Nicaragua

Nicaragua has a high risk of crime. This includes:

Highest rates of violent crime occur in:

Gang violence can happen, including at major hotels, bus terminals, beaches and markets.

Illegal drug smuggling occurs in the Caribbean coastal area.

Policing is limited outside major urban areas. You may not find police in:

Drug traffickers and other criminals use these areas.

Robberies and assaults with weapons occur in unofficial taxis.

To reduce your risks, use:

Take note of the taxi’s registration and phone numbers.

Don’t share a taxi with a stranger.

Armed gangs carry out kidnappings, robberies and extortion in the northern border region.

For safer travel to the Honduran border, only use highways that cross the border at:

Criminals have attacked vehicles, including hotel-run buses, along:

To protect yourself from violent crime:

Avoid public transport. If you must use it, be cautious of anyone offering their help. They may rob you.

Pickpockets and bag snatchers are a risk:

Take care of your valuables:

Use reputable tour operators. Thieves posing as tour guides may rob you, particularly on the island of Ometepe.

Only use ATMs at banks and in busy areas, like shopping centres.

Be alert when using your credit card. Credit card fraud is on the increase.

If you’re attacked or robbed, don’t resist. Many criminals carry weapons.