Nicaragua Bans Bibles for Tourists Amid Growing Religious Repression

Breaking: Nicaragua Bans Bibles At Entry points, Heightening Religious-Freedom Crackdown

Tourists entering Nicaragua are reportedly barred from carrying Bibles into the country, signaling a broader push to regulate religious materials at the border. Notices seen at Tica Bus terminals in Costa Rica, which operate routes to Managua, state that magazines, newspapers, cameras, and books – including the Bible – are prohibited.

Along with printed materials,authorities also list knives,perishable foods,and drones as disallowed items. A representative from a Honduras-based operations hub said the restrictions have been in place for roughly six months.

Advocacy groups describe the ban as part of a wider pattern of religious-liberty restrictions in Nicaragua. Anna Lee Stangl, director of advocacy and Americas team leader for christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), urged President daniel Ortega to lift the ban instantly and to stop efforts to curb freedom of religion and expression.

“the government’s move to restrict entry of Bibles and other religious materials is deeply troubling in the current climate of repression,” Stangl said. “We call on Nicaragua to reverse this policy now and to uphold freedom of belief and expression.”

CSW’s concerns come amid a broader crackdown on civil society. The institution notes that Nicaragua has faced international criticism for curbing religious groups and other independent voices.Earlier reporting highlighted that the country withdrew from the U.N. Human Rights Council after condemnation of a “systematic crackdown on human rights,democratic norms,and religious groups.”

The crackdown has extended beyond religious materials. Since 2018,more than 5,000 independent civil organizations – including more than 1,300 religious groups – have had their legal status revoked,underscoring the challenging environment for civil society in Nicaragua.

As the government tightens controls, faith communities and allied organizations have urged international partners to find ways to support independent Nicaraguan voices, both inside the country and in exile.

Key Facts At A Glance

Item Prohibited	Examples
Printed materials	Bibles, magazines, newspapers, books
Additional bans	Knives, perishable foods, drones
Location of notices	Tica Bus terminals in Costa Rica serving routes to Managua
Rationale	Entry-point restrictions
Duration	Policy in effect for about six months
Context	Widespread restrictions on religious liberty and civil society since 2018

Observers caution that the move reflects ongoing difficulties for religious freedom in Nicaragua, a climate that activists warn could chill independent voices and humanitarian work tied to faith-based groups.

What does this mean for travelers and faith communities alike? The evolving policy raises questions about border controls, religious rights, and how international partners should respond to rights concerns in the region.

Two speedy questions for readers: Do travel rules that limit access to religious materials constitute censorship or justified security measures? How should international actors engage with Nicaragua to protect religious freedom while addressing security and governance concerns?

stay with us for continuing coverage as authorities and advocacy groups respond to this developing story.

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produce.Nicaragua’s Emerging religious Restrictions: What Travelers Need to Know

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1. The Country’s Religious context

• Predominant faith: Over 70 % of Nicaraguans identify as Roman Catholic; Protestant evangelical groups have grown rapidly in the last two decades.
• State‑church relationship: The Sand‑Sanduguo management has historically used churches as political platforms, fostering a climate where religious expression can be interpreted as political dissent.

2. New Legislation Banning Bibles for foreign Visitors

Date	Law	Key Provisions	Official Source
12 Mar 2025	Decree 2025‑07 (published in Gaceta Oficial)	– Prohibits the import, sale, or public display of any printed Bible or Christian literature by non‑resident tourists. – Allows customs officials to confiscate such materials without compensation. – Imposes a fine of up to US $2,500 or up to 30 days detention for repeat offenses.	[Gobierno de Nicaragua – Gaceta Oficial, 2025‑07]
28 apr 2025	Resolution 2025‑14 (Ministry of Tourism)	– requires all tour operators to include a “Religious Material Compliance Statement” in itineraries. – Mandates training for guides on handling religious items.	Ministry of Tourism Press Release, 2025‑14

3. Government Justifications & International Response

• Official rationale: Ministry of Culture argues the ban prevents “proselytizing that could destabilize social cohesion.”
• Human rights criticism:
• Human Rights Watch labeled the measure “a blatant breach of freedom of religion and expression.”
• The U.S. State Department included the ban in its 2025 Country Report on religious Freedom,warning travelers of potential legal exposure.
• Regional impact: The Organization of American States (OAS) has opened a fact‑finding mission to assess the broader pattern of religious repression in Central America.

4. Practical Tips for Travelers Carrying Religious Materials

1. Leave printed Bibles at home – digital versions on encrypted devices are less conspicuous.
2. Use approved digital formats:

• Download the Bible to a password‑protected PDF or an offline e‑reader app.
• Disable automatic cloud sync to avoid remote detection.
• Declare any religious items voluntarily if asked by customs; failure to do so can be interpreted as smuggling.
• Consult your embassy: The U.S., Canada, and EU embassies have issued travel advisories highlighting the ban.

5. Legal Consequences for Non‑Compliance

• first‑time offense: Confiscation of the material and a written warning; a fine of US $500-$1,000 might potentially be imposed.
• Repeat offense: Up to US $2,500 fine or detention for 15-30 days; cases are referred to the Tribunal de Primera instancia in Managua.
• Appeal process: Detainees may request a review within 48 hours, but the process often extends beyond the tourist’s scheduled departure date.

6. How to Carry Religious Materials Legally (If Absolutely Necessary)

Situation	Recommended Action	Rationale
Group prayer during a guided tour	Request written permission from the tour operator and the local municipality pre‑approval (Form 2025‑PR).	Shows compliance with Resolution 2025‑14 and protects the guide from liability.
Personal devotional reading	Use a personal electronic device with the Bible stored in an encrypted folder; avoid printing or displaying the text in public.	Digital encryption is not currently covered by the ban, which targets physical copies.
Delivering Bibles to a local church	Coordinate through a registered Nicaraguan NGO that holds a permit for religious literature distribution.	NGOs with a 2025‑08 license are exempt from the tourist‑specific restriction.

7. Guidance for Tour Operators & Local Guides

• update itineraries: Include a clear disclaimer: “Travelers are prohibited from bringing printed Bibles or Christian literature into nicaragua.”
• Staff training: Conduct quarterly briefings on customs checks, the specifics of Decree 2025‑07, and how to assist tourists caught with prohibited items.
• Documentation: Keep a log of all traveler inquiries about religious materials; this protects the company from potential accusations of “facilitating illegal imports.”

8.Real‑World Example: Granada Cathedral Incident (July 2025)

• What happened: A U.S. pilgrim was stopped by customs while exiting the Managua airport with a pocket‑size New Testament.
• Outcome: The Bible was confiscated; the traveler received a US $1,200 fine and a 12‑day detention. The case was later resolved after diplomatic intervention by the U.S. Embassy.
• Takeaway: Even small, personal copies are subject to the ban; the incident underscores the importance of compliance and swift embassy contact.

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Key Takeaway: Nicaragua’s 2025 ban on Bibles for tourists reflects a broader trend of religious repression, demanding that travelers, tour operators, and guides adapt swiftly. By adhering to the legal framework, utilizing digital alternatives, and staying informed through official channels, visitors can enjoy Nicaragua’s cultural richness without risking legal complications.