Moderate riskAmericas · Central AmericaNicaragua Travel Health Guide
Moderate risk
Nicaragua carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Nicaragua. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Overall risk
Moderate risk
Malaria
Present
Best time to visit
Year-round
Recommended vaccines
Routine Vaccines
Make sure all your routine vaccines are up to date, including chickenpox, tetanus, flu, MMR, polio, and shingles vaccines.
COVID-19
Stay up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines before traveling.
Hepatitis A
Hepatitis A vaccine is recommended for all unvaccinated travelers 1 year and older. Infants 6-11 months should also get vaccinated.
Hepatitis B
Hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for unvaccinated travelers under 60. Those 60 and older may also consider vaccination.
Measles
All travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with MMR vaccine, including early vaccination for infants 6-11 months.
Typhoid
Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travelers, especially if you're staying with friends/relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.
Chikungunya
Chikungunya vaccine is generally not recommended. Focus on preventing mosquito bites instead.
Rabies
Consider rabies vaccination if you'll be around animals or in remote areas. Rabies is present in dogs and bats in Nicaragua, and vaccines may only be available in larger medical facilities.
Yellow Fever
Yellow fever vaccine is not recommended for Nicaragua, but it's required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk.
Disease risks
Malaria
Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Nicaragua. Take prescription medicine if going to RAAN or RAAS regions. Other areas have rare cases - use mosquito protection only. No risk in Managua.
Traveler's Diarrhea
Eastern regions; low risk in Managua.
Malaria risk
Malaria is present in this destination. Prophylaxis medication is recommended.
Malaria risk exists in certain areas of Nicaragua. Take prescription medicine if going to RAAN or RAAS regions. Other areas have rare cases - use mosquito protection only. No risk in Managua.
Emergency numbers
Police
118
Medical / Ambulance
128
Fire
115
Tourist Police
101
U.S. Embassy
+505-2252-7100
More country guides
BelizeModerate riskBelize carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in some parts of Belize. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B.
Costa RicaModerate riskCosta Rica carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. Malaria risk exists in Alajuela and Limón provinces. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for travel to Costa Rica, but is required if arriving from countries with yellow fever risk
El SalvadorLow riskEl Salvador carries a CDC Level 1 travel health notice. No malaria risk. Key travel vaccines: COVID-19, Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B. Yellow fever vaccine is not needed for protection in El Salvador, but is required if you're coming from a country with yellow fever risk, including airport layovers over 12 hours.
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Build my Trip KitSources: CDC Travelers' Health · WHO International Travel and Health. Last updated 2026-07-31. Health conditions and entry rules change — verify with the CDC, WHO and your destination’s authorities before travel. This page is informational and not a substitute for advice from a travel-medicine provider.