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Planning to travel to Nicaragua?
Then you need to know that the U.S. State Department has issued a new travel advisory recommending that American citizens reconsider travel to the popular and beautiful destination.
Nicaragua has both a white-sand Caribbean and a rugged Pacific coastline. It is home to the largest lake in Central America and beautiful volcanic landscapes.
There is so much to attract travelers to Nicaragua.
But the arbitrary enforcement of laws, the risk of wrongful detention, and the limited availability of healthcare means that the U.S. government is advising you to think again!
Here’s what you need to know.
Entry And Exit Bans
Perhaps the most concerning of the risks posed in the travel update is that American citizens might be subjected to arbitrary entry and exit bans, expulsion, and arrests.
As well as being scary, this could have huge financial ramifications.
If you’re arbitrarily denied entry or re-entry to Nicaragua, either by air or by land, then you won’t be eligible for a refund of your travel costs.
There are many reasons, mostly political, as to why your entry could be denied. The Nicaraguan government is not required to (and isn’t likely to) provide you with a reason why your entry has been denied.
As well as banning your entry to the country altogether, other things you might be subjected to at the border as you enter the country include:
- Searching your personal phone, computer, social media accounts, and any documents you’re carrying for anti-government content.
- Seize personal devices without cause or explanation.
There is also a risk that you could be falsely accused, detained, or charged with terrorism, money laundering, or organized crime offenses.
This is often done without fair or transparent legal processes in place.
Targeted Individuals
If you work in certain professions, then you’re more likely to be targeted by border officials as you enter Nicaragua.
According to the State Department announcement, the Government of Nicaragua is targeting individuals and organizations for political purposes.
The individuals listed as being vulnerable to this kind of increased attention include: NGO workers, academics and students, business representatives, civil society leaders, religious and charity workers (including foreign missionaries), and journalists.
But people with many other professions have also reported being targeted too.
5,300 civil society organizations (including religious organizations) have been closed by the Nicaraguan government since 2018.
So, those volunteering to work with non-profits or religious organizations should be aware that they are particularly vulnerable.
The Situation On The Ground
Our very own Managing Editor, Tyler Fox, was recently in Nicaragua. He says:
“While Nicaragua is gorgeous and the people are incredible, coming into the country can feel a bit uncomfortable. You may be asked more questions than you’re used to, and if you’re bringing in any sort of camera setup, expect to be asked about it.
You’ll be asked about your occupation, and if you happen to be on the list of occupations that the State Department warns about, you should expect to be pulled aside and questioned.
I brought a GoPro to film some surfing and was asked about it, and several customs workers came over to check it out. It was odd to feel like bringing something simple like a GoPro was wrong.
Ultimately, our trip was incredible, but just be aware that getting through customs may be a bit more intense than you’re used to!”
It’s also worth noting that there is an entry fee of $10 for a tourist entry stamp to get into Nicaragua.
This is payable in U.S. Dollars and is only payable in cash. They won’t take card payments, and there is no cash machine nearby.
So make sure you’re carrying some cash with you as you pass through the border, or you may find yourself in a sticky situation!
Staying Safe In Nicaragua
Still considering traveling to Nicaragua?
Then there are some things you can do to ensure you stay as safe as possible.
- Have an exit plan in place. Plan ahead to understand how you can depart the country quickly if needed.
- Avoid any obvious displays of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches and jewelry or designer labels.
- Avoid any demonstrations, don’t travel across the country unnecessarily, and don’t drive through crowds, barricades, or roadblocks.
- Keep a low profile. Don’t advertise that you’re a tourist, and take caution when walking or driving, especially at night.
- Make sure you always have an adequate supply of food, cash, drinking water, and fuel in case you need to shelter in place.
- Have a plan in place to communicate regularly with your family or employers.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.