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Nicaragua
Country Specific Information
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June 03, 2008
COUNTRY DESCRIPTION: 
Nicaragua is a struggling democracy with a developing economy. On November 5, 2006, Sandinista leader Daniel Ortega won
the Presidential elections after sixteen years in the opposition. Many foreign governments and relief organizations provide
economic assistance to Nicaragua and numerous individuals (official and non-official) from the United States and the rest
of the developed world work on community-based projects throughout the country. Violent crime has not been a historical problem,
but the strength of criminal enterprises appears to be growing.
The national language is Spanish, although many residents of the Caribbean coastal areas also speak English and indigenous
languages. The climate is hot and humid, with the “summer” dry season running mid-November through mid-May and the “winter”
rainy season running from mid-May through mid-November. Terrain ranges from the hilly and volcanic to coastal beaches and
tropical jungles.
Nicaragua lacks an extensive tourist infrastructure. Potential tourists may want to obtain information from INTUR, the governmental
agency responsible for developing, regulating and promoting tourism in Nicaragua. INTUR's web site is http://www.intur.gob.ni/ and offers some information in English. Read the Department of State Background Notes on Nicaragua for additional information.
ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS: A valid U.S. passport is required to enter Nicaragua. Although there is a bilateral agreement that waives the six-month
validity passport requirement, U.S. citizens are urged to ensure that their passports are valid for the length of their projected
stay in the country before traveling. U.S. citizens must have an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds
to support themselves during their stay. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens; however, a tourist card must be purchased
($5.00) upon arrival. Tourist cards are typically issued for 30 to 90 days.
A valid entry stamp is required to exit Nicaragua. Pay attention to the authorized stay that will be written into your entry
stamp by the immigration inspector. Visitors remaining more than the authorized time must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan
Immigration. Failure to do so will prevent departure until a fine is paid.
There is also a $32 departure tax, the payment of which may or may not be included in your ticket. If not, payment can be
made at the ticket counter.
Per Nicaraguan law, individuals should exit Nicaragua with the same passport with which they entered the country. Dual national
minors who entered Nicaragua on their Nicaraguan passports will be subject to departure requirements specific to Nicaraguan
children under the age of 18, even though they may also be citizens of other countries. More information on these requirements
can be found on the U.S. Embassy web site at http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/dual_nationality.html.
Also note that all non-Nicaraguan citizens must be in possession of a valid identity document -- passport or Nicaraguan permanent
or temporary residency card -- at all times while traveling or residing in Nicaragua and may be required to show their documentation
to Nicaraguan authorities upon request.
In June 2006, Nicaragua entered a “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador.
Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders from one of the countries
to any of the others without completing entry and exit formalities at Immigration checkpoints. U.S. citizens and other eligible
foreign nationals, who legally enter any of the four countries, may similarly travel among the four without obtaining additional
visas or tourist entry permits for the other three countries. Immigration officials at the first port of entry determine
the length of stay, up to a maximum period of 90 days. Foreign tourists who wish to remain in the four-country region beyond
the period initially granted for their visit are required to request a one-time extension of stay from local Immigration authorities
in the country where the traveler is physically present, or travel outside the CA-4 countries and reapply for admission to
the region. Foreigners “expelled” from any of the four countries are excluded from the entire “CA-4” region. In isolated
cases, the lack of clarity in the implementing details of the CA-4 Border Control Agreement has caused temporary inconvenience
to some travelers and has resulted in others being fined more than one hundred dollars or detained in custody for 72 hours
or longer.
For the most current information about visas to visit Nicaragua, visit the Embassy of Nicaragua web site at http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni/.
Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our Consular Affairs web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information sheet.
SAFETY AND SECURITY: Police coverage is extremely sparse outside of major urban areas, particularly in Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast autonomous regions. Sporadic incidents of highway banditry have been reported in remote rural areas of north and northwest Nicaragua. If you do decide to travel to these areas, travel only on major highways and only during daylight hours.
Political demonstrations and strikes occur sporadically, are usually limited to urban areas, and occasionally become violent.
U.S. citizens are advised to avoid crowds and blockades during such occurrences.
Nautical travelers should be aware that there is an ongoing boundary dispute with Colombia over the San Andres Island archipelago
and the surrounding waters, specifically the area east of the 82nd and up to the 79th meridian. Furthermore, the Government
of Nicaragua has also begun to exercise sovereignty over territorial waters that were formerly controlled by Honduras but
recently awarded to Nicaragua by the International Court of Justice. Two U.S.-flag fishing vessels were recently impounded
by Nicaraguan authorities for allegedly fishing without a Nicaraguan permit in theses zones.
Travelers should also be aware that narcotics traffickers often use both the Caribbean and Pacific coastal waters. A boundary
dispute over Caribbean coastal waters between the governments of Nicaragua and Honduras was resolved in late-2007. Also in
late-2007, the governments of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador reached an accord regarding shared fishing rights in the
Gulf of Fonseca; however, questions remain regarding boundary demarcations in the Gulf of Fonseca. Commercial fishing vessels
should always ensure that they are properly licensed as problems have been reported in the areas off Cabo Gracias a Dios.
U.S. citizens are cautioned that strong currents and undertows off sections of Nicaragua's Pacific coast have resulted in
a number of incidents of drowning. Powerful waves have also resulted in broken bones, and injuries caused by sting rays are
not uncommon in popular resort bathing areas. Warning signs are not posted, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily
available. U.S. citizens contemplating beach activities in Nicaragua's Pacific waters should exercise appropriate caution.
Hiking in volcanic or other remote areas can be dangerous and travelers should take appropriate precautions. Hikers should
have appropriate dress, footwear, and sufficient consumables for any trek undertaken. Individuals who travel to remote tourist
or other areas for hiking activities are encouraged to hire a local guide familiar with the terrain and area. In particular,
there have been instances of hikers perishing or losing their way on the volcanoes at Ometepe Island. While they may look
like easy climbs, the terrain is treacherous and heavily overgrown.
Hundreds of passengers travel daily on domestic flights within Nicaragua without incident. However, these flights use small
airstrips outside of Managua, with minimal safety equipment and little boarding security. Some safety and security improvements
have been made at the Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas and Corn Island airports.
Although extensive de-mining operations have been conducted to clear rural areas of northern Nicaragua of landmines left from
the civil war in the 1980s, visitors venturing off the main roads in these areas are cautioned that the possibility of encountering
landmines still exists.
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State, Bureau of
Consular Affairs’ web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts, as well as the Worldwide Caution, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S. and Canada, or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s pamphlet A Safe Trip Abroad.
CRIME: Violent crime in Managua and other cities is increasing, and street crimes are common. Pick pocketing and occasional armed
robberies occur on crowded buses, at bus stops and in open markets, particularly the large Mercado Oriental, and less frequently
at the Huembes Market. Gang activity is rising in Managua, though not at levels found in neighboring Central American countries.
Gang violence, including drive-by shootings, robbery, assault and stabbings, is most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods,
including the Ticabus area, but has occurred in the neighborhoods surrounding major hotels, bus terminals and open-air markets.
In early 2008, a U.S. citizen was critically injured in a gang-motivated drive-by shooting that occurred in the San Judas
area. Violent crime including armed robbery is becoming increasingly common in areas frequented by tourists, diplomats, and
other U.S. citizens. Armed robberies have occurred at upscale shopping malls and in the Zona Hippos.
Recently, an American citizen family was violently assaulted and kidnapped by several armed men in San Juan del Sur. Other
American citizens have been the victims of armed robberies by assailants wielding machetes, knives and/or guns along the beaches
in and around San Juan del Sur. The U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens to exercise particular caution when frequenting the
following beaches: Maderas, Marsella, Yankee, Coco and Remanso.
In March 2008, a group of language students was robbed and attacked by several machete-wielding men on the outskirts of León
near the Somoza prison. The victims did not sustain life-threatening injuries.
In late 2007, a U.S. citizen was assaulted and raped while on vacation in Little Corn Island. U.S. citizens have previously
been the victims of sexual assault on this island and other beaches in the country. The Embassy recommends traveling in groups
when in isolated areas. Single travelers should exercise special caution while traveling in the Corn Islands and other remote
areas of the country.
Street crime and petty theft are a common problem in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields and the Corn Islands along the Nicaraguan
Caribbean coast. Lack of adequate police coverage has resulted in these areas being used by drug traffickers and other criminal
elements. For security reasons, the embassy has limited travel by its staff to the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions
(RAAN and RAAS). Given the area’s geographical isolation, the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens
who choose to travel in the Caribbean costal area is constrained. Police presence on Little Corn Island is made up of volunteers
with little to no formal training, and is minimal on Corn Island and other remote areas.
In the past year, the Embassy has noted a gradual increase in the use of armed violence against resident and visiting U.S.
citizens. The Embassy recommends that travelers utilize hotels and guest houses which have strong security elements in place,
including but not limited to rooms equipped with safes for securing valuables and travel documents and adequate access control
precautions.
Visitors should avoid walking and instead use officially registered taxicabs. Radio-dispatched taxis are recommended and
can be found at the International airport and at the larger hotels. Robbery and assault on passengers in taxis in Managua
are increasing in frequency and violence, with passengers subjected to beating, sexual assault, stabbings, and even murder.
In the first two weeks of March 2008 alone, the Embassy received two separate reports from U.S. citizens regarding brutal
attacks in taxis. Before taking a taxi, make sure that it has a red license plate and that the number is legible. Pick taxis
carefully and note the driver's name and license number. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the
fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. Also, check
that the taxi is properly labeled with the cooperativa (company) name and logo. Purse and jewelry snatchings sometimes occur
at stoplights. While riding in a vehicle, windows should be closed, car doors locked and valuables placed out of sight.
Do not resist a robbery attempt. Many criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths have resulted when victims have
resisted. Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots. Travel in groups of two or more persons
whenever possible. Use the same common sense while traveling in Nicaragua that you would in any high-crime area of a major
U.S. city. Do not wear excessive jewelry in downtown or rural areas. Do not carry large sums of money, ATM or credit cards
you do not need, or other valuables.
INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME: The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance. The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.
See our information on Victims of Crime.
MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION: Medical care is very limited, particularly outside of Managua. Basic medical services are available in Managua and in many
of the smaller towns and villages. However, treatment for many serious medical problems is either unavailable or available
only in Managua. Emergency ambulance services, as well as certain types of medical equipment, medications and treatments,
are not available in Nicaragua. Physicians and hospital personnel frequently do not speak English, and medical reports are
written in Spanish. Patients must have good understand and an ability to speak Spanish in order to navigate the local medical
resources.
In an emergency, individuals are taken to the nearest hospital that will accept a patient. This is usually a public hospital
unless the individual or someone acting on their behalf indicates that they can pay for a private hospital. Payment for medical
services is typically done on a cash basis, although the few private hospitals will accept major credit cards for payment.
U.S. health insurance plans are not accepted in Nicaragua.
Dengue fever is endemic in Nicaragua. Currently, no vaccine or specific medication is available to prevent or treat Dengue
fever. Malaria is endemic in the Atlantic coast region and anti-malarial medication should be taken before and after travel
to this region. Travelers are advised to take a prophylactic regimen best suited to their health profile. No prophylaxis
anti-malarial medication is required for Managua and the western, Pacific coast region. For both Dengue fever and malaria,
the best prevention is the use of DEET insect repellant, as well as the wearing of protective clothing and bed-nets to prevent
mosquito bites.
Tap water is not considered safe in Nicaragua. All persons should drink only bottled water.
Individuals traveling to Nicaragua should ensure that all their routine vaccinations are up to date. Vaccination against
Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid is strongly recommended. A yellow fever vaccination is not required to enter
Nicaragua unless the traveler has recently visited a country where yellow fever is endemic. Travelers taking prescription
medications should bring an adequate supply with them when coming to Nicaragua. Many newer combination medications are not
available in local pharmacies.
Information on vaccinations and other health precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite protection,
may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) or via the CDC’s web site at http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization’s (WHO) web site at
http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers is available at http://www.who.int/ith/en.
MEDICAL INSURANCE: The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. Please see our information on medical insurance overseas.
TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS: While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Nicaragua is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstance.
Driving is on the right side of the road in Nicaragua. Motorists driving to Nicaragua should use the principal highways and official border crossings at Guasaule, El Espino and Las Manos between Nicaragua and Honduras and Penas Blancas between Nicaragua and Costa Rica. Although some of the principal highways connecting the major cities are in generally good condition, drivers should be aware that seasonal, torrential rains take a heavy toll on road beds. With few exceptions, secondary roads are in poor repair, potholed, poorly lit, frequently narrow, and lack shoulders. Road travel after dark is especially hazardous in all areas of the country. Motorists are encouraged to prepare accordingly and may want to carry a cellular phone in case of an emergency.
Some of the major highways and roads are undergoing major repair, repaving and upgrading. Be on the lookout for detours and slow traffic on these roads. In general, road signs are poor to non-existent. Bicycles, oxcarts, dogs, horses and vehicles without lights are at times encountered even on main thoroughfares in Nicaragua. Motorcycles, often carrying passengers, dart in and out of traffic with little or no warning. Many vehicles are in poor condition, travel very slowly and break down without warning. Drivers should be especially careful on curves and hills, as many drivers will pass on blind spots. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road, but because the government lacks the resources, traffic rules are rarely enforced.
Due to the age and disrepair of many vehicles, many drivers will not signal their intentions using turn indicators. Rather, it is common for a vehicle operator to stick his hand out the window to signal a turn. If you do drive in Nicaragua, you need to exercise the utmost caution, drive defensively and make sure you have insurance.
Avoid taking public transportation buses, if possible. They are overcrowded, unsafe and often are used by pickpockets. Because of the conditions discussed above, traffic accidents often result in serious injury or death. This is most often true when heavy vehicles, such as buses or trucks, are involved. Traditionally, vehicles involved in accidents in Nicaragua are not moved (even to clear traffic), until authorized by a police officer. Drivers who violate this norm may be held legally liable for the accident.
Nicaraguan law requires that a driver be taken into custody for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident that caused serious injury or death, even if the driver is insured and appears not to have been at fault. The minimum detention period is 48 hours; however, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision is reached (often weeks or months), or until a waiver is signed by the injured party (usually as the result of a cash settlement).
Visitors to Nicaragua might want to consider hiring a professional driver during their stay. Licensed drivers who are familiar with local roads can be hired through local car rental agencies. In case of accident, only the driver will be taken into custody.
The Embassy has received a number of complaints from U.S. citizens who have been stopped by transit police authorities demanding
bribes in order to avoid paying fines. Motorists in rental cars and those whose cars have foreign license plates are more
likely to be stopped by transit police. Transit police have seized driver licenses and car registration documents from motorists
who refuse to or are unable to pay. Subsequently, these drivers have reported difficulties in recovering the seized documents.
U.S. citizens are urged to ensure that their vehicles comply fully with Nicaraguan transit regulations, including being in
possession of an emergency triangle and fire extinguisher, and that the vehicle is properly registered. If transit police
authorities demand an on-the-spot payment, drivers should ask for the officer's name and badge number, as well as a receipt,
and inform the Embassy of when/where the event took place. (Reports should be sent via email to ACS.Managua@state.gov.)
Rental car agencies should also be advised if their vehicles have been deemed negligent in meeting Nicaraguan transit regulations.
The U.S. Embassy has received recent reports from U.S. citizens who were robbed and kidnapped while driving along the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway at night. Both groups of U.S. citizens were traveling from the Managua International Airport to Granada when they were pulled over by men dressed as Nicaraguan police officers. In both cases, the gun-wielding assailants took their personal belongings and released them in a remote location, far from the highway. The U.S. Embassy warns U.S. citizens to avoid traveling the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway at night.
Regulations governing transit are administered by the National Police. For specific information concerning Nicaraguan driver’s permits, vehicle inspection, road tax, and mandatory insurance, you may wish to refer to the National Police web site at http://www.policia.gob.ni. You may also contact the Embassy of Nicaragua or a Consulate for further information.
Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the website of the country’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety at http://www.mti.gob.ni.
AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Nicaragua’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for the oversight of Nicaragua’s air carrier operations. For more information, travelers may visit the FAA’s web site at http://www.faa.gov/safety/programs_initiatives/oversight/iasa.
Purchasing Property: U.S. citizens should be aware of the risks of purchasing real estate in Nicaragua and should exercise caution before committing to invest in property. The 1979-90 Sandinista government expropriated approximately 28,000 real properties, many of which are still involved in disputes or claims. Land title remains unclear in many cases. Although the government has resolved several thousand claims by U.S. citizens for compensation or return of properties, there remain hundreds of unresolved claims registered with the Embassy. Potential investors should engage competent local legal representation and investigate their purchases thoroughly in order to reduce the possibility of property disputes.
The Judicial system offers little relief when the purchase of a property winds up in court. The Embassy is aware of numerous cases in which buyers purchase property supported by what appear to be legal titles only to see themselves subsequently embroiled in legal battles when the titles are contested by an affected or otherwise interested third party. Once a property dispute enters the judicial arena, the outcome may be subject to corruption, political pressure, and influence peddling. Many coastal properties have been tied up in courts recently, leaving the ‘buyer’ unable to proceed with the intended development pending lengthy and uncertain litigation. In other cases squatters have simply invaded the land while the police or judicial authorities are unable (or unwilling) to remove the trespassers. Again, the Embassy advises that those interested in purchasing Nicaraguan property exercise extreme caution.
Please note that Nicaraguan law currently prohibits any individual from buying beach-front property (including islands) unless the original land title was registered before the 1917 Nicaraguan Agrarian Reform.
Currency and Credit Cards: U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout the country, and major credit cards are also typically accepted in hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses in urban and tourist areas. Visitors who need to change dollars are encouraged to do this at their hotel since this is typically the safest place. ATM machines are available at banks in addition to some shopping centers and gas stations in urban and tourist areas. However, individuals should exercise caution when using a teller machine since they are typically in or near uncontrolled areas and criminal elements can easily see you withdrawing cash. Traveler’s checks are accepted at a few major hotels and may also be exchanged for local currency at authorized exchange facilities ("casas de cambio"). You will also find enterprising individuals - ‘Cambistas’ - waving wads of cash in the street. Changing money in this fashion can be dangerous and is not recommended.
The U.S. Embassy has noted an increase in credit card fraud. Although local police authorities have made several arrests in conjunction with credit card scam operations, the danger for abuse continues. Illegal use can include “skimming” or making a copy of the magnetic strip on the credit card or simply copying the number for later use. U.S. citizens who do continue to use credit cards in Nicaragua are advised to check statements frequently to monitor for abuse and/or to ask banks to email them when transactions exceed a certain number or size.
Disaster Preparedness: Nicaragua is prone to a wide variety of natural disasters, including earthquakes, hurricanes and volcanic eruptions. General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) at http://www.fema.gov.
Customs Regulations: Before excavating archaeological materials, or agreeing to buy artifacts of historical value, all persons are strongly urged to consult with the National Patrimony Directorate of the Nicaraguan Institute of Culture. Nicaraguan law and a bilateral accord limit the acquisition, importation into the U.S. and commercialization of said goods. Severe criminal penalties may apply.
U.S. citizens planning to stay in Nicaragua for an extended period of time with the intention of bringing vehicles or household goods into the country should consult Nicaraguan customs officials prior to shipment.
Please see our Customs Information.
CRIMINAL PENALTIES: While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating Nicaraguan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nicaragua are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and heavy fines. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. Please see our information on Criminal Penalties.
CHILDREN'S ISSUES: For information see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction.
REGISTRATION / EMBASSY LOCATION: Americans living or traveling in Nicaragua are encouraged to register with the U.S. Embassy through the State Department’s travel registration web site so that they can obtain updated information on travel and security within Nicaragua. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency. The U.S. Embassy is located at Kilometer 5 1/2 (5.5) Carretera Sur, Managua; telephone (505) 252-7100 or 252-7888; after hours telephone (505) 252-7634; Consular Section fax (505) 252-7304; E-mail: consularmanagua@state.gov or ACS.Managua@state.gov; web page: http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/.
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This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated April 15, 2008, to update sections on Entry/Exit Requirements, Safety and
Security, Traffic Safety and Road Conditions, and Special Circumstances.
