Nicaragua Country-Specific Information

Recent Embassy Notices for American Citizens

Country Description

Nicaragua is a developing country with a government that has grown increasingly hostile toward the United States during the past year. Strains on the country’s political stability have increased due to widespread irregularities in the November 2008 municipal elections, pervasive corruption in the judicial system, and recent Supreme Court rulings that allow for the re-election of President Daniel Ortega in November 2011. As Nicaragua approaches national elections next year, the rhetoric between the ruling and opposition political parties has the potential to become increasingly volatile, with possible violent confrontations. Human rights groups and press activists have called attention to government efforts to restrict media freedom. Donor countries, civil society, and opposition political parties have expressed concern about the constriction of democratic space within Nicaragua. As a result of the deteriorating political situation, several countries have drastically reduced or eliminated aid programs. The economy remains among the poorest in the hemisphere. Crime continues to be high.

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. Minor earthquakes are common, but the last major earthquake occurred in 1972, destroying the city of Managua.

Nicaragua presents many opportunities for tourists. At the same time its tourism infrastructure is very basic and generally not up to international standards, with the exception of several large, international chain hotels in Managua which primarily cater to a business or government clientele. Except in the cities and major thoroughfares, most roads are unpaved. Public transportation is unsafe and there are no sidewalks. 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 Background Notes on Nicaragua for additional information.

Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)

If you are going to live or visit Nicaragua, please take the time to tell our Embassy about your trip.  If you enroll, we can keep you up to date with important safety and security announcements. It 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. Email the U.S. Consular Section in Managua if you have any questions.

Embassy Location

Local embassy information is available below and at the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates.

U.S. Embassy Managua
Km 5 ½ Carretera Sur, Managua – Nicaragua
Telephone: (505) 2252-7100
Emergency after-hours telephone: (505) 8882-3140
Facsimile: (505) 2252-7250

Entry/Exit Requirements for U.S. Citizens

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter Nicaragua. Although there is a bilateral agreement that waives the six-month validity passport requirement, U.S. citizens are urged to ensure that their passports are valid for the length of their projected stay in the country before traveling. U.S. citizens must have an onward or return ticket and evidence of sufficient funds to support themselves during their stay. A visa is not required for U.S. citizens; however, a tourist card must be purchased for $10 upon arrival. Tourist cards are typically issued for 30 to 90 days.

A valid entry stamp is required to exit Nicaragua. Pay attention to the authorized stay that will be written into your entry stamp by the immigration inspector. Visitors remaining more than the authorized time must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan Immigration. Failure to do so will prevent departure until a fine is paid.

There is also a $32 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.

Per Nicaraguan law, individuals should exit Nicaragua with 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.

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.

In June 2006, Nicaragua entered a “Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement” with Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador. Under the terms of the agreement, citizens of the four countries may travel freely across land borders among 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 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 the implementing 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.

For the most current information about visas to visit Nicaragua, visit the Embassy of Nicaragua web site.

HIV/AIDS positive visitors to Nicaragua do not have any entry restrictions for stays of up to three months. Should the individual wish to remain for longer than three months they must renew their visitor’s visa with immigration and present a doctor’s certificate regarding their condition. Only in exceptional circumstances will the Nicaraguan government grant residency to HIV-positive individuals. Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site. For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information page.

Safety & Security

There have been several large demonstrations and protests since the contested 2008 municipal elections and in the build-up to the national elections in November 2011. Activities observed during protests have included but are not limited to use of rubber bullets, setting off fireworks, rock-throwing, tire burning, road blocks, bus and vehicle burning, and physical violence between law enforcement and protestors and between political rivals. Political demonstrations and strikes continue to occur sporadically, are usually limited to urban areas, and may become violent. U.S. citizens are advised to monitor local media reports, to avoid crowds and blockades during such occurrences and to exercise caution when in the vicinity of any large gathering. U.S. citizens are reminded that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can escalate into violence.

U.S. citizens are cautioned that strong currents off sections of Nicaragua’s Pacific coast have resulted in a number of incidents of drowning. Powerful waves have also resulted in broken bones, and injuries caused by sting rays are not uncommon at popular beaches. Warning signs are not posted, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available or non-existent. U.S. citizens visiting Nicaragua’s beaches should exercise appropriate caution.

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 trusted local guide familiar with the terrain and area. Individuals hiking Volcan Maderas and/or Volcan Concepcion on Ometepe Island are by law required to hire a local guide. There have been instances of hikers perishing or losing their way on the volcanoes at Ometepe Island. While they may look like easy climbs, the terrain is treacherous. Concepcion is also prone to several small eruptions per year, spewing toxic gases, rocks and other debris on the surrounding area.

In 2010, after extensive de-mining operations in the rural northern areas of Nicaragua, the Nicaraguan government officially declared the country to be landmine-free.

Domestic travel within Nicaragua by land and air, particularly to the Atlantic side can be dangerous. Domestic airlines use small airstrips with minimal safety equipment and little boarding security.

For the latest security information, U.S. citizens traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department of State’s, Bureau of Consular Affairs’ web site. It contains current Travel Warnings and Travel Alerts as well as the Worldwide Caution. Follow us on Twitter and the Bureau of Consular Affairs page on Facebook as well.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free within the U.S. and Canada, or by calling a regular toll line, 1-202-501-4444, from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The Department of State urges American citizens to take responsibility for their own personal security while traveling overseas. For general information about appropriate measures travelers can take to protect themselves in an overseas environment, see the Department of State’s extensive tips and advice on traveling safely abroad.

Crime

Violent crime in Managua is increasing and petty street crimes and taxi-kidnappings are common. Gang activity also is increasing, though not at levels found 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. Gang violence, drive-by shootings, robbery, assault and stabbings are most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods, including the Rene Schick and Jorge Dimitrov neighborhoods in Managua and the Ticabus stop area, a major arrival and departure point for tourist buses.

U.S. citizens should exercise particular caution when approached by strangers offering assistance with finding a taxi cab. To ensure safer travel, radio-dispatched taxis are recommended and can be found at the International Airport and at the larger hotels. In any case, entering a taxi, make sure that it has a red-bordered 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. While riding in a vehicle, windows should be closed, car doors locked and valuables placed out of sight. Purse and jewelry snatchings sometimes occur at stoplights.

Dozens of U.S. citizens have reported being victimized by fellow travelers who befriended them then offered to assist them in locating and/or sharing a taxi. 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. After the assault, the U.S. citizen victims were left abandoned and destitute in remote areas.This crime is particularly common around the International Airport area and in the cities of Managua, Rivas, Granada and Masaya.

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. 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.

In the past, there have been instances of U.S. citizens targeted 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, this activity has also spread to the Managua-Leon Highway. Though some of the criminal bands have been caught, exercise extreme caution when driving at night near Managua’s International Airport, on the Managua-Leon highway and the Tipitapa-Masaya Highway.

In the past few months, the Embassy has received several reports of U.S. citizens being victims of armed robbery when stopping at the Momotombo Mirador (look-out point) on the New Leon Highway. They have reported that they are approached by a group of five armed men, threatened and held at knife-point close to the lake while they are robbed of all their belongings.

Though violent criminal activity has decreased in the tourist destination of San Juan del Sur, armed robberies and theft continue to be problematic. In September 2009, a U.S. citizen family was violently assaulted and robbed by several armed men. Other American citizens were the victims of armed robberies by assailants wielding machetes, knives and/or guns along the beaches in and around San Juan del Sur. U.S. citizens should continue to exercise caution when visiting the beaches of Maderas, Marsella, Yankee, Coco and Remanso.

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. Two Nicaraguan navy personnel died during a December 2009 clash between traffickers and government forces in the remote coastal community of Walpasiksa. Street crime and petty theft are common problems in Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields and the Corn Islands along the Atlantic coast. For security reasons, the Embassy has limited travel by its staff to the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions (RAAN and RAAS), including the Corn Islands. Given the area’s geographical isolation, the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel in the Caribbean coastal area is constrained. Police presence on Little Corn Island is intermittent and officers have little resources in case of an emergency. Police officials must travel from Big Corn Island if there is a disturbance or reported crime. U.S. citizens have previously been the victims of sexual assault on Little Corn Island and other beaches in the country. The Embassy recommends traveling in groups when in isolated areas. Single travelers should exercise special caution while traveling in the Corn Islands and other remote areas of the country.

Throughout the country, U.S. travelers should utilize hotels and guest houses which have strong security elements in place, including but not limited to rooms equipped with safes for securing valuables and travel documents and adequate access control precautions.

Do not leave valuables inside parked vehicles. Recently, several U.S citizens have reported vehicle break-ins outside of gasoline stations and restaurants. The U.S. Embassy has also noted a gradual increase in the use of armed violence and hostage taking following residential break-ins. U.S. citizens are urged to review residential security procedures, including with their domestic employees, and strengthen security measures to help safeguard their houses.

In many countries around the world, counterfeit and pirated goods are widely available. Transactions involving such products may be illegal under local law. In addition, bringing them back to the United States may result in forfeitures and/or fines. The Computer Crime and Intellectual Property Division in the U.S. Department of Justice has more information on this serious problem.

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 (see the Department of State’s list of embassies and consulates). If your passport is stolen we can help you replace it. For violent crimes such as assault and rape, we can, for example, help you find appropriate medical care, contact family members or friends and help you get money from them if you need it. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime are solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an attorney if needed.

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.

Criminal Penalties

While in a foreign country, a U.S. citizen is subject to that country’s laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Engaging in sexual conduct with children or using or disseminating child pornography in a foreign country is a crime, prosecutable in the United States. It’s important to know what is legal and what is not in the country in which you are traveling.

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. Legal proceedings are fraught with delays and it often takes months for a case to be brought to trial. Bail is generally not granted to non-Nicaraguan arrestees. This means that even if an individual is eventually found not guilty they can face months-long imprisonment while waiting for the sentence to be read. Prisons in Nicaragua are over-crowded and proper nutrition and hygiene are difficult to maintain.

If you are arrested, Nicaraguan authorities are required by international law to notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest or detention if you ask them to do so. In the past, Nicaraguan authorities have not consistently complied with this obligation. If you are concerned the U.S. Department of State may not be aware of your situation, and wish to receive consular services from the Embassy, you should insist that authorities notify the U.S. Embassy of your arrest or detention.

Special Circumstances

Purchasing Property: U.S. citizens should be aware of the risks of purchasing real estate in Nicaragua and should exercise 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 to perform thorough due diligence and investigate their purchases thoroughly in order to reduce the possibility of property disputes.

The Nicaraguan judicial system offers little relief for property disputes. 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, and 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 limits any individual from buying beach-front property (including islands) unless the original land title was registered before the 1917 Nicaraguan Agrarian Reform Law or if the original land title was issued as a result of the 1917 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 approved new requirements and benefits for foreign retirees who wish to establish residency in Nicaragua in October 2009. Residency requirements remain the same: To establish residency, retirees must 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 are exempt from import taxes on vehicles valued at less than $25,000, and they may import a car from the U.S. once every four years.

Currency and Credit Cards:U.S. dollars are widely accepted throughout Nicaragua, and major credit cards are also typically accepted in hotels, restaurants, stores and other businesses in urban and tourist areas. Visitors who wish to exchange dollars for Nicaraguan Cordobas are encouraged to do so 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 an ATM machine since they are typically in or near uncontrolled areas and cash withdrawals may be monitored by criminals. 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. 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 coast, nautical travelers should be aware that Nicaragua has 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. 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. Commercial fishing vessels should always ensure that they are properly licensed as problems have been reported in the areas off Cabo Gracias a Dios.

Maritime boundary disputes also exist on the Pacific side. In late 2007, the governments of Nicaragua, Honduras and El Salvador reached an accord regarding fishing rights in the Gulf of Fonseca; however, questions remain regarding boundary demarcations. As a result of these disputes, the U.S. Coast Guard has published a Special Warning on Nicaragua in the U.S. Notice to Mariners. (see page 10)

Travelers should also be aware that narcotics traffickers often use both the Caribbean 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.

Nicaraguan 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.

Medical Facilities & Health Information

Medical care is very limited, especially outside of Managua. Basic 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. Emergency ambulance services, as well as certain types of medical equipment, 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, where conditions are poor, 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. Hospital Metropolitano in Managua does have a direct contract with BlueCross/BlueShield but U.S. health insurance plans are generally not accepted in Nicaragua.

Dengue fever is endemic to Nicaragua and outbreaks are common during rainy season, even in Managua. Currently, no vaccine or specific medication is available to prevent or treat dengue fever. Malaria is endemic to the Atlantic coast region and anti-malarial medication should be taken before and after travel to this region. Travelers are advised to take a prophylactic regimen best suited to their health profile. No prophylaxis anti-malarial medication is required for Managua and the Pacific coast region. For bothdengue fever and malaria, the best prevention is the use of insect repellant containing DEET, and wearing protective clothing and bed-nets to prevent mosquito bites.

Tap water is not considered safe 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 the World Health Organization (WHO) website. The WHO website also contains additional health information for travelers, including detailed country-specific health information.

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. You need to ask your insurance company two questions:

• Does my policy apply when I’m out of the U.S.?
• Will it cover emergencies like a trip to a foreign hospital or an 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. Public hospitals in Nicaragua do not accept U.S. insurance

Traffic Safety & Road Conditions

While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens 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. If involved in an accident do not move your vehicle or any vehicle involved in the accident, even to clear traffic. A person who moves a vehicle before the police arrive will often be held legally liable for the accident regardless of what actually occurred.

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.

Some of the major highways and roads are undergoing major repairs, repaving and upgrading. Be on the lookout for detours and slow traffic on these roads. In general, road signs are poor or non-existent. Bicycles, oxcarts, dogs, horses and vehicles without lights are encountered even on main thoroughfares in Nicaragua. The lack of sidewalks, medians and crosswalks force pedestrians to walk dangerously close to traffic. 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 and, 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.

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 regularly receives complaints from U.S. citizens who have been stopped by transit police authorities demanding bribes in order to avoid payment of 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. 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. By law, vehicles involved in accidents in Nicaragua may not be 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 or a Consulate for further information.

Please refer to our Road Safety page for more information. Visit the web site of Nicaragua’s national tourist office and national authority responsible for road safety.

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.

Childrens Issues

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