Security Alert: Managua (Nicaragua), Government Marches Expected to Generate Large Crowds

Security Alert: Government Marches Expected to Generate Large Crowds (January 9, 2026) 

Location: Managua, Nicaragua

Event: On January 10, 2026, the Government of Nicaragua plans to hold marches and events to celebrate the 19th anniversary of Daniel Ortega’s return to power. It is expected that the government will host an evening event at Plaza La Fe, with Co-Presidents Daniel Ortega and Rosario Murillo in attendance. Large crowds, traffic disruptions, and increased police activity are expected at various events throughout the day.

Actions to Take

• Avoid demonstrations or large gatherings and leave the area immediately if you are unexpectedly in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.
• Do not participate in demonstrations. Foreigners, including U.S.-Nicaraguan dual nationals, risk arrest or expulsion if they participate in protests. The Nicaraguan government may treat dual nationals as only Nicaraguan citizens, in which case the U.S. Embassy may not be notified or granted consular access.
• Do not attempt to drive through large groups or barricades encountered on the street.
• Ensure you have an adequate supply of food and water in the event of disruptions.
• Make sure you have at least six-months validity on your U.S. passport.
• Monitor local media for updates.

Country Information: Nicaragua retains a Level 3 Travel Advisory  due to the arbitrary enforcement of laws, limited healthcare availability, and the risk of wrongful detention of U.S. nationals by the Government of Nicaragua. Consistent with our Travel Advisory, we encourage all U.S. citizens to reconsider travel to Nicaragua. Our country information page  highlights numerous Nicaraguan holidays where large crowds are expected, though potentially disruptive events may occur at any time with little warning.

Do you need more information about consular services for U.S. citizens?

• Contact the U.S. Embassy in Managua , located at Km 5 ½ C. Sur Managua, Nicaragua, by using our U.S. citizens services navigator .
• For emergencies during business hours, call +505-2252-7161 (Monday to Thursday: 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Friday: 7:15 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.).
• For after-hours emergencies, call +505-2252-7100 and ask for the Embassy Duty Officer.
• For more information about Nicaragua, visit the Nicaragua Country Information Page.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)   to receive security updates.
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