Travel Summary
- We continue to advise against all but essential travel to Honduras due to the ongoing political situation, with the exception of the Bay Islands, where you should continue to exercise a high degree of caution. Although elections took place on 29 November as scheduled work on political and national reconciliation is still ongoing. President Zelaya is maintaining his refuge in the Brazilian Embassy and his supporters continue to demonstrate sporadically in the capital and elsewhere in the country. There is a cordon around the Brazilian Embassy. Further demonstrations or public gatherings remain a possibility. As a result of these events the situation in Honduras, particularly the capital Tegucigalpa, remains unpredictable and may change very quickly.
- A curfew previously in place has been lifted, but could be reintroduced at any time should there be a change in the situation in Honduras. Previously, curfews have been countrywide and have impacted heavily on transport networks and interfered with flights in and out of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula International Airports and at border crossings with neighbouring countries. These events in the past have also prevented and delayed tourists from leaving the Bay Islands. Anyone intending to travel to or through Honduras (including the Bay Islands) should contact his or her travel operator for further advice. We advise all British nationals in Honduras to respect any imposed curfew hours and keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media and the FCO's Travel Advice or by consulting with relevant travel authorities or by getting in touch with your closest Consulate (contact details on our Embassy website UK in Guatemala).
- An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale took place on 28 May off the coast of Honduras near to the Bay Islands. The tremors from the quake were felt throughout Honduras and neighbouring countries. Minor damage has been reported, with the loss of six lives (Honduran Nationals). Subsequent minor tremors have also been felt. Please continue to monitor our travel advice before travelling to Honduras.
- There is no British Embassy in Honduras. For emergency consular assistance, contact the Honduras Honorary Consuls in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, Roatan or the British Embassy in Guatemala City. See the General section of this advice for more details.
- The hurricane season in Honduras normally runs from June to November. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and our Tropical Cyclones page for more details.
- The main types of incident for which British nationals required consular assistance in Honduras in 2008 were; dealing with victims of crime, mostly from armed robbery or pickpocketing; hospitalisations; and replacing lost or stolen passports. You should keep your valuables locked away in a safe or keep them on your person when travelling.
- There are high levels of crime in Honduras. Particular care should be taken if travelling between towns/cities and walking on beaches or in quieter areas at night. See the Crime section of this advice for more details.
- There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
- We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and our Travel insurance page for more details.
Safety and security
Terrorism
There is a low threat from terrorism. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
For more general information see our Terrorism abroad page.
Crime
There are high levels of crime in Honduras. The majority of serious crime involves Honduran citizens and does not affect tourists. However, there have been attacks on tourists in recent years, including armed robbery, car/busjackings and sexual offences including rape.
For more general information see our Rape and sexual assault abroad page.
The main type of incident for which British nationals require consular assistance in Honduras is for pickpocketing and loss of passports. Petty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas, including the Bay Islands. You should be particularly careful of your belongings at bus stations, airports, tourist places and on public transport. You should keep your valuables locked away in a safe or keep them on your person when travelling.
Despite the high levels of crime most visits to Honduras are trouble-free. However, the risk of becoming a victim exists and you should take steps to mitigate the risk. You should take your personal security seriously and be aware of your surroundings at all times. The following advice may help:
Particular attention should be taken if travelling between towns and cities at night. We advise against walking around Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and other main towns and cities on mainland Honduras after dark.
The Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras. However there have been several attacks on visitors at the Bay Islands including on the ferries to/from mainland Honduras. You should remain aware of your surroundings and take precautions when travelling on the Bay Islands.
You should avoid walking in quiet areas after dark, in particular on beaches in Tela and the north coast towns. There have been several attacks on foreigners on beaches in recent years after dark, including on the Bay Islands. Victims have been killed and injured resisting attack. It is useful to carry a few Lempiras to hand out in the event of a robbery.
You should avoid displaying items of value such as cameras, MP3 players and mobile phones. This is particularly important when arriving at the airport. There have been instances of foreigners being targeted when leaving the vicinity of the airports in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. You are advised not to wear expensive jewellery and only carry minimal amounts of cash when travelling in Honduras.
You should take care travelling alone in Honduras. When travelling to remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour with a reputable company. The same applies to walking on trails and at historical places, as there have been reports of attacks on tourists walking alone. You should never accept lifts from strangers or attempt to hitchhike anywhere in Honduras.
You should take care travelling in Honduras as there have been reports of violent attacks on cars and buses in recent years. We advise against travelling on microbuses (colectivos) in large cities such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula for security reasons. You should exercise caution when driving in Honduras on certain routes as car jackings have occurred. Please see the Local Travel section of this travel advice for more details.
It is safer to withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres or change money in hotels or banks. It is wise not to withdraw too much money at one time. There have been attacks on foreigners after they have withdrawn money from ATMs. You should avoid withdrawing money at night.
Petty crime is widespread in urban areas, and at tourist sites. You should be particularly careful of your belongings at bus stations, airports, crowded tourist places and on buses. Theft is common on Roatan and the Bay Islands. Travel with several sources of funds: cash, travellers’ cheques (in US dollars), credit cards, etc, but keep them safe and in separate places. Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. Although it is illegal to be without some form of identification in Honduras, a photocopy is acceptable.
For more general information see Victims of crime abroad.
Political Situation
Honduras Country Profile
We continue to advise against all but essential travel to Honduras due to the ongoing political crisis, with the exception of the Bay Islands, where you should continue to exercise a high degree of caution. Although elections took place on 29 November as scheduled and Congress has debated the restitution of President Zelaya, in accordance with the San Jose/Tegucigalpa Accords, work is still ongoing on political and national reconciliation ahead of the handover to the President-elect on 27 January 2010. President Zelaya is maintaining his refuge in the Brazilian Embassy and his supporters continue to demonstrate sporadically in the capital and elsewhere in the country. There is a cordon around the Brazilian Embassy. Further demonstrations or public gatherings remain a possibility. As a result of these events the situation in Honduras, particularly the capital Tegucigalpa, remains unpredictable and may change very quickly.
A curfew previously in place has been lifted, but could be reintroduced at any time should there be a change in the situation in Honduras.
Previously, curfews have been countrywide and have impacted heavily on transport networks and interfered with flights in and out of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula International Airports and at border crossings with neighbouring countries. These events in the past have also prevented and delayed tourists from leaving the Bay Islands. Anyone intending to travel to or through Honduras (including the Bay Islands) should contact his or her travel operator for further advice. We advise all British nationals in Honduras to respect any imposed curfew hours and keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media and the FCO's Travel Advice or by consulting with relevant travel authorities or by getting in touch with your closest Consulate (contact details on our Embassy website www.ukinguatemala.fco.gov.uk).
Generally, demonstrations occur in Honduras from time to time, sometimes with little warning. They can become violent and disrupt movement. You are advised to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.
The Honduran Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participation in activities such as demonstrations may result in detention and/or deportation.
Local Travel
We advise against all but essential travel to Honduras for the duration of the current crisis.
Should you choose to ignore this advice you should take care travelling in Honduras as there have been reports of violent attacks on cars and buses in recent years. Particular care should be taken if travelling on microbuses (colectivos) in large cities such as Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula for security reasons. Travelling on major roads between large towns/cities is safer than travelling on more remote routes.
When travelling by car, it is safer to travel on main roads between major cities and destinations. You are at greater risk of attack in remote areas with fewer police patrols. Take simple precautions such as locking doors and keeping windows closed whilst travelling. Do not travel between towns/cities after dark as you greatly increase the risk of attack.
Roads that have seen attacks in recent years include routes from Limones to La Union and also from Olancho via Salama to Saba. You should exercise particular caution on the roads from Gualaco to San Estaban and La Esparanza to Gracias. The isolated roads of the Department of Santa Barbara have also seen criminal activity, and hijackings of vehicles have occurred on roads in/around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo and El Progreso. In October 2007, two incidents of busjackings have occurred involving British and German tour bus groups in Santa Rita, on the road between San Pedro Sula and Copan.
You should pay attention to your security at the border areas with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. In particular, travellers have been targeted by armed robbers after crossing the Honduran border into El Salvador. You should avoid openly changing large amounts of money and make sure valuables are kept out of sight. It is often better to cross borders in the morning as borders sometimes close in the early evening or remain unmanned at nights. It also allows time for you to reach your destination before dark.
There are unmarked minefields in/around the border with Nicaragua. You should exercise caution and avoid walking on unmarked paths or off main roads in these areas.
Road travel
Driving standards in Honduras are generally poor and you should drive with caution. Road travel at night is inadvisable, not only for security reasons, but also because many vehicles travel without lights and animals often wander across the roads causing accidents.
Public buses in Honduras are often poorly maintained and recklessly driven. Accidents are common and occasionally fatal. Luxury-type buses, normally operated by private companies, are usually better maintained.
For more general information see our Driving abroad page
Local laws and customs
Following any traffic accident you should normally wait for the police to arrive.
If you become involved in a road accident where another person is badly injured, you may be held in custody for a period regardless of culpability. You should seek legal assistance immediately and inform the Embassy in Guatemala. Ensure that you take full details of the other driver (who may not be insured), and do not only rely on the vehicle’s numberplate.
British nationals should in particular avoid Tegucigalpa airport. This is because President Zelaya has stated that he plans to return on Sunday 5 July and the airport has been closed as a consequence, and is the scene of protests. As a result air traffic to/from Honduras has been severely disrupted and passengers should contact their airline before travelling. We are monitoring the situation closely. We advise all British nationals in Honduras to keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media and the FCO's Travel Advice.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.
British nationals should in particular avoid Tegucigalpa airport. This is because President Zelaya has stated that he plans to return on Sunday 5 July and the airport has been closed as a consequence, and is the scene of protests. As a result air traffic to/from Honduras has been severely disrupted and passengers should contact their airline before travelling. We are monitoring the situation closely. We advise all British nationals in Honduras to keep abreast of the situation by monitoring local media and the FCO's Travel Advice.
For more general information for different types of travellers see our Your trip page.
Entry requirements
British nationals can obtain a 30-day visit (tourist) visa on arrival. These may be extended by 30 days on two further occasions (to a maximum of 90 days in total) if you apply to an Immigration Office. There is no fee payable for this initial arrival visa, nor for the two extensions to this visa.
British nationals can also obtain a 30-day work visa in advance at a Honduran Embassy or upon arrival if they are conducting short term internship or voluntary work. This also may then be extended by 30 days on two further occasion by applying to an Immigration Office. Each extension, up to the maximum of 90 days in total, will cost US$20.
Should you overstay your visa then you shoud expect to pay a fine either upon departure from the country or at the Immigration Office when you apply to extend you stay.
Currently the minimum fine you will be required to pay is Lempiras 1623 (or US$90 approximate equivalent), but this may be more depending on the number of days you have overstayed your original visa.
Honduras is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists may travel within any of the CA-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a period of up to 90 day, without completing entry and exit formalities at border Immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires (giving 120 days in total). If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.
Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries required documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country. For further information on exactly what willbe required at immigration please contact the Honduran Embassy in London.
Health
You should be aware that public medical facilities in Honduras are limited and health insurance is required. You should carry evidence of your insurance at all times and use private clinics where possible.
Standards of treatment vary in Honduras. State-funded hospitals are under-funded and medicines are in short supply. Health insurance is required and you should carry evidence of your insurance at all times. You should use private clinics where possible, though these are only available in major towns.
Malaria is common in remote, low-lying parts of the country. Dengue fever is common to Latin America and the Caribbean and can occur throughout the year. The highest number of cases in Honduras is usually during the hot season from May to November.
You should drink or use only boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. If you suffer from diarrhoea during a visit to Honduras you should seek immediate medical attention.
There is a fully operable hyperbaric decompression chamber on Roatan and there are decompression facilitates on the Bay Island of Utila. However, you should be aware that medical facilities on the Bay Islands are extremely limited in the event of an emergency.
In the 2008 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 26,000 adults aged 15 or over in Honduras were living with HIV; the prevalence rate was estimated at around 0.7% of the adult population. This compares to the prevalence rate in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. You should exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS. For more general information on how to do this see HIV and AIDS.
You should seek medical advice before travelling to Honduras and ensure that all appropriate vaccinations are up-to-date. For further information on vaccination requirements, health outbreaks and general disease protection and prevention you should visit the websites of the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) and NHS Scotland’s Fit for Travel or call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47.
For more general health information see our Travel health page and the UK Department of Health. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice.
Natural disasters
Honduras is particularly susceptible to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes. Drought and forest fires are also quite frequent.
The worst natural disaster to occur in Honduras was Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which caused extensive loss of life and damage from which the country is still recovering.
The hurricane season in Honduras normally runs from June to November. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the World Meteorological Organisation and the National Hurricane Centre. For more general information see our Tropical Cyclones page.
Earthquakes
Honduras is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes.
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale took place on 28 May off the coast of Honduras near to the Bay Islands. The tremors from the quake were felt throughout Honduras and neighbouring countries. Minor damage has been reported, with the loss of six lives (Honduran Nationals). Subsequent minor tremors have been felt. Please continue to monitor our travel advice before travelling to Honduras.
Honduras is subject to frequent minor earth tremors and occasional earthquakes.
An earthquake measuring 7.1 on the Richter scale took place on 28 May off the coast of Honduras near to the Bay Islands. The tremors from the quake were felt throughout Honduras and neighbouring countries. Minor damage has been reported, with the loss of six lives (Honduran Nationals). Subsequent minor tremors have been felt. Please continue to monitor our travel advice before travelling to Honduras.
You should ensure that you know what action to take should an earthquake occur. If staying in a hotel read their earthquake instructions. During an earthquake, you should drop to the ground and take cover under sturdy furniture, in a doorway or next to an inside wall, away from windows or objects which may fall. Cover your head with a pillow or your arms and wait for the earthquake to stop, before moving to a safe area outside.
Further advice may be found on American Red Cross - Earthquake.
General
We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions, and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. Please see our "Travel insurance" page of the FCO website.
If things do go wrong when you are overseas see how we can help page.
There is no British Embassy in Honduras. The British Embassy in Guatemala City has overall responsibility for Honduras. In the event of an emergency in San Pedro Sula, the department of Cortes and the north coast, contact the British Honorary Consul in San Pedro Sula. In the event of an emergency on the Bay Islands contact the British Honorary Consul in Roatan. For emergencies elsewhere contact the Honorary Consul in Tegucigalpa.
Honorary Consul (Tegucigalpa): Mr Leonardo Casco Fortin, Col. Reforms 2402, Tegucigalpa.
Office Hours: Local Time: Mon-Fri: 08:00 to 12:00 and 14:00 to 17:30, GMT: Mon -Fri: 14:00 to 18:00 and 20:00 to 23:30.
Tel: +504 237 6577; +504 237 6549; +504 238-3852 or +504 9990-8579; Fax: +504 238 4097
e-mail: reforma@cascomark.com
Honorary Consul (San Pedro Sula): Mr Edgardo Dumas, 2a. Calle entre 18-19 Avenida N.O. No 182, Colonia Moderna, San Pedro Sula, PO Box 63.
Office Hours: Local Time: Mon-Fri: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Sat: 08:00 to 12:00, GMT: Mon-Fri: 14:00 to 18:00 and 19:00 to 23:00.
Tel: +504 550 2337, Fax: +504 550 6145;
email: edumas@sulanet.net
email: edumas@sulanet.net
Honorary Consul (Roatan & Bay Islands): Mr Matthew Harper, Plan Grande, Roatan
Office Hours: Local Time: Mon-Fri: 08:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 17:00, Sat: 08:00 to 12:00, GMT: Mon-Fri: 14:00 to 18:00 and 19:00 to 23:00.
Tel: +504 9727 2478 (Dedicated Line); +504 435 1018 (Office); +504 9994 6875 Mobile phone)
Email: nobobs@globalnet.hn
Passports should be left in a hotel safe/deposit box. You should carry a photocopy of your personal details page for identification purposes. You should ensure that your passport has sufficient validity and a plentiful supply of unused pages before you travel.
The British Honorary Consuls in Tegucigapa, Roatan and San Pedro Sula, and the British Embassy in Guatemala City do not issue standard passports. Applications for new passports should be sent to the UK Passport service for the Americas and Caribbean in Washington. Details of the process can be found at their website www.ukinusa.fco.gov.uk/en/passports. The process may take up to 10 working days. If a courier is used, the cost will be borne by the applicant.
However, in emergencies and some circumstances, we are able to process emergency passports in Honduras and Guatemala, but it is dependant on your situation. This document is only available if you have held a full passport previously. Please note that this passports is restrictive and only allows for one nominated journey and is not valid via the United States.
Register with our LOCATE servide to tell us when and where you are travelling abroad or where you live abroad so our consular and crisis staff can provide better assistance to you in an emergency. More inforation about registering with LOCATE
Alternatively you can register with the British Embassy in Guatemala on arrival in Honduras. You can do this via email at consular.guatemala@fco.gov.uk or through the Embassy website at: www.ukinguatemala.gov.uk.
Money
Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in the major towns but often do not accept UK credit cards. Only the more recognised travellers’ cheques in US Dollars (such as American Express) are accepted in Roatan. Sterling cannot be changed in Honduras.
No comments:
Post a Comment