All country guides
- Capital
- Managua (MGA)
- Dialing Code
- + 505
- Time Zone
- UTC / GMT -6
- Language
- Spanish
- Best Time to Go
- November – May
- Currency
- Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) (also referred to locally as the Peso).
Travel Tips
- It is customary to bargain when shopping.
- Bank notes that are ripped or have marks will not be accepted by the banks, US Dollars are also widely accepted
- Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink, whilst outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated
- English is widely spoken along the Caribbean coast
- There is a hotline for tourists experiencing an emergency: 101
Last updated 7 October 2026
Visa Guide
Public Holidays
2026
January: 1
April: 2 - 3
May: 1, 30
July: 19
September: 14 - 15
December: 8, 25
Visa Requirements
South African citizens do not require a visa for entry into Nicaragua for stays of 90 days
However, a tourist card must be purchased on arrival - the cost of this is US$10
Entry Requirements
- Valid passport - minimum 6 months - from day of arrival
- Return airticket
- All visitors to hold proof of sufficient funds to cover their stay
Health / Vaccinations
Compulsory:
Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:
Hepatitus A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
South African Representative Abroad
Representation accredited from Mexico City, Mexico