How To Get Your COVID-19 Test in Nicaragua
With many countries, including Canada and The U.S., requiring a negative COVID-19 test in order to enter the country, travel can still be complicated. We hope the information below will help travelers in Nicaragua, navigate all the particular requirements for travel.
For more specific information about the COVID testing requirements for those of you arriving by air to the U.S., you can check out the page for the (CDC) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. They provided an updated list of the requirements along with timelines based upon your specific circumstances.
Getting your COVID test done in Managua
In short, all people requiring a COVID-19 (PCR) test, must come to Managua in order to have the test done. There is no option to have the test done in a private lab or in a location outside of the Capital. In fact, all tests are performed by MINSA (the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health) at their central offices (called “Conchita Palacios”) and in Bolonia.
Fortunately, the process of getting testing and results is relatively straightforward.
Paying for the COVID-19 Test
First of all, we recommend that you head to the nearest branch of the BANPRO bank. You’ll need to have your passport with you! You’ll then make a deposit of $150 USD to either Banpro account 10010012253774 (U.S. dollars) or 10010002253784 (equivalent in Cordobas), both registered under TGR-MINSA.
Payments can also be made by cash or credit card at the test sites, where you’ll be heading next.
Once you’ve made your deposit at the bank, you’ll need to head to the testing location. Make sure you have the deposit slip and your passport on hand!
Testing in Nicaragua is carried out at MINSA Central, “Conchita Palacios”, from Monday to Saturday, 7:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
After some initial hiccups with long lines, the testing process has improved and is now running smoothly with our guests reporting that, while still busy, everything was running efficiently.
Booking Your COVID-19 Test Online
International airline passengers who require a negative COVID-19 viral test to travel to the United States can also make an online appointment with the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health (MINSA) and receive their test results digitally using the following website: https://serviciosenlinea.minsa.gob.ni
Head to the COVID-19 Testing Site in Managua
Getting Your test Results
Test results are available in person the same day starting at 3pm and online (for printing) starting at 4pm.
If you have any specific questions on how to get your COVID-19 test in Nicaragua, the health ministry has created a 24/7 hotline. To reach the Ministry of Health hotline, you should call +505-8418-9953.
At the Hostel, we are unable to assist travelers in obtaining COVID tests, but, if you have any general questions about getting around Managua or would like to make a reservation at the hostel, please feel free to let us know!
Hi Michael,
In the event of a positive test result, where would someone have to quarantine? Is there a designated hotel or are we able to find something on our own?
Hi Luca, In the case of a positive result, you can find an airbnb and isolate for the 14, or up to 21 days, until you get a negative result. There are no particular designated hotels here.
Thanks! I really appreciate the info.
I wonder too about testing positive…
How do they know you quarantined or where
What happens after 21 days you test positive again
After a positive test, you will be contacted by MINSA and they will direct you to quarantine here as you can’t fly. You can quarantine wherever is best for your situation as there are no specific hotels for quarantine purposes here in Nicaragua. Then, after 15 days, you can retest, and we understand that the retesting is free.
Hey I have deposited the 150 dollars and have the deposit slip, but i have decided not to get a covid test in Nicaragua. Is it possible to get the 150 dollars refunded?
Hi Lars, I believe you can request a refund, but you need to talk to MINSA (the Ministry of Health) in order to find out the details on how to get the money back!
HI.
The US a few days ago changed their testing requirements for entry. On the one hand, they changed the testing window to 24 hours before the flight (it was 3 days for vaccinated and 1 day for unvaccinated, but now it is 1 day for everyone). On the other hand, they also expanded it so that rapid antigen tests are also accepted.
I have a flight I would like to catch on a Monday at 4:15PM. Unfortunately this doesn’t work with the PCR testing center’s opening hours and turn around time, given that the results are only available starting at 4PM and maybe not available until 5PM.
Are there options to get a certified rapid antigen test from a doctor, clinic, or other testing center?
Thanks
Karl
Thanks for that updated information Karl!
I haven’t heard of anywhere here that is offering the antigen test.
You may want to check online and see if someone might be selling them privately.
Hope that helps,
Michael
Hello Karl
I have the same problem my flight is next monday,did you find someone or another testcenter?
Carolin
FYI…
The US testing requirement is NOT 24 hours prior, it is “1 day”. Per the CDC, that was to allow a little more time/ and flexibility. Ex. if you travel at 10pm on Friday, you can get your test at 8am on Thursday.
Also, the US does allow a “monitored” home-test, BiNAX Now, by Abbott, which takes about 15 minutes for results, but you need to be monitored over a Video link to verify your ID and Results. All US Airlines are accepting that test, I called Avianca, they said “they think so..” and our hotel in Nicaragua said they have confirm with multiple guests Avianca has accepted it…just be sure you get a print out of the results (send by email by the Monitor).
Please verify for your needs, but I hope that helps others!
Hi,
Thanks so much for the useful information, read through all the comments too, very helpful. I just want to confirm if the below is still valid:
1. Can I just go to the testing center on the day without an appointment to get tested?
2. Can I pay onsite with a credit card or cash?
3. Is this the correct location for foreigners getting tested in Bolonia: de la entrada principal de donde fue el Hospital Militar, 1 C. al Lago, 1.5 Abajo.? (Where should I tell the taxi to go?)
Thanks again!
Hi Rameez, Yes, the information is still correct on all 3 points.
If you tell the taxi driver to bring you to that address and then mention that it is the testing center for COVID, they will know where you’re talking about.
Its called the “Laboritorio Instituto Nicaraguense de Investigacion de Salud”.
Cheers,
Michael
Hello,
I just saw that the testcenter is open from monday to saturday, But I have to do the test on a sunday,because Im going to the states and the test result is then only valid for 24 hours. Is there another testcenter who is open on sunday?
Thanks Carolin
Hi Carolin, There is only one test center available for these type of tests and they are not open on Sundays. Have you tried talking to your airline to see if you can change your flight?
Can anyone confirm whether for PCR test for travelers whether you go to the Laboritorio Instituto Nicaraguense de Investigacion de Salud or National Center for Diagnosis and Reference (CNDR)? Also can you pay cash on the spot? Thanks
The test site for foreign travelers to get tested is the INIS – Instituto Nicaraguense de Investigacion de Salud. The other site (CNDR) is for locals only.
Hi, thanks for this information! Do you know anything about what happens if you test positive?
Basically, if you test positive you’ll get a visit from the people at MINSA.
They’ll explain to you that you need to isolate for a period, i think up to 21 days.
After that period, you test yourself again, and if you test negative, you can travel. I would talk to your embassy directly though, if you’re a foreigner, and confirm whether you can fly with a positive result, if you need a more concise answer.
also documents to travel is a copy of the positive then the negative all you need to travel?
Our understanding is that they are only interested in seeing a Negative test result that is valid, i.e. taken in the last 72 hours.
morning we tested positive 10 /11 days ago and have been isolating, it has been very difficult to get MINAS to re test when they did it was Saturday,
we got results back Monday , one was positive and one was negative.
should and can we go and pay for another test regales or do we have to get it done only it MINAS say we have had no simtems for over 14 days
Hi, Our understanding is that you always have the option to retest at the test site in Bolonia.
Obviously you’d need to pay the cost for another test, $150.
Once you get a Negative result you should be able to fly!
Hi Michael, Thanks for you supporting by keeping the Blog updated. I was wondering, what if you already paid for the Test but missed your appointment because your travel was canceled last minute? In those case do I just show up at the Conchita Palacios when the travel is confirmed or do I loose my money? Thanks in advance
Hi Alonzo, Wow! Tough question. I would recommend you try speaking to the people at MINSA to see whether you can reprogram the test in this case. Because you haven’t used the test, I don’t see why they wouldn’t let you reprogram. I included the hotline number in the blog, that you could call. Just make sure you have the voucher that you received from Bank to prove that you paid and you should be alright.
Thanks for you speedy reply. I called the number provided in the Blog, as per MINSA, they said as long as test haven’t been used there is no problem with rescheduling for another date. I truly appreciate you help.
Forgot to mention. They also said that once the payment is deposited at the bank or done at Conchita the receipt or payment is good for up to 6 months. Thanks again
Hi, we’re flying on Sunday and wanted to make sure we can just walk in at the testing center in Bolonia. Tried accessing their portal but it’s says an error message. Gracias!
That’s probably a temporary problem with their webpage. Maybe try again later on!
There’s also no problem with showing up at the test site.
Hi Michael,
Thanks for helpful blog post.
Please confirm can pay on site for covid test versus via Banpro Bank?
Thanks,
Anders
Hi Anders, Paying at the test is always an option. You can pay by cash or card at the test location.
Thanks!
Hi Michael,
Thank you for your response. Much appreciated.
Is walk in possible? or must book via website portal provided?
Thanks,
Anders
Hi Michael,
Thanks for your help back in September last year in regards to pcr test location for foreigner.
I am traveling back to US Saturday. Someone mentioned now rapid antigen test available at Managua test center.
Is this correct? And can test be done and receive results immediately?
Regards,
Anders
Hi, just to update you, we just came back now (Saturday) from the testing, after reading here we went to Hospital militar because the article says that this is the place that foreigners need to go, but at the hospital militar they told us that we actually need to go to the Conchita Palacios to get the PCR test done, so we had luck that we had enough time to catch taxi to another hospital, and on Conchita Palacios we did the test.
Actually, we never suggested that people go to the Hospital Militar/Military Hospital. The address that we provide in the post for the new testing site in Bolonia is “Donde fue”, which is from where the “Old” Hospital Militar used to be.
It’s confusing for a lot of people, but this is the way addresses work in Nicaragua!
The new site is called “Nicaraguan Institute of Health Investigations” and it looks like it’s now been updated on Google Maps.
We actually independently verified that foreigners are directed by MINSA to go to the site in the neighborhood of Bolonia before we updated the posting. Because you went to the Military Hospital (the new one probably), they sent you to where all of the PCR testing has been conducted, up until recently. Anyways…we’re glad it worked out for you!
Hi thank you for ur help. I went to nicaragua in March and I went for my covid test to the Conchita Palacios, I’m going back to nicaragua in October so I have to go to do my test at that place you said where the old military hospital was? And one more question. Can I pay with my card online for the test or can just make the appointment online and go pay in person to a bampro?
Hi Angela, Yes, if you’re a foreigner, you’ll need to go to the site in Bolonia, which is new, assuming nothing changes between now and October!
You need to make a deposit to the BANPRO account, so I don’t believe you can do that online. To pay by card, you can just go directly to the test site where they take credit cards.
Hope that helps.
Hi! I just want to make sure we’ve got the right address for the testing site for international travel. When I use the address above, it brings me here. Is this right? I see there’s lots of confusion between the address, and the actual military hospital, so I figured best to check!
https://goo.gl/maps/8Bb1YkAY56pKkHvL9
It’s quite confusing because this says New Military Hospital, which you’ve specifically said NOT to go to, but it also appears to be in Bolonia.. I feel crosseyed..
And here I am, just continuing on my journey and I think I’ve solved my own issue. Maybe.
Looks like THIS might be the right place: https://goo.gl/maps/zfPTnbaewYCBtYYv8
Hopefully my rabbit-hole digging helps someone. Haha.
Yes, this is the right place! Thanks for that information.
Hello is the COVID test still swabbed inside the nose? I’ve heard there is new testing now with swabbing the mouth? I am not looking forward to the nose swab!
As far as we know, it’s still up the nose!
Hey..
I saw in the article update that the all foreign travelers who need to get tested are required to go to the location in Bolonia and NOT to Conchita Palacios.
I have 3 questions:
1. Is this the new address to go to do the test: New Military Hospital
6 Av Suroeste, Managua 12086
2. How far before the test can I make the appointment? Can I transfer the money in the Banpro several days before the test?
3. I saw in the comments that the testing hours is beetween 8:00 to 10:00, Is it chanaged instead of 8:00 to 11:00.
It’s important because I’m landing a day before my flight to corn islands at 9:00 am and im affaid i won’t make it to the test
Hi Ran, Yes, all foreigners are required to go the location in Bolonia.
The address we have is: de la entrada principal de donde fue el Hospital Militar, 1 C. al Lago, 1.5 Abajo. This would be the address/direction that you would want to provide to a taxi driver.
You actually don’t need to make an appointment in order to get the test done. You can show up at the test site and make the payment using cash or card.
The hours from the MINSA site show they are open 7am to 11am, Monday to Saturday.
Here is the link to the site: https://serviciosenlinea.minsa.gob.ni/registro/#/
Hope that helps!
Hello!
Thanks for all the very useful info on here. I have 3 questions:
– Has it ever happened that the results did not come out the same day ?
– Do we get the results electronically (via email) or do we need to wait in Managua and retrieve the results in person?
– Is there any way to make the payment to Banpro electronically (remotely) before getting to Nicaragua?
Thank you !!
Hi Tara, I’ve never come across a situation where the results were not provided the same day. In terms of receiving the results, it doesn’t require a visit back to the test center. You simply log in to the MINSA website to retrieve the results and then print them off. As far as making the payment to BANPRO electronically, that I’m not sure about. I believe you can if you have a BANPRO account with online access, but more than likely you’ll need to visit a branch to make a deposit. Hope that helps!
Hello, I am travelling for business purposes to Nicaragua. I get to Managua at 10:45 am and leave Monday at 7 am…. with these time windows does it mean I will not be able to leave the country and have to reschedule my flight?
The Avianca website says that an Antigen self test is okay to use to travel from Nicaragua to USA. We have the BinaxNOW test. This is self administered with an accompanying video connection with an Abbott labs tester witnessing, verifying and then emailing results for use for travel. Has anyone done this and how did it go? Thanks!
Ditto the question above!!!
Will Avianca, at the Managua Airport, accept the BinaxNOW / Abbott Labs witnessed test for a US flight??
As anyone flying from Managua used it successfully??
It is accepted by the US Government for entry and by many international airlines!
Hi Steven, The information we go by is posted on the u.s. embassy website: https://ni.usembassy.gov/covid-19-information-2-2-2-2/
I would suggest contacting them or the airline to see what is now acceptable for travel. Unfortunately these rules change all the time. All the best!
What happens in case of.a positive PCR-test?
If I’m am flying out of MGA into Mexico City where they do not require a covid test for entry, will I be able to NOT take a test to leave?
You only need to take a test if your destination(s) require it.
Is the MINSA open and doing COVID testing on September 15, Independence Day? Also does public transportation run on Independence day or is everything shut down for the holiday?
Hi, The MINSA testing center is open Monday to Saturday, regardless of whether its a holiday or not.
In general, it’s difficult or impossible to find public transport on holidays, but there will be taxis available.
Hi Michael,
Just to clarify, is it possible to just walk up to either testing site to get our COVID test? Or do we have to make an appointment online?
Thanks!
GK
You can walk in and get it done. No need for an appointment. Also, the lineup is not very long these days, from what we’ve been hearing from other travelers recently.
I’m traveling Tuesday August 17
When I can take the test Sunday are you open?
Hi Karla, The test center is not open on Sundays. It’s open Monday to Saturday. You get the test done in the morning, usually before 9am and will receive results by 4pm the same afternoon.
Are the test labs open during the holidays even on Thanksgiving Break and New Years Eve?
Normally, the testing center is open Monday-Saturday, regardless if it’s a holiday.
Is the Covid testing centre open on Monday 19 July – national liberation day?
Hi It seems like it is open on the 19th as they are accepting booking online for that date. If you have any doubts, I would suggest giving them a call.
Hola si alguien es tan amable de ayudarme con esto, viajo un día martes y dice que tengo que hacer la prueba 72 horas antes y cae domingo y ellos no trabajan como aria en ese caso. Muchas gracias de antemano.
Travelling to Canada requires a molecular PCR test, is this possible at MINSA and how long before my flight will I have to get the test to get the results back in time for my flight? Thanks in advance.
Hi Mat, The test that they do at MINSA is a PCR test, which is exactly what you need to enter Canada. Tests are administered in the morning, from 7am to 10am. You’ll normally have your results back by 4pm that same day.
Hope that helps!
Hi guys, I see the website for MINSA isn’t in English. I don’t understand the form at all. If I don’t complete it, can I just arrive at the testing center and complete it there and pay cash? Thanks
Yes, you can take care of everything at the test site. But, I do think you can choose the language as English on the website form, too.
That might help you get through filling out the form and make the process quicker at the test center.
Hi! Wondering if I will need to go to Banpro and deposit money before I register online. Or if I’m able to register for an appointment and pay online at the same time?
Hi Lauren, I believe payments are only accepted at Banpro and at the test site.
Hi, great advise.
The appointment can only be made after I make the payments once I am in Nicaragua? It asks for Numero de referencia de pago or it can be made online before travel?
Banpros are all over the country?
I would be returning on a Sunday, Saturday would be good enough? no risk of something going wrong? not planning of being in Managua before friday evening.
Thank you
Hi John, This test is a PCR test that is administered before you travel out of Nicaragua to a place that requires a test in order to enter the country. The reference number refers to the payment made at a bank here in Nicaragua (Banpro). Banpro is a national bank and has many locations throughout Nicaragua. You can also pay at the test location here in Managua, if you want. The center runs pretty efficiently, so you could definitely get the test done in the morning on a Saturday and have the results on the same afternoon.
Do i need to make appointment ??or just go to make the line
Our guests tell us that the process is efficient and making a line won’t slow down the process that much. If you pay in advance and go with an appointment, the process should be quick and painless!
Hi There – Do I need to present a screenshot of negative test to Avianca before I board the flight — or do I upload it somewhere?
Coming back to Nicaragua was a giant pain in the neck. Had to email the test to MINSA and it happened to be a holiday so nobody got back to us. Wasn’t allowed to board.
I would suggest talking Avianca directly to see what the requirement is. The problem is these requirements keep changing!
Hello do i need to make a app9 or just go to fo the line for the tedt
Hi, You can just show up but it’s probably quicker and easier if you go with an appointment.
Is it possible to get a speed test? So you have the results sooner?
No, there is no quick test available, as far as we are aware. The test that they apply in MINSA is the PCR, and it takes about half a day to receive the results.
So if you I do the test between 7 and 11am is for sure that I’ll get results that same day?
Yes, usually by 3pm you’ll have the results.
Have now three questions to these good pieces of information provided here on your site:
1. I tried to select an appointment on Sunday, but Sundays are not available for selection. Did I do something wrong or were Sundays now excluded to make tests?
2. In case I prefer to make cash payment on-site at the test site. Do I solely have to bring the $150 USD and they accept it like that and give me a payment receipt?
3. When I google “MINSA Central” or “conchita palacios”, I get several different locations all over Managua. Which one is the correct one, can you provide a google maps link please?
Thanks a lot
Hi, It seems like Sundays are no longer available for testing. They note on the MINSA site now that it’s Monday to Saturday.
You can certainly make a cash payment at the site. It just means you need to make 2 lines at the test site, one to pay and another one to get the test.
I see what you mean about the pins for conchita palacios and MINSA…there are many! In any case, any taxi driver worth his weight, will know where MINSA central / conchita palacios is located. It’s well known, so you’ll have no trouble getting there!
Thank you so much for providing this information!
Can I make the deposit of $150 many days prior to the actual test?
I would prefer to pay in person, can I still make an appointment?
How will I share my test results with the airlines if my results are provided digitally?
When you make the payment for the test, you are depositing money to a bank account and you simply enter the reference number in the online form when making the reservation. It’s a big time saver to do it this way but you can also pay at the test site, but it means making a line for the payment and later, a line for the test. I believe you can still make an appointment for the test online without entering the payment information.
The results you receive are a PDF via email. Simply print it off and bring it with you to the airport for your flight!
So testing is available on Sunday between the same hours? I’m having difficulty with obtaining an address and/or directions to the testing site.
Yes, the center operates the same schedule throughout the week. It opens at approximately 7am in the morning.
If you use google maps, you’ll be able to locate the center in Managua. It’s called “MINSA Central” and can also be found as “conchita palacios”.
Hope that helps!
Is there any testing on Sunday or is it completely closed?
Testing is done 7 days a week. No problems with getting a test and results on Sundays.
Thanks for the info. Super useful. I’m flying to Nica from th UK in June. The 72 hours timeframe that I have to present a negative COVID test when arrival to Nic does begin counting from the moment I take the test in the UK or from the day the results is available? Normally the results take between 24-36 hours from the test day.
Good question! Sorry, we’re not sure about that. You should confirm with your airline. They are very much aware of the requirements for travelers.
Do you need to bring a flight itinerary with you demonstrating that you are traveling to a country that requires a negative COVID test?
Hi Ana, The required documents are the voucher of payment through Banpro, your ID (passport or Cedula) and a confirmation from the site when you enter the online form through the MINSA website… that’s it!
Se puede pagar con tarjeta de crédito online
yo entiendo que no seria posible para pagar con tarjeta en linea.
Yo ya tengo la vacuna y necesito ingresar a Nic, tengo que hacerme la prueba del COVID 19
Hola Lorena, Yo creo que si. Pero seria mejor confirmar con la gente de MINSA!
Thank you so much for your help 👍🙏
👍 I forgot to ask if the 30th is still good for traveling to NYC, that requires a 72hrs result before traveling!!, thanks again
A few more helpful tips: 1) Arrive early if possible, it can fill up fast. 2) You can pay in cash OR by card at Conchita Palacios. 3) Pre-registering online puts you in a smaller waiting area and is a much shorter wait (and if you’re paying in person, I was able to leave the payment section empty on the online from.)
Hi I am trying to register online but if I don’t have the voucher it doesnt let me. How did you make it possible?
Hi Maylene, The voucher for the advance payment is required so that you can make the process quicker when you go the testing location. The alternative is that you can pay at this test site. Hope this helps!
How do I register in advance
Hi Jim, You’ll need to visit the MINSA website and follow the instructions. Here is a link to the site: https://serviciosenlinea.minsa.gob.ni/servicios/#/laboratorio
I am look to travel back to the uk from april 7 th i am Granada i will looking to stay in Manaqua for a few days
Sounds good Kenny! Let us know if you’d like to make a reservation in advance.
Hi is the test center for corvid 19 open on Saturday
Yes Kenny, it is.
Is it open on Sunday?
Hi Kim, Yes, it is open on Sundays.
Hi, good day! My question is, I am scheduled to depart Managua at 5:40am on July 31st, what time is is best to take the covid test
Hi Lincoln, In that case, you would need to get it done by no later than the day before (July 30). If you get it done on the 30th, you would have the results by 4pm that same day.
Now the travelers to USA can just pass the antigen test (not PCR test). Can we find the antigen test in Managua? And maybe the price is lower than 150 USD.
Hi, No, I’m not sure where you can get the antigen test done. Maybe you’ll need to check with your embassy to see if they have more info.