Nicaragua

Violent crime

Nicaragua has a high risk of crime. This includes:

• armed robbery
• assault
• express kidnapping, where criminals force you to withdraw cash from an ATM
• theft
• carjacking

Highest rates of violent crime occur in:

• Managua
• Granada and San Juan del Sur
• Bonanza
• La Rosita Siuna
• Corn Island

Gang violence can happen at major hotels, bus terminals, beaches and markets.

Illegal drug smuggling occurs in the Caribbean coastal area.

Policing is limited outside major urban areas. You may not find police in:

• remote beach communities on the Pacific Coast
• Atlantic Coast autonomous regions

Drug traffickers and other criminals use these areas.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Incidents of kidnapping occur in Nicaragua. Small criminal gangs motivated by financial gain are responsible for the vast majority of kidnaps.

Express kidnappings are a risk, including through unauthorised taxis, where kidnappers demand small immediate ransoms or force you to withdraw cash from an ATM.  

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

More information:

• Kidnapping

Scams and Fraud

Scams and credit card fraud are a risk.

Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Take precautions when using debit or credit cards:

Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Nicaragua. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.

Some individuals specialise in deceiving tourists, often presenting as friendly English speakers. They may offer tour guide services or assistance purchasing items and resorting to violence to achieve their objectives. Only use reputable tour operators and registered taxis.

Road-based crime

Border and remote areas have higher risks of violent crime due to drug smuggling. Only use official border crossings. Cross during daytime.  

Criminals have attacked vehicles, including hotel-run buses, along:

• Managua to León highway (Route 12/CA-3)
• Tipitapa to Masaya highway (NIC-11A)
• Somotillo to Chinandega highway (NIC-24)

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• don't discuss your travel plans with strangers or in public
• don't travel at night
• only travel in tourist areas
• avoid isolated locations
• avoid walking alone, particularly on remote beaches

Avoid public transport. If you must use it, be cautious of anyone offering help. They may rob you.

Petty Crime

Pickpockets and bag snatchers are a risk:

• on public transport
• in tourist areas
• at hotels and markets
• when your vehicle is stopped in traffic

Take care of your valuables: 

• in markets near the old cathedral in Managua
• near the Tica Bus Station terminal
• at public transport terminals

Use reputable tour operators. Thieves posing as tour guides may rob you, particularly on the island of Ometepe.

Only use ATMs at banks and in busy areas, like shopping centres.

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

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Many criminals carry weapons.

Drink and food spiking

Be cautious about snacks, beverages, gum and cigarettes as they may contain drugs, putting you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

Methanol poisoning

Cyber security

Women travellers

Women travelling alone may encounter instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.

More information:

• Advice for Women Travellers

Demonstrations and protests

Protests against the Nicaraguan Government may occur.

Take care not to appear to support anti-government activity. Authorities may arrest or imprison you.

Public protests and events that draw large groups of people can turn violent.

During periods of unrest:

• avoid protests as they may turn violent
• monitor local media reports of unrest
• don't cross roadblocks
• follow the advice of local authorities

Boundary disputes occur in the Caribbean coastal waters between Nicaragua and Honduras. Authorities have detained and impounded boats and fishing vessels.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals, concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

The town of San Juan del Sur has a lively party scene. If you plan to join in, see Partying safely.

Swimming safety

Strong currents and undertows occur on the Pacific coast beaches. Check the safety conditions. There may not be lifeguards or warning signs.

Nicaragua experiences natural disasters and severe weather, including:

• hurricanes
• landslides
• flash flooding
• volcanic eruptions
• earthquakes

To protect yourself in case of a natural disaster:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow the advice of local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• contact your tour operator or airline
• get local advice before visiting natural disaster-affected areas

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System for alerts.

To receive alerts on major disasters, register with the:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Hurricanes, landslides and flash flooding

The hurricane season is from June to November, although tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months.

The wet season is from May to November, when landslides, mudslides, and flooding may occur. 

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

In the event of a hurricane:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available

If you travel during hurricane season:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• keep your travel documents somewhere safe and waterproof
• contact your tour operator for an update on your destination

If a hurricane is approaching:

• identify your local shelter
• monitor alerts and advice from authorities

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as communication, water and electricity

To get weather alerts, register with either the:

• National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

Volcanoes

Nicaragua has 3 active volcanoes:

• Santiago Volcano, about 25km south of Managua
• San Cristobal Volcano
• Cerro Negro Volcano

After a volcanic eruption, falling ash can spread over a wide area. Ash, dust and toxic fumes are a significant health risk. If you have a respiratory condition, take particular care.

To protect yourself if there's a volcanic eruption:

• stay inside with the windows and doors shut
• place damp towels under doors and windows if ash is falling
• monitor advice and alerts from authorities

If you go outside, wear a disposable face mask, goggles and long clothing to avoid contact with ash.

To reduce your risks if you climb a volcano:

• only climb with a group
• use experienced guides and a reputable tour company
• follow the advice of local authorities

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Nicaragua experiences earthquakes. Tsunamis can also happen.

Get to know the earthquake safety measures for each place you visit.

To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings, such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Insect-borne diseases

Zika virus is widespread in Nicaragua.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends that you discuss travel plans with your doctor

Malaria is a risk in rural areas of Nicaragua, including the outskirts of Managua.

Dengue and chikungunya are widespread.

The risk of other insect-borne diseases increases in the rainy season, from April to November. This includes:

• Chagas disease
• Leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothes

Consider taking medicine to prevent malaria.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash, bleeding nose or gums, or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in Nicaragua.

Take steps to protect yourself if you're at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne, parasitic and other infectious diseases are common.

These include:

• tuberculosis
• typhoid
• hepatitis
• rabies
• cholera
• leptospirosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink water from a sealed bottle
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• make sure your vaccinations are up to date
• avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated
• avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

More information

• Infectious diseases

Medical facilities

Facilities are good in Managua but are very limited in smaller towns and rural areas.

Expect to pay cash upfront before doctors, and private hospitals treat you, even in an emergency.

Access to certain types of medical equipment, medication, ambulance services and treatments is limited.

Doctors will rarely agree to work with your travel insurer. You may need to be reimbursed after you pay cash for your treatment. Doctors may only speak Spanish.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need evacuation to another country. This can be very expensive.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ travellers

Avoid public displays of affection.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Nicaragua, but the country is conservative.

Same-sex marriages aren't recognised in Nicaragua.

More information:

• Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

It's illegal to take photos of official buildings. Check with local authorities before taking photos.

There are strict restrictions on the use of drones. Do not use drones for photography or any other reason unless you have written permission from Nicaraguan authorities.

If you drive a car and injure or kill someone in an accident, authorities may arrest or detain you. The local courts will need to determine who was responsible. This can take weeks or months.

Dual nationality is recognised in Nicaragua. Should you be arrested, you may be treated only as a Nicaraguan citizen and denied access to consular services.

Children with single or dual Nicaraguan nationality may need specific documents to leave the country without both parents.

Contact the Nicaraguan authorities before you travel.

If you are an Australian citizen, and a Nicaraguan citizen, the consular services we can provide to you may be limited. 

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Advice for people travelling with children

Tourist card (CA-4 visa)

You'll need to purchase a tourist card at the airport. This permits you to visit Nicaragua for up to 90 days.

Nicaragua is a member country of the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4), along with:

• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Honduras

With a CA-4 tourist visa, you can travel freely by land between member countries within a 90-day period.

Your tourist card is dated from the first point of entry in any member country.

You can apply to extend the CA-4 visa at Nicaraguan Immigration (Spanish) before it expires.

If you overstay the visa without an extension, you may be:

• fined
• forced to leave
• unable to enter other CA-4 member countries

If you're not a tourist or you plan to stay longer, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact the Nicaraguan Embassy in Seoul for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

Border measures

To enter the country, you'll need:

• a valid passport
• a return or onward ticket
• evidence you have enough money for your visit

You'll need to pay an airport tax on arrival at the airport.

Your airline ticket usually includes the airport departure tax from the Augusto Sandino Airport in Managua. Confirm this with your travel agent. 

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry and transit requirements. If you're arriving in or transiting through the US, you'll need to show onward flight tickets from not only the US but also any country that borders the US (i.e. Mexico and Canada) if that's your next destination. 

More information:

• US Embassy
• Travel advice for the US

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada, you'll need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation) for Canada. Transit requirements for Canada are strictly enforced. 

More information:

• Visit Canada
• Office of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua
• Travel advice for Canada

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Nicaragua. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever

More information:

• Yellow fever risk and certification requirements
• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Lost or stolen passport

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

The local currency is the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO).

You can only exchange US dollars in Nicaragua.

ATMs aren't always reliable. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work.

Using ATMs on the street puts you at high risk of robbery or express kidnapping.

Remote areas

If you're an adventure traveller, use an experienced local guide. This includes trekking to volcanoes or other remote areas.

Make sure you take enough supplies.

Driving permit

To drive in Nicaragua, you'll need either:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• an Australian driver's licence

You must get the IDP before arriving in Nicaragua.

You also need to carry your current passport and tourist card.

Road travel

You're more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Nicaragua than in Australia.

Driving in Nicaragua can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• aggressive local drivers
• poorly maintained vehicles
• roads in poor condition
• drivers ignoring traffic laws
• In rural areas, extra road travel risks include:
• poor lighting and street signs
• people and animals on roads

If you're involved in an accident, don't move your vehicle until a police officer permits it.

If you plan to drive in Nicaragua:

• check your travel insurance cover
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• don't travel alone, at night or through dangerous areas
• keep doors locked and windows up, even when moving
• don't drink or use drugs

Before you drive:

• get local advice on road conditions, including security risks
• know your travel options in advance
• be prepared for a change in plans if any security issues come up

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

Travelling by taxi can be dangerous.

Book airport taxis and regular taxis through a reputable taxi company. These are safer than taxis flagged from the street or at taxi stands.

If you use a taxi:

• arrange transport through your hotel or a radio dispatcher to avoid unlicensed operators
• buy vouchers from the airport Tourist Office for airport taxis
• book in advance if travelling at night
• don’t let your driver pick up other passengers
• never share a taxi with a stranger
• agree on the fare before you set off
• note your taxi driver’s name and licence number

Landmines

There are unmarked mine fields on both sides of the Honduras-Nicaragua border, especially in:

• the Rio Coco region
• the area near the Atlantic Coast

Don't leave known safe roads and areas.

Air travel

Check Nicaragua's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 115.

Medical emergencies

Call 128 or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 118.

Call 101 for the tourist police, or go to the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

The Australian Government aims to provide high quality consular assistance. There are limits to what we can do. Read the Consular Services Charter to understand how we can assist you overseas.

Australia doesn’t have an Embassy in Nicaragua.

The Office of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua provides consular assistance for Australians in Nicaragua. Australian provisional travel documents can be issued at this office.

More information: 

• Special travel documents (Australian Passport Office)

You can also get consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.

Office of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua

Edificio Corporativo BDF, 6to piso

Pista Jean Paul Genie, del Club Terraza 44 metros al este
Managua, Nicaragua

Phone: (505) 2268 0433, 2268 3323
Email: mngua@international.gc.ca
Website: Office of the Embassy of Canada to Nicaragua 

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55
Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco
Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec
11580 CDMX Mexico

Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmbMex
X: @AusEmbMex

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia