top of page
nicaragua-min.jpeg

Immigration and Health Insurance Requirements in Nicaragua

Immigration Requirements

Requirements for Entry:  

To enter Nicaragua, you need a U.S. passport that is valid for your length of stay. All visitors must pay $10 USD in cash for a tourist entry stamp upon arrival (exact change is recommended.). The stamp is valid for up to 90 days.

  • For visitors other than tourists, the Government of Nicaragua recommends that you pre-register your trip. You can do so by following the instructions available on the Nicaraguan immigration website  below(in Spanish only). See  this website for additional information.

  • Individuals traveling from countries at risk of yellow fever transmission must show proof of yellow fever vaccination. The vaccine must be administered at least 10 days before travel to be permitted entry to Nicaragua.  

  • All travelers should have an onward or return ticket. They also need evidence of funds to support themselves while in Nicaragua.  

  • If you use a passport of a different nationality than you used on prior trips to Nicaragua, Nicaraguan authorities may deny you entry. If you have multiple nationalities, you should carry a valid passport for all of them. If you have Nicaraguan nationality, you should have both your U.S. and Nicaraguan passports with you.

  • Nicaragua is part of the “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras. Under that agreement, U.S. citizens who legally enter any of those four countries may travel freely among the other three countries for up to 90 days.

Requirements for Exit:

  • If you stayed in Nicaragua beyond the date noted on your entry stamp, you must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan immigration. You must also pay any required fines.

  • You must exit Nicaragua with the same passport used for entry. If your U.S. passport is lost or stolen while in Nicaragua, you will need to get a new entry stamp from Nicaraguan Immigration before you can depart by following the instructions available on the Nicaraguan immigration website below (in Spanish only).

  • All residents of Nicaragua must pay $10 USD (cash only) for an exit stamp from Nicaraguan Immigration, prior to departure. This fee can be paid at the airport, land borders, or at any Nicaraguan Immigration office.

  • There is a $42 USD tax that must be paid upon exiting. (This tax is normally included in the price of the plane ticket for air travelers.)

 

Requirements for the renewal of temporary or permanent residence

– Residency Renewal Form

– Letter of request for renewal of residence, addressed to the General Directorate of Migration and Immigration

– Two passport-sized photos

– Photocopy of passport (Biodata page)

– Photocopy of residence card

– Health certificate (Public Health Center)

– Certificate of conduct (National Police Record from the station near your home). Minors under 18 years of age are exempt from this requirement.

 

 

This official government link in Nicaragua provides the most updated requirements, but only in Spanish:

https://www.mint.gob.ni/migracion/section/extranjeria/

 

Health Insurance Requirements in Nicaragua 

Health insurance is not mandatory in Nicaragua, but the government strongly recommends that all foreign residents have international health insurance priced in USD or EUR to guard against rampant inflation and ensure access to local medical care and medical evacuation coverage.

 

State Health Insurance System in Nicaragua 

Nicaragua's healthcare system primarily relies on a underfunded public network that is accessible, free of charge to all citizens and residents, with exceptionally long waiting to see a doctor and very difficult to find specialists.

The Ministry of Health's Medical Insurance Clinics (CMP MINSA) have the following stated functions:
   1    Provides health services required by insured persons, retirees and beneficiaries in accordance with agreements established with the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute.

    2    Ensures that health care programs for insured persons and beneficiaries of the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute are provided with the highest possible quality and an integrated approach.

Adhering to all guidelines and regulations issued by the Nicaragua Ministry of Health.

 

The advantages of having AccessHMO Health Insurance membership in Nicaragua

Your freedom to choose any licensed doctor in Nicaragua for treatment with the ability to seek treatment in neighboring countries when necessary.

Peace of mind in having solid Medical Evacuation coverage to, in case of medical emergency, fly to the nearest, more medically advanced facility in a nearby country such as Costa Rica, Mexico or the U.S. This could mean all the difference with the current medical scarcities in Nicaragua.


Access to private doctors and specialists including pediatrics 

AccessHMO health insurance plans provide access to higher quality, English speaking medical facilities with board certified specialists.
 

Shorter waiting times for appointments and to schedule medical procedures

AccessHMO health insurance plans usually provide shorter waiting times for appointments and scheduling medical procedures.
 

Flexibility and Coordination 

AccessHMO health insurance plans are tailored to the budget and needs of the individual clients which allows greater flexibility and choice of benefit and coverage levels.
 

In conclusion, while private health insurance is not mandatory for residents in Nicaragua, it could save your life. Most foreigners in Nicaragua have private health insurance for greater coverage and hard to find benefits.
 

AccessHMO’s licensed professionals stand ready to answer your questions and address your individual needs to find the most suitable health insurance plan with options such as medical evacuation from Nicaragua for medical treatment back in the U.S. and also available for Canada or Europe.

  • phone call  quick contact button
  • Gmail quick contact button
  • whats up quick contact button
bottom of page