Honduras Travel Risk

Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not allowed to travel to Gracias a Dios department due to safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not allowed to visit adult clubs nor casinos. Extortion, overcharging, criminal surveillance, and other potential criminal activity can take place in these locations.
• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not permitted to travel between cities after dark. After dark travel between Palmerola International Airport (XPL)/Soto Cano Airbase and Tegucigalpa is authorized. There is an increased risk of vehicle accidents and carjackings after dark on major highways.
• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not permitted to drive through or to high crime zones unless previously approved by the Regional Security Office. Designated high crime zones in Honduras include but are not limited to: Distrito Central (Francisco Morazan): Colonia Villa Nueva, Nueva Suyapa, Flor de Campo, Los Pinos, Los Laureles, El Carrizal, Villa Cristina, La Travesia, Pueblo Nuevo, Barrio Concepción, Villa Fanca, La Laguna, San Ignacio, and Torocagua. Cortes: Lomas del Carmen, Barrio Medina, Brisas del Merendon, Col. La Pradera, Col. Rivera Hernandez, Brisas del Sauce, La Planeta, Cerrito Lindo, Col. 6 de Mayo, Cofradia, Col. Central, Col. Hector Sabillon Cruz, Barrio El Centro, Barrio Barandilla, Chamelecon, Choloma. Department of Colon

Do not travel to:

• Gracias a Dios Department due to crime.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide. You may also find it helpful to:

• see general advice for women travellers
• read our guide on disability and travel abroad
• see general advice for LGBT+ travellers
• read about safety for solo and independent travel
• see advice on volunteering and adventure travel abroad

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.

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.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

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.

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.

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, which can be poorly maintained and unsafe during night time hours.

Take care on beaches in the north coast towns after dark.

There is a risk of criminal attacks and carjackings in and around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo and El Progreso.

Risk level

Honduras - Exercise a high degree of caution

Exercise a high degree of caution in Honduras due to crime.

Regional risks

Regional advisory - Avoid non-essential travel

Avoid non-essential travel to the following areas due to gang-related violence, high crime rate, and civil unrest:

• within 20 km of the border with Guatemala, excluding: Copán Ruinas El Florido border crossing CA-11 Highway to El Florido border crossing

• within 20 km of the border with El Salvador, excluding : CA-1 Highway to the El Amatillo border crossing CA-4 Highway to the El Poy border crossing RN-112 Highway between Palmerola airport and the municipality of El Amatillo

• in the departments of: Choluteca: the city of Choluteca Colón, excluding the city of Trujillo Cortés: the eastern neighbourhoods of San Pedro Sula: Chamalecón Cofradía Rivera Hernandez the city of Choloma the neighbourhood of El Planeta in the city of La Lima Francisco Morazán: the city of Comayagüela, excluding the Toncontin airport and the major roads leading there Gracias a Dios Olancho Yoro

Borders areas

Border areas often see higher criminal activity and violence.

If you’re travelling by land to neighbouring countries:

• use official border crossings only
• consider crossing borders in the morning as they sometimes close unexpectedly early
• avoid anyone suggesting that they can obtain your documents quicker or cheaper on your behalf
• keep the receipt of payment of the border fee until you leave the country

Guatemala

Criminal groups are especially active on the coast between the Guatemalan border and Puerto Cortés. Criminal activities include:

• theft
• drug trafficking
• human trafficking
• kidnapping

There has also been an increased number of migrants leaving Honduras through Guatemala, particularly at the border crossing in Agua Caliente. This movement results in periodic closures.

The El Florido border crossing in the town of Copán is also closed daily from 9 pm to 6 am.

Nicaragua

There has also been an increased number of migrants leaving Nicaragua through Honduras, particularly at the border crossings in Las Manos and Trojes.

Expect possible delays at borders.

Department of Cortés

Street gangs and criminal groups are very active in the Cortés municipalities of:

• San Pedro Sula
• Choloma
• La Lima

The number of murder and violent crime is higher in these areas.

Departments of Colón, Gracias a Dios, Olancho and Yoro

Drugs smuggling and violence pose security threats in the northern departments of:

• Colón
• Gracias a Dios
• Olancho
• Yoro

Roadblocks and violent incidents related to land disputes in Colón, mostly in the Aguán valley and in the north coast area near Trujillo, have occurred.

The department of Gracias a Dios is a remote area where law enforcement and access to government services are very limited. Levels of criminal activity are high.

La Ceiba

Violent crime is high in the coastal city of La Ceiba. This includes murders and armed robberies.

Although tourists are not the primary target of criminals, you could be in the wrong place at the wrong time.

If you consider travelling to La Ceiba:

• use reputable tour operators only
• choose accommodation with good security measures
• avoid outings outside the resort

Bay Islands

The Bay Islands are generally safe. Violent crime is lower, but petty crime sometimes occurs.

Some foreigners have been assaulted on beaches, mainly at night. Home burglaries have also occurred, sometimes in rental accommodations.

While in the Bay Islands:

• avoid Coxen hole, Los Fuertes and Suampo neighbourhoods after dark
• avoid isolated beaches and areas
• stay in well-lit areas
• choose accommodation with good security measures
• make sure you lock windows and doors at night and when you are away

If you’re docking in Roatán and getting off the cruise ship, you should consider booking a tour or a sightseeing trip through a reputable company to avoid becoming the victim of a scam.

洪都拉斯风险等级为黄色（中风险）。

外交部提醒在洪都拉斯中国公民，密切关注当地安全形势，提高警惕，加强防范，注意安全。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国驻当地使领馆取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。