This advice has been reviewed and reissued. It contains new information in the Summary and under Safety and Security: Local Travel (ongoing protests and the effect on electricity supply in the Roatan Bay Islands). The overall level of the advice has not changed.

Summary

Safety and Security

Terrorism

Terrorism is a threat throughout the world. You can find more information about this threat in our General Advice to Australian Travellers.

Civil Unrest/Political Tension

You should avoid all demonstrations and large public gatherings as they may turn violent. You should follow the advice of local authorities. You should monitor the media and other local sources for information about possible security risks.

Crime

We advise you to exercise a high degree of caution in Honduras because of the risk of serious criminal activity. Pay close attention to your personal security at all times and monitor the media for information about possible new safety or security risks. Local law enforcement authorities often have limited capacity to respond to crime or provide assistance to victims of crime.

There is widespread violent crime, often involving the use of firearms, including murder, robbery, burglary, kidnapping, carjacking and sexual assaults. Victims have been injured when resisting perpetrators. Violent crime is often gang related. Due to the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS, victims of violent crime, especially rape, are strongly encouraged to seek immediate medical assistance.

Travellers should avoid leaving food and drinks unattended in bars and places of entertainment as there is an increase in the number of 'spiking' incidents.

Travelling or walking alone after dark is particularly dangerous, including in the capital, Tegucigalpa, other major cities and at beach resorts. Visitors are recommended to travel in groups and not to travel in buses or cars after dark.

Armed robbery, car and busjackings occur along Honduran highways. Carjackers often target vehicles leaving major airports. There have been frequent incidents of roadside robbery, including by criminals pretending to be injured. You should exercise caution, report incidents to the police and drive with windows closed and doors locked at all times, to avoid potential robberies, particularly at traffic lights. Do not hitchhike or accept rides from strangers.

Petty crime, such as bag snatching and pickpocketing, is prevalent throughout the country, particularly at airports, bus terminals, shopping malls and other public venues where large numbers of people gather. Theft is also common on Roatan and the Bay Islands. Reconsider showing signs of affluence.

There are high levels of crime in remote and border areas of the country which often have inadequate or no police or security presence.

Local Travel

The safety standards on public transport are often poor due to inadequate maintenance of vehicles and insufficient driver training. Visitors should only use first-class transport options and consider travelling in groups or with a tour. Driving at night is dangerous as many roads are poorly maintained and lack adequate signage and lighting. Pedestrians and farm animals commonly share the roads with vehicles. Travellers should check the road conditions in advance of travelling (particularly during the rainy season) as many roads are regularly damaged by heavy rains, flooding, landslides and bridge collapses. For further information, see our bulletin on Overseas Road Safety.

Protests over the increase in electricity and utilities charges are occurring in the Roatan Bay Islands. These protests are affecting the ability of the electricity company (RECO) to undertake repairs and power outages are common. Australian travellers should monitor the local media on a daily basis to check the areas affected by the protests. Australians should also avoid large gatherings and not attempt to pass roadblocks.

Unmarked mine fields are located on both sides of the Honduras-Nicaragua border, especially in the Rio Coco region, the Choluteca and El Paraiso provinces, and in the area near the Atlantic Coast.

There is an ongoing maritime border dispute with neighbouring Nicaragua, particularly in the northeast coastal region. Honduran navy patrols may board private vessels in the region to check documentation.

Travellers should use only official border crossing check points due to risks associated with smuggling activities at non-official border crossing areas. Border crossings are often unmanned at night. It is recommended that travellers cross borders in the morning to allow sufficient time to reach a destination before dark.

The most dangerous stretches for road travel are from Tegucigalpa to Choluteca (mountain curves); from El Progreso to La Ceiba (animal crossings, poorly maintained bridges); and from Tegucigalpa to Copan (mountain curves and poor road conditions). There have been incidents of busjackings on the road between San Pedro Sula and Copan, and attacks on the road from Limones to La Union and also from Olancho via Salama to Saba. Exercise caution on the roads from Gualaco to San Estaban, La Esparanza to Gracias, and in and around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo and El Progreso.

Scuba diving is a popular recreational activity for visitors to Honduras, however the standards maintained by diving schools, dive operators and rescue services may not be as high or comparable to those in Australia. Check operator's credentials carefully beforehand and ensure that your insurance covers you for all of the activities you undertake (also see Health Issues section).

Airline Safety

The Toncontin International Airport in Tegucigalpa has re-opened for business to all passenger aircraft, including domestic flights after a recent plane crash. Travellers should contact their airline to confirm flight information.

Passengers on international flights to and from Australia are only allowed to carry a small amount of liquids (including aerosols and gels) in their carry-on baggage. You can find out more information at the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government website. Similar restrictions apply to flights in an increasing number of countries. Contact your airline for further information.

If you have concerns about the safety standards of a particular airline or aircraft, we recommend you research the airline or aircraft through organisations such as Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority and the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO). The Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government has published fact sheets on security for air travellers. When staff at Australia's overseas missions are advised not to use particular airlines due to safety concerns, this will be included in the travel advisory.

The European Union (EU) has published a list of airlines that are subject to operating bans or restrictions within the EU. The United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through its foreign assessment program focuses on a country's ability, not the individual airline, to adhere to international standards and recommended practices for aircraft operations and maintenance established by ICAO.

Natural Disasters, Severe Weather and Climate

The hurricane season is June to November when landslides, mudslides and flooding may occur and cause extensive damage to roads throughout Honduras. In the case of a hurricane or major mudslide, monitor local media reports and follow the instructions of local emergency officials.

The direction and strength of hurricanes can change with little warning. You can check the latest hurricane information at the National Hurricane Center website.

In the event of an approaching hurricane, you should identify your local shelter. Flights in and out of affected areas could be delayed or suspended. Available flights may fill quickly. You should contact your airline for the latest flight information. The hurricane could also affect access to sea ports in the region. In some areas, adequate shelter from a severe hurricane may not be available to all who may choose to stay. You should familiarise yourself with your hotel or cruise ship evacuation plans. You should carry your travel documents at all times (i.e. Passport, picture ID's, etc.) or secure them in a safe, waterproof location. We also suggest that you contact friends and family in Australia with updates about your welfare and whereabouts. For further information, see our Travel Bulletin: Severe Weather – Cyclones, Hurricanes and Typhoons.

Honduras is located in an active earthquake zone and is subject to earthquakes. The rainy season extends from May to November when hurricanes, flooding and mudslides may occur. Information on hurricanes or other severe weather conditions can be obtained from U.S. National Hurricane Center and Tropical Prediction Center at the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency or the Humanitarian Early Warning Service.

If a natural disaster occurs, follow the advice of local authorities.

Wildlife Watching

Australians are advised to maintain a safe and legal distance when observing wildlife, including marine animals and birds. You should only use reputable and professional guides or tour operators and closely follow park regulations and wardens' advice.

Money and Valuables

Before you go, organise a variety of ways to access your money overseas, such as credit cards, travellers' cheques, cash, debit cards or cash cards. Check with your bank whether your ATM card will work overseas. Only use ATM during daylight hours preferably in shopping centres or change money in hotels or banks.

Make two photocopies of valuables such as your passport, tickets, visas and travellers' cheques. Keep one copy with you in a separate place to the original and leave another copy with someone at home.

While travelling, don't carry too much cash and remember that expensive watches, jewellery and cameras may be tempting targets for thieves.

As a sensible precaution against luggage tampering, including theft, lock your luggage. Information on luggage safety is available from Australia's Civil Aviation Safety Authority.

Your passport is a valuable document that is attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. It should always be kept in a safe place. You are required by Australian law to report a lost or stolen passport. If your passport is lost or stolen overseas, report it online or contact the nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate as soon as possible.

You are required to pay an additional fee to have a lost or stolen passport replaced. In some cases, the Government may also restrict the length of validity or type of replacement passports.

For Parents

If you are planning on placing your children in schools or childcare facilities overseas we encourage you to research the standards of security, care and staff training within those establishments. You should exercise the same precautions you would take before placing children into schools or childcare facilities in Australia.

Ideas on how to select childcare providers are available from the smartraveller Children's Issues page, Child Wise and the National Childcare Accreditation Council.

Local Laws

When you are in Honduras, be aware that local laws and penalties, including ones that appear harsh by Australian standards, do apply to you. If you are arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you but we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Information on what Australian consular officers can and cannot do to help Australians in trouble overseas is available from the Consular Services Charter.

Penalties for drug offences are severe and include lengthy prison sentences served in local jails.

It is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activities including demonstrations in Honduras. Penalties include detention and deportation.

It is illegal to import religious materials.

Honduran law prohibits the export of firearms, antiques and artefacts from pre-colonial civilisations. It is also illegal to export certain birds, feathers and other flora and fauna.

It is illegal to photograph official buildings in Honduras. You should check with local authorities before taking photos.

Some Australian criminal laws, such as those relating to money laundering, bribery of foreign public officials, terrorism and child sex tourism, apply to Australians overseas. Australians who commit these offences while overseas may be prosecuted in Australia.

Australian authorities are committed to combating sexual exploitation of children by Australians overseas. Australians may be prosecuted at home under Australian child sex tourism laws. These laws provide severe penalties of up to 17 years imprisonment for Australians who engage in sexual activity with children under 16 while outside of Australia.

Local Customs

Taking photographs, particularly of children and women, may be met with suspicion. You should obtain permission from an adult before photographing children.

Information for Dual Nationals

The government of Honduras recognises dual nationality.

Our Travel Information for Dual Nationals brochure provides further information for dual nationals.

Entry and Exit Requirements

In June 2006 Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala signed the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the agreement travellers may travel between signature countries without completing exit and entry formalities for periods up to 90 days.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) change regularly. Contact the nearest Embassy or Consulate of Honduras for the most up to date information.

A valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate is required for travellers arriving in Honduras from Yellow Fever endemic countries. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides a list of countries in which yellow fever is endemic.

If you are travelling to Honduras through the United States of America (USA), including if you are transiting Honolulu or other American cities, you will need to meet USA entry/transit requirements. You should check your visa needs with the nearest US Embassy or Consulate well in advance of travel. See also our travel advice for the United States of America.

Airlines may not accept passengers bound for destinations within the US without evidence of an onward or return ticket, even if the person may be eligible to enter the USA under the visa waiver program.

Health Issues

We strongly recommend that you take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before you depart. Confirm that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in your policy. Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel.

Your doctor or travel clinic is the best source of information about preventive measures, immunisations (including booster doses of childhood vaccinations) and disease outbreaks overseas. The World Health Organization (WHO) provides information for travellers and our 'Travelling Well' brochure also provides useful tips for travelling with medicines and staying healthy while travelling overseas.

The standard of medical facilities in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are limited. Services are extremely limited outside of these two locations. Doctors and hospitals generally require up-front cash payment. In the event of a serious illness or accident, medical evacuation to a location with suitable facilities, usually the United States, would be necessary. Costs would be considerable (in the tens of thousands of dollars).

There is a fully operable decompression chamber on Roatan island and there are decompression facilities on the Bay Island of Utila. Before diving, check that facilities are operational. There is no advanced medical care on either island for diving related accidents.

Malaria is a risk throughout the year in Honduras and the Bay Islands and outbreaks of Dengue fever are particularly common during the rainy season (May to November). Other insect-borne diseases (including Chagas' disease and leishmaniasis) are also a risk to travellers, particularly during the wet season (April to November). We recommend consulting your doctor for advice on medication to take against malaria and take measures to avoid insect bites, including using insect repellent at all times.

Water-borne, food-borne and other infectious diseases (including hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) are prevalent with more serious outbreaks occurring from time to time. We encourage you to discuss your vaccination requirements with your doctor before travelling. We advise you to boil all drinking water or drink bottled water, and avoid ice cubes and raw and undercooked food. Seek medical advice if you have a fever or are suffering from diarrhoea.

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in Honduras. You should exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection.

Severe air pollution occurs throughout the country during the dry season and can lead to serious respiratory problems.

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) has confirmed cases of avian influenza in birds in a number of countries throughout the world. For a list of these countries, visit the OIE website. For information on our advice to Australians on how to reduce the risk of infection and on Australian Government precautions see our travel bulletin on avian influenza.

Where to Get Help

Australia does not have an Embassy or Consulate in Honduras. You can obtain consular assistance from the nearest Australian Embassy which is in Mexico:

Australian Embassy
Ruben Dario 55
Col. Polanco, C.P. 11560
Mexico DF Mexico
Telephone (52 55) 1101 2200
Facsimile (52 55) 11012201
Email embaustmex@yahoo.com.mx.
Website www.mexico.embassy.gov.au

If you are travelling to Honduras, whatever the reason and however long you'll be there, we encourage you to register with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. You can register on-line or in person at any Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate. The information you provide will help us to contact you in an emergency - whether it is a natural disaster, civil disturbance or a family issue.

In a consular emergency if you are unable to contact the Embassy you can contact the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or 1300 555 135 within Australia.

In Australia, the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade in Canberra may be contacted on (02) 6261 3305.