North and Central America and Caribbean

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

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• 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 Tropical cyclones for more details.
  
  
• Demonstrations by both opposition and pro-Government groups are scheduled to take place on 21 November and violent clashes are likely.  You are advised to avoid political rallies or large gatherings.  See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The situation in neighbouring Honduras remains tense and unpredictable and may deteriorate very quickly.  Temporary curfews have been and may again be introduced at short notice.  As a reaction to this, Nicaraguan land borders and air links with Honduras may also close at short notice.  If you intend to travel to or through Honduras you should contact your travel operator for further advice and keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media, the FCO’s Travel Advice on Honduras and by checking our Embassy’s website at www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk.
  
  
• 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 advice and for more details.
  
  
• 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 advice for more details.
  
  
• Around 5000 British tourists visited Nicaragua in 2008 (Source: Nicaraguan Tourist Institute). The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Nicaragua in 2008 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 advice for more details.
  
  
• 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.  You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.  See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.