Authorities in Nicaragua have prohibited tourists from bringing Bibles into the country amid an escalating crackdown on religious freedom.

Central American media outlet CentroAmérica360 reported that notices at Tica Bus terminals in Costa Rica, which serve routes to Managua, listed books, magazines, printed newspapers, and cameras as prohibited—alongside knives, perishable food, and drones.

Christian Solidarity Worldwide (CSW) has raised the alarm over the issue, as faith leaders in the country have already been subjected to arbitrary detention, and public religious events are frequently restricted to groups “approved” by authorities. Since April 2018, the government has closed more than 5,000 independent civil society organizations, including over 1,300 with a religious focus, and has imposed customs limits on ink and paper, leading to the closure of the critical newspaper El Nuevo Diario.

Anna Lee Stangl, CSW’s Director of Advocacy and Americas Team Leader, said the move is an act of “repression.”

“We call on the government of Nicaragua to lift this ban immediately,” she urged, “and to cease its continued efforts to stifle freedom of religion or belief and expression in the country. We also reiterate our call on the international community to strengthen independent Nicaraguan voices both inside the country and in exile.”