Get travel and medical insurance
Before travelling, the Department strongly recommends that you obtain comprehensive travel insurance which will cover all overseas medical costs, including medical repatriation/evacuation, repatriation of remains and legal costs. You should check any exclusions and, in particular, that your policy covers you for the activities you want to undertake.
Overview
Overview
Security status
We advise Irish citizens in Honduras to exercise a high degree of caution.
Latest travel alert
Following elections in November 2017, parts of the political opposition have contested the results and have called for nationwide protests. Previous demonstrations have led to arrests, injuries and deaths, and protests are expected to intensify in the lead up to the presidential inauguration on 27 January 2018. Severe disruption to transport services, including airports, is expected.
If you're travelling in Honduras, you should remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings. In the event of any further unrest, you should follow the advice and instructions of the local authorities, monitor local news channels and be prepared to amend your travel plans accordingly.
There is currently an outbreak of Zika Virus (a dengue-like mosquito-borne disease) in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Irish Citizens are advised to follow guidance available on the website of the Health Protection Surveillance Centre (HPSC) at http://www.hpsc.ie/A-Z/Vectorborne/Zika/.
Emergency assistance
Because there is no Irish Embassy or Consulate in the Honduras, we are limited in the help we can offer you in an emergency situation. However, if there is an emergency, or if you need help and advice, you can contact our Consular Assistance Unit at the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Dublin on +353 1 408 2000.
EU Directive on Consular Protection
Under the EU Consular Protection Directive, Irish nationals may seek assistance from the Embassy or Consulate of any other EU member state in a country where there is no Irish Embassy or permanent representation.
Our tips for safe travels
- Purchase comprehensive travel insurance which covers all your intended activities
- Add an alert for your destination within the Travelwise App.
- Register your details with us so that we can contact you quickly in an emergency, such as a natural disaster or a family emergency
- Follow us on twitter @dfatravelwise for the latest travel updates
- Read our Topical ‘Know Before You Go’ guide
Safety and security
Safety and security
Landmines
There are unmarked minefields in and around the border with Nicaragua. Don’t stray off main routes, particularly in rural areas, and always check with your local contact or tour operator before travelling to affected regions.
Crime
Crime is prevalent in Honduras and you should take sensible precautions:
- Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place.
- Don’t carry your passport unless absolutely necessary and leave a copy of your passport (and travel and insurance documents) with family or friends at home.
- Avoid showing large sums of money in public and don’t use ATMs after dark, especially if you’re alone. Check no one has followed you after conducting your business.
- Avoid dark and unlit streets and stairways, and arrange to be picked up or dropped off as close to your hotel or apartment entrance as possible.
- Keep a close eye on your personal belongings and hold on to them in public places such as internet cafés, train and bus stations.
Petty theft
Petty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas, including the Bay Islands (Roatan, Utila and Guanaja). Be particularly careful of your belongings at bus stations, airports, isolated beaches, tourist sites, and on public transport. Keep your valuables locked away in a safe or keep them on your person when travelling.
Serious crime
Violent crime and taxi-muggings are common in Honduras. Be cautious when using public transport, including taxis, and make sure your accommodation has adequate security. Always be particularly careful after nightfall.
Local travel
Take care travelling in Honduras as there have been reports of violent attacks on cars and buses. 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. Don’t travel between towns/cities after dark as you greatly increase the risk of attack.
Crossing the Honduran border
It’s often better to cross borders in the morning as they sometimes close in the early evening or remain unmanned at nights. It also allows time for you to reach your destination before dark.
Reporting crime
If you’re a victim of a crime while in Honduras, report it to the local police immediately.
Driving
If you’re planning to drive in Honduras, you should be extremely careful.
- Bring your full Irish driver’s licence and make sure you have adequate and appropriate insurance
- Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is against the law and you risk being detained, fined or banned from driving if caught
- Keep your vehicle doors locked and your bags kept out of sight to prevent opportunistic bag-snatching if you’re stopped at traffic lights
Hiring a vehicle
If you’re hiring a vehicle, we advise you not to hand over your passport as a form of security. If you’re allowing your passport to be photocopied, keep it in your sight at all times.
Check that you have adequate insurance and read the small print of the vehicle hire contract (particularly any waiver that will come into effect if the vehicle is damaged).
Hurricane season
The hurricane season in the Caribbean normally runs from July to October. You should pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Always monitor local and international weather updates for the region by accessing, for example, the Weather Channel, or the US National Hurricane Centre website.
Local laws and customs
Local laws and customs
Remember, the local laws apply to you as a visitor and it is your responsibility to follow them. Be sensitive to local customs, traditions and practices as your behaviour may be seen as improper, hostile or may even be illegal.
Personal identification
Carry a photocopy of your passport for identification purposes. Although it’s illegal to be without some form of identification in Honduras, a photocopy is acceptable.
Illegal drugs
Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.
Health
Entry requirements
Entry requirements
If you are unsure of the entry requirements for this country, including visa and other immigration information, ask your travel agent or contact the country’s nearest Embassy or Consulate.
You can also check with them how long your passport must be valid for.
Airport departure tax
There’s a US$38 (or Lempira equivalent) airport departure tax, which is not normally included in the price of the ticket.