How safe is Nicaragua for travelers?

The political rule, and why it comes first

• It is illegal for foreigners to take part in any political activity in Nicaragua. The FCDO lists what that covers: taking part in a protest, breach of the peace, or any activity seen as acting against the government, including political meetings and campaigns.
• The penalty is arrest, detention or deportation.
• "Any activity seen as acting against the government" is not a line you get to draw. Standing at the edge of a demonstration to watch, filming one, or posting about one are all inside the risk.
• If you come across a protest, leave. Not to the other side of the street - away.

There is no embassy to call

• There is no resident British diplomatic mission in Nicaragua, and the FCDO says plainly it cannot give in-person support. Support is provided remotely, from elsewhere.
• Check where your own country's nearest mission is before you go. For many, it is in San Jose, Costa Rica.
• This changes the calculation on everything above. A detention that would be a phone call in most countries is a much slower problem here.

Ordinary crime

• Express kidnapping through unauthorised taxis - use official or pre-booked cars only.
• Robbery in markets, bus stations and poorer urban areas.
• Attacks on vehicles have occurred; keep doors locked in traffic.
• Sexual assault is flagged as a risk for women travellers.

The roads and the volcanoes

• Do not drive at night. Vehicles in poor condition, no lighting on the highways.
• A serious road accident may mean detention while it is investigated.
• Do not hike a volcano without an experienced guide. Several are active and conditions change.

Photography

• Do not photograph police, military or government buildings. In a country where political activity by foreigners is a criminal matter, this is not a minor rule.