Security Status
- Normal precautions
- High degree of caution
- Avoid non-essential travel
- Do not travel
- Overview
- Safety and Security
- Local Laws and Customs
- Health
- Additional information
- Embassy Contact
Overview
Overview
Overview
Security status
High Degree of Caution.
Travel to Nicaragua
The Nicaraguan border may close at short, or no notice. You are advised to follow official government sources for updates on any measures taken to control the spread of COVID-19 in Nicaragua. You can visit the Ministry of Health website at http://www.minsa.gob.ni/. The Health Ministry has also created a 24/7 Covid-19 hotline, available at +505-8418-9953.
Although airports in Nicaragua have reopened, flights to and from the country are currently limited, and visitors travelling from Ireland should take care to ensure they respect the requirements for any transit countries.
Passengers travelling to Nicaragua will be required to provide one the following:
- Proof of a full course of the COVID-19 vaccine (e.g. the EU DCC), or;
- A negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours prior to arrival to the country.
In addition, proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country where yellow fever occurs (see WHO guidance). Visitors to the country should closely monitor all communications from their airline provider, as passengers may be asked to submit information ahead of their date of travel. Failure to submit the required information may result in a refusal to board.
Emergency assistance
As there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in the Nicaragua, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency situation. However, if there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact the Irish Embassy in Mexico City.
EU Directive on Consular Protection
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation.
Our tips for safe travels
The political situation in Nicaragua is unpredictable, and protest and disorder may occur with little warning. Protests have been known to result in civil unrest and street violence. Foreign nationals are forbidden by law from taking part in political activity in the country, and could be expelled for taking part in demonstrations, or any other political activity, including on social media and online. You should stay well away from all demonstrations and gatherings, even if apparently peaceful, as these could result in outbreaks of violence.
Monitor local media for updates and exercise caution when planning travel.
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a family emergency
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates
- Read our Topical ‘Know Before You Go’ guide
Safety and Security
Safety and Security
Safety and security
Crime
The rate of crime has risen in Nicaragua in recent years. Street crime can be common in Managua and in large towns throughout the country.
The Embassy would advise you to be cautious when using public transport, including taxis. Always be vigilant, particularly after dark and take sensible precautions:
- Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place
- Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home
- Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business
- Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible
- Make sure that your accommodation has adequate security
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations
- If possible, use radio-dispatched taxis. You should ensure any taxi you take is authorised (red plates, with the driver’s identification number, name and photograph clearly visible on the dashboard). Avoid sharing taxis.
Reporting crime
If you’re a victim of a crime while in Nicaragua, report it to the local police immediately. You can also contact our Embassy in Mexico on +52 55 5520 5803
Driving
If you’re planning to drive in Nicaragua, you should follow these basic guidelines:
- Bring your full Irish driver’s licence and your international driving permit and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
- Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights
Hiring a vehicle
If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Hurricane season
The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from July to October. You should pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.
Seismic and volcanic activity
Nicaragua is prone to significant seismic and volcanic activity. If planning to visit Nicaragua, you should familiarise yourself with what to do in an earthquake, remain on alert, particularly in the event of aftershocks, follow the advice of local authorities and monitor local news and websites for updates.
Political Unrest
Political Demonstrations in Nicaragua have been known to turn violent. You are strongly advised to stay away from any demonstrations or gatherings. It is illegal for foreigners to be involved in local politics and participation may result in arrest.
Local Laws and Customs
Local Laws and Customs
Local laws and customs
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or even illegal. Nicaragua has strict enforcement policies regarding illegal drugs. We advise that you do not become involved with drugs of any kind, in any way.
Health
Health
Health
Vaccinations
Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country.
Zika Virus
There may be a risk of Zika virus in Nicaragua. Irish Citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) at http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Vectorborne/Zika/.
Note that there may also be a risk of other viruses including Dengue and Cikungunya, as well as Malaria. Risks tend to be higher during rainy season (May – November)
Additional information
Additional information
Entry requirements
If you are unsure of the entry requirements for this country, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate.
You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.
Embassy contact
Embassy Contact
The Embassy operates an out of hours service for Irish citizens requiring emergency assistance on weekends and public holidays. If you are in need of emergency assistance during these times, you should leave a message on the emergency message system by calling +52 55 5520 5803. The emergency message system is checked regularly outside of office hours and a member of the Embassy staff will contact you as soon as possible.
When you leave a message, remember to state your name, the nature of the problem, where you are now, and the details of how the Duty Officer can contact you (e.g. leave your mobile phone number, or the phone number of the hotel/hostel where you are staying).
Alternatively, you may contact the Duty Officer at the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin at +353 (0)1 408 2000.
Embassy of Ireland
Cda. Blvd. Avila Camacho, 76-3
Col. Lomas de Chapultepec
11000 México D.F.
Tel: +52 55 5520 5803
Fax: +52 55 5520 5892
Monday to Friday 09:30 to 13:30