Honduras, a country in Central America, is currently under a travel advisory due to crime. Travelers are advised to reconsider travel to Honduras and exercise increased caution.
Specifically, the U.S. Department of State urges citizens not to travel to the Gracias a Dios Department, the easternmost part of Honduras, due to extremely high crime rates.
Understanding the Safety Risks in Honduras
Honduras faces significant challenges with violent crime. Violent crime, including homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is a serious and ongoing issue throughout the country. Gang activity is also prevalent, contributing to problems like extortion, street crime, sexual assault, drug trafficking, and human trafficking. It’s important for travelers to understand that local law enforcement may have limited capacity to effectively respond to criminal incidents.
However, it’s worth noting that resort areas in the Bay Islands, such as Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja, tend to be safer. These areas benefit from a higher concentration of police resources compared to other parts of the country.
Civil Unrest and Demonstrations
Demonstrations are a common occurrence in Honduras, often related to political or economic grievances. These events, including protests, demonstrations, tire burnings, and roadblocks, can happen frequently and without warning. They have the potential to become violent and can severely disrupt travel by blocking roads and highways, often with no clear indication of when they will end.
State of Exception in Effect
Since December 2022, the Honduran government has declared a “State of Exception” to combat high levels of extortion and other crimes. This state of exception, which is still in effect and expanding to more cities, grants the police increased powers, including the suspension of certain constitutional rights in a large number of municipalities (226 out of 298).
Health Concerns: Dengue Fever Outbreak
Adding to the challenges, in June 2024, the Honduran Ministry of Health declared a national emergency due to a surge in dengue fever cases. While the Ministry of Health is conducting prevention and control activities, travelers should be aware of this health risk. It is recommended to consult resources like the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website and the CDC Global Dengue page for the most up-to-date health information.
Travel Advice for Honduras: If You Decide to Go
Despite the Honduras Travel Warning, if you decide to proceed with your trip, it is crucial to take extra precautions:
- Avoid Demonstrations: Stay away from any protest or demonstration as they can quickly become violent.
- Situational Awareness: Be constantly aware of your surroundings and potential dangers.
- Nighttime Precautions: Refrain from walking or driving at night when visibility and safety decrease.
- Do Not Resist Robbery: If confronted by robbers, do not physically resist. Your safety is more important than possessions.
- ATM and Bank Vigilance: Exercise extreme caution when visiting banks or ATMs, as these can be targets for crime.
- Minimize Displays of Wealth: Avoid showing signs of affluence like expensive jewelry or watches that could make you a target.
- Avoid Public Transportation: Do not use public transportation, including white car taxis, as these are considered unsafe, especially for tourists. U.S. government personnel are prohibited from using these.
- Stay Informed: Monitor local news for any breaking events and be ready to change your travel plans if necessary.
- High-Risk Travel Resources: Consult resources for Travel to High-Risk Areas for further guidance.
- STEP Enrollment: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive safety alerts and allow the U.S. embassy to locate you in emergencies.
- Follow Social Media Updates: Stay updated by following the Department of State on Facebook and X/Twitter.
- Review Security Reports: Check the Country Security Report for Honduras for a detailed security overview.
- Emergency Planning: Create a contingency plan for emergency situations and review the Traveler’s Checklist to ensure preparedness.
- Health Information: Visit the CDC page for the latest Travel Health Information related to your trip.
Gracias a Dios Department: A No-Go Zone
The travel advisory is particularly strong for the Gracias a Dios Department, which is designated as Level 4: Do Not Travel. This region is extremely isolated and suffers from very high levels of criminal activity. Narcotics trafficking is rampant, making large parts of the department controlled by drug trafficking organizations. Infrastructure is poor, government services are limited, and there is minimal police or military presence. U.S. government personnel and their families are strictly restricted from traveling to Gracias a Dios due to these severe risks.
For more comprehensive information on travel to high-risk areas, please visit the Travel to High-Risk Areas website.
