14 Aug 2021 | 12:28 AM UTC
Nicaragua: Flight services remain limited due to COVID-19 as of Aug. 13; international entry restrictions continue /update 14
Flight services to and from Nicaragua remain limited as of Aug. 13 due to COVID-19; international arrival protocols remain in force.
Event
Flights to and from Nicaragua remain limited as of Aug. 13 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Currently, international flight services are primarily provided by Avianca Airlines (AV), with Copa Airlines (CM) and Aeromexico (AM) also operating a limited number of flights each week. US-based carriers have continued to postpone their plans to return to the Nicaraguan market, with major carriers such as American Airlines (AA), United Airlines (UA), and Spirit Airlines (NK) now planning to resume flights by November.
Augusto C. Sandino International Airport (MGA) in Managua remains open; cargo and domestic flights continue to operate. Most travelers arriving in Nicaragua must present a negative result from a COVID-19 test taken no more than 72 hours before arrival; those arriving from most countries in Africa, Asia, and Oceania are afforded the opportunity to receive a negative test result up to 96 hours prior to arrival. Nonresident foreign nationals showing symptoms of the disease will not be permitted to enter, while citizens and legal residents who show symptoms are required to self-quarantine.
Officially, the country's land and sea ports remain open, and there are no significant restrictions on domestic movements and business operations. However, disruptions to travel at all ports of entry will likely persist despite borders remaining open. Heightened screening measures at land borders could cause some delays to cargo transportation and other cross-border travel. All measures are subject to amendment at short notice.
Context
Airlines have repeatedly postponed restarting flights since September 2020. The postponements are linked to very tight restrictions implemented by the Nicaraguan government amid the COVID-19 pandemic, which most carriers are unable or unwilling to meet.
Advice
Follow all official instructions. Reconfirm all travel arrangements. Plan for potential cross-border travel delays.
