Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Armed conflict

Armed conflict broke out on the river town of Waspan, located in the Northern Caribbean Autonomous Region of Nicaragua on the border with Honduras, in September 2015. There are confirmed reports of deaths as a result of this conflict. Exercise extreme caution if travelling to this town and surrounding areas.

Crime

Street crime such as pickpocketing and bag snatching is common, and tends to increase during holiday seasons such as Christmas and Easter. Use only hotels that provide adequate security.

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. Avoid the Mercado Oriental in Managua. 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. Do not carry large sums of money, especially while travelling on buses. 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 banking 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. Exercise caution and avoid walking through non-tourist areas of the city, especially after dark.

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. 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.

Police presence is extremely scarce outside of major urban areas. Restrict travel to tourist areas and to daylight hours. Hitchhiking in Nicaragua is highly unadvisable. Travel in groups whenever possible.

Women’s safety

Women travelling alone may be subject to certain forms of harassment and verbal abuse. Consult our publication entitled Her Own Way: A Woman’s Safe-Travel Guide for travel safety information specifically for Canadian women. 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.

Demonstrations and elections

Demonstrations occur and can lead to significant disruptions to traffic and public transportation in large cities, particularly the capital city of Managua. Access to the Managua International Airport and to the area of Carretera a Masaya (where universities, shopping malls and restaurants are located) may be affected. Periodic violence may occur on the streets as a result of protests. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times and do not attempt to cross roadblocks. Monitor local media reports for up-to-date information. Follow the advice of local authorities and avoid large crowds and demonstrations, as turn violent with little to no warning.

Road travel

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. 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.

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. Do not agree to share a cab at the end of a bus ride, and 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.

Marine transportation

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

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

General safety information

Exercise caution when swimming, as strong currents and undertows have resulted in drownings. Warning signs, lifeguards and rescue equipment are often lacking.

Fraudulent tour guides have been known to operate on the island of Ometepe. Consult hotel staff and local authorities for information on reputable tour guides.

Nicaragua does not have an extensive tourist infrastructure. INTUR, the governmental agency responsible for developing, regulating and promoting tourism in Nicaragua, offers some information in English.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Nicaraguan authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Nicaragua or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Nicaragua, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Tourist card: Required
Business visa: Not required
Student visa: Not required

Canadians must be in possession of a tourist card, which is usually obtained at a port of entry for a US$10 fee, payable in cash. The tourist card allows travel within the C-4 countries (see below).

You must also present a return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of your trip. 

Central America-4 Border Control Agreement

Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (C-4), Canadian tourists may travel within any of the C-4 countries – Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala – for a period of up to 90 days, without completing entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry to any of the C-4 countries. Travellers who exceed the 90-day limit can expect to pay a fine. An extension of up to 90 days is permitted once a year. You must request this extension and pay the required fee to Immigration authorities before the initial 90 day-limit expires. The length of the extension is at the discretion of the Immigration authorities of Nicaragua.

Dual citizenship

Canadian-Nicaraguan dual citizens (including minors) may enter Nicaragua without a Nicaraguan passport, but require one in order to leave the country, unless their stay is less than 90 days. Children born in Nicaragua also require a Nicaraguan passport to leave. To obtain a Nicaraguan passport, dual citizens should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Nicaragua or the Ministerio de Gobernacion (in Spanish). When travelling to Canada, all dual citizens require a valid Canadian passport. 

See Laws and Culture for more information.

Airport tax

An airport tax of US$32 is charged upon departure; however, it is usually included in the price of airline tickets. Agents will advise at the check-in counter if you must pay the airport tax.

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical care is limited, especially outside of Managua. Certain types of medical equipment or medications may be unavailable in the country. Most doctors and hospital personnel do not speak English or French. Many institutions often expect immediate cash payment for medical care, except for a few private hospitals that will accept major credit cards for payment and in which doctors usually speak English.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Illegal drugs

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. 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. A transfer of offenders treaty has not been signed with Nicaragua.

Laws

Canadians in Nicaragua may use their Canadian driver’s licence for no more than 30 days, after which they must obtain an international driving permit. Vehicle insurance is mandatory for foreigners (including residents).

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Nicaragua. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Nicaragua citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Nicaragua passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The currency is the córdoba (NIO). Most restaurants and hotels in Managua accept credit cards. Canadian dollars cannot be exchanged for local currency anywhere, but U.S. dollars (in cash or traveller’s cheques) are widely used. Exchange foreign currency only at banks or official exchange offices.

Natural disasters & climate

Hurricane Season

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

Hurricane Otto

Hurricane Otto recently passed through Nicaragua. Transportation routes, power and telecommunications systems could be affected in some areas or the areas of eastern coast. Other services that may be affected in these areas include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies. If travelling to affected areas, you should contact your airline or tour operator to determine whether the situation will disrupt travel arrangements. Exercise caution, monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities.Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the Embassy of Canada in Managua or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Seismic and volcanic activity

Nicaragua is located in a very active seismic zone.

On November 24, 2016, a 7.0 magnitude earthquake struck off the Pacific coast of El Salvador. Follow the instructions of local authorities and monitor local media.

A magnitude 6.2 earthquake damaged houses and caused numerous injuries on April 10, 2014, followed by a magnitude 6.6 earthquake on April 11, 2014, and several strong aftershocks.

Volcanic activity also occurs. The Telica, Momotombo, San Cristóbal, Cerro Negro and Santiago volcanoes, among others, are monitored by Nicaraguan Institute of Territorial Studies (Ineter). Eruptions are possible. Ash fall and gas emanations are hazardous. In the event of an earthquake or volcanic eruption, follow the advice of local authorities, including possible evacuation orders, and monitor local news reports.

Flooding

Sudden, localized flash flooding regularly occurs in urban areas, including on main thoroughfares during and after summer rainstorms. Avoid travel whenever possible during these events. Local rescue and assistance services may be inadequate and require time to provide assistance should you require it. 

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Office of the Embassy of Canada in Managua and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Emergency Operations Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.