Travel To Honduras: What Americans Need To Know

Americans can travel to Honduras, but the US Department of State has warned citizens to reconsider due to high levels of violent crime. Ongoing violent crime in Honduras, including homicide, armed robbery, kidnapping, and gang activity, has caused the State Department to suggest travelers cancel their plans. If you do decide to visit Honduras, the State Department warns of ongoing demonstrations that can shut down roadways and often turn violent.

Travel warnings and advisories

Honduras has a high crime rate, and the US Department of State has warned US citizens to reconsider travelling there due to this. The country has one of the highest homicide rates in the world, and violent crime is a concern throughout. Criminal activity and violence are more common in border areas, and criminal groups are especially active on the coast between the Guatemalan border and Puerto Cortés.

The Government of Honduras lacks the resources to properly respond to, investigate, and prosecute cases. Infiltration of the security forces by local gangs further weakens law enforcement. Criminals linked to organised crime often operate with a high degree of impunity throughout the country.

Express kidnappings occur in urban areas, often committed by organised gangs or taxi drivers. They usually take their victims to an ATM and force them to withdraw cash.

Demonstrations take place regularly and can turn violent at any time. They can lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation. Honduran law prohibits political activities by foreigners, and participating in demonstrations or other political activities may result in detention or deportation.

Public transportation in Honduras is unsafe and unreliable. Most urban public buses are poorly maintained, and drivers are reckless. Incidents of armed robbery and arson are frequent on public buses.

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country. Accidents causing fatalities are common, and the number of traffic accidents involving tourists has increased. Drivers often drive at excessive speeds and may be aggressive and reckless.

There is a risk of malaria in certain areas of Honduras and/or during certain times of the year. The CDC recommends that travellers going to these areas take prescription medicine to prevent malaria.

Rabies is also present in the country, with dogs and bats infected with the disease found in Honduras. If a rabies exposure occurs, rabies vaccines may only be available in larger suburban or urban medical facilities.

Vaccinations and health risks

Honduras is a Central American country with a range of health risks and recommended vaccinations for travellers. The country has a tropical and subtropical climate, which means there are many diseases spread by mosquitoes, such as dengue fever, Zika virus, and chikungunya. There is no vaccine for these, so it is important to take measures to avoid mosquito bites. Malaria is also present in Honduras, and while it is possible to take antimalarial tablets, it is also recommended to avoid mosquito bites and take other precautions such as sleeping under a mosquito net.

There are several recommended vaccinations for travellers to Honduras. The first is the hepatitis A vaccine, which is highly recommended as hepatitis A is common in hotter regions of the world and is spread through contaminated food and water. The hepatitis A vaccine involves two doses, given 6 to 12 months apart, and provides protection for around 25 years. Hepatitis B is also present in Honduras and is spread through blood and sexual contact. The hepatitis B vaccine is usually recommended for travellers staying for a longer period, as well as those likely to come into close contact with the local population.

The tetanus vaccine is also recommended for travellers to Honduras, especially if access to medical assistance may be limited. Tetanus is contracted through contaminated cuts, bites, and breaks in the skin. The vaccination provides cover for about 10 years and is often combined with protection against other diseases such as poliomyelitis, diphtheria, and pertussis.

Other recommended vaccinations include the typhoid vaccine, which protects against a bacterial disease spread through contaminated food and water, and the rabies vaccine, which is recommended for travellers involved in outdoor activities that put them at risk of animal bites, those working with animals, and those taking long trips or moving to remote areas.

It is important to consult a medical professional for specific advice and to ensure that all routine vaccinations are up to date before travelling.

Crime and safety

The high murder rate in Honduras is largely driven by gang activity and the drug trade. Young men, typically members of gangs such as Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) or Barrio 18, are the most common perpetrators of these crimes. Transnational organised crime groups also operate in Honduras due to its weak infrastructure, making it a central landing point for cocaine routes from South America. Mexican cartels have gained influence in the country, assisting major Honduran smuggling clans in transferring drugs to the US or Mexico.

Corruption is also rampant in Honduran society, with criminal groups and narcotics traffickers committing acts of homicide, torture, kidnapping, extortion, human trafficking, and intimidation. The government has been accused of failing to adequately address these issues due to a weak judicial system and corruption. Prison conditions are harsh and life-threatening due to overcrowding, malnutrition, and abuse by prison officials.

The US State Department has warned citizens to reconsider travel to Honduras due to the high levels of crime. The situation has prompted international organisations and governments to offer assistance in combating crime in the country.

Honduras also struggles with targeted attacks against specific groups, including women, youths, and public figures such as politicians, journalists, and activists. In 2020, 278 Honduran women were killed, and a woman was murdered every 27 hours in 2021, giving the country the highest femicide rate in Latin America. The country also has the highest youth homicide rate in the world.

Organised crime and gang activity have had a significant impact on migration, with whole families fleeing Honduras in search of a more peaceful life. The rise in violence has changed the demographic of migrants, who are no longer primarily men but now include women, teenagers, and children.

Entry requirements

Americans can enter Honduras, but the US Department of State has issued a warning to US citizens to reconsider travel to the country due to high levels of violent crime. The State Department also warns of ongoing demonstrations that can shut down roadways and often turn violent.

If you do decide to visit Honduras, you will need to present a negative COVID-19 test result, taken no more than 72 hours before travel, and complete an immigration form. If you are fully vaccinated, you can present a vaccine card instead of a negative test result. Visitors should note that there will be health screenings in place at the airport, curfews around the country, and restrictions on certain essential activities, such as shopping.

It is also recommended that you have travel insurance before travelling to Honduras to cover healthcare abroad. The US Embassy in Honduras also recommends that you have a negative coronavirus test taken no more than 48 hours before arrival in the country.

The CDC requires all passengers, regardless of vaccination status, travelling to the US from a foreign country (including American citizens) to show proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken no more than one day before their flight.

Tourist attractions

Honduras has a lot to offer tourists, from beautiful beaches and reefs to ancient ruins and nature reserves. Here are some of the top attractions to visit:

Copán Ruinas

The Copán archaeological site is one of the best-preserved Maya civilisations from 250–900 CE. The site includes intricate reliefs, tombs, and stone-carved stelae. The nearby town of Copán Ruinas is a charming base for exploring the area, offering accommodations such as the Iguana Azul hostel and Hotel Marina Copán.

Roatán

Roatán is a touristy island, particularly on its western side. However, the eastern municipality of Santos Guardiola offers a glimpse of authentic Roatanian life. The island features beautiful beaches, such as the popular West Bay and the quieter Camp Bay Beach. Little French Key Resort offers scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, and horseback riding. For nature lovers, there's the Gumbalimba Park, a jungle island with a botanical garden and animal preserve.

Utila

This island is a backpacker's paradise, known for its scuba diving, free diving, and vibrant nightlife. Utila has a range of accommodations and a growing food scene, including elevated seafood spots like Captain Willis Bistro and Asian fusion at Mister Buddha.

Pico Bonito National Park

La Ceiba, a former banana industry epicentre, is now the gateway to Pico Bonito National Park. The park is home to toucans, jaguars, and monkeys, among other wildlife. A challenging three-hour hike leads to the stunning Cascada Zacate waterfall.

Tela

Tela is a beach city on the northwest Caribbean coast known for its seaside resorts and cuisine. The Tela Marine Research Centre houses an excellent aquarium and is an important research facility for coral reef health. Parque Nacional Jeannette Kawas, accessible by boat, features beach coves, mangrove forests, and the country's largest saltwater lagoon.

La Tigra National Park

La Tigra is the oldest national park in Honduras and provides a sanctuary for wildlife, including pumas, quetzals, ocelots, and toucans. The park offers eight trails through its cloud forests, rivers, and waterfalls, and it supplies almost a third of Tegucigalpa's fresh water.

Cayos Cochinos

Cayos Cochinos is a small archipelago of Honduran islands with simple accommodations and white sand beaches. It's a great spot for snorkelling and experiencing local Garifuna culture and cuisine.

Lake Yojoa

Lake Yojoa, Honduras' largest lake, is a local getaway surrounded by two national parks: Parque Nacional Montaña de Santa Bárbara and Parque Nacional Cerro Azul Mèambar. These parks offer hiking and birdwatching opportunities, with the quetzal being the most prized bird to spot.

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