Trip Application Process
Application Forms
Your application materials and a deposit of $250.00 should be completed and received by our New York office no later than ninety days (90 days) before your trip is scheduled to depart. The information in our application materials is very important to the staff and communities in Nicaragua so that they can prepare for your group and any special accommodations your group members may require. We must have your completed application materials before your trip departs.
The application has four components (the three forms are available as PDF files on the right side of your screen), each of which must be completed:
- The Program Application Form
- The Medical and Health Information Form
- The Release and Agreement Form
- A Legible Copy of Your Passport
It is essential that you are honest and thorough in completing these forms--our ability to provide a safe and rewarding experience for you depends upon the information you provide.
Passports and Visas
U.S. citizens travelling to Nicaragua do not require a travel visa; however, all travellers entering Nicaragua need to be aware of certain travel restrictions. Most importantly, Nicaragua may refuse entry to any traveller whose passport expires within six (6) months of their arrival. Please be sure to check your passports' expiration dates, and leave enough time to renew them if necessary.
Non U.S. citizens may require a visa for entry to Nicaragua. Visa application processes may vary depending on the office issuing them. If you are a non-U.S. citizen planning to travel with Bridges, and you will require a visa, please apply for your visa as soon as possible. If your embassy requires documentation about the trip and your accomodations, please let us know.
Airline Reservations
Bridges to Community can arrange your group's travel through one of a few agencies we work with on a regular basis. For travel at peak times (especially in the Spring), we recommend that we book travel through such an agency to coordinate the arrival of participants. At other times of the year, we will give groups the option of arranging their own travel. Please decide with your group as soon as possible how you will be booking travel, and discuss it with our Trip Coordinator.
Medical and Health Info
We work hard to make sure our travelers remain healthy during their stay, but you should be aware that travel to Nicaragua does require some special health considerations. You will need to have up-to-date immunizations and possibly also medications to bring with you. Leave yourself enough time before your trip (preferably four-six weeks) to visit your local physician and/or health center. You should also consult our packing guide to plan your packing accordingly.
Trip Fees and Payments
A non-refundable U.S. $250 deposit is due with your program application, ninety (90) days in advance of your trip. If Bridges is arranging your flights, $100 of the $250 deposit is due before we will book your seat. The full payment for your airline tickets is due sixty (60) days in advance of your departure. Bridges will let you know what the cost of your flight is, but if you have any questions, you can contact us. Your complete trip fee is due no later than thirty (30) days in advance of your trip. Please consult your group leader or our Trip Coordinator for the total cost of your trip.
Cancellation and Emergencies
We provide an optional insurance for our travelers which will cover emergency evacuation and/or in-country medical care should it be required. If you choose to decline this coverage, please let us know. We also recommend (but do not require) travel insurance should you for any reason have to cancel your trip. In the event you do cancel your trip, or cannot attend and cannot find a replacement, Bridges will keep your $250 deposit. If Bridges arranged your travel, you are responsible for the cost of your airline tickets, although Bridges will try to arrange a travel voucher with the airline which you can use at your discretion.
If you are able to find a replacement prior to 48 hours of departure there is no change fee, inside 48 hours you will be charged a $200 fee. Bridges will help with those arrangements or you can apply your deposit to travel on another Bridges trip within a year of the original trip date.
