Briefing de orientación en Nicaragua

La costa del Pacífico de Nicaragua fue colonizada por España a comienzos del siglo XVI. La independencia de España se proclamó en 1821, y el país se convirtió en una república independiente en 1838. Gran Bretaña ocupó la costa caribeña en la primera mitad del siglo XIX, pero cedió gradualmente el control de la región en las décadas siguientes. Hacia 1978, la oposición violenta a la manipulación gubernamental y a la corrupción dio lugar a una guerra civil de corta duración que llevó al poder en 1979 a una coalición cívico-militar, encabezada por la guerrilla marxista sandinista dirigida por Daniel ORTEGA Saavedra. La ayuda nicaragüense a las guerrillas de izquierda en El Salvador llevó a Estados Unidos a patrocinar a los contras, guerrillas antisandinistas, durante gran parte de la década de 1980.

Tras perder las elecciones libres y justas de 1990, 1996 y 2001, ORTEGA fue elegido presidente en 2006, 2011, 2016 y, más recientemente, en 2021. Las elecciones municipales, regionales y nacionales celebradas desde 2008 han estado empañadas por irregularidades generalizadas. Las instituciones democráticas han perdido su independencia bajo el régimen de ORTEGA, ya que el presidente ha asumido el control total de todos los poderes del Estado, además de reprimir el movimiento nacional de protesta a favor de la democracia en 2018 y cerrar más de 3.300 organizaciones de la sociedad civil entre 2018 y 2024. En el periodo previo a las elecciones presidenciales de 2021, las autoridades detuvieron a más de 40 personas vinculadas a la oposición, entre ellas candidatos presidenciales, líderes del sector privado, trabajadores de ONG, defensores de los derechos humanos y periodistas. Solo cinco candidatos presidenciales, poco conocidos y procedentes en su mayoría de partidos pequeños aliados de los sandinistas de ORTEGA, pudieron competir contra ORTEGA. Posteriormente, este concedió a los sandinistas el control de los 153 municipios de Nicaragua en las elecciones municipales de 2022, consolidando así un régimen de partido único.

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.

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.

About FCDO travel advice

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.

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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.

Crime

Violent crime

Foreign nationals have been affected by violent crime in Nicaragua. Criminals often carry out attacks on people in vehicles. To reduce the risk to yourself and your belongings:

• keep the windows of your car closed and the doors locked
• avoid public transport after dark

Take care when walking around markets, bus stations, around the old cathedral in Managua and in the poorer areas of towns. Do not visit these areas after dark on foot.

If you are robbed, do not resist, as many criminals carry weapons. If you report the incident to the police, get a signed and stamped copy of the police report.

Taxi safety and criminal kidnap

There is a risk of ‘express kidnapping’ if you use an unauthorised taxi. You could be taken hostage and forced to pay cash for your release.

Reduce the risk by:

• using a radio-dispatched taxi or an authorised taxi with red plates
• making sure the driver’s ID number, name and photograph are clearly visible on the dashboard
• making a note of the colour and number of the vehicle before you get in

It is a common local practice to share taxis with strangers, but tourists have been robbed when taking taxis called by strangers. Do not take a taxi if it has been called for you by someone you do not know well. You should also avoid using ‘colectivos’ (minibuses).

Sexual assault

If you’re a woman, use hotels that have staff at the front desk 24 hours a day and have adequate security measures. Read the advice for women travelling abroad.

Risks when exchanging money

There is a risk when exchanging money on the street that you could be assaulted or targeted by muggers. There are often money changers with official identification at the front of banks, where there is likely to be better security. You can also withdraw cash in US dollars or Nicaraguan cordobas from ATMs.

Laws and cultural differences

Illegal drugs and prison sentences

Do not become involved with drugs of any kind. Possession of even small quantities can lead to imprisonment.

Flying drones

There is a prohibition on the possession and use of drones. Law 1230 introduced in December 2024 requires people in possession of drones to hand them in to the authorities. You may wish to take legal advice on how to do this.

Outdoor activities and adventure tourism

Swimming safety

There are strong currents off sections of Nicaragua’s Pacific coast and people have drowned. There are no warning signs or lifeguards, and rescue equipment is not readily available.

See water safety on holiday from the Royal Life Saving Society.

Scuba diving

There have been fatalities from scuba diving off Nicaragua’s Caribbean coast. If you want to dive, contact a reputable diving company to find out about Nicaraguan waters. Nicaragua’s only hyperbaric chamber is in Puerto Cabezas, a 5-hour speedboat ride from Corn Island.

Transport risks

Road travel

If you’re planning to drive a car, see information on driving abroad. You cannot drive or import right-hand-drive vehicles into Nicaragua.   

You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Nicaragua. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence.

Driving standards and road conditions

The standard of driving is low and the condition of vehicles, particularly taxis and buses, is poor. There’s a risk of drivers failing to give way and driving dangerously, including under the influence of alcohol.

Road conditions are generally poor. There is no street lighting on the main highways between major cities and only minimal street lighting in towns. Avoid driving at night.

If you’re involved in a serious or fatal road traffic accident, you’re likely to be detained while it is investigated.  

Boat and ferry travel

Although local law requires operators of water transport to have insurance, some still do not carry recognised insurance. Check the operator’s insurance cover before beginning your journey.

Extreme weather and natural disasters

See extreme weather and natural hazards for information about how to prepare, and how to react if there is a warning.

Hurricanes

The hurricane season normally runs from June to November. Monitor the National Hurricane Center forecasts and the World Meteorological Organization warnings. Follow the advice of local authorities and obey evacuation orders.

Volcanic eruptions

A group of volcanoes, several of which are active, stretches the length of the country, in particular San Cristóbal, Masaya, Cerro Negro, and Telica and Concepción on Ometepe Island. Follow media reports and listen to local authorities if you intend to visit the area.

Do not hike on volcanoes without an experienced guide.

Earthquakes

There is a risk of earthquakes. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.

Before you travel check that:

• your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
• you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation

This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.

Emergency medical number

Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.

Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Vaccine recommendations and health risks

At least 8 weeks before your trip:  

• check the latest vaccine recommendations for Nicaragua 

• see where to get vaccines and whether you have to pay on the NHS travel vaccinations page

See what health risks you’ll face in Nicaragua, including: 

• malaria 

• dengue 

• Zika virus

Medication

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.

Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.

You cannot use British-issued prescriptions locally. To find a pharmacy (‘farmacia’), search online for the nearest big national chain, such as FarmaValue, Farmacia MEDCO, Farmacia Saba, Farmacia Kielsa, or Farmacia El Ahorro.

Healthcare in Nicaragua

Public hospitals in Nicaragua are not well equipped, except for some hospitals in Managua. Emergency medical treatment is normally free in a public hospital but you will be charged for private health care. You may have difficulties without a good understanding of Spanish.

Private hospitals usually take payment for healthcare up front and in cash. A few private hospitals will accept major credit cards. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and repatriation.

FCDO has a list of medical providers in Nicaragua where some staff will speak English.

Travel and mental health

Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.