re going from 1 end of Nicaragua to the other, flying will save you a lot of time. While plane tickets to fly within Nicaragua tend to cost $100-200 USD, they significantly minimize travel time. Go with this option if you have some extra money but not a lot of extra time.XIt’s typically much more efficient to fly to The Corn Islands rather than taking a bus.
5Wear a money belt and hide your valuables to avoid getting pickpocketed. Pickpocketing is a significant issue in Nicaragua, especially on public transportation and out on the streets at night. When traveling within Nicaragua, switch out your wallet or purse for a money belt to keep your money better protected. Also, leave your valuables, such as your phone, in your hotel or hostel room as often as possible, or at least keep them secured out of sight when you’re out and about.
