The U.S. State Department is advising Americans to rethink their travel plans to Nicaragua, emphasizing the escalating authoritarian nature of its government as a significant concern for tourists. This warning comes despite a surge of positive articles in travel media portraying Nicaragua as an enticing destination.
Since December, Nicaragua has been under a Level 3 travel advisory, which recommends avoiding non-essential travel due to arbitrary law enforcement, risks of wrongful detentions, and inadequate healthcare services. U.S. officials, who requested anonymity to facilitate their work in Nicaragua, addressed the media during a rare briefing to reiterate this caution after noticing the discrepancy between the travel buzz and the political realities on the ground.
While acknowledging Nicaragua's allure — including its affordability, stunning beaches, and exceptional conditions for surfing and bird-watching — U.S. officials stressed the serious human rights issues and strict authoritarian rule impacting traveler safety.
Since 2018, anti-government protests have marked Nicaragua's landscape, driven by increasing discontent with President Daniel Ortega's and co-president Rosario Murillo's reign. This political turmoil has raised alarm in the context of safety for tourists, prompting U.S. officials to urge caution among potential visitors considering a trip to this once-promising Central American nation.
