Traveling To Nicaragua During COVID

This past week I made my way to Nicaragua for the first time since the pandemic shut traveling down earlier this year. I wanted to share my travel story to give you an idea of what is required when traveling during a pandemic.

To enter Nicaragua, I was required to take a PCR Covid test (and have it be negative) 72 hours before my flight. Avianca requires you submit your negative Covid-19 test results 36 hours before your flight, to ensure the process moves quickly. Once completed, I had to submit another form with additional information and my travel itinerary on Avianca’s website. I would recommend screenshotting everything and saving it on your phone, along with printing everything out so you have hard copies. You can review the required Covid-19 and other travel requirements that must be submitted on Avianca’s website here. 

On the day I traveled, I approached the check-in desk, as usual, and told them that I was flying to Nicaragua. They asked to see my Covid-19 test result to ensure I had a negative result before boarding my plane. Once checked in, I headed towards my gate where my covid status was checked again before boarding my flight, which I appreciated to ensure safety. While flying you are required by the airlines to wear a face mask at all times, except when eating or drinking. If they see you with it off or not wearing it properly, they will ask you to fix it. I felt safe throughout my journey from Dulles International Airport, then to El Salvador International Airport, and finally to Augusto Cesar Sandino International Airport in Managua.

Once I arrived in Managua, airport personnel checked my temperature and asked to see my test result. After they conducted the safety checks, I was approved to enter the country and proceeded to the immigration line where I picked up my tourist visa for $10USD. Upon leaving the airport, I was not required to quarantine and was able to move around the country freely. 

Tip: make sure you have the exact change for a quick visa process. They do not take credit cards or break larger bills.

My travel out of Nicaragua was much easier as I did not need to have a Covid-19 test to leave although, Avianca did require that I submit the same form that I submitted on the way down, on the way back up to 36 hours before my flight. Other than that requirement, the trip home was very straight forwarded. I made my way through security and boarded my flight and that concluded my travels to Nicaragua.