North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There is no British Embassy in Nicaragua.  For emergency consular assistance, contact the Honorary Consul in Managua or the British Embassy in Costa Rica.  See the General (Consular Assistance) section of this Travel Advice .
  
  
• We advise travel to the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) should be particularly well planned due to the remoteness of this area.  You should also not hike without an experienced guide on volcanoes or in other remote areas.  See the Local Travel and Natural Disasters (Volcanoes) section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• The rainy season in Nicaragua normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.  See the Natural Disasters (Hurricanes/Flooding) section of this Travel Advice and the "Tropical Cyclones".
  
  
• Around 10,700 British tourists visited Nicaragua in 2009 (Source: Nicaraguan Tourist Institute). The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Nicaragua in 2009 was to replace stolen passports and travel documents.  you should carry a photocopy of the personal details page from your passport with you at all times for identification purposes.  Road safety is also an issue.  See the Road Travel section of this Travel Advice.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  See the General (Insurance) section of this Travel Advice.

Safety and security

Terrorism

There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.

For more general information see Terrorism Abroad. 

Crime

Nicaragua has experienced a significant rise in thefts, break-ins and muggings since the beginning of 2008. Street crime is prevalent in Managua and occasionally occurs in other large towns.  Violent crime is on the increase.  Pickpockets and thieves operate on public transport.  Robberies are common in and around bus terminals, both for local and international routes.  Many criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted.  If you are robbed, you should inform the local police and obtain a signed and sealed copy of their report.  

Taxi muggings, particularly against foreigners, are a relatively new and worrying trend.  You should also be aware that there have been reports of "express kidnappings" occurring in Nicaragua involving passengers using unauthorised taxis, where cash is demanded for release a short while later.

Where possible use radio-dispatched taxis.  If you are getting a taxi on the street, be sure to choose an authorised taxi, which has red plates.  Only use taxis that have the driver’s identification number, name and photograph clearly visible on the dashboard.  You should take note of the colour and number of the vehicle.  Although it is customary in Nicaragua to share taxis with strangers, you are advised to try to arrange a private journey with the driver.  Always negotiate the fare with the driver before the journey.  

There have been several reports of cars being stopped and passengers assaulted at traffic lights in Managua.  While stopping at traffic lights in Managua it is recommended to keep the windows of your car closed.  Car doors should also be locked from the inside when driving.

You should not to travel on buses after dark.

You should take precautions when walking, particularly in the markets, bus stations and poorer areas of the town and especially in the vicinity of the old cathedral in Managua.  Do not walk alone after dark.

You should be aware that that there have been reports of violent attacks against foreign nationals in their hotels or places of residence.  We recommend that you use hotels that are staffed at the front desk 24 hours a day, have adequate uniformed security staff and security measures such as a front gate, a fenced perimeter and valuables safe in the room.

In addition there have been increased reports of credit card fraud.  You are advised not to use credit cards unless necessary, and to request that your bank inform you of any excess activity on accounts.

Avoid wearing jewellery.  Do not carry large amounts of cash, credit cards or other valuables.

Keep photocopies of valuables such as passports (including date of entry stamp), airline tickets, driving licence and travellers’ cheques separate from originals. 

For more general information see Victims of Crime Abroad. 

Political Situation

Nicaragua Country Profile

You are advised to avoid all large public gatherings and monitor local media reports. There were violent demonstrations in February and November last year.  Previous demonstrations have affected access to and from the airport. Roadblocks may occur on main roads disrupting movement around the city as well as at other points around the country.

Local Travel

The North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) is extremely remote.  We advise any travel to this area should be particularly well-planned.   You should not hike without an experienced guide on volcanoes or in other remote areas.

Although extensive de-mining operations have been conducted to clear rural areas of northern Nicaragua of landmines left from the war, you should exercise caution if you venture off the main roads.

There have been occasional incidents of violent crime in Bonanza, La Rosita, Siuna and Little Corn Island.

You should not walk alone after dark.  Highway travel in the middle of the night is not recommended due to the presence of armed bandits that operate in various parts of the country. 

Road Travel

Road safety, or lack of it, is probably the biggest single hazard to travellers in Nicaragua.  Road conditions are generally poor, particularly during the wet season when large potholes can appear overnight.  There is no street lighting on the main highways between major cities and only minimal street lighting in urban areas.  Driving standards and the conditions of vehicles are poor, particularly those of taxis and buses.  Many vehicles do not have rear, brake or indicator lights.  Running traffic lights whilst at red is common practice.  Drink driving is a severe problem.

For more general information see Driving Abroad. 

Air Travel

There is 32 US Dollar departure tax (the departure tax is normally included in the price of your air ticket).

During the wet season (April to October) you are advised to fly to and from the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua on early morning flights, because of the risk of severe storms later in the day.  

Swimming/Water Sports  

You should exercise caution if swimming or participating in other water activities.  Strong currents off sections of Nicaragua's Pacific coast have resulted in a number of drownings.  Warning signs are not posted and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available in Nicaragua.

 For more general information see River and Sea Safety.

Local laws and customs

You should not become involved with drugs of any kind.  Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment.

For more general information for different types of travellers see Your Trip.

Entry requirements

Visas
 
British nationals can visit Nicaragua for up to three months without needing a visa.  However, entry into Nicaragua may be refused and airlines may not carry you if you hold a passport with less than six months validity or do not have an onward ticket out of Nicaragua.  There is also a 5 US American Dollar entry fee.
 
For information on entry requirements for purposes other than business visits or tourism, you are advised to contact the Nicaraguan Embassy in London.
 
Passport Validity
 
Your passport should be valid for at least six months from the intended date of entry.
 
Central America Border Control Agreement
 
Nicaragua is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4).  Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists may travel within any of the CA-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a period of up to 90 days, without completing entry and exit formalities at border Immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90 day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires (giving maximum 120 days in total). If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.

Yellow Fever vaccination certificate  

If you are arriving from a country where Yellow Fever is endemic, you must have a valid vaccination certificate to enter Nicaragua.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries required documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Nicaraguan Embassy in London.

Travel to, or via, the US

All passport holders who wish to enter the US, either from or on the way to Nicaragua, under the Visa Waiver Programme must present an individual machine-readable passport.  If you do not have a machine-readable passport you must obtain a non-immigrant visa from the nearest US Embassy prior to travel.  

British travellers must register their travel details on the US' Department of Homeland Security website, ESTA "Electronic System for Travel Authorization" - https://esta.cbp.dhs.gov/.  This must be done prior to travel, preferably a minimum of 72 hours before departure.  We strongly recommend that you carry a copy of your ESTA clearance as an airline may refuse you to board your flight if you cannot provide evidence that clearance to enter the US has been granted.  This also applies to those with a valid US visa.  Further information can be found on FCO Travel Advice for the US.

Health

There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on pandemic flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at www.dh.gov.uk.

Public hospitals in Nicaragua are not well equipped and although they do not charge for emergency services, they do charge for all supplies and medicines which would normally need to be bought from outside as stocks are not maintained in hospitals.  Each department of the country has its own public hospital.  It is worth noting that Medical staff do not always speak English and you may need a good understanding of Spanish to use the health facilities.  In addition, in an emergency, patients will be taken to the nearest hospital, which is usually a public organisation, unless the patient indicates they are able to pay for treatment.  Payment for healthcare us usually accepted in cash.

Many doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service although a few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment.  There are about 10 private hospitals/clinics in Managua.

Malaria is common to Nicaragua while there are occasional cases of cholera and Leptospirosis. Tap water in Managua has been tested and found safe for drinking. You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks.  If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Nicaragua you should seek immediate medical attention.

Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year.  There has been a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region, including deaths in Nicaragua.  A significant number of reported cases in Nicaragua have been in the northern mountainous areas bordering Honduras where widespread deforestation has occurred.  There is no vaccine or immunisation to prevent dengue fever and you should take usual precautions to avoid mosquito bites.

In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 7,500 adults aged 15 or over in Nicaragua were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%.  You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.

You should seek medical advice before travelling to Nicaragua and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date.  For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Heath Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland's Fit For Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.

For more general health information see Travel Health.

Natural disasters

Nicaragua is prone to seismic and volcanic activity, hurricanes, severe storms and flooding. See advice on hiking in Local Travel section of this advice.

Flooding/Hurricanes

The hurricane season in Nicaragua normally runs from June to November.  You should monitor the local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see Tropical cyclones for more detailed information about what to do if you are caught up in a hurricane.

The wet season from April to October brings heavy rains and severe storms (see "Local Travel" section for advice on flying to the Atlantic Coast).  Flooding is common and widespread.  You should be aware that during this season (especially in rural areas) landslides, flooding, bridge collapses, heavy rains causing cancellation of local flights, can on occasions affect travel plans.

Earthquakes

The last serious earthquake was in 1972 and it destroyed the centre of Managua.   Regular small tremors (most of which go unnoticed) release pressures that could otherwise trigger a larger earthquake.

Volcanoes

A spine of volcanoes stretches the length of the country, several of which are active, in particular San Cristobal and Cerro Negro.  The San Cristobal volcano, 60 miles west of the capital of Managua, has been emitting gas and ash since early 2006.  You should follow media reports and keep in touch with the local authorities if intending to visit the area.

General

Insurance  

We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling.  You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  This includes cover for medical treatment and accidents and for unexpected losses such as cancelled flights, stolen cash, cards, passport or luggage.  For more general information see Travel Insurance.

If things do go wrong when you are overseas see When Things Go Wrong.

Registration

Register with our LOCATE service to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency.  More information about registering with LOCATE can be found here.

Consular Assistance

There is no British Embassy in Nicaragua.  The British Embassy in Costa Rica has overall responsibility for Nicaragua but you can contact the British Honorary Consul in Managua in the event of an emergency (see contact details below).

Applications for British passports should be sent to the UK Passport Service for the Americas & Caribbean in the British Embassy in Washington.  The British Embassy in Costa Rica will continue to issue Emergency Passports for people who need to travel urgently.

Passports should be left in a hotel safe/security box.  A photocopy of the personal details page should be carried for identification purposes.    

Money

The American Dollar, either in cash or travellers’ cheques, is the only foreign currency, which is freely exchangeable in Nicaragua.  Banks do not exchange sterling.   You should avoid using street moneychangers, as there have been reports of assaults on people exchanging money in the streets.  

Contact Details - Honorary British Consul in Managua

Dr Jose Evenor Taboada

Address:  Apartado Postal (P O Box) 2382
Managua
Nicaragua

Telephone:  (00)(505) 2254 5454/3839
Out-of-hours: (506) 2256-8574
Facsimile:  (00)(505) 2254 5295
E-mail:  taboada@taboadalaw.com

Office hours:  Local:  09:00 to 13:00 and 15:00 to 18:00 Monday to Friday
GMT:  15:00 to 19:00 and 21:00 to 00:00 Monday to Friday.