Nicaragua

Recommended Vaccinations For Nicaragua

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis A Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis A for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

Hepatitis B Vaccine

There is a significant risk of exposure to hepatitis B for this country, therefore, the vaccination is recommended.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever Vaccine

Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Nicaragua, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever Vaccine

There is a risk of exposure to typhoid fever in this country through consumption of unsafe food and water. Since exposure to unsafe sources is variable within this country, the vaccination against typhoid fever is generally recommended, especially when visiting smaller cities or rural areas, where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Rabies Vaccine

Vaccination against rabies is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) who may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk and should be vaccinated.

Recommended Medications For Nicaragua

For Some Travellers

Anti-malarial Drugs

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends atovaquone-proguanil, chloroquine, doxycycline, or mefloquine for Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (RAAN) and Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur (RAAS). NaTHNaC and WHO only recommend chloroquine for risk areas.

Diseases To Be Aware of for Nicaragua

For Most Travellers

Hepatitis B

There is a significant risk for acquiring hepatitis B in Nicaragua.

Hepatitis A

There is a significant risk for hepatitis A virus exposure in Nicaragua.

Chikungunya Fever

Chikungunya fever has occurred in this country.

Dengue Fever

There is a risk of dengue fever in Nicaragua throughout the year.

For Some Travellers

Yellow Fever

Although there is no risk of yellow fever in Nicaragua, a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.

Typhoid Fever

Unvaccinated people can become infected through contaminated food and water in Nicaragua, especially when visiting smaller cities, villages, or rural areas where food and water sources may be contaminated.

Malaria

Malaria is reported to be present in Región Autónoma Atlántico Norte (where most malaria cases are reported) and Región Autónoma Atlántico Sur. Rare cases in Boaco, Chinandega, Esteli, Jinotega, Leon, Matagalpa, and Nueva Segovia. No malaria in the city of Managua. WHO notes that cases are reported from other municipalities in the central and western departments, but the risk in these areas is considered to be very low or negligible.

Rabies

Rabies occurs in this country. Travellers involved in outdoor activities (e.g., campers, hikers, adventure travellers, and cavers) may have direct contact with rabid dogs, bats, and other mammals. Those with occupational risks (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, researchers) and long-term travellers and expatriates are at higher risk.

Zika Fever

There is transmission of the Zika virus in this country.

Chagas Disease

The risk for travellers is extremely low. There is a higher risk if staying in poor quality housing that might harbour the insect that transmits this disease.

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis occurs in this country. Travellers to this country are at risk for tuberculosis if visiting sick friends or family, working in the health care field, or having close prolonged contact with the general population.

Safety & Security in Nicaragua

Personal Safety

Nicaragua presents mixed safety challenges for visitors. While the homicide rate remains relatively low for the region at around 7 per 100,000 inhabitants, petty crime such as pickpocketing, purse snatching and theft is common, particularly in Managua, bus stations, markets and crowded tourist areas. Sexual assault and armed robbery occur and police resources are limited outside major urban areas. Express kidnappings have been reported where victims are forced to ATMs for cash withdrawals, sometimes involving unlicensed taxis. The political environment creates additional risks. The government targets individuals for political reasons and has subjected both foreign nationals and Nicaraguans to arbitrary entry and exit bans, expulsions, arrests and detention. You may face searches of personal devices for anti-government content and could be denied entry or departure without explanation. Participating in demonstrations or promoting dissent, including on social media, can result in detention or deportation. Risk of wrongful detention exists, with judicial processes often lacking transparency and convictions occurring in non-public trials without adequate defense. Since 2018, the government has closed more than 5,300 civil society organizations and arrested individuals on false charges. Religious workers and volunteers with non-profits face particular scrutiny and questionable criminal investigations. Embassy assistance may be limited. Avoid political gatherings, demonstrations and expressing opinions on government policies. Crime mainly affects locals rather than tourists, but you can find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time. Border areas with Honduras and Costa Rica see higher criminal activity.

Extreme Violence

Nicaragua maintains one of the lowest homicide rates in Central America. Most violent incidents are organized crime-related or politically motivated rather than targeting tourists. Paramilitary forces and para-police, armed civilians in plain clothes, have committed violence against citizens for political reasons. Assaults occur in major cities and occasionally in rural areas, though foreigners are rarely targeted. Gang violence including drive-by shootings, stabbings and armed robberies are concentrated in poor neighborhoods such as Rene Schick and Jorge Dimitrov in Managua. Criminal gangs are more active in border areas with Costa Rica and Honduras. Drug trafficking activity occurs along the Caribbean coast, particularly around Bluefields, Puerto Cabezas and the Corn Islands, where police presence is sparse and criminals take advantage. If confronted by armed criminals, do not resist as injuries and deaths have resulted from non-compliance. Many criminals carry weapons. The UN documented 67 violent incidents against Indigenous Peoples in Miskitu and Mayangna territories between 2018 and 2024, including murder, sexual violence and kidnappings, amid settler violence and land encroachment. Political repression has escalated with authorities committing crimes against humanity including imprisonment, torture and persecution. More than 300 people died in the 2018 government crackdown on protests. Since then, systematic human rights violations continue with arbitrary detention of critics and opponents. Over 450 people have been stripped of citizenship and forced into exile since 2023.

Political Unrest

Nicaragua faces severe political instability under the Ortega-Murillo government. Since widespread protests erupted in 2018, the government has intensified authoritarian control and systematic repression of dissent. Over 5,600 non-governmental organizations have been shut down, including religious groups, universities and civil society organizations. More than 200 political prisoners remain in detention or have been forcibly expelled and stripped of citizenship. The government prohibits foreigners from political activity. Any perceived support for opposition, criticism of government policies or participation in demonstrations can result in immediate detention, deportation or entry bans. This includes social media activity. Authorities search personal devices for anti-government content and monitor communications. Denials of entry or exit occur without explanation or justification for political reasons, and travel refunds are not provided. The judicial system has been weaponized with politically motivated prosecutions occurring in non-public trials without fair or transparent processes. Convictions routinely happen without adequate defense or credible evidence. Those detained can face harsh, life-threatening prison conditions and long periods without charges. International monitoring bodies have not been permitted entry since 2018. The UN has found reasonable grounds that authorities have committed crimes against humanity including murder, imprisonment, torture, sexual violence and forced deportation. Demonstrations, though infrequent, can turn violent and lead to traffic disruptions. Even journalists, academics, business representatives, religious workers and human rights defenders face targeting. Family members of perceived opponents are also victimized. The situation has deteriorated to the point where Nicaragua has transformed into an authoritarian state where no independent institutions remain.

Areas To Avoid

Several areas in Nicaragua require extra caution or should be avoided. Managua has higher crime rates than other parts of the country. Specific high-risk zones include the area around the old cathedral, Avenida Bolivar between Plaza Inter Rotunda and the Military Hospital, the TICABUS terminal in Barrio Martha Quezada, the Altamira neighborhood, Rene Schick and Jorge Dimitrov where gang violence is frequent. The Oriental, Huembes and Mayoreo Markets are hotspots for pickpocketing. Zona Rosa is known for prostitution. The Caribbean coastal region including Puerto Cabezas, Bluefields and the Corn Islands experiences higher street crime and drug trafficking activity with limited police presence. These areas see criminal activity related to drug smuggling. Border areas with Honduras and Costa Rica have elevated crime and violence, with criminal gangs more active in these zones. The northern border region contains unmarked landmines and travelers should not leave main roads in this area. Indigenous territories in the North Caribbean Autonomous Region face ongoing violence from armed settlers with murders, kidnappings and land disputes. Political gathering spots in urban centers should be avoided as demonstrations can occur and foreign participation is illegal. Remote areas far from tourist infrastructure lack adequate police coverage. Markets, bus stations and public transport throughout the country are common locations for theft. After dark, avoid walking in any questionable neighborhoods, especially in Managua and Bluefields.