U.S. Department of State
Level 3Reconsider Travel
Reconsider travelin Nicaragua due to risk of crime, health, wrongful detention, and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. U.S.
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Is Nicaragua safe? 🇳🇮
Americas · Updated
As of October 2026, Nicaragua scores 46/100 on the IsMyTripSafe safety index (average across assessed destinations). The U.S. State Department rates Nicaragua Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Of the 4 Nicaragua destinations assessed, San Juan del Sur scores highest (52/100), while León scores lowest (39/100).
01 · Official Guidance
Government advisories
UK Foreign Office (FCDO)
Level 1No advisory against travel
UK government support There is no resident British diplomatic mission in Nicaragua, and FCDO cannot give in-person support. If you need emergency help or have passport-related issues, contact the British Embassy in San Jose, Costa Rica, via this contact form.
Full advisory →Government of Canada
Level 2Exercise a high degree of caution
Canada's official risk level for Nicaragua: exercise a high degree of caution.
Full advisory →02 · Destinations
Nicaragua destinations by safety score
#1🇳🇮San Juan del SurModerate · updated 13 October 202652#2🇳🇮GranadaModerate · updated 20 October 202651#3🇳🇮ManaguaUse Caution · updated 13 October 202643#4🇳🇮LeónUse Caution · updated 13 October 202639
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03 · Evidence Signals
Nicaragua safety data
| Indicator | Value | Score | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government travel advisoryCA / US | Level 3 — Reconsider Travel · 2 govts | 50 | CA / US |
| Homicide rateWorld Bank Open Data · 2021 | 11.3 / 100k | 42 | World Bank Open Data (2021) |
| Political stability & no terrorismWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2025 | 65/100 | 65 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2025) |
| Rule of lawWorld Bank Governance Indicators · 2025 | 32/100 | 32 | World Bank Governance Indicators (2025) |
| Road traffic deathsWHO Global Health Observatory · 2021 | 13.6 / 100k | 56 | WHO Global Health Observatory (2021) |
04 · Questions
Nicaragua safety FAQ
Is Nicaragua safe to visit right now?
The U.S. State Department currently rates Nicaragua Level 3 of 4 — Reconsider Travel. On our composite index Nicaragua averages 46/100. See the destination reports above for city-level detail. (Updated 20 October 2026.)
What is the safest place to visit in Nicaragua?
Of the destinations we've assessed, San Juan del Sur currently scores highest at 52/100 (Moderate). León scores lowest at 39/100.
Where does this Nicaragua safety data come from?
Directly from public sources: US, UK and Canadian government advisories, World Bank and UNODC crime statistics, WHO health data, live air-quality, disaster and earthquake feeds — plus AI field research over current local reporting. Read the full methodology.