Traveling into Nicaragua

Airports

You may choose to fly into either the capital of Nicaragua, Managua (MGA), or Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR). We assist with finding optimal flights based on your individual travel route.

Visa: Most countries do NOT need a Visa prior to arriving in Nicaragua, and a Tourist Visa is purchased upon arrival for $14 USD total is valid for 90 days.

COVID-19 in Nicaragua:

To view the World Heath Organization’s most updated statistics on Covid cases in Nicaragua click here.

A negative RT-PCR Covid test taken within 72 hours of your ARRIVAL into Nicaragua is required. Be mindful that you schedule the correct type of test and reach out with any questions.

Key Points:
-Must be a RT-PCR test
-Rapid tests are NOT ACCEPTED
-Test must be taken and results available within 72 hours OF ARRIVAL INTO NICARAGUA

For those traveling from the San Diego area: We strongly recommend using US Specialty Labs. Select the $65 RT-PCR test.

For those traveling from the Reno area: You can schedule directly through the Reno Airport for the Real Time RT-PCR test for $135.

Our address/specific location:
(not typical addresses here):

Machele’s Place by Room to Roam
150m South of Hotel Blu Sol, Playa Gigante, Tola, Rivas, Nicaragua
Local Phone Number: +505-7896-0707

Google Maps Pin:
https://goo.gl/maps/iHDuWPkNsDpPN89V9

Use our local business number as your local contact info:
Manager Sadam Torres : +505 7896 0707

What to Expect Arriving in Managua (MGA)

Managua is a smaller airport that is simple to navigate after landing and getting through customs. There is one main exit door where you will see your professional shuttle driver waiting for you with a Room to Roam sign. Once you get into the private shuttle, just kick back and enjoy the drive to the Southern beaches of Nicaragua (approx 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic). We have steady communication with the drivers to always know your whereabouts and to ensure everything is good to go.

Customs Info:
As you enter Nicaragua, you will be asked to provide a local address/contact info in addition to paying $10 USD for a tourist visa that lasts 90 days. Aim for exact change on this, just to keep the travel process fluid and simple.

Travel through Costa Rica Requirements:

Flying into Liberia, Costa Rica (LIR) is super easy and smooth and just requires following a few specific steps (explained below).

• Once your flight lands, we have a professional shuttle service pick you up directly from the airport, and you will see a driver holding a Room to Roam sign as you exit the airport. (The airport is small and there is one main exit area, so you can’t miss it)
• From there, enjoy a beautiful 1.5 hour drive through Costa Rica to the Nicaraguan border. We recommend having snacks for the travel, but your driver can stop if you need anything. We have direct contact with the drivers during your entire transit.
• Once you arrive at the border, we have a guide that helps you through the border crossing process and helps with your baggage. Plan to show your passport and Covid test (on your phone is ok) to a few different people and walk a bit between buildings. You will pay to enter Nicaragua and give them our address/info. (SEE BELOW) All of this is part of the fun, so enjoy the adventure and go with the flow:)
• As you walk to exit to the Nicaragua side, you will see another driver with a Room to Roam sign all ready to receive you and get you directly to us.
• From here it is approximately 1.25 hours drive in the beauty of the Nicaraguan tropical countryside until you arrive at our beachside retreat hotel. Leave your cares behind, enjoy the journey of being a world traveler, and trust that we will get you where you need to go.

1:TRAVEL INSURANCE OR PROOF OF VACCINATION:

To enter Costa Rica, all persons 18 yrs old and above have to have EITHER proof of vaccination OR purchase a pandemic-special travel insurance (not the same as what the airline offers). You will use proof of one of those options to generate the Health Pass discussed in the next step. Even though you will be going directly to Nicaragua, the insurance options requires a MINIMUM of 5 days insurance each time you enter Costa Rica (meaning this insurance is required upon both entry and departure through Costa Rica…approx. $100 total). NOT REQUIRED IF YOU ARE VACCINATED. To purchase this insurance, use this company. (It will say 2 days minimum, that is not accurate, trust me 🙂 You will only purchase the 5 days for your entry into Costa Rica at this time.

2: HEALTH PASS/QR CODE REQUIRED TO TRAVEL THROUGH COSTA RICA

All persons entering Costa Rica must fill out a health pass within 48 hours of arrival into Costa Rica. You will need a photo of your vaccination card or the policy number of your travel insurance. Save a photo of this to your phone for ease during travel.

3: HAVE INFORMATION AND MONEY READY FOR CUSTOMS

When travelling to Costa Rica you will be asked to show your Health Pass/QR code and proof of a return flight to leave the country.

You will also be asked “What is your profession?” It’s normal, they ask:)

You will also tell Costa Rica customs that you are heading DIRECTLY to Nicaragua, and use this address and contact info when asked:

Location in Nicaragua (not typical addresses here):

Machele’s Place by Room to Roam
150m South of Hotel Blu Sol, Playa Gigante, Tola, Rivas, Nicaragua
Local Phone Number: Saddam Torres +505-7896-0707

When you enter Nicaragua, you will be asked to provide the same local address/contact info in addition to paying $14 USD for a tourist visa that lasts 90 days. Aim for exact change on this, just to keep the travel process fluid and simple.

Travel into Managua, Nicaragua Process:

Traveling through Managua is also an option, but with increased requirements for Covid Test submission timing to navigate. Managua is a smaller airport that has a main exit door where you will see your professional shuttle driver waiting for you with a Room to Roam sign. Once you get into the private shuttle, just kick back and enjoy the drive to the Southern beaches of Nicaragua (approx 2-2.5 hours depending on traffic). We have steady communication with the drivers to always know your whereabouts and to ensure everything is good to go.

Customs Info:
When you enter Nicaragua, you will be asked to provide a local address/contact info in addition to paying $10 USD for a tourist visa that lasts 90 days. Aim for exact change on this, just to keep the travel process fluid and simple.

Weather:

Nicaragua daily temps stay pretty consistent year round with the low-high range between 73 and 90 degrees fahrenheit. During the “wet” season between May – October there are tropical rains and weather that typically light and do not last long, just on and off throughout the day. The ocean temperatures are typically around 80-85 degrees, though there are times when the water can feel a little chilly and you will want a wetsuit jacket or vest.

Money:

The local currency is Cordobas (cords) where approximately 35 cords = $1 USD. US dollars are accepted in almost every place, however having smaller bills is helpful to avoid constantly needing the small businesses to make change. It is NOT essential to have local currency ahead of time for your trip. Many places also accept credit cards, just remember to put travel notifications on any cards you may plan to use. Any purchases with Room to Roam can also be made via Venmo or Paypal. We accept credit cards as well, however there is a 5.5% fee tacked on from the bank and machine surcharges. Having small bills available is also helpful for tipping easily when the situation arises. Tipping is optional, however, remember this is a country and economy that depends on tourism, so a small amount here and there can mean a lot to a person/family. Additionally, plan for having about $10 in USD (5 ones and 1 five would be best) for your return to USA travel. Maybe set this aside in the beginning to keep things super easy throughout your entire journey:)

Electronics:

Nicaragua uses the same plug/socket/voltage system as the United States, so adaptors are not necessary. (120 volts and 60hz)

Laundry:

You can wash by hand or have staff at the retreat center do your laundry. It is $5 per load to have done by Room to Roam staff .

This is a lot of info…we know…we will guide you through every step when you Roam with Us. We also understand there are many people that like as much info as possible way in advance, so here it is:)