Honduras

Emergency response operators may only speak Spanish.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and other theft, occurs throughout Honduras and is a particular problem in bus stations, airports, shopping areas, etc. Stay alert in your surroundings at all times. Avoid wearing expensive clothing or jewellery and keep valuables and cash out of sight.

Violent crime is widespread in Honduras, often related to street gangs and drug trafficking, and includes murder, kidnapping, carjacking, sexual assault, and robbery. The risk increases at night. Avoid travelling or walking alone after dark, particularly in major cities and on isolated beaches. Foreigners in various areas have been attacked on the beach after dark.

Travel in groups or with tours when possible. Avoid travelling on public buses that are repainted school buses. Travellers are also advised to avoid discussing travel plans in public since some travellers have been followed and robbed.

On roads and highways, both in urban and rural areas, cars and buses have been hijacked and robbed. Often vehicles leaving major airports have been targeted. Drive with doors locked and windows closed. Never stop to help someone who appears to be in distress as this could be a ploy. Do not stop to help but rather report incidents or problems to the police. Do not hitchhike or pick up hitchhikers. Although Honduras has concluded its de-mining efforts, do not stray from main roads, especially around the border between Honduras and Nicaragua. Road travel may be dangerous due to poor road conditions, heavy traffic, poor vehicle maintenance and reckless driving.

Travellers should use official border crossing checkpoints only since there is a risk of encountering smuggling activities.

Exercise extreme caution when participating in outdoor adventure activities as safety standards may not be adequate. Ensure travel and medical insurance are purchased before leaving and ensure your insurance policy covers these types of activities.

Hurricanes are common in Honduras, especially between May-November. Flooding, landslides, major damage to infrastructure and disruption to travel plans may result. Be aware of the evacuation routes.

Honduras is located in a moderately-active seismic zone. In the event of a natural disaster, follow the advice of local authorities.

LGBTI travellers should note that although same-sex sexual activity is legal, same-sex marriage is not and violence against LGBTI people is high. If choosing to travel to Honduras, avoid public displays of affection.

High levels of violent crime occur in the remote and border areas of Honduras, which often have inadequate or no police or security. Avoid travelling to the Departments of Gracias a Dios and to the border regions.

Due to high levels of violence and crime, avoid travelling to Chamelecon, Choloma and Cofradia in the department of Cortés.

Demonstrations, sometimes violent, do occur throughout Honduras. Travellers should always avoid demonstrations and public gatherings as these situations can become violent without warning. It is illegal for foreigners to participate in demonstrations.