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TRAVEL INFORMATION SHEET NICARAGUA

1. Country description
2. Entry/exit requirements
3. Safety and security
4. Crime
5. Medical facilities
6. Medical insurance
7. Other health information
8. Traffic, safety and road conditions
9. Aviation Safety Oversight
10. Customs Regulations
11. Criminal Penalties
12. Specials Circumstances
13. Disaster Preparedness
14. Registration/embassy location

1. Country Description

Nicaragua has a developing economy and lacks an extensive tourist 4infrastructure.

2. Entry/Exit Requirements

A valid U.S. passport is required to enter Nicaragua. 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 valid for 90 days must be purchased upon arrival. A valid entry stamp is required to exit Nicaragua. Tourist card fees and airport departure taxes must be paid in U.S. dollars. Visitors remaining more than 90 days must obtain an extension from Nicaraguan Immigration. Failure to do so prevents departure until a fine is paid. For further information regarding entry, departure, and customs requirements, travelers should contact the Embassy of Nicaragua at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue, NW, Washington D.C. 20009; telephone (202) 939-6570 or (202) 939-6531; or a Nicaraguan consulate in Atlanta, Houston, Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Miami, New Orleans, New York, Pittsburgh, SanFrancisco, or San Juan, Puerto Rico.

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3. Safety and Security

Armed criminals operating in remote areas in northern and central Nicaragua have committed robberies, kidnappings and extortion against passersby. Though these actions are primarily directed at local residents, travel in these areas is discouraged. If you do decide to travel to these areas, travel only on major highways during daylight hours. Though less frequent than in past years, political demonstrations and strikes occur sporadically in urban areas. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid crowds and blockades during such occurrences.

Boundary disputes involving the governments of Nicaragua, Honduras and Costa Rica persist, particularly in the Caribbean coastal waters adjoining these countries, the Gulf of Fonseca, and on the San Juan River along the Nicaragua-Costa Rica border. Passengers and crews of foreign fishing boats have been detained and/or fined and vessels impounded. There also is a long-term boundary dispute with Colombia over San Andres Island and surrounding waters.

U.S. citizens are cautioned that strong currents and undertows off sections of Nicaragua. s Pacific coast have resulted in a number of deaths by drowning. Warning signs are not posted, and lifeguards and rescue equipment are not readily available in Nicaragua. U.S. citizens contemplating beach activities in Nicaragua's Pacific waters are urged to exercise extreme caution.

Although hundreds of passengers travel daily on domestic flights within Nicaragua without incident, these flights make use of small, uncontrolled airstrips outside of Managua, with minimal safety equipment and little boarding security. Significant safety and security improvements have, however, been made at the Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas and Corn Island airports, all of which are located on Nicaragua. s Atlantic coast.

Although extensive demining operations have been conducted to clear rural areas of northern Nicaragua of land mines left from the war, visitors venturing off the main roads in these areas are cautioned that the possibility of encountering landmines still exists.

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4. Crime

Violent crime in Managua and other cities is increasing, and street crimes are common. Pickpocketing and occasional armed robberies occur on crowded buses and in open markets, particularly the large Mercado Oriental. Though not at levels found in neighboring Central American countries, carjackings and gang activity are rising in Managua. Gang violence, including robberies, assaults and stabbings, is most frequently encountered in poorer neighborhoods, but has occurred in the neighborhoods surrounding major hotels and open-air markets. Visitors may want to avoid walking and instead utilize official red taxicabs. Purse and jewelry snatchings from motorists sometimes occur at stoplights. Motorists should travel with their windows closed and car doors locked

U.S. visitors to Nicaragua should be on the lookout for fraudulent tour guides. The U.S. Embassy has received numerous confirmed reports of con artists posing as tour guides to defraud tourists. Although the Ministry of Tourism is working on a licensing program for guides, there is currently no professional identification system for tour guides.

Travel to Honduras on other than principal highways with border crossings at Guasale, El Espino and Las Manos is potentially hazardous because of criminal elements operating in parts of northern Nicaragua.

If you are the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local police, contact the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for assistance. The embassy/consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate medical care, to contact family members or friends, and explain how funds could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the crime is 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 loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Anyone obtaining a new or replacement passport in Nicaragua must go to the main Immigration Office to obtain an entry stamp in their new passport; anyone failing to do so will not be permitted by Nicaraguan authorities to leave the country. U.S. citizens can refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad," for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. This publication and others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov.

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5. Medical Facilities

Medical care is limited, particularly outside Managua. Basic medical services are available in Managua and in many of the smaller towns and villages. However, treatment for many serious types of medical problems is either unavailable or available only in Managua.

Malaria is endemic, particularly in low-lying areas such as Managua and around the beaches. Dengue is also a problem. The water in Managua has been tested and found safe for drinking. However, you are urged to drink bottled water, especially when traveling outside of the capital.

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6. Medical Insurance

The Department of State strongly urges Americans to consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to confirm whether their policy applies overseas and whether it will cover emergency expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However, many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, Americans should consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may cost thousands of dollars. Uninsured travelers who require medical care overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas healthcare provider or whether you will be reimbursed later for expenses you incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for Americans Traveling Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax: (202) 647-3000.

7. Other Health Information

Information on vaccinations and other health precautions may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP (1-877-394-8747); fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's internet site at http://www.cdc.gov.

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8. Traffic, Safety and Road Conditions

U.S. citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those in the United States. The information below concerning Nicaragua is provided for general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular location or circumstances.

- Safety of public transportation: poor
- Urban road conditions/maintenance: Fair
- Rural road conditions/maintenance: poor
- Availability of roadside assistance: none

Road travel after dark is hazardous in all areas of the country. Nicaraguan roads are in poor repair, potholed, poorly lit, frequently narrow, and lack shoulders. Many roads, severely damaged as a result of Hurricane Mitch in October 1998, have not been repaired. Detours are common and are often not marked. Although it is improving, road signs are generally poor to non-existent. Oxcarts, horses and unlit and/or abandoned vehicles are frequently encountered even on main thoroughfares in Nicaragua. Motorcycles, often carrying three or even four passengers, dart in and out of traffic with little or no warning. Many vehicles are in poor condition, travel very slowly and are likely to break down without warning. Wheels have been known to fly off cars and axles to collapse on moving vehicles.

Speed limits vary depending on the type of road, but, because the government lacks the resources, traffic rules are rarely enforced. Driving is on the right side of the road. The Nicaraguan National Police are responsible for road safety.

Nicaraguan drivers do not usually signal when turning, slowing or stopping. If signals are used, they often do not mean what U.S. drivers would expect: for instance, a right hand turn signal, could mean the driver is turning right, but it could also mean he is turning left or is stopping. The most common signal in Nicaragua is a hand waving from the driver's side window. This signal has no specific meaning, except to alert other motorists that the person signaling is about to do something.

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. Traditionally, vehicles involved in accidents in Nicaragua are not moved (even to clear traffic), until authorized by a police officer. Drivers who violate this norm may be held legally liable for the accident.

Nicaraguan law requires that a driver be taken into custody for driving under the influence or being involved in an accident that caused 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.

For specific information concerning Nicaraguan driver's permits, vehicle inspection, road tax and mandatory insurance contact the government of Nicaragua at http://www.cancilleria.gob.ni. Additional information can be obtained from Intur, the national tourist organization, at intur@intur.gob.ni.

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9. Aviation Safety Oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the Government of Nicaragua's civil aviation authority as Category 2 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Nicaragua's air carrier operations. While consultations to correct the deficiencies are ongoing, the Nicaraguan air carriers currently flying to the U.S. will be subject to heightened FAA surveillance. No additional flights or new service to the U.S. by Nicaraguan air carriers will be permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. Flights to the U.S. by Nicaragua's air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have the flights conducted by a carrier from a country meeting international safety standards. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA Internet web site at http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa/index.htm.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition, DOD does not permit its personnel to use carriers from Category 2 countries for official business. For information regarding DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may contact the DOD at (618) 229-4801.

10. Customs Regulations

Nicaraguan customs authorities may enforce strict regulations concerning temporary importation into or export from Nicaragua of items such as firearms, ammunition, antiquities, medications, etc. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Nicaragua in Washington, D.C. or one of Nicaragua's consulates in the United States for specific information regarding customs requirements.

11. 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. Persons violating Nicaraguan laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Nicaragua are strict, and convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines.

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 recently concluded bilateral accord limit the acquisition, importation into the U.S. and commercialization of said goods. Severe criminal penalties may apply.

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Special Circumstances

The Nicaraguan economy is primarily cash-based. Though many restaurants and hotels now accept credit cards, especially in Managua, acceptance is not as widespread as in the U.S. Travelers checks are accepted at a few major hotels and may be exchanged for local currency at authorized exchange facilities ("casas de cambio"). There are few automatic teller machines, particularly outside Managua. English is not widely spoken.

13. 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) at http://www.fema.gov.

14. Children's Issues

For information on international adoption of children and international parental child abduction, please refer to our Internet site at http://travel.state.gov/childrens_issues.html or telephone (202) 736-7000.

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15. Disaster Preparedness

U.S. citizens living in or visiting Nicaragua are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Managua and obtain updated information on travel and security in Nicaragua. The U.S. Embassy is located at Kilometer 41/2 (4.5) Carretera Sur, Managua; telephone (505) 266-6010 or 268-0123; after hours telephone (505) 266-6038; Consular Section fax (505) 266-9943; e-mail: consularmanagu@state.gov web page at http://www.usembassy.state.gov/managua

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 15, 2001 to update sections on entry and exit requirements, safety and security, crime and road conditions.

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