Tropical Storm Sara
Tropical Depression Nineteen has become Tropical Storm Sara and is moving slowly near the northern Honduras coast where it’s already unleashed torrential rainfall. Sara could cause significant, life-threatening flash flooding and mudslides across Central America until next week.
You should monitor local media for updates, and follow instructions of local authorities. Safety and security
Before you travel
No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:
Travel insurance
If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.
About FCDO travel advice
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) provides advice about risks of travel to help you make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice.
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this advice is updated.
This information is for people travelling on a full ‘British citizen’ passport from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Honduras current rules for the most common types of travel.
The authorities in Honduras set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the Honduran Embassy in the UK (Spanish language website).
COVID-19 rules
There are no COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements for travellers entering Honduras.
Passport validity requirements
To enter Honduras, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.
Visa requirements
You must have a visa to visit Honduras.
However, passengers of cruise ships are permitted to enter Honduras under a “short pass”. This allows passengers to disembark during the hours the ship is docked in Honduras (usually less than a day). If passengers remain in Honduras beyond the hours of docking a visa will be required. Check with your cruise line or with your nearest Honduran Embassy for further information.
Applying for a visa
Find out how to apply for a Honduran visa (Spanish language website) in London from the Honduran Embassy.
If you are not in the UK, contact the nearest Honduras Embassy for information and instructions about how to apply for a visa. You can also contact the National Institute of Migration (Spanish language website).
To work, study or for business travel, you must meet the Honduran government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the Honduran Embassy (Spanish language website).
If you overstay, you may get a fine that you must pay before you leave Honduras. For information on how to extend your stay or pay a fine, contact the National Institute of Migration (Spanish language website).
Make sure you get your passport stamped.
You will get a 30-day visit entry stamp in your passport when you arrive. Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport otherwise you may get a fine. If your passport is missing a stamp, return to the immigration desk, or go to the National Institute of Migration in Tegucigalpa as soon as possible.
You can apply at an immigration office to extend your stay.
Travelling through Honduras
If you’re travelling through Honduras to another country (sometimes called ‘transiting’), you must follow Honduran entry requirements even if you do not pass through immigration. Contact the National Institute of Migration (Spanish language website) for information.
Travelling to El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua
Visitors can travel between El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua for up to 90 days, under the Central America Border Control Agreement (also known as CA-4). However, from 15 August British nationals are required to have a visa. Check with the Honduran Embassy in London for information on how this CA-4 agreement would be applied to you.
The 90-day period starts when you enter any of these countries and does not restart when you cross borders. You’ll have to go through immigration checks at borders. If you’re expelled from one of these countries, you’re also excluded from the other 3.
If you wish to extend your stay, contact the National Institute of Migration (Spanish language website) in Honduras. If you overstay, you may get a fine.
Travellers aged 20 and under
To enter or exit Honduras, people aged 20 and under travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarised letter in Spanish from the parents or guardians not travelling with them. Contact the Honduran Embassy (Spanish language website), or if you’re in Honduras the nearest National Institute of Migration (Spanish language website), for information about what documents you need. Single parents will need additional documents.
Airport tax
There is an airport departure tax for international flights of 48.44 US dollars (or the same amount in Honduran lempiras). This is normally included in the cost of your ticket.
There is also a departure tax for domestic flights of 54.13 Honduran lempiras (or the same amount in US dollars).
Land border fee
If you arrive at or depart from a land border, the immigration authorities will charge you a fee of 3 US dollars. Keep the receipt until you leave Honduras and make sure you get a stamp in your passport.
Vaccine requirements
You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Honduras.
For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see TravelHealthPro’s Honduras guide.
Customs rules
There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Honduras. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.
You must complete the Government of Honduras’ customs declaration form prior to entering or leaving the country. After completing the online form, you must present the QR code to the customs authorities, either on paper or electronically.
Terrorism
There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.
Terrorism in Honduras
Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Honduras, attacks cannot be ruled out.
Political situation
Protests can happen anywhere in Honduras. Although normally peaceful, these can rapidly turn violent with a general breakdown in law and order, including looting. The police have frequently responded with tear gas and there have been deaths and injuries.
Although protests are normally restricted to the main cities (especially Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba), the authorities can set up roadblocks anywhere at short notice and these cause significant travel disruptions. Your travel plans may be affected at short notice.
It is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activities. If you take part in protests, you may be detained and deported. Avoid all demonstrations and protests and do not try to pass through blockades. Follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator or airline and monitor local and social media.
Crime
There are high levels of crime in Honduras. Most serious crime does not affect tourists, but there have been attacks on foreigners, including armed robbery and sexual assault. Attacks can take place anywhere at any time.
Protecting yourself and your belongings
Petty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas, including the Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila and Guanaja). Avoid walking around Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and other main towns and cities in mainland Honduras. Be particularly careful at bus stations, airports, isolated beaches, tourist sites and on public transport. Keep your valuables locked away in a safe if possible. Avoid displaying valuable items like jewellery, cameras, tablets, laptops and mobile phones.
ATM crime
Criminals have robbed foreigners after they’ve withdrawn money at ATMs.
ATMs are available in the major towns. Check with your hotel which ATMs to use, especially in Roatán. It is safer to withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres and to change money in hotels or banks. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, although affected machines may not be easy to spot. Do not withdraw a lot of money at one time and avoid withdrawals at night.
People have been killed and injured resisting criminals. It is useful to carry a small amount of money to hand out if you’re robbed.
Violent attacks against vehicles
There have been violent attacks on people in cars and buses. Using a reputable tour company for longer journeys may reduce the risks. For shorter distances, use radio-dispatched taxis or hotel taxis. It is generally safer to travel on main roads between major cities and tourist destinations.
Take precautions such as:
- locking vehicle doors
- keeping windows closed
- not travelling after dark
- travelling in convoy
- not picking up hitchhikers
Take care if you’re travelling alone. In remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or join a tour. Do not accept lifts from strangers or hitchhike.
Avoid travelling on public buses (repainted US school buses). There has been an increase in armed attacks by local gangs on bus drivers and conductors, often resulting in serious injury or death. There have been violent muggings, rape and assault against foreigners on these buses. Private intercity coach services are safer but not immune from attack.
There have been attacks on roads:
- from Limones to La Union
- from Olancho via Salama to Saba
- from Gualaco to San Esteban
- from La Esperanza to Gracias
- in the Department of Santa Barbara
- in and around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo and El Progreso
Scams
Scam artists target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Honduras. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.
State of exception (emergency)
As part of its plan to address extortion, the Honduras government announced a state of exception (emergency) in December 2022. This measure has been repeatedly extended and remains in place, affecting over 100 municipalities across the country.
During this time there may be restrictions on freedom of movement and other rights in the affected municipalities. Get more advice from your travel operator. You must always carry ID and be prepared for checkpoints.
You should:
- allow extra time to reach your destination
- monitor local media for updates and information on restrictions
- avoid crowds or demonstrations
- always co-operate with military and police officers
Laws and cultural differences
Personal ID and travel documents
Always carry photo ID. Carry a copy of the photo and visa pages of your passport with you. Leave the original in a safe place.
Make sure you always have the documents for your hotel, car rental, tour or ticket reservations. Local authorities may stop you and ask for documents confirming your travel plans.
Illegal drugs and prison sentences
There are severe penalties for drug trafficking (15 to 20 years in prison and a very large fine) and drug use (from 3 to 9 months in a rehabilitation centre). Honduran prisons are overcrowded and violent.
LGBT+ travellers
Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal. There are no laws guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. There is no recognition of same-sex marriage. People in the capital, Tegucigalpa, are largely tolerant of individuals’ personal lifestyles and accept small signs of affection between same-sex couples. There is a more conservative attitude outside the capital and showing affection in public is not recommended.
Read more advice for LGBT+ travellers.
Money
US dollars are widely accepted for exchange and payment. It is difficult to exchange British pounds in Honduras.
Outdoor activities and adventure tourism
Scuba diving accidents
There is a hyperbaric (recompression) chamber on Roatán and there are recompression facilities on the Bay Island of Utila. However, emergency medical facilities on the Bay Islands are extremely limited.
Transport risks
Road travel
If you are planning to drive in Honduras, see information on driving abroad.
You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Honduras for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to update it to a photocard licence or get the correct version of the international driving permit (IDP) as well.
Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an IDP.
Make sure you have adequate insurance.
If you are involved in an accident, contact the police or the fire brigade (telephone: 911), stay with your vehicle and wait for the police to arrive. If you’re in a serious accident, you may be taken into custody regardless of responsibility. Seek legal help and inform the British Embassy in Guatemala. Take full details of the other driver (who may not be insured), and do not rely solely on the vehicle’s number plate.
Driving conditions
Driving standards in Honduras are generally poor. Avoid road travel at night. Many vehicles travel without lights, and animals often wander across roads causing accidents. You may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you are not travelling on main roads.
Public buses are often poorly maintained, overcrowded and recklessly driven. Accidents are common and sometimes fatal. Luxury buses, operated by private companies, are usually better maintained.
Some roads remain damaged by hurricanes that struck in 2020.
Air travel
Airlines in Honduras can change their schedules at short notice. Before you travel, check with your airline or travel agent.
Extreme weather and natural disasters
Drought, forest fires and flash flooding are common in Honduras.
Find out what you can do to prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards.
Hurricanes
The hurricane season in Honduras normally runs from June to November. Landslides and flooding can affect roads throughout the country. Monitor local weather reports and check the warnings from the US National Hurricane Center. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See the Honduran national civil protection website COPECO (Spanish language website).
Earthquakes
Earthquakes are a risk in Honduras. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake and tsunami.
This section has safety advice for regions of Honduras. It only covers regions where the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has specific advice.
You should also read FCDO’s overall travel advice and safety and security advice.
Borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua
Armed robbers have targeted travellers after they cross the Honduran border into El Salvador. It is often better to cross borders in the morning as they sometimes close in the early evening and remain closed at night.
There are unmarked minefields in and around the border with Nicaragua. Avoid walking on unmarked paths or off main roads in these areas.
You may experience delays at the land border crossings between Honduras and Guatemala due to the passage of migrant caravans.
Bay Islands and north coast
The Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras, but there have been several attacks by criminals on visitors, including on the ferries to and from mainland Honduras. If you are visiting Roatán, travel with a reputable guide. If you are driving a car or scooter, avoid side roads in remote areas, particularly Palm Beach Road close to Milton Bight.
Take care on beaches in Tela and the north coast towns after dark. There have been attacks on foreigners on beaches after dark.
There is a risk of criminal attacks and carjackings in and around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo and El Progreso.
Before you travel check that:
- your destination can provide the healthcare you may need
- you have appropriate travel insurance for local treatment or unexpected medical evacuation
This is particularly important if you have a health condition or are pregnant.
Emergency medical number
Call 911 and ask for an ambulance.
Contact your insurance company quickly if you’re referred to a medical facility for treatment.
Vaccine recommendations and health risks
At least 8 weeks before your trip:
See what health risks you’ll face in Honduras including:
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Zika virus
-
malaria and dengue
-
yellow fever
Altitude sickness is a risk in parts of Honduras. Read more about altitude sickness on TravelHealthPro.
Tap water is not generally safe to drink, but bottled water is cheap and widely available.
Medication
The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or bought in the UK can be different in other countries.
Read best practice when travelling with medicines on TravelHealthPro.
You cannot use British-issued prescriptions in Honduras. To find a pharmacy (‘farmacia’) look for one of the big national chains such as Farmacias Siman, Farmacias Kielsa or Farmacia El Ahorro.
Healthcare in Honduras
State-funded hospitals are underfunded and medicines are in short supply. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. Always carry evidence of your insurance. Use private clinics where possible, though these are only available in major towns.
FCDO has a list of medical providers in Honduras where some staff will speak English.
There is also guidance on healthcare if you’re living in Honduras.
Travel and mental health
Read FCDO guidance on travel and mental health. There is also mental health guidance on TravelHealthPro.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. Read this travel advice and carry out your own research before deciding whether to travel.
Emergency services in Honduras
Telephone: 911 (ambulance, fire, police)
Contact your travel provider and your insurer if you are involved in a serious incident or emergency abroad. They will tell you if they can help and what you need to do.
Refunds and changes to travel
For refunds or changes to travel, contact your travel provider. You may also be able to make a claim through insurance. However, insurers usually require you to talk to your travel provider first.
Find out more about changing or cancelling travel plans, including:
- where to get advice if you are in a dispute with a provider
- how to access previous versions of travel advice to support a claim
Support from FCDO
FCDO has guidance on staying safe and what to do if you need help or support abroad, including:
Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. You can also sign up to get email notifications when this travel advice is updated.
You can also contact FCDO online.
Help abroad in an emergency
If you are in Honduras and you need emergency help from the UK government, contact the British Embassy in Guatemala which covers Honduras.
FCDO in London
You can call FCDO in London if you need urgent help because something has happened to a friend or relative abroad.
Telephone: 020 7008 5000 (24 hours)
Find out about call charges
The Overseas Business Risk service offers information and advice for British companies operating in Honduras on how to manage political, economic, and business security-related risks.
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