Nicaragua
Country Specific Information
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January 11, 2013

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION:  The second poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, Nicaragua is a developing nation that faces many economic and political challenges. Crime, while less severe than neighboring countries to the north, continues to affect residents and visitors alike. 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. Geological faults, along which active volcanoes are situated, run through the country. Tremors are common, and a major earthquake destroyed most of downtown Managua in 1972. 

Nicaragua presents many opportunities for tourists.   There is a growing tourist infrastructure with comfortable resorts and several large, international chain hotels in Managua catering to business and government clientele as well as tourist travelers.  However, support infrastructure is still basic.  A good highway network exists along the Pacific littoral and central mountain region and streets in most cities are in decent condition, but most rural roads are unpaved.  Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast is largely roadless. Public transportation is undependable and sometimes unsafe.  Emergency services are sporadic and most hospitals are substandard. Potential tourists may want to obtain information from the National Tourism Institute (INTUR), the governmental agency responsible for developing, regulating and promoting tourism in Nicaragua. Read the Department of State’s Fact Sheet for Nicaragua for additional information on U.S. relations with Nicaragua.

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SMART TRAVELER ENROLLMENT PROGRAM (STEP) / EMBASSY LOCATION: If you reside in or are planning to visit Nicaragua, please take the time to enroll with the U.S. Embassy. Once you enroll, we can keep you up-to-date on important safety and security developments. STEP will also help your friends and family get in touch with you in an emergency. Here’s the link to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.

U.S. Embassy Managua
Km 5 ½ Carretera Sur, Managua - Nicaragua
Telephone: (505) 2252-7100
Emergency after-hours telephone: (505) 8886-1495
Facsimile: (505) 2252-7250

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ENTRY / EXIT REQUIREMENTS:  You must have a valid U.S. passport to enter Nicaragua, although there is a bilateral agreement which waives the six-month passport validity requirement, U.S. citizens should ensure that their passports are valid for the entire length of their projected stay in the country before traveling. U.S. citizen visitors must have an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. U.S. citizens do not need a visa; however, a tourist card must be purchased for $10 upon arrival. While the entry stamp for standard tourist visits is typically valid for 30 to 90 days, illegal presence only begins to accumulate after 90 days. Visitors remaining more than the authorized period must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan Immigration. Failure to do so may delay your departure until a fine of approximately US$2 per day is paid.

You must have a valid entry stamp in your passport in order to exit Nicaragua. There is also a $42 departure tax. Many airlines include this tax in the price of the ticket. If the tax is not included in the ticket, payment can be made at the airline counter upon departure.

Nicaraguan law requires visitors to exit Nicaragua using the same passport with which they entered the country. Dual national minors who have a claim to Nicaraguan citizenship are 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.  Dual national adults are required to enter Nicaragua using a Nicaraguan passport, except for visits of less than 90 days.

According to Nicaragua’s Law for Foreigners, foreigners must be in possession of a valid identity document at all times while in Nicaragua and may be required to show it to Nicaraguan authorities upon request. Acceptable identity documents are: (1) a permanent residency card, (2) temporary residency card, or (3) valid passport or travel document accompanied by an entry stamp. Police may detain travelers not in possession of an identity document.

Nicaragua is a member of the “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Under the terms of this agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders between these countries 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 CA-4 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 implementing the 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.

Visit the Embassy of Nicaragua website for the most current visa information.

The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS-related entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Nicaragua. Please verify this information with the Embassy of Nicaragua before you travel.

Information on dual nationality and the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our website. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

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SAFETY AND SECURITY:  As in many developing countries, Nicaragua presents a number of security concerns to which travelers should pay close attention. Political demonstrations and strikes continue to occur sporadically, are usually limited to urban areas, and occasionally become violent. Typically, protests in Managua take place at major intersections or rotundas. Activities observed during past protests include, but are not limited to, the use of tear gas, rubber bullets, fireworks, rock-throwing, tire burning, road blocks, bus/vehicle burning and physical violence between members of rival political parties. Police have often been slow to respond, and reluctant to interfere in violent confrontations between rival political factions. Because even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence, U.S. citizens are advised to avoid crowds and blockades during such occurrences, to monitor local media reports, and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gathering.

The country’s spectacular landscape presents additional safety concerns. Strong currents off sections of Nicaragua's Pacific coast have resulted in a number of drownings. Powerful waves have also caused broken bones, and sting ray injuries are not uncommon at popular beaches. Warning signs are not posted, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available. U.S. citizens, even the most experienced swimmers and surfers, visiting Nicaragua's beaches should exercise appropriate caution.  In 2012, three U.S. citizen professional surfers and swimmers drowned in the waters of Nicaragua’s Pacific coast.

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 areas are encouraged to hire a local guide familiar with the terrain and area. Individuals hiking Volcan Maderas and/or Volcan Concepcion on Ometepe Island are required by law to hire a local guide. Hikers have perished or lost their way on these volcanoes. While they may look like easy climbs, the terrain is treacherous.  Volcanic activity recently increased, resulting in an eruption of the Volcan San Cristobal near Chinandega and increased seismic activity under other volcanoes.  U.S. citizens in an area of volcanic activity should heed the advice of local authorities and, if necessary, evacuate to safe areas. 

The Government of Nicaragua declared Nicaragua to be land mine free in June 2010.  Domestic travel within Nicaragua by land and air, particularly to the Atlantic coast, can be dangerous. Domestic airlines are generally up to international standards, but when flying to more remote locales, travelers should be aware that airports are likely to be poorly developed facilities with short airstrips, minimal safety equipment and little boarding security.  Stay up to date by:

Take some time before travel to consider your personal security. Here are some useful tips for traveling safely abroad.

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CRIME:  While less than in neighboring countries, violent crime in Managua exists and petty street crimes are common. Gang activity exists, but also remains less prevalent than in neighboring Central American countries. Pick-pocketing and occasional armed robberies occur on crowded buses, at bus stops and in open markets like the Oriental and Huembes Markets. Violence, robbery, assault and stabbings are mostly confined to poorer neighborhoods, including the area around the Ticabus terminal, a major arrival and departure point for tourist buses. However, in recent months acts of petty crime have taken place in more upscale neighborhoods and near major hotels, including the Zona Hippos, Galerias Mall, Santo Domingo and Las Colinas neighborhoods.

In the past, some U.S. citizens were targeted shortly after arriving in the country by criminals posing as Nicaraguan police officers who pull over their vehicles – including those operated by reputable hotels – for inspection. In each case, the incidents happened after dark and involved gun-wielding assailants who robbed passengers of all valuables and abandoned them in remote locations. Some assailants employed threats of physical violence. While the traditional scene of these attacks has been the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway, also known as Carretera Norte, this activity has also spread to the Managua-Leon Highway. There has also been an increase in armed robbery attempts by masked individuals along roadsides leading to popular tourist destinations. Assailants will step out of roadside vegetation with weapons in an attempt to stop the vehicle and rob passengers. Another criminal strategy is to set up make-shift blockades of tree branches and rocks to force travelers to stop. Once vehicle occupants exit their vehicles to move the items, they are typically robbed at gun or knife point.

U.S.citizens should exercise particular caution when approached by strangers offering assistance with finding a taxi cab. Dozens of U.S. citizens have reported being victimized by fellow travelers who offered to assist them in locating and/or sharing a taxi in and around San Juan del Sur, San Jorge, Granada, Managua, Masaya, and other popular tourist destinations. Upon entering the taxi, the U.S. citizens were held at knife-point or with a gun, threatened with bodily injury and/or rape, robbed of their valuables and driven around to ATM machines to withdraw funds from their accounts. Taxi drivers have also picked up additional passengers along the route who then threaten and rob the U.S. citizen, generally in conjunction with the taxi driver. After the assault, the U.S. citizen victims were left abandoned and destitute in remote areas. In 2011, two U.S. citizen victims were beaten and raped after providing incorrect bank card PIN numbers to assailants.

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 departing, 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. Radio dispatched cabs are recommended and can be summoned at Managua’s international airport and to most major hotels and restaurants.

Though violent criminal activity has recently decreased in the tourist destination of San Juan del Sur, sexual assaults, armed robberies and theft continue to be a problem. There have been sporadic incidents of sexual assaults on foreign tourists on beaches in Nicaragua. In 2011, a U.S. citizen was the victim of such an assault at a popular beach hotel in San Juan del Sur. The Embassy recommends travelling in groups when going to the beach or to isolated areas. Single travelers should exercise special caution while traveling on the Atlantic Coast and other remote areas of the country.

Police coverage is extremely sparse outside of major urban areas, particularly in Nicaragua’s Atlantic coast autonomous regions. Lack of adequate police coverage has resulted in these areas being used by drug traffickers and other criminal elements. Street crime and petty theft are common problems in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields and other urban areas along the Atlantic coast. Given the area’s geographical isolation, the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel in the Atlantic coastal area is limited. Police presence is minimal on the Corn Islands as well.

Throughout Nicaragua, U.S. citizens should utilize hotels and guest houses which have security measures in place, including but not limited to rooms equipped with safes for securing valuables and travel documents and adequate access control precautions.  U.S. citizens report that even in hotels with safes, items have gone missing.  

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 nightclubs. Do not accept rides from strangers at major bus terminals or border crossings. 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 large U.S. city. Do not wear excessive jewelry in downtown or rural areas. Do not carry large sums of money, ATM or credit cards that are not needed, or other valuables.

Do not leave valuables inside parked vehicles. In the past several U.S citizens reported vehicle break-ins outside of gasoline stations and restaurants and in the Mombacho and Masaya Volcano parking lots. U.S. citizens are urged to review residential security procedures, including with their domestic employees, and strengthen security measures to help safeguard their houses.

Don’t buy counterfeit and pirated goods, even if they are widely available. Not only are the bootlegs illegal in the United States, if you purchase them you may also be breaking local law. 

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INFORMATION FOR VICTIMS OF CRIME:  If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • For violent crimes such as assault or rape, help you find appropriate medical care.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, we can contact family members or friends.
  • Although the local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime, consular officers can help you understand the local criminal justice process and can direct you to local attorneys.

The local equivalent to the “911” emergency line in Nicaragua is 118.

Please see our information on victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

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CRIMINAL PENALTIES:  While you are traveling in Nicaragua, you are subject to its laws even if you are a U.S. citizen. Foreign laws and legal systems can be vastly different than our own. There are also some things that might be legal in the country you visit, but still illegal in the United States, and, for example, you can be prosecuted under U.S. law if you buy pirated goods. In some places you may be taken in for questioning if you don’t have your passport with you. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime prosecutable in the United States. If you break local laws in Nicaragua, your U.S. passport won’t help you avoid arrest or prosecution. It’s very important to know what’s legal and what’s not where you are going. 

Persons violating Nicaraguan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Penalties for possessing, using, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nicaragua are severe, and convicted offenders can expect long jail sentences and fines.  Nicaragua’s judicial system is subject to political interference and suffers from widespread corruption.  Laws are not enforced uniformly.  Detainees, both Nicaraguan and foreign, have been subject to imprisonment for lengthy periods without charges being filed against them.  U.S. citizens should be aware that Embassy officials are limited in what they can do to assist detainees.

Based on the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations, bilateral agreements with certain countries, and customary international law, if you are arrested in Nicaragua, you have the option to request that the police, prison officials, or other authorities alert the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate of your arrest, and to have communications from you forwarded to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

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SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES:

Purchasing Property: U.S.citizens should be aware of the risks of purchasing real estate in Nicaragua and should exercise extreme caution before committing to invest in property. The U.S. Embassy has seen an increase in property disputes over the last several years. The 1979-90 Sandinista government expropriated approximately 28,000 real properties, many of which are still in dispute or pending resolution by the Nicaraguan Government. Land title remains unclear in many cases. Although the government has resolved several thousand claims by U.S. citizens through compensation or the 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 Nicaraguan 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 Law or a title that was issued as a result of the 1987 Agrarian Reform Law. Coastal properties with titles pre-dating 1917 are not risk-free, however. In 1987 the Nicaraguan Constitution established the property rights of indigenous communities over territory they have traditionally occupied. In June 2009, Nicaragua passed the new Coastal Law, which stipulates that all oceanfront land within 50 meters of the high tide is under the zoning authority of the municipalities, but owners retain ownership of their property. Any construction or commercial activity along the shoreline must be approved by the municipalities. There is also a five meter ban on construction and commercial activity along lakes, lagoons, and rivers. The Embassy advises extreme caution when considering the purchase of coastal property in Nicaragua.

Reform to Retired Residents Law: The Nicaraguan government revised its requirements for foreign retirees who wish to establish residency in Nicaragua in July 2009. Residency requirements remained the same. To establish residency, retirees will need to demonstrate a monthly foreign income or pension of at least $600, with an additional $200 for each family member dependant. Legal retiree residents of Nicaragua will be exempt from import taxes for vehicles valuing less than $25,000, and the waiting period to import a vehicle decreased from five years to four years. 

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 and the larger hotels 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 them 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"). Visitors 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. Travelers should heed the advice of local disaster authorities if a natural disaster occurs.  Anyone who is at a beach area when an earthquake occurs should be prepared to move swiftly to higher ground (when safe to do so) to avoid any possible tsunami that the quake might generate.  General information about natural disaster preparedness is available via the Internet from the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).

Boundary Disputes: On the Atlantic side, 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. In November 2012, a ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague granted Colombia sovereignty over the islands of the San Andres archipelago and extended Nicaragua’s exclusive economic zone (EEZ) by approximately 90,000 km², but Colombia has rejected the ruling and tensions over the area remain. 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. Since October 2007, the Nicaraguan Navy has impounded about a dozen vessels, including two U.S.-owned vessels, for allegedly fishing without a Nicaraguan permit in these zones.

Nicaragua and Costa Rica have disputed the ownership and dredging rights of Harbor Head (sometimes referred to as Isla Calero), an area of approximately two square kilometers at the eastern termination of the San Juan River. Both Nicaragua and Costa Rica have sent security forces to the region, so travelers should exercise caution. The case is currently pending International Court of Justice resolution. 

Travelers should also be aware that narcotics traffickers often use both the Atlantic and Pacific coastal waters.

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.

Please note that in order to import medicine you need the approval of the Ministry of Health’s Pharmacy Department. This regulation also applies to medication being donated for charity. To receive the approval you must submit a detailed list of all the medicine being imported, the expiration dates and specify whether it is for personal use, retail or for charity. The final approval usually takes about two days.

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.

Accessibility: While in Nicaragua, individuals with disabilities may find accessibility and accommodation very different from what you find in the United States. Nicaraguan law prohibits discrimination against persons with physical and mental disabilities, but in practice such discrimination is widespread in employment, education, access to health care, and the provision of state services.

There is limited to no accessibility in public transportation, including few sidewalks and road crossings. Government clinics and hospitals provide care for persons with disabilities, but the quality of care is generally poor. 

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MEDICAL FACILITIES AND HEALTH INFORMATION:  Medical care is very limited, particularly outside of Managua. Basic and emergency 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. Ambulance services, where available, provide transportation and basic first aid only. More advanced medical equipment, and some medications and treatments, are not available in Nicaragua. Physicians and hospital personnel frequently do not speak English, and medical reports are written in Spanish.  

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 generally not accepted in Nicaragua, however, Hospital Metropolitano, in Managua, accepts Blue Cross Blue Shield and Tricare.

Please visit the CDC website for information on malaria, vaccinations and other health precautions in Nicaragua. For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

Tap water is not considered potable in Nicaragua. All persons should drink only bottled water.

Individuals traveling to Nicaragua should ensure that all their routine vaccinations are up to date. Vaccinations against Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, rabies and typhoid are 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.

You can find good information on vaccinations and other health precautions, on the CDC website.  For information about outbreaks of infectious diseases abroad, consult the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health informationBack to Top

MEDICAL INSURANCE:  You can’t assume your insurance will go with you when you travel. It’s very important to find out BEFORE you leave whether or not your medical insurance will cover you overseas. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

  • Does my policy apply when I’m out of the United States?
  • Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or a medical evacuation?

In many places, doctors and hospitals still expect payment in cash at the time of service. Your regular U.S. health insurance may not cover doctors’ and hospital visits in other countries. If your policy doesn’t go with you when you travel, it’s a very good idea to take out another one for your trip. For more information, please see our medical insurance overseas page.

Be wary of private companies that claim to provide Medicare coverage outside of the United States. Generally, Medicare does not extend to beneficiaries overseas; we recommend you purchase additional medical insurance to ensure complete coverage. Please see the pamphlet Medicare Coverage Outside the United States for more information.

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TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS:  While in Nicaragua, you may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. Driving in Nicaragua poses many difficulties and risks, including mandatory arrest for drivers involved in accidents that result in death or serious injury until police are able to determine who is at fault.  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 to carry a cellular phone in case of an emergency.

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.

Nicaraguan law requires that a driver be taken into custody for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident that causes 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). In accidents that result in death, drivers are usually detained until they reach an agreement with the family of the victim even if they are not at fault.

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 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 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 the U.S. Consular Section in Managua. Rental car agencies should also be advised if their vehicles have been deemed negligent in meeting Nicaraguan transit regulations.

Avoid taking local buses. 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.

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. You may also contact the Embassy of Nicaragua for further information.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Also, we suggest that you visit the website of Nicaragua’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

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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 oversight of Nicaragua’s air carrier operations. Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page.

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CHILDREN'S ISSUES: Please see our Office of Children’s Issues web pages on intercountry adoption and international parental child abduction. 

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This replaces the Country Specific Information for Nicaragua dated January 30, 2012, to update Country Description, Smart Traveler Enrollment, Safety & Security, Crime, Criminal Penalties, Special Circumstances, Medical Facilities & Health Information, Medical Insurance, and Traffic Safety and Road Conditions.

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Worldwide Caution

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