1. Amid recent protests in Nicaragua worsening 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 country to Yellow Alert (travel-alert Level 2, Highly Cautious) from the previous Blue Alert (travel-alert Level 1, Precautious), effective from April 25, in order to ensure the safety of and better protect Koreans.

* Currently, the Blue Alert advisory is imposed on entire Nicaragua.

° In the wake of the Nicaraguan government’s announcement on April 16 of its plan to reform the Nicaraguan Social Security Institute (INSS), college students and citizens began protests, which escalated, as can be seen from clashes between police officers and protesters, and spread across the country, exacerbating the public security situation. In addition, groundless rumors have been going viral through SNSs, adding to the local chaos.

- In particular, despite the Nicaraguan government’s withdrawal on April 22 of its plan for pension reform, protests still continue and are turning violent, with protesters looting stores and throwing stones at the police. The US, Spain and other major countries are considering raising the level of their travel advisories for Nicaragua.

※ So far, the situation has left 20-30 people injured and another three dead.

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

3. The Foreign Ministry will review whether to adjust the travel-alert level for Nicaragua after closely monitoring the public security situation in the country.

* unofficial translation