UK Lifts Travel Ban on Nicaragua

Nicaragua is hoping for an upswing UK tourists after a ban on all but essential travel was lifted.

The Foreign and Commonwealth Office made the change on Friday and instead advises visitors to exercise a high degree of caution.

The central American country has suffered from unrest and street violence for almost a year, a period which led to 325 people being killed.

The FCO’s revised travel advice says: “The situation is now quieter but underlying tensions could erupt into further violence and disorder without warning.

The country had seen a 19 percent rise in international travelers in 2017 but this dropped due to the unrest and the FCO restrictions. However, tour operators are now looking to return, paving a way towards tourism recovery.

Journey Latin America immediately announced plans to reintroduce holidays and escorted group tours to the destination.

The operator is conducting a complete review of its product range and services it offers in Nicaragua, including hotels, transfers, car hire and excursions.

It has announced the relaunch of its 10-day Signature Nicaragua: Fire, Water and Revolution holiday, from £2,692, visiting Spanish colonial cities, Granada and León, Ometepe Island with its twin volcanoes, Rio San Juan and the fortress of El Castillo.

From May, the operator will include the destination in its escorted group tours, Alción: Central America Discovery; Tropicbird: Highlights of Central America; and Cotinga: Off the beaten track Nicaragua.

The Latin American Travel Association said it was continuing to monitor the situation in Nicaragua, working closely with the Nicaraguan Tourist Board as well as accredited travel companies operating in the region to provide up-to-date information on the current travel situation.

Source: Travel Weekly UK