Nicaraguan authorities ban tourists from bringing Bibles into country
Restrictions on the transportation of religious literature and printed publications have been in effect at the border for several months and are being introduced amid increased pressure on the Church and civil society.
In 2025, the authorities of Nicaragua imposed a ban on tourists bringing Bibles into the country. The restriction also applies to other printed materials and some electronic equipment and is being implemented amid tightened border control. This was reported by Christian Post.
According to the British human rights organization Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW), Bibles are included in the official list of prohibited items alongside newspapers, magazines, books, drones, and cameras. Similar lists are in effect for passengers traveling to Nicaragua from other countries in the region.
Representatives of transport companies in El Salvador and Honduras confirmed that passengers traveling to the Nicaraguan capital, Managua, are prohibited from carrying religious literature and any printed publications. According to them, these restrictions have been in place for more than six months.
Human rights activists associate the new measures with the ongoing tightening of policies in Nicaragua regarding civil liberties and freedom of religion. Since 2018, the country's authorities have closed thousands of civil society organizations, including over 1,300 religious associations, and public religious events have been significantly restricted.
CSW experts note that the ban on importing Bibles and other printed materials fits into the overall strategy of controlling information and independent voices. In their assessment, such measures raise serious concerns amid ongoing repression and undermine guarantees of freedom of religion in the country.
Previously, the UOJ reported that a Canadian minister called for a ban on Bible quotes due to "hatred" towards LGBT.
