Nicaragua Travel Risk

Reconsider travel in Nicaragua due to risk of crime, health, wrongful detention, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are generally not allowed to drive after dark due to safety risks. These include inadequate street lighting and poor road conditions. However, they are allowed to drive at all times in Managua and on Carretera Masaya between Managua and Granada.
• U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are not allowed to use public transportation due to safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are not allowed to go to these places due to safety risks: Managua's Mercado Oriental Managua’s national baseball stadium Casinos and strip clubs
• Non-personal service contractors traveling to Nicaragua on official U.S. government business must travel on a service passport starting April 15, 2026.

Wrongful Detention

The U.S. Department of State has determined that U.S. nationals are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of Nicaragua. Wrongfully detained U.S. nationals may be held in prison for years, in poor conditions, and without due process or consistent access to U.S. government staff or their family. Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs but be aware that local laws are often applied arbitrarily to those who are seen as government opponents. Foreign travelers may face an increased risk of detention and harassment, even if you are also a citizen of Nicaragua.

The U.S. embassy will work to monitor your health and safety in detention but cannot guarantee your release. Most U.S. nationals who are convicted of committing a crime overseas serve out their sentences in prisons in that country.

UK government support

There is no resident British diplomatic mission in Nicaragua, and FCDO cannot give in-person support. If you need emergency help or have passport-related issues, contact the British Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, via this contact form. Replacement travel documents may take up to 4 weeks longer than normal to reach you.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Nicaragua

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Nicaragua, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Political situation

Demonstrations and gatherings can turn violent. It is illegal for foreigners to take part in any sort of political activity in Nicaragua. You can be arrested and detained or deported for:

• taking part in a protest
• breach of the peace
• any activity seen as acting against the government, including political meetings and campaigns
• using Nicaragua’s national flag or colours (blue and white) for campaigning or protesting

Demonstrations can also lead to travel disruption. Check local information before travelling.

Risk level

Nicaragua - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Nicaragua due to the political situation, the potential for civil unrest and crime.

Political situation

The political situation is volatile in Nicaragua. The country has experienced periods of political unrest since April 2018, resulting in hundreds of deaths and detentions.

Since the 2021 Presidential elections, Nicaraguan government officials and law enforcement have severely repressed those critical of or opposed to government policies. According to UN reports, Nicaraguan authorities:

• undertake arbitrary arrests and detentions
• censure media
• prevent certain individuals from entering or departing Nicaragua by air or land for political reasons
• arbitrarily seize and search private property, including personal phones and computers for anti-government content
• arbitrarily charge individuals with terrorism, money laundering, and organized crime offenses for political reasons

If you are in Nicaragua:

• refrain from discussing the political situation in public or online
• avoid all political activities
• avoid posting information on social media

The ability of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua to provide consular assistance may be limited in some circumstances.

尼加拉瓜风险等级为蓝色（低风险）。