Nicaragua: Increased security measures during holiday season

Event

The Nicaraguan National Police announced on Monday, November 13, that it has initiated its nationwide security plan for the upcoming holidays. The police will coordinate with military, public health, and municipal leadership to ensure both domestic and international tourists remain safe as end-of-year festivities get underway.

As is generally the case during the annual holiday season, crime rates and rates of traffic accidents are expected to rise. An additional police presence is likely on highways (e.g. speed traps and sobriety checkpoints), beaches, and other areas where tourists and vacationers tend to gather. Security will be particularly heightened during the 2017 Central American Games, which will be held in Managua from Sunday, December 3, until Sunday, December 17.

Context

The National Chamber of Tourism of Nicaragua has projected a 20 percent growth in international tourism year-on-year in 2017, with over USD 700 million in tourism revenue.

Advice

Individuals in Nicaragua are advised to exercise increased vigilance in the coming weeks and allow for extra time to reach their destinations.