Travel Report for Nicaragua

Country Profile for
Nicaragua

TRAVEL REPORTS:

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TRAVEL REPORT

Last Updated: December 4, 2006 13:54 EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 21:58 EST

Nicaragua

1.	INTRODUCTION
2.	ATTENTION
3.	SAFETY AND SECURITY
4.	LOCAL TRAVEL
5.	NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
6.	LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
7.	ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
8.	ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
9.	MONEY

10.	GENERAL INFORMATION
11.	TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
12.	ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
13.	RETURNING TO CANADA
14.	INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
15.	TRAVEL TIPS
16.	HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
17.	FOR MORE INFORMATION
18.	ANNEX

1. INTRODUCTION

The level of Travel Warning in this report has not changed. Section 2 has been updated.

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2. ATTENTION

OFFICIAL WARNING: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada advises against all travel to the region(s) specified below. (IDW5)

You are advised against all travel to Bonanza, La Rosita and Siuna (the Mining Triangle), in northeastern

Nicaragua

due to continued Nicaraguan military operations against armed groups. You are also advised against all travel to remote areas of the Atlantic coast; robberies and kidnappings are common, and these areas often become isolated because of bad road conditions.
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Canadians should check local news reports for updates on roadblocks in the areas of Matagalpa, San Ramón, Tuma and La Dalia regions as roadblocks by locals demanding tolls have occurred.

Periodic violence on the streets of Nicaragua, particularly in Managua, may occur, as a result of protests on the part of university students, affecting access to Rotonda Universiaria (National University), Rotonda Metrocentro (Central American University and National Engineering University), as well as to the vicinity of the Managua International Airport (including Agrarian University). Further demonstrations are expected and violence could escalate.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to

Nicaragua

should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports. Roadblocks can occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Landmines litter isolated areas in the northern part of the country and pose a significant danger to travellers who venture off main roads. Affected areas are not always clearly marked.

Power blackouts in all parts of the country are becoming more frequent due to problems with energy suppliers. The source of

Nicaragua

's energy is mainly from thermal plants and energy production has not kept up with demand. As a result, blackouts can be expected for extended periods (up to 4-5 hours per day), especially during the dry season from July to August.

OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians who choose to travel to the region(s) specified despite this warning should register with the responsible Canadian government office in this country. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form. Canadians visiting other areas of the country for three months or more should also register. Canadians visiting for less than three months are strongly advised to: (a) leave a detailed travel itinerary and contact information with family or friends in Canada; (b) provide family with the emergency number for Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada (1 800 267-6788 or 613-944-6788); and (c) keep the phone number of the responsible Canadian government office on hand (see Section 7 below).

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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY

Violent crime in Managua and other cities occurs. Street crime such as pickpocketing and purse snatching is common. An increase in street crime is often noted during the month of December. Remain alert when walking in markets (e.g. Mercado Oriental), in the vicinity of the old cathedral in Managua, near Tica Bus (bus terminal of buses coming from Honduras and Costa Rica), at public transportation terminals, and in poorer areas. Exercise common sense at all times. Ensure personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Visitors should carry a photocopy of the identification page of their passport and entry stamp (received upon arrival) with them, and keep the original in a secure place. Do not carry large sums of money, especially while travelling on buses. Purse, backpack, and jewellery snatching occurs while vehicles are stopped at intersections and while pedestrians are walking on the street.

Demonstrations, protests, marches, and strikes, some violent, may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Roadblocks may occur on main roads at any time and often cause traffic disruptions. Canadians should not attempt to cross blockades, even if they appear unattended.

Because of the unpredictable nature of these demonstrations and the potential for violence, Canadians in or travelling to Nicaragua should exercise caution, avoid large gatherings and demonstrations, and monitor local news reports.

Travel to Honduras should be undertaken only on highways with border crossings at Guasaule, El Espino, and Las Manos due to criminal activity in parts of northern Nicaragua.

Boaters should exercise caution and be aware that the Atlantic coast of northern Nicaragua is known to be a "drug transit zone."

Travellers to the Island of Ometepe have been victims of fraudulent tour guides. Hotels and local authorities can provide information on reputable tour guides. There is a live volcano located on the island. In August of 2005, the volcano Conception spewed live ashes and gas and residents were required to evacuate.

Travel should be restricted to tourist areas and to daylight hours only. Use hotel taxis for short trips and make detailed arrangements for the return trip. Motorists should keep windows closed and doors locked when driving through crowded areas. Call the Office of the Canadian Embassy in Managua (see below) for an update on safety conditions.

There have been incidents of passengers being robbed, sometimes with violence, by taxi drivers. Travellers should only take taxis from hotels and main entrances of shopping malls. Use only taxis that are yellow, have red plates and have a circle on the door that says "Cooperativa" or taxi services ordered by phone. Arrange with the taxi driver not to pick up any other passengers on the way to your destination, even if it is more expensive. There have also been incidents of people posing as taxi drivers using unauthorized taxi signs on their cars and robbing passengers.

Exercise caution when swimming, as strong currents and undertows have resulted in drownings. Warning signs, lifeguards, and rescue equipment are lacking.

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4. LOCAL TRAVEL

Vehicles involved in accidents should not be moved until authorized by a police officer. It can take up to 3 hours for the police to arrive on the scene of an accident. Vehicles involved in accidents should not be moved until authorized by a police officer. Drivers who disregard this practice may be held liable for the accident. Any driver who is a party to an accident where injuries have been sustained will be taken into custody, regardless of who is at fault. The detention lasts until a judicial decision is reached (usually weeks or months), or until the injured party signs a waiver releasing the driver from further liability (often following a cash settlement). Licensed drivers who are familiar with local conditions can be hired through local car rental agencies. In case of an accident, only the driver will be taken into custody.

Driving standards are poor. Vehicles, especially taxis and buses, are poorly maintained. Except for the Pan-American Highway, most roads lack shoulders, are narrow and poorly lit. Roadside assistance is not available. Road signs are usually non-existent, and many streets are unnamed. Detours are common but are often not marked.

Drivers suspected of driving while intoxicated will be taken into custody. Police spot checks are frequent. Ensure you carry vehicle registration. Visitors might consider hiring a driver for their stay in Nicaragua.

Canadians in Nicaragua can generally use their Canadian driver's licence for no more than 30 days. They should also carry a copy of their passport when driving, stamped by the authorities upon arrival. Vehicle insurance is mandatory for foreigners (including residents). An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required. The IDP is an internationally recognized document that, when accompanied by a valid Canadian (i.e. provincial) driver's licence, allows you to drive in over 160 countries without a specific test. Its purpose is to overcome difficulties that you may have while travelling in other countries with widely varying licence requirements. It is printed in the five United Nations official languages (English, French, Spanish, Russian, and Chinese), plus German, Arabic, Italian, the Scandinavian languages, and Portuguese. The IDP can also be a useful form of picture identification in case of a lost or stolen passport. An IDP is valid for one year from the date of issue. The Canadian Automobile Association (CAA) is the sole issuer of the IDP in Canada.

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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. Flooding is common during this period. You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.

Landslides also occur throughout the year. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.

Nicaragua is located in an active seismic zone. Volcanic activity also occurs. San Cristobal and Cerro Negro volcanoes are particularly active. Officials continue to monitor the Santiago Volcano, located in Parque Volcán Masaya (a tourist attraction), approximately 25 km south of Managua. Eruptions are possible. Ash falls and gases are hazardous. Travellers should follow the advice of local authorities in the event of explosions or eruptions. Tourists should not visit the park while it is closed. Canadians should know the address and telephone number of the Office of the Canadian Embassy in Managua (see below) in the event of an emergency.

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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS

You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.

Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.

The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.

Penalties for possession, use, or trafficking of illegal drugs are strict. Convicted offenders can expect jail sentences and heavy fines. A Transfer of Offenders Treaty has not been signed with Nicaragua. The conditions of Nicaragua prisons are extremely basic and prisoners are expected to supply their own food and bedding.

Homosexual activity is illegal.

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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD

You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:

Nicaragua - MANAGUA, Embassy of Canada
Address: De Los Pipitos, 2 Blocks West, El Nogal Street No. 25, Bolonia, Managua, Nicaragua
Postal Address: P.O. Box 25, Managua, Nicaragua
Tel.: 505 (2) 68-0433,-3323
Fax: 505 (2) 68-0437
E-mail: mngua@international.gc.ca

The Canadian Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, has consular responsibility for Nicaragua.

Costa Rica - SAN JOSÉ, Embassy of Canada
Address: La Sabana Executive Business Centre, Building No. 5, 3rd Floor, behind the Contraloría General de la República, San José, Costa Rica
Postal Address: P.O. Box 351-1007, San José, Costa Rica
Tel.: (506) 242-4400
Fax: (506) 242-4410
E-mail: sjcra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.international.gc.ca/sanjose

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Office of the Canadian Embassy in Managua and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or use the services offered by Canada Direct.

Canada Direct, offered by Canada's major telecommunications companies, provides travellers with toll-free and hassle-free access to the Canadian telephone network. The Canada Direct access number from Nicaragua is 1-800-0168, where a Canadian operator is always available. For more information, call 1 800 561-8868 or visit the Canada Direct Web site.

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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS

It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.

Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Nicaragua and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.

A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Nicaragua. The passport must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadians must also be in possession of a tourist card, which is usually obtained at port of entry for a US$5 fee. The tourist card allows for travel within the C-4 countries (Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a 90 day period. The 90 days begin at the first point of entry of any of the C-4 countries. Fines are applied to travellers who overstay the 90 day period although a request for an extension can be made by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires. A return or onward ticket and evidence of sufficient funds for the duration of the trip are also required.

Tourist Card: Required (issued for a 90 day period for travel within C-4 countries)
Tourist Visa: Not required
Business Visa: Not required
Student Visa: Not required

An airport tax of US$32 is charged upon departure.

Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.

Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.

Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.

Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.

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9. MONEY

The currency is the Córdoba. The economy is primarily cash-based, but most restaurants and hotels in Managua now accept credit cards. Canadian dollars cannot be exchanged for local currency anywhere. U.S. dollars (cash or traveller's cheques) are widely used. Foreign currency should only be changed at banks or official exchange houses. In Managua, a reliable place for credit card cash advances and ATM transactions is the main office of the Banco de America Central (BAC): Edificio Pellas / Centro BAC, km 4, Carretera a Masaya. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.

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10. GENERAL INFORMATION

Nicaragua (capital: Managua) is located in Central America, between Honduras and Costa Rica. Tourist facilities are not widely available. Spanish is the official language. English is not widely spoken.

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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM

The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.

The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.

Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.

The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.

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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION

Certain types of medical equipment or medications may be unavailable in the country.

Travellers should drink bottled water or soft drinks.

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13. RETURNING TO CANADA

Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.

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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS

Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.

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15. TRAVEL TIPS

Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.

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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE

Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.

Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.

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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION

N/A

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18. ANNEX

N/A

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