OSAC Country Security Report

Last Updated: July 27, 2021 Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses Nicaragua at Level 4, indicating travelers should not travel to Nicaragua due to COVID-19. Additionally, it states that travelers should reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to limited healthcare availability and arbitrary enforcement of laws. Finally, it states that travelers should exercise increased caution in Nicaragua due to crime. Review OSAC’s report, Understanding the Consular Travel Advisory System.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Peace Index 2021 ranks Nicaragua 130 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as being at a low state of peace. Crime Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nicaragua, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

Crime: General Threat

There is serious risk from crime in Nicaragua in general. Reported crime rates are low, but many crimes go unreported. Theft from vehicles, pick-pocketing, and occasional armed robbery occurs in store parking lots, on public transportation, and in open-air markets. In Managua, street crime is more prevalent during hours of darkness, late at night, or early in the morning. Criminals often carry weapons such as knives and guns. Criminals often carry weapons such as knives and guns.

While U.S. citizens have been victims of murder in Nicaragua, the most frequently reported crime is theft. U.S. citizens have also reported sexual assaults and other violent crimes while in Nicaragua. Several U.S. citizens have been the victims of sexual assault in beach locations and at hotels; violence against women continues to be a concern.

According to the ’s most recent official crime statistics, the overall homicide rate was eight per 100,000 inhabitants. The homicide rate in the Southern Coast Autonomous Region was 31-- almost triple the national average. Other areas with homicide rates significantly above the national average were the "Mining Triangle," composed of the three Northern Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region of Siuna, Rosita, and Bonanza (14); Jinotega (18); and the Northern Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region as a whole (21).

The reported overall rate of robbery was 177:100,000 inhabitants, an increase of approximately 27% from 2019. The reported overall rate of theft was 59:100,000 inhabitants (+31%). The reported overall rate of sexual assault was 28:100,000 inhabitants (+12%), and the reported overall rate of theft was 59:100,000 inhabitants (+31%).

The municipalities with the highest rates of criminal complaints were Managua, Matagalpa, Estelí, Masaya, León, Carazo, Granada, Chinandega, Chontales, Rivas, and the Northern Caribbean Coast Autonomous Region. Exercise caution in these and other municipalities with high volumes of crime, such

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as León, Ciudad Sandino, and , as well as in the Coast Autonomous Region due to its high homicide rate.

Armed individuals in civilian clothes or “para-police” have been perpetrating violence throughout the country since April 2018. Reports suggest that “voluntary” and official police have taken part in this violence. Police have arbitrarily detained and searched people in an effort to identify and arrest those who have participated in protests or who oppose the government.

Given the geographic isolation of the Caribbean coast and autonomous regions, the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel there is severely limited. The U.S. Embassy also strongly recommends that U.S. government personnel do not drive outside of urban areas after dark due to transportation safety concerns.

Crime: Areas of Concern

The U.S. Embassy prohibits off-duty U.S. government personnel from entering the Oriental Market (El Mercado Oriental) due to high levels of crime and illicit activities. Street crime is also common in Puerto Cabezas Bluefields, San Juan del Sur, Popoyo, El Transito, and the Corn Islands.

Review OSAC’s reports, All That You Should Leave Behind, Hotels: The Inns and Outs, Considerations for Hotel Security, and Taking Credit.

Kidnapping Threat

Incidents of kidnapping could occur, but normally under avoidable circumstances and in specific geographic areas such as the autonomous regions.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nicaragua. Review OSAC’s reports, Kidnapping: The Basics and Active Shooter and Kidnapping Response Tips.

Drug Crime

Drug trafficking and the criminal elements associated with it appeared to increase. Nicaraguan security forces have recently seized multiple large drug and bulk cash shipments and made multiple arrests.

Consult with the CIA World Factbook’s section on Illicit Drugs for country-specific information. Terrorism Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Managua as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nicaragua. Review the latest State Department Country Report on Terrorism for Nicaragua.

The Institute for Economics & Peace Global Terrorism Index 2020 ranks Nicaragua 72 out of 163 worldwide, rating the country as having a low impact from terrorism.

Terrorism: General Threat

Nicaragua has no indigenous terrorism. No known terrorist organizations are identified as operating in Nicaragua.

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Political Violence and Civil Unrest Environment

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Managua as being a HIGH-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

Elections/Political Stability

Presidential elections will take place in November 2021 in Nicaragua. The Ortega regime maintains control of Nicaragua, and at this time it appears the opposition is too fractured to come together. President Ortega and his government randomly change laws and electoral processes to ensure continued control of the government. This type of arbitrary political decision making is a significant setback to achieving free and fair elections in November. Already, government authorities have arrested and investigated opposition candidates and regime critics for alleged threats to the state.

Prior to, during, and in the wake of the third anniversary of the 2018 civil unrest, the National Police officers posted hundreds of officers in riot gear iin strategic locations throughout Managua and other parts of Nicaragua to discourage anyone from publicly expressing their discontent against the Ortega regime.

The Ortega regime is expected to continue to use similar security tactics in the lead up to the November elections.

Protest & Demonstration Activity

There is serious risk from civil unrest in Managua. In the past, demonstrations involved demands for transparent elections, opposition to the proposed building of an inter-oceanic canal, women’s rights, and excessive force by security forces. Previous demonstrations began peacefully, but the presence of counterdemonstrators and/or riot-police would lead to an escalation in tension and violence. Typically, protests in Managua take place at major intersections and traffic circles (rotundas), and near shopping malls. Outside of the capital, they often take the form of road/highway blockades.

Demonstrations began in April 2018 over proposed changes in the social security system regarding benefits and other requirements. Based on the Nicaraguan government’s heavy-handed response, anti- government protests grew dramatically and lasted for months. Student groups, anti-canal groups, and a large cross-section of the Nicaraguan people participated. Protests in the form of marches and demonstrations in main intersections, strikes, road barricades, looting, and social media campaigns erupted. Government-aligned para-police and pro-Ortega groups countered protests, often with violence and intimidation. Deaths directly related to the violence surrounding these protests, as well as extrajudicial deaths and disappearances, occurred; human rights organizations put these numbers between 300-500 persons. Between April and August 2018, there were daily to weekly static protests and marches throughout the country. Protest group sizes ranged from a handful to hundreds of thousands on the streets. Universities were frequent locations of protests due to widespread student support. The police used live ammunition against peaceful protesters and demonstrators. Police presence continues, especially in major traffic circles in Managua and near universities. At times, police presence increases significantly throughout Managua, such as the yearly anniversary of the 2018 civil unrest, to dissuade potential protestors.

In response to the Government of Nicaragua’s violations of human and civil rights, the U.S. Treasury Department has levied sanctions against many members of the Ortega administration and private entities that corruptly support the Ortega regime. U.S. persons may not engage in transactions with OFAC- (Office of Foreign Assets Control) designated persons or entities, including gas stations controlled by DNP (Distribuidora Nicaraguense de Petroleo).

For more information, review OSAC’s report, Surviving a Protest.

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Law Enforcement Concerns: Security Agencies

The Nicaraguan National Police (NNP) is the sole law enforcement agency and is responsible for public safety and security, all types of criminal investigations, and traffic control. The army is responsible for external security, but also has some domestic security responsibilities. Each reports directly to the president. Parapolice, which are non-uniformed, masked, and armed groups with tactical training and organization act in coordination with government security forces, under the direct control of the government, and report directly to the NNP. Civilian authorities maintain effective control over police and parapolice security forces. Members of the security forces have committed numerous abuses.

Police Response

Police often lack resources to respond effectively to crimes in progress. Victims often must go to a police station to file a report, as police will often not come to the scene of a crime. At times, police refuse to file reports. Copies of receipts or other proof or ownership of high-value items often assist in completion of police reports.

Police coverage is extremely sparse outside major urban areas, particularly in the autonomous regions.

During periods of political unrest, police forces focus attention on protests and demonstrations. Response actions to counter street crime can suffer.

During questioning by the authorities, a defendant who does not understand Spanish is entitled to assistance from an official government interpreter. The defendant is entitled to an oral translation of any statement they are required to sign. Defendants are not required to incriminate themselves. A defendant should answer questions pertaining to identity, age, address, occupation, citizenship, and other non- incriminating personal data. The Constitution does not condone physical violence against prisoners (except in cases of self-defense). Despite the rights granted under the law, in practice, the legal, judicial, immigration, and penal systems often operate in an arbitrary manner, subject to corruption and political influence. It is difficult to predict how the local legal system will work in any particular case, which can result in prolonged detentions without charges or due process. Should authorities violate your rights, immediately inform the consular officer or representative, who will bring your case to the attention of the government if you so desire.

Law Enforcement Concerns: Emergency Contact/Information

The police emergency line in Nicaragua is 118, *118 from cellular phones, or 505-2249-1925. The Tourist Emergency Hotline, available only to cell phones on the Claro system, is 101. The NNP tourism police unit deploys to tourist areas and maintains the 24-hour hotline for emergencies. Transportation Security

Road Safety

Road quality in Nicaragua is better than in other Central American countries, particularly between the urban areas along the Pacific Coast. However, poor city planning has created multiple choke points and poor traffic circulation in Managua, and the high influx of vehicles over the past five years has led to an increase in vehicular fatalities. Road connectivity between the remote and underdeveloped Atlantic Coast and the western part of the country remains limited. However, this has improved with the addition of new roads in the Southern Atlantic Autonomous Region, near Bluefields and .

The roadways of Nicaragua continue to present a threat to Nicaraguans and visitors alike, as there are hundreds of accidents daily in Managua and other parts of Nicaragua.

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Road conditions vary in Nicaragua. Frequent road hazards such as pedestrians, livestock, and other drivers enhance the risk of traffic accidents. Although some of the principal highways connecting the major cities are in good condition, torrential seasonal rains take a heavy toll on all roads. Roads commonly have potholes and unpainted speed bumps, and are poorly illuminated, narrow, without shoulders, and often missing manhole covers. Speed limits vary depending on the type of road. Police enforce traffic rules inconsistently. Look out for detours and slow traffic.

In general, road signs are poor or non-existent. Drivers will frequently encounter animals, bicycles, pedestrians, and vehicles without lights, all of which are difficult to see at night, even on main thoroughfares in Managua. Motorcycles dart in and out of traffic with little or no warning, taxis stop in the middle of the road to negotiate with potential passengers, and buses often travel in the oncoming lane to avoid traffic jams. Sidewalks are not common; pedestrians often walk on main roads, including on busy thoroughfares, and often do not look both ways before crossing the street. Many vehicles are in poor condition, have non-functional brake lights and turn signals, travel very slowly, and break down without warning. Be especially careful on curves and hills, as many drivers will pass on blind spots, vehicles stop without warning, and many pass in no passing zones. Road travel after dark and in dark areas is especially hazardous. Many drivers will run red lights, especially at night.

Motorists should carry a cellular phone and first aid kit in case of an emergency. Nicaraguan law requires vehicles to carry a stopped/disabled vehicle indicator (a reflective triangle or cone) and a fire extinguisher.

Police will take drivers into custody for driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs. Police will also usually take into custody the driver involved in any accident resulting in serious injury/death, even if the driver has insurance and appears not to have been at fault. The minimum detention period is 48 hours. However, detentions frequently last until a judicial decision (often weeks or months) or until the injured party signs a waiver (usually the result of a cash settlement). To avoid liability, consider hiring a professional driver through a reputable hotel. Transit police conduct most enforcement stops on foot at static locations; these are sometimes marked by traffic cones at which officer(s) will signal to a driver to pull over. Police vehicle enforcement stops are less common.

After a traffic violation, the normal process involves police confiscating the driver's license until the driver pays a fine. After paying the associated fee at a bank, the driver must go with proof of payment to Transit Police Headquarters (or a police station if it occurs outside of Managua) to recover the license and show proof of payment. In practice, however, foreigners are rarely able to recover their licenses, even after paying their fees, due to delays in transferring the license from the place of detention to the Transit Police office. Most foreigners leave the country before the transfer takes place. Transit police have been known to demand on-the-spot bribes in lieu of fines. If this happens, request a receipt and the officer's name and badge number. To report mistreatment by police, file a complaint with Nicaragua’s National Police and forward your complaint to the U.S. Consular Section in Managua. Also, advise your rental car agency if police say their vehicles do not meet transit regulations. The Nicaraguan National Police give information (in Spanish) about the process to pay or appeal tickets and recover confiscated licenses.

For detailed, country-specific road and vehicle safety information, read the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety.

For more information, review OSAC’s reports, Road Safety Abroad, Driving Overseas: Best Practices, and Evasive Driving Techniques; and read the State Department’s webpage on driving and road safety abroad.

Public Transportation Safety

Public transportation often lacks proper safety equipment (e.g., lights, seatbelts, seats, handholds). Avoid buses. Bus accidents on roadways in Nicaragua often result in injury and death. Criminals will steal backpacks, purses, and other personal items from overhead and below-seat storage onboard buses. Only use licensed taxis endorsed or recommended by airport authorities, major hotels, restaurants, or other trusted sources. Before taking a taxi, make sure that it has a red stripe across the top and bottom of the

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license plate and that the number is legible. Choose taxis carefully and note the driver's name and license number. Check that the taxi is properly labeled with the company name and logo. 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. There have been reports of taxi driver complicity in robberies and assaults.

For more information, review OSAC’s Report, Security in Transit: Airplanes, Public Transport, and Overnights; and consider the European Union Air Safety List.

Aviation Concerns

Managua is the location of the country’s only international airport (MGA). Two other airports located on the Caribbean coast – Bluefields (BEF) and Bilwi / Puerto Cabezas (PUZ) – were subject to demonstrations and closure during civil unrest in the past. There are also small airports in Tola/Rivas (ECI), Big Corn Island (RNI), and Ometepe Island (OMT) that handle mostly private charter flights.

In the past, there have been reports of pickpocketing and other simple theft while in airport waiting areas, but not recently. Airports in remote locales often have short airstrips, minimal safety equipment, and little boarding security

Maritime Security

Those traveling in the region by panga and other types of boat or ferry should consult with local naval or police authorities about the safety of setting out in current local weather conditions, and exercise caution when boarding potentially overloaded or otherwise unsafe vessels. Personal Identity & Human Rights Concerns

The Ortega regime and its security forces continue a campaign of violent repression and human rights abuses. The Government of Nicaragua is authoritarian, limits freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, represses internal dissent, and monitors and responds to perceived threats to its authority. The Ortega regime has passed increasingly repressive laws that severely limit the ability of opposition political groups, civil society, and independent media to operate. Nicaragua’s Sovereign Security Law and its Terrorism and Money Laundering law allow for discretionary interpretation of unlawful activities that threaten the peace and economic stability of Nicaragua. Convictions under these laws are largely arbitrary and may result in long prison sentences.

Safety Concerns for Women Travelers

Violence against women in general continues to be a concern throughout Nicaragua. Unfortunately, many of these violent crimes go unreported. As per the 2020 Country Reports on Human Rights Practices: Nicaragua, the government fails to enforce rape and domestic violence laws, leading to widespread impunity and reports of increased violence from released offenders emboldened by their release. The NGO Catholics for the Rights to Decide (CDD) reported that there were 69 femicides in 2020 as of November, most of them committed after the victims suffered sexual violence. The government recognized 15 femicides in the same period, although it reported 36 women killed as of August. The government employs limited public education, shelters, hotlines, psychosocial services, and police training in nominal and unsuccessful attempts to address the problem. Observers report a general increase in sexual crimes and violence against women during the year; however, data were unreliable.

Consider composite scores given to Nicaragua by the UN Development Program (UNDP) in its Gender Development Index, measuring the difference between average achievement in three basic dimensions of human development, and Gender Inequality Index, measuring inequality in achievement in reproductive

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health, empowerment, and the labor market. For more information on gender statistics in Nicaragua, see the World Bank's Gender Data Portal.

Review the State Department’s webpage for female travelers.

Safety Concerns for LGBTI+ Travelers

According to Nicaragua’s penal code, discrimination based on sexual orientation is a crime. This is reinforced in the Nicaraguan labor laws, but there is anecdotal evidence to show that these laws are not often enforced. Nicaragua does not have any laws recognizing same sex marriages. LGBTI+ groups report lack of access to justice and discrimination and lack of response from the Nicaraguan National Police (NNP). The government and FSLN supporters frequently target LGBTI+ participants in civil protests in particular, using online smear campaigns and physical attacks in some cases. LGBTI+ opposition members were particularly targeted with sexual violence by the NNP, parapolice, and progovernment supporters. In September, a lesbian opposition leader was raped and beaten, reportedly due to her political activism. LGBTI+ activists report that political prisoners self-censor their orientation, fearing increased abuse from prison guards.

Review OSAC’s report, Supporting LGBT+ Employee Security Abroad, and the State Department’s webpage on security for LGBTI travelers.

Safety Concerns for Travelers with Disabilities

There is limited or no accessibility assistance for public transportation, and there are few sidewalks and pedestrian road crossings. 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.

Review the State Department’s webpage on security for travelers with disabilities.

Safety Concerns for Travelers Based on Race, Religion, & Ethnicity

Exclusionary treatment based on race, skin color, and ethnicity is common, especially in higher-income urban areas. Darker-skinned persons of African descent from the Northern Autonomous Region and the Southern Autonomous Region, along with others assumed to be from those areas, experience discrimination, such as being subjected to extra security measures and illegal searches by police. Indigenous and other ethnic groups from these regions allege that discriminatory attitudes toward ethnic and racial minorities are responsible for the lack of government resources devoted to the regions.

Review the latest U.S Department of State Report on International Religious Freedom for country-specific information.

Review OSAC’s report, Freedom to Practice, and the State Department’s webpage on security for faith- based travelers.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

The Government of Nicaragua has often expressed antagonism to U.S. interests and uses anti-U.S. rhetoric in domestic and international fora and events. This rhetoric increased after April 2018, when widespread civil unrest focused on political, economic, and social issues came to a head.

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Concerns involving the Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption &/or Transparency

The Ortega regime harasses and arrests political opponents in an effort to silence the opposition as Nicaragua prepares for November 2021 elections. The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. Human rights NGOs, however, note hundreds of cases of arbitrary arrests by police and parapolice forces, although parapolice have no authority to make arrests. Human rights organizations report police and parapolice agents routinely detain and release government opponents within a 48-hour window, beyond which police would have to present formal charges against detainees. Detentions of political opponents usually occur without a warrant or formal accusation and for causes outside the legal framework.

The Transparency International Corruption Perceptions Index ranks Nicaragua 159 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most transparent.

Communication Issues

The law provides for freedom of expression, including for the press, but the government does not respect this right. Restrictions on press freedom, the absence of an independent judiciary, and a nondemocratic political system combine to inhibit freedom of expression, including for the press. Although the law provides that the right to information may not be subjected to censorship, the government and actors under its control retaliate against the press and radio and television stations by blocking transmissions, impeding the import of ink and paper, and committing violence against journalists. Some independent media outlets also report they were victims of cyberattacks. The government seeks to control information on the COVID pandemic by restricting news coverage and blocking independent media access to public health briefings, as well as using government-aligned media to publish misinformation.

Independent media are active and express a wide variety of views, despite government attempts to restrict and intimidate them. Independent media outlets experience vandalism, seizure of broadcast equipment, cyberattacks, and criminal defamation charges. Also, there have been credible reports that the government monitors private online communications without appropriate legal authority, and in some cases restricts or disrupts access to the internet or censors online content.

The government uses reprisals to restrict the ability of individuals to criticize the government. Persons who criticize the government, the ruling party, or its policies are subjected to police and parapolice surveillance, harassment, imprisonment, and abuse. Pro-government supporters consider the use of the national flag and the national colors of white and blue as acts of defiance, and attack opposition activists flying the flag or national colors.

The Reporters Without Borders World Press Freedom Index ranks Nicaragua 121 out of 180 worldwide, where 1 means most freedom. The Freedom House Freedom on the Net report rates the country’s internet freedom as Not Free; its Freedom in the World report also rates Nicaragua as Not Free.

Review OSAC’s report, Lèse Majesté: Watching what you say (and type) abroad. Health Concerns

Emergency Health Services

Emergency phone numbers vary by department. Dispatchers will coordinate an emergency response. Dial 128 for Cruz Roja (Red Cross) ambulance service (Spanish only). Ambulances take individuals to the nearest hospital that will accept a patient. This is usually a public hospital unless the patient or someone acting on his/her behalf indicates they can pay for a private hospital.

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Medical care is very limited outside Managua. Basic medical services are available in many small towns and villages. However, treatment for serious medical issues is often unavailable or available only in Managua. Emergency ambulance services (which may not meet U.S. standards) and certain types of medical equipment, medications, and treatments are not widely available. Physicians and hospital personnel frequently do not speak English, and medical reports are in Spanish. Patients must have good Spanish language skills to navigate local medical resources comfortably. For medical assistance, refer to the Embassy’s Medical Assistance page. For Air Ambulances, refer to the Embassy’s Medevac List.

Nicaragua is home to many venomous snakes. Anti-venom is available only at the Ministry of Health. Snakebite victims should remain calm, immobilize the bitten area, and go to the nearest hospital to request the anti-venom immediately. Black and Brown widow spiders, tarantulas, and scorpions are commonly seen. Bites from these can cause pain and illness, but are rarely fatal.

Consult with your medical insurance company prior to travel to confirm the policy applies overseas. Consider the purchase of separate insurance for medical evacuation (medevac). The U.S. Department of State strongly recommends purchasing international health insurance before traveling internationally. Review the State Department’s webpage on insurance overseas. Payment for medical services is done on a cash basis, although some private hospitals will accept major credit cards. Travelers should prepare to pay at the time of service or before admission. Private hospitals may require full payment or a significant deposit before giving any treatment, even in life-or-death cases.

The U.S. Department of State has included a Health “H” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Nicaragua, indicating that Health risks, including current disease outbreaks or a crisis that temporarily disrupts a country’s medical infrastructure, are present. Review the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) country-specific Travel Health Notices for current health issues that impact traveler health, like disease outbreaks, special events or gatherings, and natural disasters.

See OSAC’s Guide to U.S. Government-Assisted Evacuations; review OSAC’s reports, The Healthy Way, Shaken: The Don’ts of Alcohol Abroad, Health 101: How to Prepare for Travel, and Fire Safety Abroad; and visit the State Department’s webpage on Your Health Abroad for more information.

Vaccinations

Travelers coming from countries designated by the World Health Organization (WHO) as places with the potential for active transmission of yellow fever must present an International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever, showing a vaccine given at least 10 days prior to entry into the affected country, at the Nicaraguan port of entry.

The CDC recommends visiting your doctor, ideally four to six weeks before your trip, to get vaccines or medicines you may need. Travelers taking prescription medications should bring an adequate supply to cover the duration of their trip. The amount of medication should not exceed what would reasonably be considered for personal consumption. Carry medications in their original containers, pack them in carry- on bags, know generic or generic equivalent names in case they need replacement, and have a prescription on hand. Many newer combination medications may not be available in local pharmacies.

Review the CDC Travelers’ Health site for country-specific vaccine recommendations.

Issues Traveling with Medications

There may be restrictions on bringing prescription or non-prescription medications into Nicaragua without proper documentation. For questions about specific medications, contact the Nicaraguan Ministry of Health's Pharmacy Department before travel.

Review OSAC’s report, Traveling with Medication.

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Water Quality

Tap water is generally not safe to drink; use bottled water.

Review OSAC’s report, I’m Drinking What in My Water?

Environmental Hazards

Water shortages are a common occurrence during the November to April dry season, while flooding becomes problematic when heavy rains occur during the May to October wet season, partly due to poor sewage infrastructure. Earthquakes are common in Nicaragua. Shallow earthquakes with epicenters in Nicaragua that have been greater than magnitude 5.5 have caused structural damage or complete collapse to older buildings and poorly constructed homes. Earthquakes sometimes trigger tsunamis; authorities have the capability to issue warnings of potential threats to coastal communities. One such warning was issued in December 2020.

Nicaragua has many active and inactive volcanoes. Many are on the Pacific side of the country near Managua and other popular tourist destinations. Volcano boarding has become a popular activity, but adventure seekers should be aware that tour operators are unregulated and may not have robust emergency plans in place. The San Cristobal, Momotombo, Masaya, Telica, Cerro Negro, and Concepción volcanos are the most active in the country; authorities monitor each of them.

Other potential environmental threats include flooding, storm surge, fires, landslides, and hurricanes. In November 2020, two back-to-back hurricanes (Eta and Iota) ravaged the northwestern region of Nicaragua. Hurricane season runs from May to November.

There have been fatalities from scuba diving off the Caribbean coast of Nicaragua. Diving accidents stem from a number of factors, to include diver error. Travelers looking to dive should consult with a reputable diving establishment to familiarize themselves with Nicaraguan waters. Strong Pacific currents have caused drownings. Powerful waves have also caused broken bones. Stingray injuries are not uncommon. Visitors to Nicaragua’s beaches, lakes, and lagoons should exercise appropriate caution; there are no warning signs, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available. Nicaragua’s only hyperbaric chamber is in Puerto Cabezas, a five-hour speedboat ride from Corn Island. Cybersecurity Concerns

Independent media reports the government provided logistical support for “troll farms” that routinely carry out cyberattacks against opposition media websites and social media accounts. Trolls and bots reportedly track opposition and pro-government social media accounts to retaliate against users deemed opponents to the ruling party and amplify pro-government messaging.

Several NGOs claimed the government monitored their email and online activity without appropriate legal authority. Paid government supporters used social media and website commentary spaces to harass prominent members of civil society, human rights defenders, and well-known journalists.

Review OSAC’s reports, Cybersecurity Basics, Best Practices for Maximizing Security on Public Wi-Fi, Traveling Abroad with Mobile Devices, and Guide for Overseas Satellite Phone Usage. Counterintelligence Issues

Social media sites are public websites and have had numerous security breaches. Set your profiles to private. Even when set to private, threat actors may still be view your content. Have no expectation of privacy in hotels, offices, or public places. Hotel business centers and phone networks may be monitored and hotel rooms searched.

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Other Security Concerns

Landmines

This country has no known issues with landmines.

Import/Export Restrictions

Law 2014/891, which is an amendment to Nicaragua’s Harmonized Tax Code, prohibits the importation of vehicles ten years or older. There are several exceptions such as classic or historic vehicles, certain donated vehicles, and certain vehicles used for cargo or public transportation. Also, satellite phones are illegal and may be confiscated. Several U.S. citizens have reported electronic equipment confiscated upon entry and never returned. To confirm whether you may enter Nicaragua with specific items, check with the airline, the Nicaraguan Embassy in Washington, D.C., or Nicaraguan Immigration authorities before travel.

A country-specific listing of items goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Photography

Several U.S. citizens have reported that authorities did not allow them to enter Nicaragua with camera drones and other electronic equipment, and/or that the equipment was subject to inspection and held until the citizen departed the country.

Review OSAC’s report, Picture This: Dos and Don’ts for Photography.

ID Requirements

The Government of Nicaragua has denied entry to travelers who use a passport of a different nationality than they had on prior trips to Nicaragua.

Critical Infrastructure Concerns

Nicaragua is the largest country in Central America, yet remains one of the least developed. Infrastructure has strengthened in recent years, but weaknesses persist. Nicaragua ranked 109th out of 141 countries in terms of infrastructure in the 2019 World Economic Forum Global Competitiveness Report, scoring poorly in port and airport infrastructure, moderately in electricity supply, and above average in road quality and mobile telecommunications.

In the event of a natural disaster, transportation, water, communications, and power systems may fail due to damaged infrastructure or heavy ash fall. Road closures and flight cancellations may occur. Maintain an emergency supply of food and water to last at least 72 hours, and establish an emergency plan.

Over the past decade, the Nicaraguan government has made significant progress in the energy sector, increasing electricity coverage from 54% to 94% of the country, increasing power generation from renewable technologies from 25% to 54% and doubling investment in power transmission. Despite these gains, electricity prices are comparatively high for Central America, and the country experiences approximately 20% power distribution loss. Crippling weaknesses in the electrical grid remain, as evidenced by nationwide power outages in 2017, when limitations in Nicaragua’s transmission capacity revealed the lack of redundancy or back-up power for key infrastructure such as traffic lighting and public utilities. Power outages are a common occurrence and often take longer to resolve in rural parts of the country.

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Internet access is widely available, due to the $1.5 billion of foreign direct investment injected into the telecommunications sector over the past 12 years, fueling the expansion of 4G mobile coverage and broadband networks. Subscription costs are relatively high when compared to other Central American countries, limiting internet penetration to roughly 20% of the population. Telecommunication providers have very limited back-up power capacity. The country’s topography limits signal transmission, particularly in rural areas and the Caribbean Coast. Satellite phones are illegal and may be confiscated. In order to ensure reliability of cellular communications on the Caribbean coast, it may be necessary to have telephones or SIM cards for multiple cellular carriers. OSAC Country Chapters

The Country Chapter in Managua is active, meeting on a quarterly basis. Contact OSAC’s Americas Team with any questions. Embassy Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Managua

Kilometer 5 1/2 (5.5) Carretera Sur, Frente al Parque Las Piedrecitas, Managua.

+505-2252-7100 or 8768-7100. Emergencies: +505-2252-7171.

Hours: 0715–1630 Monday through Thursday; 0715–1400 Friday, except U.S. and Nicaraguan holidays. Trustworthy News Sources

The following news sources are considered trustworthy:

• La Prensa • Confidencial • La Trinchera News

Other Helpful Info

• State Department Country Information • OSAC Risk Matrix • OSAC Travelers Toolkit • State Department Travelers Checklist • Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) • How OSAC Analysts Can Benefit Your Global Security Operations

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