Nicaragua Travel Safety

Road safety

Despite regular security patrols by the Nicaraguan Army and Police, armed banditry occurs in areas near Bonanza, La Rosita and Siuna (the Mining Triangle) in northeastern Nicaragua. Carjackings have also been reported between Managua and Puerto Cabezas. Restrict road travel in these area to daylight hours, and travel in convoys of at least two vehicles. Due to this type of criminal activity, only travel overland to Honduras on highways with official border crossings at Guasaule, El Espino and Las Manos. Driving standards are fair. Except for the Pan-American Highway, most roads lack shoulders, are narrow, potholed and poorly lit. Road signs are usually non-existent, and most streets are unnamed. Detours are common but are often not marked. Driving after dark is very dangerous and not recommended. Roadside assistance is not available. Cell phone coverage outside urban areas is fair in the central and pacific areas, but can be lacking in mountainous areas and in the Caribbean. Keep your car windows closed and doors locked when driving through crowded areas.

Precautions

Use only hotels that provide adequate security. Do not carry large sums of money, especially while travelling on buses Remain alert when walking in markets, in the vicinity of the old cathedral in Managua, near Tica bus (the terminal for lines coming from Honduras and Costa Rica), at public transportation terminals and in poorer areas. Exercise common sense and ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Carry a photocopy of the identification page of your passport and a photocopy of the page that was stamped by local immigration authorities at the point of entry, and keep the original in a secure place. Exercise caution and avoid walking through non-tourist areas of the city, especially after dark. Take taxis from hotels or from main entrances to shopping malls, and make detailed arrangements for the return trip. Use only taxis that have red plates and that have a circle on the door that says Cooperativa or taxi services ordered by phone. Arrange with the taxi driver not to pick up any other passengers on the way to your destination, even if it is more expensive. Hitchhiking in Nicaragua is highly unadvisable. Travel in groups whenever possible and restrict travel to tourist areas and to daylight hours.

Taxis

Vehicles, especially taxis and buses, are poorly maintained. Do not agree to share a taxi

Marine transportation

The Caribbean and, to a lesser extent, the Pacific coasts of Nicaragua are known to be drug transit zones.

Public transportation

Vehicles, especially taxis and buses, are poorly maintained. Avoid using public transportation, which is overcrowded, unreliable and often targeted by pickpockets. Avoid conversations with friendly strangers and do not reveal your intended destination. Be cautious of any advice and/or shortcut that could convince you to get off a bus earlier than planned. There have been many instances of travellers being assaulted in such situations.

Women's safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Be particularly careful in the evening and on non-tourist areas of towns and cities. Local authorities may not regard harassment as unlawful unless physical contact or explicit threats are made.

Scams

There have been incidents, some violent, of passengers being robbed by taxi drivers or by people posing as taxi drivers using unauthorized taxi signs on their cars.

Crime

Street crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, and tends to increase during holiday seasons such as Christmas and Easter. Avoid the Mercado Oriental in Managua. Purse, backpack and jewellery snatching occurs while drivers are stopped at intersections and while pedestrians are walking on the street. Violent crime, including armed robbery and sexual assault, occurs in Managua, Granada and San Juan del Sur, as well as in Bonanza, La Rosita, Siuna and on Little Corn Island. Express kidnappings, in which victims are abducted for a few hours and forced to withdraw money from automated teller machines, also occur in these areas. If attacked, do not resist, as criminals often carry weapons and may become violent. Confrontations between rival gangs of youth have led to an increase in violent incidents in certain neighbourhoods of Granada. Police presence is extremely scarce outside of major urban areas.

LGBT

Although the laws of Nicaragua do not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex. However, homosexuality is less tolerated socially and public display of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. LGBT travellers should be aware of local sensitivities, particularly when visiting rural areas.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Possession of even very small quantities can lead to imprisonment. Convicted offenders can expect heavy fines and jail sentences. The conditions in Nicaraguan prisons are extremely basic. Prisoners are expected to supply their own food, bedding and medical care beyond basic first aid. Don't become involved with drugs of any kind

Driving

Most foreigners may use their home country licence for no more than 30 days, after which they must obtain an International Driving Permit. Vehicle insurance is mandatory for foreigners (including residents).