If you become involved in a road accident where another person is badly
injured, you may be held in custody for a period regardless of
culpability. You should seek legal assistance immediately and inform the
Embassy in Guatemala. Ensure that you take full details of the other
driver (who may not be insured), and do not just rely on his number
plate.
Honduras
Capital:
Teguciagalpa
Official Language: Spanish
Religions:
97% Roman Catholic and 3% Other
Currency: Lempira
= 100 centavos
Placements:
Iguana Station
Map
Background
Honduras is the original banana republic, but travel there is easy, enjoyable and inexpensive. The slow pace, natural beauty and low-profile tourism make it particularly appealing to travellers (well-armed with insect repellent) who enjoy getting off the beaten track.
Special Events
Major events
Climate
The mountainous topography of Honduras means that climate varies significantly depending on altitude. Mid-altitude temperatures are fairly moderate with regular sunshine making temperatures climb from between 15-20°C (59-68°F)to up around 28°C (low 82°F) during the middle of the day. Rainfall is quite low to moderate with a patchy wet season from May to October. Low-land and coastal regions experience less of a temperature range with warmer nights and slighty less rainfall.
Travel Info
There are international flights to and from Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula,
with frequent and direct connections to other Central American capitals and many
destinations in North America. The departure tax on international flights can be
as high as
Honduran border crossings are open daily between around and to . There's a token and somewhat unofficial charge for entry and exit, but it's usually so small that it's best to pay unless the amount demanded is excessive. The main crossings to Guatemala are at Agua Caliente, El Corinto and El Florido; to El Salvador at El Amatillo and El Poy; and to Nicaragua at El Espino, Guasaule and Las Manos. Frequent buses serve all the crossing points, but most buses do not cross the borders, so you have to walk on foot to the other side and connect with another bus.
The only regularly scheduled passenger boat service between Honduras and another country is the small boat that runs twice weekly from Puerto Cortés to Dangriga and Belize City (Belize). Otherwise it may be possible to arrange passage with a fishing or cargo vessel if you pay your way. Negotiate directly with the captain. On the Caribbean coast, you may find boats around Puerto Cortés, La Ceiba, Puerto Castilla, Tela or the Bay Islands. The most common international destinations for boats will be Puerto Barrios (Guatemala), Belize, Puerto Cabezas (Nicaragua), the Caribbean islands and New Orleans or Miami in the US. On the Pacific coast, try San Lorenzo to find boats to Nicaragua or El Salvador.
Visas
Citizens of most Western European countries, Australia, Canada, Japan and New Zealand normally receive 90-day tourist cards when entering the country; US citizens get 30 days. Upon arrival you will fill out a short immigration form, the yellow portion of which will be stapled into your passport. Do not lose it! This form will be collected when you depart, and it will be stamped if you seek an extension to you stay. Once inside Honduras, you can apply for an extension every 30 days, for a total stay of up to six months. After that you might have to leave the country for three days and re-enter.
Safety
Terrorism
The threat from terrorism is low. But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks, which could be against civilian targets, including places frequented by foreigners.
Crime
The level of violent crime in the country, especially in the two main cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and in the Bay Islands, is a major concern. There is widespread petty and violent crime, including armed robbery, car hijacking, armed burglary and sexual offences. You should exercise caution in all parts of the country, and avoid walking around at night in most areas of Honduras, including Tegucigalpa and other main cities.
You should also be aware that visitors to the Bay Islands, north coast towns, beaches (especially Tela), ferries and islands have been frequently targeted. Violent crime on Roatan, including armed robberies and murder, is on the increase.
On 23 December 2004, 28 passengers were killed when gunmen opened fire on a public bus in northern Honduras. Although a note was left behind claiming responsibility by a defunct guerrilla movement, the Honduran government said that it was a gang-perpetrated crime. On 3 January 2005, police arrested the suspected ringleader of the massacre, a member of an infamous criminal gang.
The isolated roads of the Department of Santa Barbara have also seen criminal activity.
In the light of these and other violent hold-ups of buses and road safety concerns (see below) you should avoid travelling by public bus if you possibly can.
Look after your passport (carry a separate photocopy) and valuables. It is illegal to be without some form of identification.
Do not wear jewellery or carry large amounts of cash. Travel with several sources of funds: cash, travellers’ cheques (both in US dollars as sterling is not generally accepted), credit cards, etc, but keep them safe and in separate places. Keep a few Lempiras to hand out in the event of a robbery. Do not resist a robbery attempt. There have been several instances, most recently in July 2005, of foreign tourists being murdered while resisting attempts at armed robbery.
Political Situation
Demonstrations occur in Honduras from time to time, sometimes with little warning. They can become violent and disrupt movement. You are advised to avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.
Local Travel
Minor roads in the countryside are still being repaired after the damage caused by Hurricane Mitch in 1998. You are advised to keep to the major tourist locations using recognised tour operators. The border regions (except major crossing points) can be dangerous due to illegal smuggling activities. The border crossings are not manned at night. Travellers in smaller vehicles have been targeted by armed robbers after crossing the Honduran border into El Salvador.
Road Safety
Following any traffic accident you should normally wait for the police to arrive.
Road travel at night is inadvisable, not only to reduce the likelihood of assault, but because many vehicles travel without lights and animals often wander across the road.
Owner-driven public buses in Honduras are often poorly maintained and recklessly driven. Accidents are common and occasionally fatal. You should avoid travelling on these buses if you can. Luxury-type buses, normally operated by private companies, are usually better maintained with more security at their terminals.
LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
Health
We strongly recommend that you obtain comprehensive
travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any
exclusions, and that your policy covers you for the activities you want to
undertake.
State-funded hospitals are under-funded and medicines are in
short supply. On 28 February 2006, the Honduran President declared a state
of emergency in the Health Sector, when it emerged that Honduran hospitals had
only 30% of the drugs they needed. We advise the use of private clinics
where possible.
Private health clinics and hospitals are available in the
major towns only; standards vary. Drink only properly purified
water. Incidents of diarrhoea are prevalent.
Malaria is more of a
concern in remote, low-lying parts of the country. Before travelling
there, you should consult your doctor about suitable anti-malarial medication
and on arrival, ensure you take adequate precautions against being bitten by
mosquitoes.
There are often outbreaks of haemorrhagic dengue fever around
San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.
AIDS/HIV is widespread, especially in the
north.
Injections required
Immunisations advised
Diptheria/Tetanus,
Hepatitis A,
Typhoid,
Yellow fever
Immunisations that maybe required
Tuberculosis,
Hepatitis B,
Rabies
Malaria Yes
Reciprocal Health Care None
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