Safety and security

Crime

There are high levels of crime in Honduras, and the security situation poses a risk for foreigners. You should therefore make sure you research your destination thoroughly, and take all the necessary precautions in all parts of Honduras. Some precautions include:

• Don’t carry your credit card, travel tickets and money together - leave spare cash and valuables in a safe place. 
• 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.
• Avoid travelling alone, particularly in remote areas.

Travellers should avoid walking in cities and towns across mainland Honduras including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and la Ceiba. Be particularly careful at bus stations, airports, isolated beaches, tourist sites and on public transport.

Political Situation

The political can be unpredictable in Honduras, and while protests are normally peaceful, they can turn rapidly violent. The country held elections in November 2021, which may continue to impact the situation in the country. If you are travelling in Honduras, you should remain vigilant and avoid large gatherings. In the event of any 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. All Irish citizens should avoid participation situation in political discussions or protests online or offline.  The Honduran Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners, and may detain and deport them for such activity. 

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.

Border Crossings

Exercise extreme caution near the borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua given the elevated risk of crime. Travellers should 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.

There are unmarked minefields in/around the border with Nicaragua. Take care and avoid walking on unmarked paths or off main roads in these areas.

Reporting crime

If you are a victim of a crime while in Honduras, you should report it to the local police. You can also contact the Irish Embassy in Mexico on +52 55 5520 5803.

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

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

You should carry personal identification with you at all times in Honduras.

Illegal drugs

Illegal drug use (no matter what the drug) carries stiff penalties, including fines and long prison terms.

Homosexuality is not illegal in Honduras, but there is also no recognition of same-sex marriage in Honduras. Public displays of affection by same-sex couples may draw unwanted attention, particularly outside of the capital, and travellers should exercise caution in this regard.

Health

Vaccinations

Take all relevant precautions in relation to Covid-19. Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country and consult them on any other health related concerns.

Mosquito-borne diseases

There may be a risk of Zika virus in Honduras. Irish citizens especially those with a weakened immune system or women who are pregnant or trying to become pregnant 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/.

Dengue fever epidemics occur every four to five years in Honduras, and Malaria is common in remote, low-lying parts of the country.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

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.

Exit taxes

There is a US$48.44 (or Lempira equivalent) airport departure tax which should be included in the price of the ticket (if not, be prepared to pay this in cash or with a credit card). There is also an airport departure tax for domestic flights of 54.13 Lempiras (or the equivalent in US dollars). For more information, check the Honduras Airports website.Embassy Contact

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.