Nicaragua

Översikt

Nicaragua is one of the poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere and it continues to struggle to overcome the effect of natural disasters, civil conflict and dictatorship. Robbery, burglary, and theft from foreign travellers and expatriates are a major concern. Protests are common, especially in the capital, with violent clashes between protesters and police frequent. The country maintains relatively good relations with its neighbours, despite a number of diplomatic disputes with Colombia and Costa Rica. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Nicaragua. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Malaria risk is present in the departments of Atlántico Norte, Atlántico Sur, Chinandega, Jinoteca, Léon, Managua, and Matagalpa. The city of Managua is risk free. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

Nicaragua has confirmed cases of Chikungunya and Dengue. Risk is present throghout the country and year-round with peak transmission during the rainy season, from May to December.

There is risk of ongoing Zika virus transmission in Nicaragua. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Leishmaniasis is endemic in Nicaragua. The use of a repellent containing 20%-30% DEET and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk is recommended.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Nicaragua.

Medical facilities in Nicaragua are deemed basic, and become more limited in smaller towns and rural areas. Each department of Nicaragua has a public hospital. These do not charge for emergency services, but do charge for supplies and medicines. Doctors and private hospitals may require cash payment prior to providing treatment, making it necessary to buy comprehensive travel insurance prior to departure.

Emergency ambulance services and certain types of medical equipment, medications and treatments are not available in Nicaragua. Serious medical emergencies may require evacuation, usually to the US, at significant cost. Visitors are also recommended to bring with them all necessary prescription medicine.

Pass

Visitors to Nicaragua must be travelling on a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of entry into the country.

Visum

Visas are required only for the following nationalities: Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Angola, Armenia, Bangladesh, Bosnia-Herzegovina, China, Congo, Cuba, East Timor, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Haiti, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Laos, Lebanon, Liberia, Libya, Mali, Mongolia, Mozambique, Nepal, Nigeria, North Korea, Pakistan, Palestine, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Syria, Vietnam and Yemen.

All other nationals require only a tourist card that can be obtained upon arrival and must pay a departure fee. The tourist card permits you to visit Nicaragua for up to 90 days. 

There is a Central America-4 agreement allowing for travel between the borders of Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador with only one passport stamp and entry fee. 

Business visas must be applied for in advance, but is not necessary for nationals that would only require a tourist card and if the stay is less than 30 days. Besides other documentation, it is also necessary to provide a letter of invitation from the host company in Nicaragua and a business letter stating the purpose and duration of the visit, as well as the applicant’s responsibility for all travel expenses.