Nicaragua

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Violent protests have occurred in the past. Protesters may set up road blocks with little warning and public transport and traffic can be disrupted. You should not attempt to cross road blocks.

You should avoid all demonstrations, political rallies and large public gatherings as they may turn violent. You should monitor the media for new information about safety and security risks.

There are boundary disputes in the Caribbean coastal waters between Nicaragua and neighbouring Honduras. Boats and fishing vessels have been detained and impounded.

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Nicaragua because of the high levels of serious crime. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks.

We recommend that you do not discuss your travel plans with strangers or in public areas. Avoid non-essential travel at night.

Violent crime, including armed robbery, assault and sexual assault, is prevalent, particularly in Managua, Granada, San Juan del Sur, and on Corn Island, and can occur in hotels. Gang violence has occurred near major hotels, bus terminals, beaches and markets. 'Express kidnappings', where individuals are abducted and forced to withdraw funds from an ATM to secure their release, are becoming increasingly common. Many criminals carry weapons and offering resistance can lead to violence.

Robberies and assaults have occurred in unofficial taxis and often include the use of weapons. We recommend you use official taxis, which have a clearly visible red number plate, or radio despatched taxis, which are available at the International Airport and larger hotels. Do not share taxis with strangers at any time. Before starting your journey make a note of the taxi's registration number and telephone number.

Petty crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common. Criminals are known to target public transport, tourist areas, hotels, markets and vehicles stopped in traffic. You should remain alert when visiting markets in the vicinity of the old cathedral in Managua, near Tica Bus (the terminal for buses arriving from Honduras and Costa Rica) and at public transportation terminals.

You should avoid walking alone, particularly on isolated beaches, and travelling on buses after dark. Avoid taking public transport where possible and be cautious of anyone offering assistance on public transport, including on long-distance trips, as they may have criminal motives.

Attacks on vehicles have been reported, including buses operated by hotels, along the Managua-Leon, Tipitapa-Masaya and Somotillo-Chinandega highways.

Thieves posing as tour guides, particularly on the Island of Ometepe, have robbed travellers. You should use well-known, reputable tour operators.

Credit card fraud is reportedly on the increase. Be vigilant when using your credit card.

Security in North Atlantic Autonomous region and remote areas of the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast: We recommend you reconsider your need to travel to North Atlantic Autonomous region and remote areas of the Nicaraguan Caribbean coast because of the risk of armed banditry, carjackings, kidnappings, drug trafficking and other serious and violent crimes.. Due to the remoteness of these areas, there is limited police presence and high levels of criminal activity. If you travel to any of these areas, we advise you to be vigilant, pay close attention to your surroundings and personal safety, avoid isolated locations, and monitor the media for information about new safety and security risks.

The Caribbean coastal area of Nicaragua is a known transit zone for illegal drugs.

Armed gangs carry out kidnappings, robberies and extortion in the northern border region. Travel to the Honduran border should be undertaken only on highways with border crossings (at Guasaute, El Espino and Los Manos).

The Australian Government’s longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers. The Australian Government considers that paying ransoms increases the risk of further kidnappings.

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Australian currency and travellers' cheques are not accepted in many countries. Consult with your bank to find out which is the most appropriate currency to carry and whether your ATM card will work overseas. There are relatively low daily withdrawal limits from ATMs in Nicaragua. The US dollar (cash and traveller’s cheques) is the only foreign currency freely exchangeable in Nicaragua.

Exercise caution when using ATMs. For security reasons we advise you to use ATMs available at banks and in shopping centres.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques, including your visa entry stamp. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

Airline and air charter safety and maintenance standards vary throughout the world. It is not known whether maintenance procedures and safety standards on aircraft used on internal flights are always properly observed or whether passengers are covered by airline insurance.

Please refer to our Travelling by air page for information on air travel.

Our Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Hurricanes: The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruptions to essential services may occur. In the case of a hurricane, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

If you are travelling during hurricane season, you should contact your tour operator to check whether tourist services at your planned destination have been affected.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Center website.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, follow the instructions of local authorities. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. Passport, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Severe Weather page.

Landslides and flash flooding may occur throughout the year. Information on hurricanes or other severe weather conditions can be obtained from the National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center, the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency or the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

Santiago Volcano, approximately 25km south of Managua, is active. San Cristobal and Cerro Negro volcanoes are also active. We strongly advise you against hiking near volcanoes or in other remote areas without the services of an experienced guide.

Nicaragua is located in an active earthquake zone.

All oceanic regions of the world can experience tsunamis, but in the Indian and Pacific Oceans, there is a more frequent occurrence of large, destructive tsunamis because of the many large earthquakes along major tectonic plate boundaries and ocean trenches. See the Tsunami Awareness brochure.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Australians are advised to respect wildlife laws and to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and warden’s advice.

For general information and tips on travelling with children see our Travelling with Children brochure.

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.