Warden Message

Santo Domingo Celebrations

August 10 2007

The Regional Security Officer recently reminded Embassy personnel to exercise caution if traveling in or around the procession and horse parade, marking the end of the Santo Domingo celebration, which will take place in Managua on August 10.

Reporting from previous years indicates there will be heavy alcohol consumption and large groups of people will gather around the Santo Domingo area until midnight.  Numerous traffic jams and other disturbances all over the city can be expected.  American citizens should also be aware of the possible presence of youth gangs who specialize in pick-pocketing and other crimes of opportunity.

Security Concerns on Little Corn Island

Recently, an American citizen was assaulted and raped while on vacation in Little Corn Island.  American citizens have previously been the victims of sexual assault on this island and other beaches in the country.  The Embassy recommends traveling in groups when in isolated areas.  Single travelers should exercise special caution while traveling in the Corn Islands and other remote areas of the country.

As noted in a January 2007 warden message, the Regional Security Officer has placed most of the North and South Atlantic Autonomous Regions (RAAN and RAAS) off limits for personal travel of Embassy personnel because of security concerns.  Given the area’s geographical isolation, the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens who choose to travel in the Caribbean coastal area is constrained.  Street crime and petty theft are a common problem in this area.  Lack of adequate police coverage has resulted in these areas being used by drug traffickers and other criminal elements.

Worldwide Caution

The Department of State remains concerned about the continued threat of terrorist attacks, demonstrations and other violent actions against U.S. citizens and interests overseas.  A complete text of the worldwide caution issued on April 10 can be found at:
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_1161.html

For the latest security information, Americans living and traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs Internet web site at http://travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Cautions, Public Announcements, and Travel Warnings can be found.  Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or, for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

The U.S. Embassy is located at Kilometer 4 1/2 (4.5) Carretera Sur, Managua; telephone (505) 266-6010 or 268-0123; after hours telephone (505) 266-6038; Consular Section fax (505) 266-9943; E-mail: consularmanagua@state.gov Web page: http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov/.

Non-emergency services for American citizens are available Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM.