Country guide
Nicaragua
Visa
No visa needed
Vaccinations
Conditional
Currency
Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO) (also referred to locally as the Peso). US Dollars are also widely accepted.
Time zones
UTC / GMT -6 (8 hours behind South Africa)
Dialing code
+ 505
Best time to go
November – May
Drinking water
Mains water in hotels and towns is safe to drink. Outside of the main towns, water may be contaminated.
Travel tips
It is customary to bargain when shopping.
Visa guide
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
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.
SA representative
Representation accredited from Mexico City, Mexico
Health / vaccinations
Compulsory: Yellow Fever (Dependant on Country of Origin/Stopover)
Recommended Travel Vaccines: Hepatitus A & B, Rabies, Typhoid, Tetanus, Polio
Malaria Risk
Public holidays
Public Holidays 2026: Jan 1; Apr 2-3; May 1, 30; Jul 19; Sep 14-15; Dec 8, 25