1. Amid recent protests in Nicaragua exacerbating the public security situation in the country, the Republic of Korea Ministry of Foreign Affairs has decided to raise the travel-alert level for the entire country to “special travel advisory”  from the current Yellow Alert (travel-alert Level 2, Highly Cautious), effective from June 12, in order to ensure the safety of and better protect Koreans.

° The “special travel advisory” is tantamount to the travel-alert level of “Red Alert (Travel Restricted),” which calls for leaving the designated area(s) unless there are urgent matters to attend to; and cancelling or postponing, if possible, the plan to visit the area(s).

° Since the Nicaraguan government’s announcement on April 16 of its plan to reform the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS), protests have spread across the country, with armed clashes leaving an increasing number of people dead and injured.

° The ROK government has made the aforementioned decision, taking into account the fact that major roads across Nicaragua are barricaded by anti-government protesters; armed groups are increasingly committing such crimes as looting, arsons and abductions across the country; and the US has issued “Reconsider Travel” advisory, and other major countries, such as Germany and Spain, are considering issuing emergency safety notices.

※ Previously, the ROK Foreign Ministry raised the travel-alert level for Nicaragua to Yellow Alert, effective from April 25, for the same reason it has issued the “special travel advisory.”  

2. The Korean nationals planning to visit Nicaragua are advised to postpone or cancel their plans for the time being unless there are urgent matters to attend to. Those staying for an extended period in or having to visit the country are asked to pay serious heed to their safety.

3. The Foreign Ministry will review whether to keep in place the special travel advisory for Nicaragua after meticulously monitoring the public security situation therein.

* unofficial translation