In light of Nicaragua’s deteriorating political climate under President Ortega, the U.S. State Department has reiterated travel warnings, suggesting that Americans avoid the country despite its attractions.
U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Nicaragua Amid Rising Authoritarianism
U.S. Issues Travel Warning for Nicaragua Amid Rising Authoritarianism
The State Department advises Americans to rethink travel plans to Nicaragua due to increasing authoritarianism and safety concerns.
Article:
The U.S. State Department has put out an urgent advisory for American travelers considering a trip to Nicaragua, urging them to reconsider plans amid the country’s escalating authoritarian regime. Despite recent favorable reports in travel media highlighting Nicaragua's appeal, officials emphasize growing risks for tourists.
Nicaragua has maintained a Level 3 travel advisory since December, signaling a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel due to arbitrary law enforcement, potential wrongful detentions, and limited healthcare availability. This advisory sits just below the most severe Level 4, which advises against all travel.
In an unusual move aimed at countering positive travel narratives, U.S. officials held a briefing on Friday, requesting anonymity to safely conduct their affairs in Nicaragua. Officials pointed out that while the country offers stunning beaches, affordable prices, and excellent recreational opportunities such as surfing and birdwatching, these positives are overshadowed by serious human rights abuses and strict governance.
Political unrest has plagued Nicaragua since 2018 when widespread protests erupted against the increasingly dictatorial leadership of President Daniel Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo. U.S. officials underscore that these issues severely impact the safety and freedom of both U.S. citizens and international travelers in the region. "Nicaragua has the potential to be a great holiday destination," one official noted, "but the underlying human rights violations and authoritarian governance overshadow these benefits."
The U.S. State Department has put out an urgent advisory for American travelers considering a trip to Nicaragua, urging them to reconsider plans amid the country’s escalating authoritarian regime. Despite recent favorable reports in travel media highlighting Nicaragua's appeal, officials emphasize growing risks for tourists.
Nicaragua has maintained a Level 3 travel advisory since December, signaling a recommendation to avoid non-essential travel due to arbitrary law enforcement, potential wrongful detentions, and limited healthcare availability. This advisory sits just below the most severe Level 4, which advises against all travel.
In an unusual move aimed at countering positive travel narratives, U.S. officials held a briefing on Friday, requesting anonymity to safely conduct their affairs in Nicaragua. Officials pointed out that while the country offers stunning beaches, affordable prices, and excellent recreational opportunities such as surfing and birdwatching, these positives are overshadowed by serious human rights abuses and strict governance.
Political unrest has plagued Nicaragua since 2018 when widespread protests erupted against the increasingly dictatorial leadership of President Daniel Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo. U.S. officials underscore that these issues severely impact the safety and freedom of both U.S. citizens and international travelers in the region. "Nicaragua has the potential to be a great holiday destination," one official noted, "but the underlying human rights violations and authoritarian governance overshadow these benefits."
