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

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

Vaccinations

Check with your doctor well in advance of travelling to see if you need any vaccinations for this country.

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.