Safety and travel advisories for Nicaragua (2026)
Before moving or investing, read the current travel advisories. We summarize them here as written, with a link to each source.
United States: Level 3, “Reconsider Travel”
- Reissued on 13 May 2026. Reasons: risk of crime, health, wrongful detention and arbitrary enforcement of local laws.
- It states that US nationals are at serious risk of wrongful detention, that some have been denied entry or exit without explanation, and that exit bans have been imposed.
- It warns that authorities may seize property without warning or legal justification and may search phones, computers and social media.
- Public photography is restricted and drones are illegal. Medical care is limited outside Managua.
United Kingdom (FCDO)
- It does not advise against travel to Nicaragua.
- There is no resident British diplomatic mission: help goes through the embassy in San José, Costa Rica.
- It warns that it is illegal for foreigners to take part in any political activity, and about violent crime and express kidnappings in unauthorized taxis.
Spain
It advises travelling with extreme caution and reminds foreigners that they may not take part in political activities, including demonstrations.
What the migration law says
Law 761 as amended forbids foreigners from involvement in political affairs, allows entry to be refused with no prior procedure or appeal, and makes political activity or spreading “false or malicious information” grounds for revoking residence.
Sources: US State Department travel advisory: Nicaragua (Level 3); UK FCDO travel advice: Nicaragua; Spanish Foreign Ministry travel recommendations; Law 1228 (amending Law 761), La Gaceta No. 222, 29 Nov 2024.
Reviewed: 13 Nov 2026