WARDEN MESSAGE

December Security - December 5, 2008

Nicaragua routinely experiences an increase in crime during the month of December, with the theft of jewelry, money, credit cards, vehicles and other valuables in unattended areas being the primary forms.

The U.S. Embassy recommends taking appropriate security precautions, particularly while shopping at local markets or malls and upon arrival at Managua’s International Airport and at bus stations.  Keep your wallet or purse close to your body.  Do not flash cash or have large sums of money on you.  Pay close attention to your surroundings when withdrawing money from ATM machines.  Leave expensive jewelry at home.  Avoid crime prone areas such as the Mercado Oriental.  Park in well-lit and non-isolated areas and know the location of your vehicle. 

La Purisima – December 7

Many Nicaraguans will celebrate “La Purisima – Griteria” on December 7.  During this Catholic religious celebration, streets all over the country will be crowded starting at around 4:00 PM.  In Managua, local authorities expect large concentrations of people at “La Plaza de La Revolucion,” all rotundas, the Tiscapa Bridge and the area of Km 8.5 South Highway where street altars have been placed.  Vehicle access might be restricted in these areas.

Please be advised that fireworks, and possibly firearms, will be discharged during the celebrations.  The Nicaraguan National Police have authorized only Police Officers, Nicaraguan Army and private security guards properly identified to carry their weapons on December 7 and December 8.  Private individuals are not authorized to carry personal weapons of any kind (firearms, switchblades and knives) on those days.  Despite this regulation, firearms might still be discharged.

Planned March – December 10

The U.S. Embassy has received information that members of civil society organizations are organizing a march on December 10 to protest human rights violations.  The march is scheduled to depart from Rotonda El Gueguense at 9:00 AM and end at Rotonda El Periodista, but the route and time may change. 

We remind U.S. citizens that even events intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence.  U.S. citizens are therefore urged to avoid the affected areas if possible, and to exercise caution if within the vicinity of any large gathering.  U.S. citizens should stay current with media coverage of local events and be aware of their surroundings at all times.

On November 17, the U.S. State Department issued a Travel Alert to warn U.S. citizens about heightened security concerns in Nicaragua.  You can find a link to this Travel Alert on the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs website at http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_2477.html.

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Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the U.S. Embassy’s website (http://nicaragua.usembassy.gov) and the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs’ website www.travel.state.gov, where the current Worldwide Caution, Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and Country Specific Information can be found.  The U.S. Embassy also encourages U.S. citizens to review to "A Safe Trip Abroad," found at http://travel.state.gov/travel/tips/safety/safety_1747.html, which includes valuable security information for those both living and traveling abroad.  In addition to information on the Internet, travelers may obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the U.S. and Canada, or outside the U.S. and Canada on a regular toll line at 1-202-501-4444.

The U.S. Embassy in Managua is located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua.  The U.S. Embassy in Managua can be reached 24/7 at 011-505-2-252-7100.  For emergencies (deaths, arrests, etc.) after hours, U.S. citizens can call this phone number and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.  The ACS unit is also available by email at ACS.Managua@state.gov.

General information regarding consular services is available by calling 011-505-2-252-7888.  Non-emergency services for U.S. citizens are available Monday through Friday, 1:00 to 3:00 PM, except on Nicaraguan and U.S. holidays.