U.S. Warns Citizens Against Traveling to Nicaragua Amid Rising Authoritarianism

Despite its appeal as a tourist destination, the U.S. government is urging Americans to avoid Nicaragua due to a degrading political climate and concerns for safety.

In a move signaling serious concerns for American travelers, the U.S. State Department has issued a warning for citizens considering trips to Nicaragua, advising them to think twice about their travel plans. The country has been sliding deeper into authoritarianism, posing increasing risks to potential visitors.

Since December, Nicaragua has sustained a Level 3 travel advisory, which encourages travelers to reconsider non-essential trips due to arbitrary law enforcement, risks of wrongful detentions, and limited medical resources—a precarious situation for anyone visiting. As positive travel reviews about Nicaragua have proliferated in media outlets, U.S. officials held a briefing to re-emphasize their warning, requesting to remain anonymous to continue diplomatic discussions in the region.

Officials recognized Nicaragua's allure, which includes budget-friendly options, unspoiled beaches, and celebrated surfing conditions. It has gained popularity among budget travelers over the past decade as a low-cost alternative to other tourist-friendly nations, such as Costa Rica. "While it has the potential to be a fantastic vacation spot, we cannot overlook the severe human rights violations and strict authoritarian governance that affect U.S. citizens and all visitors," one official remarked.

The political climate in Nicaragua has been tumultuous since 2018 when protests erupted against the increasingly dictatorial regime of President Daniel Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo. As the government escalates its restrictions, the safety of travelers remains in jeopardy, leading to heightened caution from U.S. authorities.