North and Central America and Caribbean
Nicaragua
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Still current at: 03 December 2008
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Updated: 27 November 2008
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This advice has been reviewed and reissued with an amendment to the Summary and Political Situation section. The overall level of the advice has changed; we no longer advise against all but essential travel to Managua and Leon due to political unrest, but continue to advise you to avoid large gatherings and political rallies.
(see travel advice legal disclaimer)
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
Travel Summary
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Municipal elections took place on 9 November 2008. Violent demonstrations have followed, most notably in Managua and Leon as opposition groups have questioned the authenticity of the results. An attempted large demonstration by opposition groups in Managua on 18 November provoked further violent incidents, although there have been trouble-free demonstrations since. You are strongly advised to avoid any further political rallies or large gatherings and monitor local media reports. See the Political Situation section of this advice for more details.
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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.
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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.
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We advise travelling with caution in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) due to the remoteness of this area. There have been occasional incidents of violent crime in Bonanza, La Rosita, Siuna and Little Corn Island. It is not recommended to walk alone after dark. 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.
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Around 14,500 British tourists visited Nicaragua in 2006 (Source: Nicaraguan Tourist Institute). The main type of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Nicaragua in 2007 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.
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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 strongly 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.
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.
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 this year. 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. Do not resist a robbery attempt. 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 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 and 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 violentattacks against foreign nationals in their hotels or places ofresidence. We recommend that you use hotels that are staffed at thefront desk 24 hours a day, have adequate uniformed security staff andsecurity measures such as a front gate, a fenced perimeter and avaluables safe in the room.
In addition therehave been increased reports of credit card fraud. You are advised notto use credit cards unless necessary, and to request that your bankinform 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
Municipal elections took place throughout Nicaragua on 9 November 2008. These elections were followed by demonstrations and political rallies, with opposition groups questioning the authenticity of the results. There were violent clashes reported in Managua and Leon. An attempted protest by opposition groups in Managua on 18 November provoked further violence between opposition supporters and those from the ruling FSLN party. Some calm has returned to the streets and there have been peaceful demonstrations since. But the situatiion is still volatile and violence could erupt at any time. You are strongly advised to 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.
Local Travel
We strongly advise against all but essential travel to Managua and Leon due to the ongoing political instability.
We advise travelling with caution in the North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) due to the remoteness of this area. 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.
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.
You should not hike on volcanoes or in other remote areas without an experienced guide. Three tourists including a British national died when hiking on Ometepe Island’s volcanoes in 2004.
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.
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 contemplating any swimming or 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 Travel Advice Relevant to You.
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.
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.
Health
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.
In October 2007 the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health confirmed over 1,500 cases of leptospirosis, with 9 deaths to date. The departments of Chinandega and Leon being the worse affected. Brigades from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, Armed Forces as well as other government institutions are working to prevent further spread of the infection.
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.
In October 2007 the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health confirmed over 1,500 cases of leptospirosis, with 9 deaths to date. The departments of Chinandega and Leon being the worse affected. Brigades from the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health, Armed Forces as well as other government institutions are working to prevent further spread of the infection.
Dengue Fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. In 2007 there was a marked increase in the number of reported cases of dengue across the region.
In June 2007, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health issued a health warning on the use of the toothpaste brands Exel, Mr. Cool, Genial and Dentamint due to chemical contamination. The Ministry reported that 216,000 packages of toothpaste suspected of being toxic had entered the country and as of June 2007, the Ministry had seized 7,423 packages.
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.
In June 2007, the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health issued a health warning on the use of the toothpaste brands Exel, Mr. Cool, Genial and Dentamint due to chemical contamination. The Ministry reported that 216,000 packages of toothpaste suspected of being toxic had entered the country and as of June 2007, the Ministry had seized 7,423 packages.
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 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.
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.
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 strongly 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 oversees then this is How We Can Help.
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.
If things do go wrong when you are oversees then this is How We Can Help.
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 (details below).
Applications for British passports should be made to the British Embassy in Costa Rica, which can also be contacted about emergency passports.
Passports should be left in a hotel safe/security box. A photocopy of the personal details page should be carried for identification purposes.
Since many trips to Nicaragua are made via the United States, it is important to note that since 26 October 2004, all passport holders who wish to enter the US 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. Should you need to replace your passport in Nicaragua, you should apply via the British Embassy in Costa Rica. For further details, in particular concerning children travelling on a parent's passport, please contact the US Embassy.
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.
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 were reports of assaults on people exchanging money in the streets during the first half of 2006.
Travel advice for this country
- Travel Summary
- Safety and security
- Local laws and customs
- Entry requirements
- Health
- Natural disasters
- General
See entire profile
