Overall country Risk Rating: 

 

CCC -There is a high corruption risk affecting all personnel. HSE risk is high as there is no regulation or HSE culture in country. The country scored 133/175 on the corruption perception index, with a score of -0.780 on corruption control.(Point estimates range from -2.5 to 2.5. Higher values correspond to better governance outcomes)

Genvisec advises that travel to Nicaragua can continue. It is advised that business/leisure travellers read our security brief. Some high profile travellers may require further security support.

 

Crime

 

In recent years there has been a significant rise in thefts, break-ins and muggings. Street crime is common in Managua but also occurs in other large towns. Pickpockets and thieves operate on public transport and around bus terminals. Many criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have resisted. If you are robbed, inform the police and get a signed and sealed copy of their report.

 

Express kidnappings have occurred involving passengers using unauthorised taxis, where cash is demanded for release a short while later.

 

If possible use radio-dispatched taxis. If you get a taxi on the street, use an authorised taxi, which has red plates, and the driver’s identification number, name and photograph clearly visible on the dashboard. Take note of the colour and number of the vehicle before you get in.

 

It’s a common local practice to share taxis with strangers. If you prefer to avoid this, agree a fare with the driver for a solo journey. Always agree the fare before you set off. Many assaults and robberies have occurred when using unlicensed taxis and when a stranger offers to call a taxi for you. Don’t take a taxi if it’s been called for you by someone you do not know well.

 

There have been reports of cars being stopped and passengers assaulted at traffic lights in Managua. Keep the windows of your car closed and the doors locked.

 

Don’t travel on buses after dark.

 

Take care when walking around, particularly in markets, bus stations, the area around the old cathedral in Managua and poorer areas of towns. Don’t walk alone after dark.

 

There have been violent attacks against foreigners in hotels and houses. Use hotels that are staffed at the front desk 24 hours a day and have adequate security measures.

 

Avoid wearing jewellery. Don’t carry large amounts of cash, credit cards or other valuables.

 

Local travel

 

The North Atlantic Autonomous Region (RAAN) is very remote. You should plan any travel to this area carefully.

 

Don’t hike on volcanoes or in other remote areas without an experienced guide.

 

Although extensive de-mining operations have been carried out in rural areas of northern Nicaragua, some landmines may remain. Take care if you venture off the main roads.

 

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

 

Avoid road travel after dark due to the presence of armed bandits.

 

Road travel

 

Road conditions are generally poor and large potholes can appear overnight. There’s no street lighting on the main highways between major cities and only minimal street lighting in towns. Driving standards are low and the condition of vehicles, particularly taxis and buses is poor. Ignoring traffic lights is common practice. Drink driving is a severe problem.

 

Drivers of vehicles involved in serious injury or fatal road traffic accidents are often arrested and detained.

 

Air travel

 

There is a US$10 arrival tax, which should be paid in cash. There is also aUS$35 departure tax, which is normally included in the price of your air ticket.

 

During the wet season (April to October), it is usually better 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 and water sports  

 

Take care if you are swimming or taking part in water activities. Strong currents off sections of Nicaragua’s Pacific coast have resulted in drownings. Warning signs are not posted and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available.  

 

Political situation

 

Political demonstrations can happen at any time and at short notice. You should avoid all large public gatherings and monitor local media reports. Previous demonstrations have been violent and affected access to and from the airport.

 

Local laws and customs

Don’t become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment.

 

Money

The US Dollar, either in cash or travellers’ cheques, is the only foreign currency freely exchangeable in Nicaragua. Avoid using informal street money changers as there have been reports of assaults on people exchanging money in the streets.

 

Banks will often have affiliated money changers outside the branch, which avoids long queues. These recognised money changers work bank hours and display identification. You can withdraw cash in US dollars or local Cordobas from ATMs.

 

Health

Cases of Chikunyunga virus have been confirmed in Nicaragua and the number of reported cases in the region is increasing. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. For more details about this outbreak, see the website of the National Health Network and Centre .

 

Public hospitals in Nicaragua are not well equipped and charge for some services. There are some newer and better -equipped hospitals in Managua. Each department of the country has its own public hospital. You may need a good understanding of Spanish to use the health facilities. In an emergency, patients will be taken to the nearest hospital, which is usually a public hospital unless the patient indicates they are able to pay for treatment. Payment for healthcare is usually accepted in cash and may be required before treatment.

 

A few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

 

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 128 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

 

Visas

 

EU nationals can visit Nicaragua for up to 3 months without a visa. You may be refused entry if you don’t have an onward ticket out of Nicaragua.

.

Passport validity

 

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry Nicaragua.

 

The Nicaraguan authorities have confirmed they will accept British passports extended by 12 months by British Embassies and Consulates under additional measures put in place in mid-2014.

 

Emergency Travel Documents

 

Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry, airside transit and exit from Nicaragua. If you are using an ETD to enter Nicaragua, it should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Nicaragua.

 

Travelling with Children

 

Minors who hold single or dual Nicaraguan Nationality may require specific documentation to leave the country with one parent or a third party. Advice should be sought from the Nicaraguan Migration authorities.

 

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 can 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. If you’re expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.

 

Yellow fever 

 

Yellow Fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from  countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

 

Natural disasters

Nicaragua is prone to seismic and volcanic activity, hurricanes, severe storms and flooding.

 

Earthquakes

 

There was an increase in seismic activity during April 2014 and seismic events can happen at any time. Make sure you know what to do if a tremor or earthquake occurs. Read the hotel earthquake instructions. 

 

Hurricanes

 

The hurricane season 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. 

 

See our tropical cyclones page for advice about what to do if you are caught up in a storm.

 

Flooding

 

The wet season is from April to October. During this season (especially in rural areas) landslides, flooding and bridge collapses can cause cancellation of local flights and other travel disruption.

 

Volcanoes

 

A spine of volcanoes, several of which are active stretches the length of the country, in particular San Cristobal, Cerro Negro, Telica and Concepcion on Ometepe Island. San Cristobal has been active since  December 2012. Follow media reports and keep in touch with the local authorities if you intend to visit the area.