Nicaragua Travel Advisory

There was no change to the advisory level. Advisory summary was updated. Reconsider Travel to Nicaragua due to risk of crime , health , wrongful detention , and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Advisory summary U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are generally not allowed to drive after dark due to safety risks. These include inadequate street lighting and poor road conditions. However, they are allowed to drive at all times in Managua and on Carretera Masaya between Managua and Granada. U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are not allowed to use public transportation due to safety risks. U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are not allowed to go to these places due to safety risks: Managua's Mercado Oriental Managua’s national baseball stadium Casinos and strip clubs Non-personal service contractors traveling to Nicaragua on official U.S. government business must travel on a service passport starting April 15, 2026. Wrongful Detention The U.S. Department of State has determined that U.S. nationals are at serious risk of wrongful detention by the Government of Nicaragua. Wrongfully detained U.S. nationals may be held in prison for years, in poor conditions, and without due process or consistent access to U.S. government staff or their family. Familiarize yourself with and respect local laws and customs but be aware that local laws are often applied arbitrarily to those who are seen as government opponents. Foreign travelers may face an increased risk of detention and harassment, even if you are also a citizen of Nicaragua. The U.S. embassy will work to monitor your health and safety in detention but cannot guarantee your release. Most U.S. nationals who are convicted of committing a crime overseas serve out their sentences in prisons in that country. Arbitrary enforcement of local laws Some U.S. citizens have been detained for several weeks or more. Offenders of some crimes can face 50 o