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, including 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.

Taxis

Robberies and assaults with weapons occur in unofficial taxis.

To reduce your risks, use:

• official taxis with a clearly visible red number plate
• radio-dispatched taxis at the international airport and larger hotels

Take note of the taxi's registration and phone numbers. 

Don't share a taxi with a stranger.

Road-based crime

Armed gangs carry out kidnappings, robberies and extortion in the northern border region.

For safer travel to the Honduran border, only use highways that cross the border at:

• Guassaule
• El Espino
• Las Manos

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 their help. They may rob you.

Theft

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.

Demonstrations and protests

Protests against the Nicaraguan Government increased in April 2018. This resulted in deaths and injuries as protests turned violent.

These protests have eased, and the country has returned to a state of relative calm. Some tension remains.

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.

More information:

• Terrorism

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

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
• earthquakes
• tsunamis
• volcanic activity

If there's a natural disaster:

• always carry your passport in a waterproof bag
• keep in touch with family and friends
• check the media and local sources for information
• follow the advice of local authorities

More information:

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Hurricanes, landslides and flash flooding

Severe weather may occur at any time. This can cause landslides and flash flooding.

Hurricane season is from June to November. During this time, you may encounter landslides, mudslides, flooding and disruption to essential services.

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

Earthquakes, tsunamis and volcanoes

Earthquakes and large, destructive tsunamis can happen in Nicaragua. It is in an active earthquake zone.

The country has 3 active volcanoes:

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

Don't hike near volcanoes or visit remote areas without an experienced guide.

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

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

More information:

• General health advice
• International travel and health

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Nicaragua. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medicine is
• how much you'll take
• that it's for personal use

More information:

• Medicine

Insect-borne diseases

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

Dengue and chikungunya are widespread.

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

• Chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

Widespread transmission of Zika virus occurs in Nicaragua.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends that you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

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.

Other health risks

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

These include:

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

Serious outbreaks occur from time to time.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink bottled water with intact seals
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.

Get urgent medical help if you have a fever or diarrhoea or you suspect food poisoning.

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 will treat you, even in an emergency.

There are no emergency ambulance services in Nicaragua. Access to certain types of medical equipment, medication and treatments is limited.

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

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

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

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

Other laws

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

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.

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual nationality is recognised in Nicaragua.

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.

More information:

• Dual nationals
• Advice for people travelling with children

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders.

Make sure you meet all entry and exit conditions. If you don't, the Australian Government can’t help you.

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 to 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 the 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 before it expires at Nicaraguan Immigration (Spanish).

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 Japan for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.

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.

More information:

• Yellow fever risk and certification requirements

Travel via the United States

If you’re travelling through the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements.

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.

More information:

• Visit Canada
• Canadian High Commission
• Travel advice for Canada

Arrival and departure taxes

There's an arrival tax, which you need to pay in cash.

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

Validity

Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you’re not sure it’ll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who want to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you're overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

The local currency is the Nicaraguan Córdoba (NIO).

You won't be able to use Australian dollars or traveller's cheques in Nicaragua.

The only foreign currency you can exchange is US dollars.

ATMs have low daily withdrawal limits.

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

Driving in Nicaragua can be dangerous. Hazards include:

• narrow roads in poor condition
• lack of signage
• dangerous local driving practices

You're 3 times more likely to die in a motor vehicle accident in Nicaragua than in Australia.

Traffic accidents cause death and injury.

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

If you plan to drive or travel by car:

• only travel during daylight hours
• travel in groups where possible
• don't hitchhike
• lock doors and keep windows up, even when moving
• don't leave main roads in the northern border region, as there are unmarked landmines

More information:

• Driving or riding

Taxis

It's a common local practice to share taxis with strangers. To avoid this, agree on a fare for a solo journey before you set off.

Assaults and robberies happen in unlicensed taxis or when a stranger offers to call a taxi for you. Don't take a taxi if you don't know the person who called it.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

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.

Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can’t do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Managua, headed by an Honorary Consul. It can provide limited help, including:

• passport interviews
• providing provisional documents for emergency travel

The Consulate doesn't issue Australian passports.

You can get full consular help from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.

Australian Consulate, Managua

Primera Entrada de Las Colinas, 2.5 cuadras al Este
Managua, Nicaragua
Phone: (+505) 2298 5300
Email: aushonconsul.nicaragua@gmail.com

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario #55
Corner of Campos Eliseos, Polanco
Colonia Bosque de Chapultepec
11580 CDMX Mexico
Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Fax: +52 55 1101 2201
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in Mexico, Central America, Cuba and the Dominican Republic.

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