Honduras

Violent crime

Violent crime is widespread in Honduras. This includes:

• murder
• robbery
• burglary
• kidnapping
• carjacking
• sexual assault

Crime often involves firearms and street gangs. There have been mass shootings in urban centres.

Honduras has very high rates of murder. Take safety precautions. 

Travellers have been affected by violent crime:

• in and around San Pedro Sula — including when leaving the airport
• on the ferry from La Ceiba to the Bay Islands
• in Tegucigalpa
• in Tela
• in Trujillo
• near the Copan ruins

Active criminal groups mean murder rates are high in:

• the Chamelecon district, south of San Pedro Sula
• Choloma
• Cofradia

Violent crime is common in remote and border areas of Honduras. There are often no police or security services. 

Cross-border drug smuggling increases the danger in:

• Olancho, Colon and Gracias a Dios in the east
• Cortes and Copan in the west
• Valle and Choluteca in the south

Local police may not respond to violent crime. Help for victims can be limited.

To protect yourself from violent crime:

• don't walk outside or travel after dark
• pay attention to your surroundings, especially in isolated and remote areas
• only use official border crossings
• leave valuables and your passport in a secure place
• avoid talking about your travel plans in public

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially rape, get medical help straight away. Honduras has a high risk of HIV/AIDS infection.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas while travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including destinations that are typically at lower risk. The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Express kidnappings can occur in the urban areas of Honduras, they are often committed by organised gangs or taxi drivers. The kidnappers usually take their victims to an ATM and force them to make a cash withdrawal. If threatened, do not resist. 

Other crime

Honduran urban and rural roads and highways are dangerous.

Armed robbery, car jackings and bus jackings occur.

Carjackers may target you leaving a major airport. You may be robbed at traffic lights or by criminals pretending to be injured.

Travellers have been sexually assaulted, often following spiking of food or drink. These incidents are on the rise.

It's more dangerous at night. Travelling by bus or car is risky after dark:

• in San Pedro Sula
• in Tegucigalpa
• in other major cities
• at beach resorts

If you're walking alone, you could be at risk of violent crime.

To stay safe:

• travel in groups
• arrive or depart airports in daylight
• never hitchhike or accept rides from strangers
• keep car windows and doors locked
• travel in convoy
• do not travel after dark

More information:

• Partying safely

Petty crime

Petty crime, like pickpocketing and bag-snatching, is common. You're at risk:

• in airports
• at hotels
• in bus terminals
• in shopping malls
• at other crowded public venues

You may be robbed at an ATM. 

To reduce your risks when withdrawing or changing money:

• use ATMs in daylight hours
• withdraw or change money in secure areas like hotels, banks or shopping centres

Report problems to the police.

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. If criminals have guns or weapons, they may injure or kill you. People have been killed and injured resisting criminals. It is useful to carry a small amount of cash to hand out if you’re robbed.

The Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras. Crime is lower, but petty crime is common. Tourists can be the victims of violent crime. Theft from homes and long-term rentals happens.

Scams and fraud

Scams and credit card fraud are a risk.

Instances of credit card and ATM fraud can occur. Take precautions when using debit or credit cards.

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.

Cyber security 

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you’re connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers, or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Safety Tips for Women Travelers

Women traveling alone may encounter instances of sexual harassment and verbal abuse.

More information:

• Advice for Women Travellers

Demonstrations and protests

Demonstrations and protests against the government can occur. Some can turn violent, causing injuries and deaths. They may occur anywhere across the country and often affect public transport.

It's illegal for foreigners to take part in political demonstrations in Honduras.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• avoid demonstrations, protests and public gatherings
• check the media for reports of unrest
• follow advice from local authorities

If you see a protest, leave as soon as it's safe.

More information:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide. Terrorist attacks could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners and where large crowds may gather.

Possible targets include:

• places of worship or religious holidays
• hotels, clubs, restaurants and cafes
• markets and shopping malls
• outdoor recreation events, including festivals,  concerts, and sporting venues
• public transport, airports and railway hubs

To stay safe:

• report suspicious activities or items to the police
• check the media for new threats
• take official warnings seriously
• follow the instructions of local authorities

If there’s an attack, leave the area as soon as it's safe to do so.

More information:

• Terrorism

Honduras can experience natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• earthquakes
• hurricanes
• flooding
• landslides
• mudslides
• bushfires

To protect yourself if a natural disaster is approaching:

• secure your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• monitor local media and other sources
• follow advice from local authorities
• keep in contact with your friends and family
• contact your tour operator or airline

Get local advice before visiting areas affected by a disaster.

Register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System to receive alerts on major disasters.

The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency is a regional disaster management agency.

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane and rainy season is from June to November. Landslides, mudslides and flooding can happen.

If you're travelling during the rainy season, contact your:

• tour operator to check if services are affected
• airline for flight updates

Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen in other months. Hurricanes can change direction and strength suddenly.

If there is a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or cancelled
• flights out may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as electricity and water

To protect yourself if a hurricane is approaching:

• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• locate your local shelter
• monitor advice from authorities

Check the National Hurricane and Tropical Prediction Center for weather forecasts.

Earthquakes

Honduras is located in an active earthquake zone. Minor earthquakes can cause considerable damage.

Know local earthquake safety measures for each place you visit.

Rescue services may not consistently meet international standards, and unpredictable tidal changes can result in powerful currents and common riptides. Lifeguards and warning flags may not be present on all beaches to signal hazardous conditions.

Diving

Tour operators and diving centres may not adhere strictly to international standards. When engaging in adventure sports such as diving. Choose a reputable company with proper insurance coverage.

Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

Confirm:

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare, or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

More information:

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips (Healthdirect Australia)

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to take medication, check if it's legal in Honduras. Take enough legal medicine for your trip.

Keep medicines in their original packaging with a clear label.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

You could be refused entry or prosecuted if you arrive without a prescription for your medication.

More information:

• Medication

Insect-borne diseases

Zika virus is widespread in Honduras.

If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health and Aged Care recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

Malaria is a risk throughout Honduras, including the Bay Islands. The risk increases during the rainy season, from May to November.

Other insect-borne diseases are present, including:

• dengue
• chikungunya
• Chagas disease
• leishmaniasis

To protect yourself from diseases spread by insects:

• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof 
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose and light-coloured clothing

Consider taking anti-malaria medication.

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or severe headache.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is a significant risk in Honduras.

Protect yourself if you are at risk of infection.

Other health risks

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• hepatitis
• typhoid
• tuberculosis

Serious outbreaks occur from time to time. 

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

To protect yourself from illness:

• boil drinking water or drink water from a sealed bottle
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw and undercooked food, such as salads
• make sure your vaccinations are up to date
• avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth, or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated
• avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Air pollution

Severe air pollution happens in Honduras during the dry season.

This can lead to respiratory problems. Before you travel, discuss the risks and how to manage them with your doctor.

Medical facilities

Medical facilities in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are poor. Services outside these areas are extremely limited.

You usually need to pay cash upfront before doctors and hospitals will treat you, even in an emergency.

Doctors will rarely agree to work with your travel insurer. You may need to be reimbursed after you pay cash for your treatment. Doctors may only speak Spanish.

If you are seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with appropriate facilities. Medical evacuation can be expensive. Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

A full hyperbaric chamber is available on Roatan island. There are decompression facilities on the Bay Island of Utila.

Before diving, check that these facilities are operating. There is no advanced medical care on either island for diving accidents.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drugs

Penalties for drug offences, such as possession, use, or trafficking are severe and include long prison sentences in local jails.

More information:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ travellers 

Avoid public displays of affection.

Same-sex relationships are legal in Honduras, but the country is conservative.

Same-sex marriages aren't recognised in Honduras.

It's not illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation or gender identity.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

Other laws

In Honduras it's illegal to:

• join political activities or demonstrations if you're a foreigner
• import religious materials
• export firearms
• export pre-colonial antiques or artefacts
• export some birds, feathers, plants and animals
• take photos of public buildings or facilities

To avoid breaking the law:

• understand the rules on importing and exporting
• ask local authorities before taking photos of buildings

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you're overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

Honduras recognises dual nationality. If you are an Australian citizen, and also a Honduran citizen, the consular services we can provide to you may be limited. 

More information:

• Dual nationals

It's illegal to photograph public buildings in Honduras. If you are unsure about a site, ask an official before you take photos.

Ask for permission before photographing anyone, especially women and children.

Visas

You'll need to purchase a tourist card at the airport. This allows you to visit Honduras for up to 90 days. The maximum 90-day period is not guaranteed, and the decision on entry and visa duration is at the discretion of immigration authorities. 

Honduras is a member country to the Central American Border Control Agreement (CA-4), along with:

• El Salvador
• Guatemala
• Nicaragua

With a CA-4 tourist visa, you can travel freely by land between member countries within the 90-day period.

Your tourist card is dated from the first point of entry in any member country.

You can apply to extend the CA-4 visa before it expires at the National Institute of Migration (Spanish).

If you're not a tourist or you plan to stay longer, you'll need a visa.

Entry and exit conditions can change. Contact an embassy or consulate of Honduras for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules. The Australian Government cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements. 

Border measures

Make sure your passport is stamped on entry to Honduras. You may face a fine and delays if you fail to present an entry-stamped passport when departing Honduras.

On arrival and departure, you need to complete a pre-check form online at the Honduran National Institute of Migration website (available in English). You'll need to print out the confirmation email to present at the airport.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling through the US, ensure you meet all current US entry or transit requirements, including if you are transiting through Hawaii.

Travel via Canada

If you're travelling via Canada, ensure you meet all entry and transit requirements.

Travel via Chile

If you’re travelling via Chile , ensure you meet all current entry or transit requirements.

Travel with children

Children aged under 21 travelling to or from Honduras alone or with only one parent or guardian must have permission from both legal guardians. They'll need a notarised letter of consent that meets language (Spanish) and other requirements.

Contact an embassy or consulate of Honduras for details.

More information:

• Advice for people travelling with children

Airport service fees

Before you fly out of Honduras, you must pay an airport service fee if you're aged over 12.

Your ticket may include the service fee. If it doesn't, you'll need to pay at the airport with US dollars or local currency.

Yellow fever vaccination

If you arrive from a country where yellow fever is a risk, you'll need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Honduras. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

More information:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever

Validity

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who can use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport.

Always keep your passport in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the local police and make a report. You'll also need to tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

• In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
• If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.

Passport with ‘X’ gender identifier

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can’t guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the nearest embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

More information:

• LGBTQIA+ travellers

The local currency is the Lempira (HNL).

You can't exchange Australian dollars in Honduras. Bring US dollars or Euros.

You'll need to show your passport or a certified copy of your passport to exchange money.

Credit cards are widely accepted. Contact your bank to make sure your cards will work.

ATMs are available in major centres. Check your bank statements for ATM fraud.

Local restrictions

A State of Exception is periodically declared in various municipalities in Honduras to reduce crime. During this time, restrictions on freedom of movement (curfews) and other rights may be restricted. Monitor local media for updates and information on restrictions in specific neighbourhoods. You must always carry identification and comply with all local laws and police instructions.

Landmines

There are unmarked mine fields on both sides of the Honduras-Nicaragua border, especially in:

• the Rio Coco region
• the Choluteca and El Paraiso provinces
• the area near the Atlantic Coast

Don't leave known safe roads and areas.

Tour operators

Transport and adventure tour operators may not meet Australian safety standards for:

• scuba diving equipment
• providing life jackets, seat belts and other safety equipment

Rescue services may not be as effective as those in Australia.

If taking part in adventure activities:

• check your travel insurance covers you for the activity
• check the operator's safety equipment before you book
• use reputable operators
• use life jackets and seat belts, even if others don't

If appropriate safety equipment isn't available, use another provider.

Driving permit

To drive in Honduras, you need both:

• an International Driving Permit (IDP)
• an Australian driver's licence

You must get the IDP before arriving in Honduras.

Road travel

Driving in Honduras can be dangerous.

Hazards include:

• poor roads
• poor signs and lighting
• people and farm animals on the roads

Driving at night is dangerous.

Heavy rains, flooding, landslides and bridge collapses often damage roads.

Take route CA13 when travelling from the airport in San Pedro Sula.

Carjackings, busjackings and highway robberies are common, especially at night.

If you plan to drive:

• check your travel insurance covers it
• learn local traffic laws and practices
• get local advice on roads and security
• be prepared to change your route
• keep windows up and doors locked, even when moving

More information:

• Driving or riding

Motorcycles

Your travel insurance may not cover you for accidents on a motorbike or quad bike. Check your insurance covers it.

Always wear a helmet.

Taxis

Taxis flagged from the street or at taxi stands may not be safe.

Use airport taxis or pre-book with a reputable company.

Airport taxi drivers wear clearly identifiable photo ID badges.

Taxi drivers often don't provide change, so be prepared to pay with small notes.

To safely use taxis:

• arrange your airport pickup with your hotel before you arrive
• note your taxi driver's name and licence number
• agree on the fare before you set off
• never share a taxi with a stranger
• don't let your driver pick up other passengers
• don't use white street taxis

Public transport

Public transport is not safe. Vehicles are often poorly serviced and drivers aren't trained. 

Sea travel

Honduran navy patrols may board private vessels to check papers.

Criminals posing as fishermen have carried out armed attacks against private vessels.

Air travel

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check Honduras's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.

More information:

• Air travel

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider
• employer
• airline

Fire and rescue services

Call 198.

Medical emergencies

Call 195, or go to the hospital.

Police

Call 911, or go to the nearest police station.

Always get a police report when you report a crime. 

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Read the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia has a consulate in Tegucigalpa, headed by an Honorary Consul. The consulate provides limited consular assistance to Australians in Honduras. The Consulate can conduct passport interviews and provide provisional travel documents for emergency travel to the nearest Australian embassy.  The Consulate can’t issue Australian passports. You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico City.

Australian Consulate, Tegucigalpa

Residencial Las Cumbres, 1a Ave, 3ra Calle
Bloque E, Edif Grupo Terra
Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Phone: +504 2236 6936
Email: australianconsulate@terra.hn

You can get full consular assistance from the Australian Embassy in Mexico.

Australian Embassy, Mexico City

Ruben Dario No 55 (Polanco)
Col Bosque de Chapultepec., C.P.
11580 CDMX Mexico

Phone: +52 55 1101 2200
Email: consularpassports.mexico@dfat.gov.au
Website: mexico.embassy.gov.au
Facebook: @AusEmbMex
X: @AusEmbMex

See the Embassy website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia