Navigating the Managua Airport: Covid, Customs, and Immigration Support
By: Kayla Nielsen
Let me start off by saying that you will be PLEASANTLY surprised by how mellow the Managua Airport (otherwise known as Augusto C. Sandino International Airport/MGA) really is. Not only is it super tiny, but it also tends to be pretty quiet. Which is really nice way to arrive into a foreign country, especially if you’re feeling travel jitters, or it’s your first time traveling alone.
We made a simple step-by-step guide of exactly what you need to do before you even get on your flight, all the way to the point you exit the airport to get in your taxi.
We highly suggest screenshooting these instructions instead of trying to memorize everything.
Keep in mind that most people only speak Spanish. These tips are to help non-Spanish speakers understand what is needed, and when.
As of now (remember this can change anytime, so double check with your airline, embassy, or trusty Google), it is no longer necessary to present a COVID-19 vaccination card or negative PCR test to enter Nicaragua through any of its borders. The Government of Nicaragua has waived these requirements, allowing visitors to enter the country with no restriction.
2. Camera Equipment Caution
Drones are banned from Nicaragua. We do not suggest trying to get them in. Know that if you do, you risk them being confiscated. Currently, the government has restrictions on cameras and camera equipment. If you are traveling with cameras or camera equipment, there’s a potential it will be held until your departure.
At the time of writing this, there is still not a clear reason as to why, and it really depends on who is there at customs when you arrive.
3. Visa Cost
Tourist visas on arrival are $10, which is paid only in cash. Make sure you have cash before you arrive, as there is no ATM before Immigration. You can pay with a larger bill. They have change.
Make sure the bill(s) you bring to Nicaragua are unmarked, not too creased, not ripped at all, and generally not too worn. They will reject it if you give them a bill with even a tiny tear.
4. Customs Form
They will actually give you this form on the plane. Make sure you fill it out before you’re off your flight. When it asks for address of where you’re going, it’s important to give our EXACT address:
Still Salty Escape Junto a la casa verde de Manzano 2, El Viejo 26200
On the back, it will ask you for a contact number in the country. Please leave this number (Gustavo), as he is the Papa Bear of SSE, and will take care of your every need:
+505 8995 5080
Gustavo is also our trusted driver, so he will likely be the one waiting for you on arrival, as well.
5. Immigration
Make sure you filled out your customs form on the plane. It’s important to fill out Still Salty Escape’s full address, and local contact phone number completely, as this will likely eliminate more questions. If you only vaguely state that you’re going to Aposentillo, or to San Juan Del Sur, or Ometepe, they will want to know the name of your specific hotel, and that hotel’s address.
When you get to immigration, hand them your customs form and passport. They will enter your information on the form into their computer. Then they will ask you 3 questions (in Spanish):
Q: Are you single or married?
A: Married (woman) is “casada”
Married (man) is “casado”
Single (woman) is “soltera”
Single (man) is “soltero”
Q. What is your profession?
A. This is obviously unique to you, so you can look up a simple one word answer, and write it down so you can remember.
Q. Are you coming as a tourist?
A. Yes, I’m a tourist is “Si, turista”.
Then, you’ll take a photo, and hand them your cash for the visa cost. Remember, make sure the bills are not too worn.
6. Customs
You’ll walk into the customs area, and hand another person your customs form. They will keep it. You don’t need it again.
In this area, you need to scan ALL of your bags, including carry ons and purses. There will likely be dogs in this area, and they are mostly sniffing for food and other agricultural goods. Make sure you finished your food on the plane, or threw it out. Otherwise, they will let you bring food in, but you might be taxed on it (a few dollars, depending on the quantity).
Customs is generally quite mellow if you’re just coming as a tourist and don’t have too many things, but it also really depends on who’s there and the mood they’re in. The most common items we see people get stopped for:
Cameras, camera equipment, big electronics, multiple surf boards for only one person, anything that looks like it might be sold or a gifted in country (typically the rule is more than 4 of the same thing). As a tourist coming on a retreat, this shouldn’t be an issue for you, as you’ll just have all the things we’ve shared in our suggested packing list.
7. Taxi
Once you clear customs, you’re free! You can find your driver (probably Gustavo) with a sign that has our SSE logo and your name on it at the exit.
Like I said at the very start, the MGA airport is really tranquilo. We understand how navigating countries that speak a language other than your own can feel overwhelming, which is why we strongly suggest using this guide to navigate the experience with ease.
We can’t WAIT to welcome you on the other side of it all!