by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 3:30 PM ET, Mon April 23, 2018
On the heels of series of deadly protests, the United States has announced that it is halting routine operations at its Nicaraguan embassy and removing embassy employees from the country.
A travel advisory issued by the State Department today cautioned Americans to reconsider travel to Nicaragua due to crime and civil unrest.
The statement said the U.S. government has ordered the departure of U.S. government family members and government personnel.
"Political rallies and demonstrations are occurring daily, often with little notice or predictability. Some protests result in injuries and deaths," said the State Department. "Demonstrations typically elicit a strong response that has in the past included the use of tear gas, pepper spray, rubber bullets and live ammunition against participants and occasionally have devolved into looting, vandalism, and acts of arson."
In addition, according to the statement, the ability to purchase food and fuel in the country may be limited and access to the Sandino airport in Managua may be blocked.
Both the government of Nicaragua and the U.S. Embassy in Managua are limited in the assistance they can provide. Police presence and emergency response in the country is sparce beyond major urban areas, according to the new advisory.
Those who do travel to Nicaragua are advised to avoid demonstrations and to keep a low profile. In addition, avoid driving or walking around the country at night.
At least one airline appears to have taken notice of the unrest in the country. United Airlines today announced a travel waiver for customers traveling to, from or through Managua, allowing for voluntary changes to travel plans within certain parameters.
The airline said in a statement that the change fee and any difference in fare will be waived for new flights departing on or before May 4, 2018, as long as travel is rescheduled in the same cabin and between the same cities as originally ticketed.
In addition, travel agents may self-refund tickets if the original flight is canceled, delayed or estimated to arrive at the final destination more than two hours after the originally scheduled arrival time.
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