NICARAGUA – LEVEL 3: RECONSIDER TRAVEL

Reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to COVID-19, limited healthcare availability, and arbitrary enforcement of laws. Exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime.

Read the Department of State’s COVID-19 page before you plan any international travel.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a Level 4 Travel Health Notice for Nicaragua due to COVID-19. Travelers should expect delays returning to the U.S. and there is reduced availability of flights. Visit the Embassy’s COVID-19 page for more information on COVID-19 in Nicaragua.

The government of Nicaragua arbitrarily enforces laws for political purposes. Throughout Nicaragua, government officials and law enforcement continue to target those opposed to the rule of President Ortega. The government and its affiliated groups have been reported to:

Systematically target opposition figures (regardless of nationality), including former allies, political activists, business representatives, clergy, human rights advocates, and members of the press.

Arbitrarily detain pro-democracy advocates.

Prevent certain individuals from departing Nicaragua by air or land for political reasons.

Arbitrarily seize and/or search private property including personal phones and computers for anti-government content.

Arbitrarily detain individuals with unfounded charges of terrorism, money laundering, and organized crime for political motives.

Travelers should exercise increased caution and be alert to the risks of crime, including violent crimes such as sexual assault and armed robbery.

Poor infrastructure in parts of the country limits the Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens in emergencies. U.S. government personnel may be subject to restrictions on their movements at any time.