Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Crime

Exercise a high degree of caution throughout Honduras, which has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. Drug trafficking, transnational organized crime and the presence of street gangs pose significant security concerns and contribute to the high rate of crime. Apprehension and conviction rates of criminals remain low. A large percentage of the population is armed. Guns and weapons such as machetes and knives are frequently used in robberies. If you are threatened by robbers, do not resist; injuries and deaths have occurred when victims have resisted.

Serious crime—including armed robbery, kidnapping, carjacking, home invasion and sexual assault—is common, and armed attacks on marine vessels have been reported. Although most criminals do not target tourists, some have been victims of crime in major cities and in areas frequented by tourists, especially at night. Exercise increased vigilance in the departments along the Atlantic coast, along the border with Guatemala and in the eastern departments of Gracias a Dios, Olancho and Colón, and in rural areas north of Nacaome, Valle, and north of Choluteca, Choluteca. Exercise increased caution while in the cities of San Pedro Sula (including in vehicles leaving the airport), the Bay Islands (comprising Roatán, Útila and Guanaja), Trujillo and Tegucigalpa.

In Roatán, robbers have targeted homes and long-term leased residences. Since 2009, three Canadian citizens have been murdered in the Bay Islands. Travellers visiting the Bay Islands should exercise particular caution around uninhabited coastal areas and avoid walking on isolated beaches, especially at night. Foreigners have been assaulted on beaches in the Bay Islands and along the Atlantic Coast.

Travellers have been followed and assaulted. Use discretion when discussing your travel plans in public. Be cautious when dealing with strangers or recent acquaintances and be extremely careful when accepting rides or invitations. Remain aware of your surroundings at all times, especially after dark and when travelling alone.

Never leave food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as they may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery.

In resort areas, stay on supervised beaches and do not walk in isolated or unpopulated areas. Hitchhiking is strongly discouraged everywhere in the country. Campers should always stay in well-lit campgrounds that have security patrols. Whenever possible, walk in a group, as there have been reports of attacks on tourists walking alone.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and bag snatching, is prevalent. Be highly vigilant at all times, including in the vicinity of hotels, airports, bus terminals, shopping malls and other public places. Do not display signs of affluence, such as jewellery, watches, cameras, phones, cash and bank or credit cards. Use only automated banking machines (ABMs) found in well-lit public areas or inside banks, and do so during the day only. Remain alert to your surroundings after using ABMs, and avoid carrying large sums of money. Avoid walking or travelling alone and after dark, particularly in and around the country’s two largest cities, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, as well as in Atlántida, Cortés, Colón, Yoro, Copán, Ocotepeque, Gracias a Dios and Olancho departments.

Ensure that your personal belongings, passports and other travel documents are secure at all times. Carry photocopies of your travel documents, and leave the originals in a secure hotel safe.

Narcotics smuggling and violence pose threats to the security of travellers in the northern departments of Colón, Gracias a Dios and Olancho, which are among the most violent departments in Honduras. Travellers in these areas should be particularly vigilant, as there have been incidents involving roadblocks and violence related to land disputes, particularly in the Aguan Valley in Colón and Yoro and in the north coast area near Trujillo.

You should exercise caution at borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua and use official border points only. You should cross borders in the morning, as border crossings sometimes close unexpectedly early in the evening.

The judicial and criminal investigation systems lack personnel, equipment and resources and have limited capacity to confront crime. You should exercise caution when dealing with police officers because corruption exists within parts of the police force.

Demonstrations

There are ongoing demonstrations and strikes addressing various grievances in the capital Tegucigalpa and in other cities which cause significant traffic disruptions and minor vandalism. In Tegucigalpa, demonstrations are known to target the National Congress, Central Park, Presidential House and United Nations House and the American Embassy, and often transit along Suyapa Boulevard, Miraflores Boulevard and La Paz/Proceres Avenue.

Since mid-May 2015, large anti-corruption demonstrations have taken place every weekend in most cities and towns in the country. Similar demonstrations involving thousands of people have taken place every Friday afternoon in Tegucigalpa. Protesters often take one of the following routes: fromTigo Building on Morazan Boulevard to Presidential House, the American Embassy and/or United Nations House; from Kennedy neighbourhood (‘colonia’) to Presidential House; from the National University (UNAH) to Presidential House or the National Congress. Vehicle demonstrations in Tegucigalpa have moved along the Periphery Ring Road (Anillo Periferico). In San Pedro Sula, protesters have often gathered at the Monument to Mothers (‘Monumento a la Madre’).

There have also been ongoing demonstrations by university students at UNAH campuses throughout the country, with larger gatherings at the campuses in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.  In these demonstrations, students have blocked the roads, thrown rocks at passing vehicles and engaged in altercations. In some locations, students have been forcibly removed by government security forces.

Avoid demonstrations and large crowds, as they can turn violent with little notice, and stay alert, exercise caution and keep informed of possible roadblocks. The Honduran Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners. Do not participate in political discussions or activities in public, as doing so could lead to arrest or even deportation.

Landmines

In 2004, Honduras concluded all planned projects related to the destruction of antipersonnel mines. No incidents involving landmines have been reported since 2012; however, you should still be cautious along the Honduras-Nicaragua border, especially in the Río Coco region, the Choluteca and El Paraíso departments and near the Atlantic coast. Restrict travel to major thoroughfares and authorized border crossings.

Border crossing fees

To avoid possible excessive charges at land border crossings, determine the correct fees from the embassy or consulate of each country you plan to visit before presenting yourself at a border crossing.

Road safety

Robberies and bus/carjackings occur along Honduran highways. Intercity public transportation should be avoided; if used, it is recommended to use companies that have direct, non-stop service from your place of departure to your destination. If driving, travel with heightened awareness along all routes. Plan your travel to depart and arrive within daylight hours and allow for possible traffic delays, which can include frequent car accidents along roads, slow moving trucks and overloaded vehicles, poorly maintained roads and high traffic volume in San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.

Armed robberies and assaults frequently occur along Route 41, the road from Limones to La Unión, Olancho, and northward via Yoro to Saba, Colón; within the Sula Valley in northern Honduras; and route 39 between Gualaco and Bonito Oriental, Olancho. Avoid roads that are in disrepair and travelling through isolated areas, including the road from El Porvenir, Francisco Morazán, to Yorita, Yoro; from Marcala, La Paz, to La Esperanza, Intibucá; and from Orocuina to Morolica, Choluteca. Travel with high caution en route to El Progreso, Tela, Trujillo and La Ceiba, and on the road through Santa Bárbara. Travelling on major roads between towns and cities is safer than travelling on secondary or remote routes.

Heavy rains, flooding, landslides and bridge collapses have damaged many roads. Roads are often poorly delineated with inadequate lighting. Avoid driving at night, as vehicles often have poor lighting and animals and pedestrians commonly travel on roads after dark. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Drivers involved in road accidents where another person is badly injured may be held in custody, regardless of culpability.

The most dangerous stretches are from Tegucigalpa to Choluteca (winding two-lane mountain roads); from El Progreso to La Ceiba (animal crossings and poorly maintained bridges); and from Chamelecón (just south of San Pedro Sula) to Copán (winding and poorly maintained mountain road). Carry a phone in case of emergency and travel during daylight hours.

Thieves are known to pose as victims of road accidents, so do not stop to attend to a body on the roadside; instead, report it at the next police point. Be cautious when approached by police, as gang members and criminals sometimes disguise themselves as police officers. Drive with windows closed and doors locked at all times. At roadblocks, establish the identity of the individuals stopping you before rolling down your window or opening your door.

Public transportation

Most urban public buses and shared taxis are poorly maintained and erratically driven. Accidents are common. There are regular incidents of individuals boarding a bus to rob all of the occupants and/or to shoot an occupant and/or the driver. A number of buses have being intentionally set on fire since 2013. Individuals travelling in shared taxis (colectivos) are regularly assaulted and robbed by thieves posing as occupants.

For inter-city travel, use buses operated by private, well-established companies only.

Use taxis from a reputable taxi service that provides non-stop service from your departure point to your destination. Never share a taxi with strangers. Note the driver's name and licence number, ensure that the driver does not pick up other passengers on the way to your destination, and agree on the fare in advance.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Marine transportation

In the area off the northeast coast of Honduras, armed assaults against private vessels have been perpetrated by criminals posing as fishermen. Sailors should contact local authorities for current information.

General safety information

Only undertake scuba diving and other adventure sports with a well-established company. If you have any doubt concerning the security of an installation or equipment, refrain from using them.

Police response to criminal incidents may be limited and delayed, and the Honduran police do not generally speak English or French.

There are tourist police forces in Tegucigalpa, Roatán, La Ceiba, Copán, Tela, Choluteca and San Pedro Sula.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Honduran authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Honduras or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a passport to visit Honduras, which must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of expected departure from that country. Prior to travelling, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Tourist visa: Not required for stays up to 90 days
Business visa: Not required for stays up to 30 days
Student visa: Not required

Travellers intending to study in Honduras can apply to the immigration authorities for a student permit once they have arrived in the country.

Central America-4 Border Control Agreement

Under the terms of the Central America-4 Border Control Agreement (C-4), Canadian tourists may travel within any of the C-4 countries – Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala – for a period of up to 90 days, without completing entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry to any of the C-4 countries. Travellers who exceed the 90-day limit can expect to pay a fine. An extension of up to 30 days is permitted once a year. You must request this extension and pay the required fee to Immigration authorities before the initial 90 day-limit expires. The length of the extension is at the discretion of the immigration authorities.

Departure tax

A departure tax of approximately US$45.97 (or Lempira equivalent) is usually included in the ticket price of all international flights. For domestic flights, the tax cost is US$2 (or Lempira equivalent).

Children and travel

Dual citizens and Honduran residents under 18 years of age departing the country alone or with only one parent are required to present a legally certified document stating that both parents (if travelling alone) or the parent remaining in the country (if travelling with only one parent) agree to their travel.

See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Private hospitals and clinics in urban areas (including Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula) are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities.

Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care. Credit cards are usually accepted. Medical facilities on the Bay Islands are extremely limited.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Laws

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

Driving

An International Driving Permit is required.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Honduras. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Honduras citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Honduras passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The currency is the lempira (HNL). You cannot exchange Canadian dollars in Honduras, although U.S. dollars and traveller’s cheques are easily converted. A passport is required for all financial transactions; however, institutions accept a certified photocopy of the identification page. Credit cards are widely accepted.

Natural disasters & climate

Hurricane season

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

In the rainy season, which extends from May to November, major highways are often closed due to rockslides and flooding. Follow regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly. During the dry season (from December to April), widespread forest fires often cause airport closures. Severe air pollution resulting from these fires can lead to respiratory problems.

Honduras is located in an active seismic zone. Familiarize yourself with earthquake precautionary measures.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada in Tegucigalpa and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.