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
• 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

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

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)

Entry requirements

If you are visiting Nicaragua, your passport should be valid for 6 months from the date you arrive.

Irish citizens do not need a visa to enter Nicaragua, and may for stay up to 90 days.

Visitors should note that Nicaragua is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4) signed between Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and El Salvador. Upon arriving in any of the CA-4 countries, visitors may travel to the other three member states, and stay for up to 90 days within the CA-4 region, without undergoing any entry and exit formalities. This period begins at the first point of entry in to any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, though a request for a 30-day extension can be made before the 90 days limit expires.