U.S. State Department Warns Against Travel to Nicaragua Amid Rising Authoritarianism

Mon Oct 20 2025 09:30:26 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Amidst increasing positive media coverage of Nicaragua's tourism, the U.S. State Department cautions Americans about the dangers of visiting the country as it slips further into authoritarian rule.

The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Nicaragua, urging Americans to reconsider travel plans due to escalating human rights violations and political unrest under President Daniel Ortega's regime that began in 2018.

The U.S. State Department has taken a clear stance against travel to Nicaragua, despite recent positive portrayals in travel publications. Citing a deteriorating situation marked by increasing authoritarianism, officials have advised Americans to avoid the country due to significant risks for tourists.

Nicaragua currently holds a Level 3 travel advisory since last December, signaling travelers to avoid the region because of arbitrary law enforcement, the possibility of wrongful detentions, and healthcare limitations. U.S. officials felt compelled to hold a briefing to reiterate the risks, emphasizing the authoritarian environment that can jeopardize safety.

While acknowledging Nicaragua's potential as an appealing travel destination—with its low costs, beautiful beaches, and great surfing conditions—the U.S. officials stressed that these attractions are overshadowed by severe human rights abuses and oppressive governance. "It does have the potential to be a great holiday destination, but these factors weigh heavily on the travel experience," one official remarked.

Nicaragua has been navigating political turmoil since 2018, ignited by mass protests against the increasingly repressive regime of President Daniel Ortega and co-president Rosario Murillo. The backdrop of civil unrest and governmental crackdowns continues to raise serious concerns for the safety and security of any American traveler considering a visit. As travel advisories and safety warnings proliferate, the allure of Nicaragua must be carefully weighed against the current political landscape.