Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/NICARAGU.TVL

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Nicaragua - Consular Information Sheet
October 31, 1994

Country Description:  Nicaragua has a developing economy.  Its tourist
industry is not highly developed.

Entry Requirements:  U. S. citizens need a passport, an onward/return
ticket, and sufficient funds ($200 minimum) to enter Nicaragua.  Passports
must be valid six months beyond duration of stay.  For further information,
travelers can contact the Embassy of Nicaragua at 1627 New Hampshire Avenue
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20009, tel. [phone] or [phone].

Areas of Instability:  Occasional flare-ups of armed violence continue
throughout Nicaragua and to a greater extent in the northern parts of the
country.  Incidents involving armed bandits operating in the country have
increased.  Travel by road between Nicaragua and Honduras, even on main
roads, is potentially dangerous.  Because of land mines in certain rural
areas, it can be hazardous to venture off main roads.  Travelers have
experienced harassment at border crossings, especially when crossing the
Gulf of Fonseca by ferry between Potosi, Nicaragua, and La Union, El
Salvador.  Road travel after dark is hazardous in all areas of the country.
Many vehicles operate without lights or are abandoned on main highways.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is limited.  Doctors and hospitals often
expect immediate cash payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance
is not always valid outside the United States.  In some cases, medical
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  For additional
health information, the traveler can contact the Centers for Disease
Control's international travelers hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Crime is on the increase in Nicaragua.  Many thefts
occur on crowded buses.  The loss or theft of a U.S. passport abroad should
be reported immediately to the local police and the nearest U.S. embassy or
consulate.  Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal
security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State
pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad."  This publication, as well as others, such as
"Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington
D.C. 20402.

Currency Regulations:  Most hotels and restaurants do not accept either
credit cards or travelers checks, but travelers checks may be exchanged for
local currency at authorized exchange facilities (casas de cambio).  U.S.
dollars are not always available.  The three largest hotels in Managua
exchange currency and accept payment by certain credit cards or travelers
checks.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties in Nicaragua for possession, use and
trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect
lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In August 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Nicaragua as not providing oversight in compliance
with international aviation safety standards for Nicaraguan air carrier
operations.  As a result, Nicaraguan carriers arrange to have their flights
conducted by a carrier from a country meeting internationl safety standards
in order to provide commercial passenger service to the United States.  For
further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation
at 1 [phone].

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy during their visit
may obtain current information on travel and security within Nicaragua.

Embassy Location:  The U.S. Embassy in Nicaragua is located at Kilometer 4
1/2 Carretera Sur in Managua; telephone [phone].

No. 94-258

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated September 2, 1994 , to
amend the information on aviation oversight.