Nicaragua Country Report
Nicaragua has emerged from years of insurgency and political instability to become, until recently, one of Central America’s middling successes. The country enjoys higher economic growth and lower crime rates than its northern neighbors but has not achieved the overall level of prosperity of its southern neighbors, Costa Rica and Panama. In any case, there are many concerns about the administration of President Daniel Ortega, who is currently serving his third consecutive term and fourth term. Critics accuse Ortega of rigging Nicaraguan politics and creating a kind of political hegemony that suppresses all dissent. But strong growth and a low crime rate kept Ortega popular with most Nicaraguans until the spring of 2018 when protests mounted over proposed changes to the social security system. Serious unrest that left hundreds dead continued until December 2018.
Apart from the aforementioned protests and the violence associated with them, the main concern in the country is the usual opportunistic crime, especially in Managua and other cities. Vulnerability of infrastructure is a problem in rural areas and can be greatly aggravated by the regular occurrence of natural disasters such as tropical regions, earthquakes, and volcanoes. Those who do business with government agencies should also be aware of corruption and weak rule of law.
COVID-19 Restrictions Travelers who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 and can prove they are fully vaccinated do not need to provide a negative pre-travel test result to enter Nicaragua. Travelers who have not been vaccinated must still provide proof of a negative PCR test result taken within 72 hours before arrival.
Last updated: June 23, 2023
Security
Diplomatic disputes occasionally occur with Costa Rica, where issues of territorial demarcation and immigration are an issue. But armed conflict is not dangerous. Internal conflicts create risks in the autonomous regions of the country. Crime in Nicaragua is mostly opportunistic, but violent crimes can also affect visitors, especially during times of civil war such as in 2018. However, crime levels are low compared to the regional average. There is no risk of terrorism in Nicaragua. Due to the complex political situation of the country, political instability becomes increasingly problematic.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Infrastructure
International airlines are considered safe for travel to and from Nicaragua.
Highways connected to big cities are of acceptable quality. Other roads are usually unreliable.
In urban areas, basic services such as water, electricity, and fuel are more reliable. These fluctuations will be more in rural areas.
The country is unlikely to be the target of a cyber attack and its defenses against such an attack are inadequate.
Last updated: May 9, 2022
Environment
Nicaragua is characterized by a rainy season and a dry season. Although Nicaragua’s commitment to environmental protection is questionable, its low level of industrialization is not sufficient to pose significant human risks. Earthquakes happen often. Most are moderate, but some can be severe. Nicaragua is affected by major tropical systems every few years. However, torrential rains can occur every year in addition to the effects of hurricanes and tropical cyclones. Hurricane season typically runs from June to November, with activity peaking in September.
Last updated: March 15, 2022
Health and Medical
Mosquito-borne diseases, including malaria, are a major epidemiological concern in certain areas of the country. Good quality medical facilities are available in Managua and to some extent in other cities. In most rural areas, there may be no reliable facilities at all to meet even the most basic needs. All major medicines are available in urban areas. Drug availability varies in sparsely populated areas. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless specifically directed to do so.
Last updated: February 25, 2022
Political
Corruption is endemic in Nicaragua and is likely to remain at current levels or worse during the lifetime of the Ortega administration. Due to the politicization of the judiciary and Ortega’s control over most aspects of government, the rule of law is generally weak. Many of the country’s democratic institutions have been weakened under the current government, and ongoing protests have questioned the stability of the regime. Currently, there are no sanctions against all of Nicaragua, but the United States has imposed unilateral sanctions against certain individuals.
Last updated: March 28, 2022
