North and Central America and Caribbean

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

• 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 General - Consular Assistance.
  
  
• The rainy season in Nicaragua normally runs from May to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean. See Natural Disasters - Hurricanes/Flooding.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• You should take out comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. See General Insurance.

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.

See our Terrorism Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Crime
Nicaragua has experienced a significant rise in thefts, break-ins and muggings. Street crime is prevalent in Managua but also 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. 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 worrying trend. 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.  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.

Do not travel on buses after dark.

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.

Be aware that that there have been reports of violent attacks against foreign nationals in their hotels or places of residence. 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.

There have been increased reports of credit card fraud. You are advised not to use credit cards unless necessary. Ask your bank to 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. 

See our Victims of Crime Abroad page.

Safety and Security - Local Travel
The North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) is extremely remote.  Any travel to this area should be particularly well-planned. Do 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, 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.

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. 

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Road Travel
Lack of road safety, is probably the biggest single hazard to travellers. Road conditions are generally poor and 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. Running traffic lights whilst at red is common practice. Drink driving is a severe problem.

See our Driving Abroad

Safety and Security - Local Travel - Air Travel
There is US$35 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.  

Safety and Security - Local Travel - 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.

See our River and Sea Safety page.

Safety and Security - Political Situation
Nicaragua Country Profile
You should avoid all large public gatherings and monitor local media reports. 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.

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

See our Your Trip page.

Entry Requirements - Visas
British nationals can visit Nicaragua for up to three months without 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 US$10 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.
 
Entry Requirements - Passport Validity
You must hold a valid passport to enter Nicaragua. Your passport must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry Nicaragua.
 
Entry Requirements - 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.

Entry Requirements - 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.

Entry Requirements - Travelling with children
For information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Nicaraguan Embassy in London.

Leptospirosis: walking in water contaminated by animal urine is the most common way of acquiring the disease. It can be treated successfully with antibiotics if discovered in time.

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. 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 is 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. There are also 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 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 6,700 adults aged 15 or over in Nicaragua were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.2% of the adult population, which equals the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK. See our HIV and AIDS page.

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.

See our Travel Health page.

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

Natural Disasters - 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 our Tropical cyclones page 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. 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.

Natural Disasters - Earthquakes
Nicaragua is subject to minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes.

Ensure that you know what action to take should an earthquake occur. If staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions. Further advice may be found at American Red Cross - Earthquake.

Natural Disasters - Volcanoes
A spine of volcanoes, several of which are active stretches the length of the country, in particular San Cristobal, Cerro Negro and Concepcion on Ometepe Island. 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  
You should obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. Check for 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. See our Travel Insurance page.

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

General - 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.

General - 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 Honorary Consul can issue Emergency Passports for people who need to travel urgently (but these are not valid for entry or transit to the USA) and the British Embassy in Costa Rica can issue the Emergency Travel Documents.

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

General - 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. Avoid using street moneychangers, as there have been reports of assaults on people exchanging money in the streets.  

General - Contact Details - Honorary British Consul in Managua
Dr Jose Evenor Taboada

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

Telephone:  (505) 2254 5454
Out-of-hours: (506) 2256-8574
Facsimile: (505) 2254-5295
E-mail:  mailto:jose.taboada-honcon@fconet.fco.gov.uk or consular.costarica@fco.gov.uk