Last updated: 29 Nov 2023

Nicaragua

About

Volcanoes to climb, waves to surf, tropical rainforest to trek and colourful, colonial cities to explore. Nicaragua has no shortage of attractions. Yet the country remains undiscovered by the tourist hordes, with misconceptions still lingering in the popular consciousness

Visit León, the intellectual capital of Nicaragua. It contains a university, religious colleges, the largest cathedral in Central America and several colonial churches

Tour the beautiful colonial buildings of the city of Granada, located at the foot of the Mombacho volcano. The cathedral has been rebuilt in neo-classical style. Also of interest are the Church of La Merced, the Church of Jalteva and the fortress-church of San Francisco

Make the most of several volcanic crater lagoons in the environs of Managua - centres of water sports with boating, fishing and picnicking facilities.
Official Name: Republic of Nicaragua
Capital:  Managua (MGA)
Currency:  Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) (also referred to locally as the Peso). US Dollars are also widely accepted.
Language:  Spanish. English is widely spoken along the Caribbean coast.
Dialling code from SA:  + 505
Time Zones: UTC / GMT -6 (8 hours behind South Africa)
Public Holidays 2022:

Jan 1; Apr 14-15; May 1-2; Jul 19; Sep 14-15; Dec 8, 25
Side of the Road: Right
Best Time to go: November – May
Best For: Eco-tourism; Adventure and Sports Activities; Historical Sites; Cultural Exploration
Plugs: 120 volts AC, 60Hz. American-style flat two-pin plugs are used
Drinking Water: Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated.
Health: There are adequate and well-equipped medical facilities within the capital city, however visitors are required to pay for these services. Comprehensive health insurance is recommended. Outside of Managua, medical facilities are very limited. It is advisable to carry basic medical supplies. If you require any medication on your travels it is best to bring it with you, in the original packaging, with a signed and dated letter from your doctor detailing exactly what it is and why you need it.
Customs: It is customary to bargain when shopping.
Local Offences / Laws: Avoid photographing military installations and personnel.
Travel Warnings / Tips: Bank notes that are ripped or have marks will not be accepted by the banks. Ensure that the notes you receive are in good order. Highway driving should be avoided at night. Travellers should only use official taxi’s. Political demonstrations should be avoided.  There is a hotline for tourists experiencing an emergency: 101.
Duty Free: The following items can be imported into Nicaragua by travellers aged 21 and over without incurring customs duty:
• 400 cigarettes or 25 cigars or 500g of tobacco
• 5L of alcoholic drinks
• 2kg of confectionery
• Other goods to the value of US$500 (provided you've been out of the country for at least 72 hours)
Prohibited Imports: Restricted items include fresh food, live animals and plants and their products. A special permit is required for firearms.
Prohibited Exports: Archaeological items, artefacts of historical or monetary value, and gold.

Vaccination Information

Compulsory:  Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines:  Hepatitis A, Rabies, Typhoid
  Malaria Risk

 

 

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

SA Representative

Representation accredited from Mexico City, Mexico

Travel Health

Compulsory:  Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover) 
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitus A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
   Malaria Risk