Tourists are no longer allowed to bring Bibles into Nicaragua, according to a new report from Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW). Notices at Tica Bus terminals in Costa Rica, which provide transportation to Managua, now list Bibles, books, newspapers, magazines, cameras, knives, perishable foods, and drones as prohibited items. A representative at the company’s Honduras office confirmed that these restrictions have been in place for about six months.
Anna Lee Stangl, director of advocacy for CSW, urged the Nicaraguan government to reverse the ban. “The Nicaraguan government’s efforts to restrict the entry of Bibles, other books, newspapers, and magazines into the country are highly concerning, given the current context of repression,” she said. “We call on the government of Nicaragua to lift this ban immediately, and to cease its continued efforts to stifle freedom of religion or belief and expression in the country.”
This comes amid a broader crackdown on religious liberty. Over 5,000 civil organizations, including 1,300 religious groups, have lost legal status since 2018.
