Nicaragua Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Nicaragua
Nicaragua recorded 11.3 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2021, a rate that is high by global standards. That places Nicaragua #36 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 10% over the past decade (from 12.7 in 2011). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Nicaragua at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
11.3 /100k
Safety Rank
#160 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2021
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2021)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 10% over the past decade (from 12.7 in 2011). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Nicaragua Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Nicaragua, the homicide rate for men is 6.2× higher than the rate for women — 19.8 vs 3.2 per 100,000 (2021).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Nicaragua:
There was no change to the advisory level. Advisory summary was updated. Reconsider Travel to Nicaragua due to risk of crime , health , wrongful detention , and arbitrary enforcement of local laws. Advisory summary U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S. government employees working in Nicaragua are generally not allowed to drive after dark due to safety risks. These include inadequate street lighting and poor road conditions. However, they are allowed to drive at all times in Managua and on Carretera Masaya between Managua and Granada. U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Nicaragua
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated June 04, 2026).
Crime
Vehicle burglaries, pick-pocketing, and occasional armed robberies occur in store parking lots, on public transportation, and in open-air markets like the Oriental and Huembes Markets in Managua. Petty street crime is common. Police presence is limited outside of major urban areas. The Caribbean coast’s geographical isolation further limits the U.S. Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens living in or visiting the area. Uniformed police and para-police commit violence and intimidate civilians throughout the country for political reasons. U.S. citizens have reported extortion for bribes. These occurred at immigration and police checkpoints. U.S. citizens have been sexually assaulted in beach resort areas.
International Financial Scams
See the Department of State and the FBI page for information.
Victims of Crime
Report crimes, including sexual assault, to the local police at 118 (Nicaraguan equivalent of “911,” in Spanish). Report serious crimes to the U.S. Embassy at 2252-7100 immediately and minor crimes during business hours. Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas . The U.S. Embassy can: Help you find appropriate medical care. Assist you in reporting a crime to the police. Contact relatives or friends with your written consent. Provide a list of local attorneys. Share information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States . Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited financial support in cases of destitution. Help you find accommodation and flights home. Replace a stolen or lost passport.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. Embassy for assistance.
Coastal Disputes
Be aware of the following border disputes: Nicaragua and Colombia have an ongoing dispute over waters surrounding the San Andres Islands. The Nicaraguan Navy has challenged vessels passing through its exclusive economic zone. Nicaragua and Costa Rica have stationed security forces at Harbor Head (also called Isla Calero) at the eastern end of the San Juan River. Nicaragua, Honduras, and El Salvador have maritime and land disputes over islands and access to fishing rights in the Gulf of Fonseca on the Pacific Coast.
Tourism
The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities are uncommon. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in major cities. In the event of a diving injury, the only hyperbaric chamber is in Puerto Cabezas, over 100 miles from Corn Island where most tourists dive. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage .
Beach Safety
Exercise extreme caution at the beach. Strong undertows and currents make swimming in Nicaragua’s Pacific Coast extremely dangerous. This is true, even for experienced swimmers. U.S. citizens have drowned at Nicaraguan beaches, and in lagoons and lakes. Warning signs are not always posted. Lifeguards and rescue equipment are not normally available, and Nicaragua’s search and rescue capabilities are limited. Surfers and swimmers have been struck by boats at Nicaraguan beaches. This has resulted in serious injury and death. Carefully assess the potential risks of recreational water activities. Consider your physical capabilities and skills before swimming. Be aware that drinking alcohol and swimming can be a deadly combination. Hiking in volcanic or remote areas is dangerous. Wear appropriate clothing and footwear. Carry sufficient food, water, and communication equipment.
Disaster Preparedness
Nicaragua is prone to earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, and volcanic eruptions. Plan for seeking emergency care, shelter, or evacuation routes. Many remote locations in the country lack good cell phone coverage. If traveling during the rainy season (May – November), inclement weather can develop suddenly and last for days, creating flooding and landslides. If you are at a coastal area when an earthquake occurs, move swiftly to higher ground (when safe to do so) to avoid possible tsunamis. In the event of an earthquake, volcanic eruption, or other natural disaster, U.S. citizens should pay close attention to local media reports. Follow the guidance of local authorities. Monitor the websites of the Nicaraguan Institute for Territorial Studies ( INETER ) and the Nicaraguan Emergency Alert System ( SINAPRED ) websites.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Nicaragua Population & Demographics
Population of 6,916,140, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Nicaragua safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Nicaragua at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). The homicide rate of 11.3 per 100,000 is high by global standards.
What is the crime rate in Nicaragua?
Nicaragua has an intentional homicide rate of 11.3 per 100,000 people (2021, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #36 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Nicaragua?
Nicaragua is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Nicaragua compare to other countries?
Nicaragua's homicide rate of 11.3 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and below the Americas average of 20.8.