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Last Updated:
November 5, 2007 16:45
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Still Valid: November 15, 2007 23:41 EST |
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1. RECENT UPDATES Section 10 has been updated (water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases). The hurricane season extends from June 1st to November 30th. For more information, please see our Current Issues on the hurricane season. BACK TO TOP 2. WARNINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS There is no Official Warning for this country. Nicaragua
Canadian visitors should exercise a high degree of caution due to a gradual increase in the use of armed violence. OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: We offer a registration service for all Canadians travelling or living abroad. This service is provided so that we can contact and assist you in an emergency in a foreign country, such as a natural disaster or civil unrest, or inform you of a family emergency at home. Registration can be done on-line or by contacting a Canadian government office abroad. For more information, see our FAQs on Registration of Canadians Abroad. BACK TO TOP 3. SAFETY AND SECURITY The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety. The purpose of this Travel Report is to provide Canadians with up-to-date information to enable them to make well-informed decisions. Crime Despite regular security patrols by the Nicaraguan Army and Police, armed banditry occurs in areas near Bonanza, La Rosita and Siuna (the Mining Triangle) in north-eastern A particularly high degree of caution should also be exercised in remote areas of the Atlantic coast, where armed robberies and kidnappings occur, and where natural disasters are frequent. In such circumstances, transportation routes and power and telecommunications systems may be affected, and water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases may become a threat. Travellers should monitor local news and weather reports, and follow the advice of local authorities. Violent crime occurs in Remain alert when walking in markets (e.g. Mercado Oriental), in the vicinity of the old cathedral in 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. Travel to Boaters should exercise caution and be aware that the Atlantic coast of northern Travellers to the Landmines There are still active landmines in isolated areas of the country. This poses a significant danger to travellers who venture off main roads. Affected areas are not always clearly marked. Demonstrations and Roadblocks Demonstrations occur occasionally and may cause traffic disruptions. As a precautionary measure, Canadians should be alert, avoid large crowds and keep informed of possible roadblocks. Periodic violence may occur on the streets, particularly in General Security Measures 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 Exercise caution when swimming, as strong currents and undertows have resulted in drownings. Warning signs, lifeguards, and rescue equipment are lacking. Power blackouts in all parts of the country are becoming more frequent due to problems with energy suppliers. The source of BACK TO TOP 4. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Nicaraguan authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on March 29, 2007. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change. 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 and International Trade 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. A Certificate of Canadian Citizenship (CCC) is not a travel document. Airlines are known to refuse boarding to dual national Canadian passengers returning to Canada, travelling on a passport that requires a visa to enter Canada, regardless of whether the passenger presents a valid CCC as proof of Canadian citizenship. A Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel and identification document for the purpose of international travel. It proves your admissibility to enter Canada. 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. BACK TO TOP 5. CANADIAN GOVERNMENT CONTACTS You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address: Nicaragua - MANAGUA, Office of the Embassy of Canada Address: De Los Pipitos, 2 Blocks West, El Nogal Street No. 25, Bolonia, Managua Postal Address: P.O. Box 25, Managua, 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 Postal Address: P.O. Box 351-1007, San José, Tel.: 506 242-4400 Emergency toll-free to Ottawa: 0-800-015-1161 Fax: 506 242-4410 E-Mail: sjcra@international.gc.ca Internet: http://www.sanjose.gc.ca 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. BACK TO TOP 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 5 above. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request. The procedures required in legal proceedings or police investigations may be different from the procedures in force in the Canadian legal system. Canadians wishing to undertake such proceedings can expect to face long delays and additional efforts in order to resolve their case. The Government of Canada cannot intervene in ongoing legal proceedings in other countries, unless requested to do so by local authorities. Such requests are rare. 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. BACK TO TOP 7. LOCAL TRAVEL AND CURRENCY 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. The currency is the Córdoba (NIO). 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 ABM transactions is the main office of the Banco de America Central (BAC): Edificio Pellas / Centro BAC, km 4, Carretera a Masaya. Canadian currency and traveller's cheques are not widely accepted worldwide. Check with your bank for information on Automated Banking Machine ( BACK TO TOP 8. 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. BACK TO TOP 9. 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. BACK TO TOP 10. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION As in many other areas of Central America, Latin America and the Caribbean, travellers are advised to take appropriate precautions to protect themselves against water-borne and mosquito-borne diseases (such as dengue fever) by using mosquito repellent (DEET), and avoiding swampy or low lying areas where mosquitoes are more prevalent. Using physical barriers such as mosquito nets and long sleeved shirts is also recommended. Certain types of medical equipment or medications may be unavailable in the country. Travellers should drink bottled water or soft drinks. BACK TO TOP 11. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Returning to Canada Traveller's Checklist 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. See Canada's Health Portal. 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. Adoption: 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. BACK TO TOP 12. ANNEX N/A BACK TO TOP |
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