Honduras travel guide

Travel Advice

It is more important than ever to get travel insurance and check it provides sufficient cover. See the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) guidance on foreign travel insurance.

On 6 December 2022, as part of its plan to address extortion, the government of Honduras imposed a State of Exception. On 6 April 2023 the Government announced a third extension of the State of Exception for a further 45 days which includes 123 municipalities throughout the country. See Local Travel

More than 4000 British nationals visited Honduras in 2016. Most visits are trouble free. However, crime and violence are serious problems throughout Honduras and the country has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. You should exercise a high degree of caution. See Crime.

Avoid travelling on public buses (repainted US school buses). Private inter-city coach services are safer but not immune from attack. See Road travel.

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Honduras, attacks cannot be ruled out. See Terrorism.

Hurricanes Eta and Iota struck Central America in November 2020, and caused flooding, landslides and severe damage to infrastructure. Some roads remain damaged. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. See Natural disasters and our Tropical Cyclones page for advice. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders.

You should note that airports can close at short notice, so before travelling to and from Honduras, you should contact your airline or travel agent to confirm that the airport is open.

Due to the movement of migrant caravans, you should take extra care at the land border crossings with Guatemala. See Land borders.

There is a risk of dengue fever in Honduras. For information on avoidance, please visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre Website.

Protests can happen anywhere in Honduras. Although normally peaceful, these can rapidly turn violent and be accompanied by a general break-down in law and order, including looting. See Safety and security.

You can contact the emergency services by calling 911 (if you need the police, need an ambulance or need to report a fire).

There is no British Embassy in Honduras. Consular support may be limited in Honduras, with the exception of Tegucigalpa, and severely limited in more remote areas. See Consular assistance.

Coronavirus travel health

Check the latest information on risk from COVID-19 for Honduras on the TravelHealthPro website.

See the TravelHealthPro website for further advice on travel abroad and reducing spread of respiratory viruses during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Entry and borders

See Entry requirements to find out what you will need to do when you arrive in Honduras.

Be prepared for your plans to change

No travel is risk-free during COVID-19. Countries may further restrict travel or bring in new rules at short notice, for example due to a new COVID-19 variant. Check with your travel company or airline for any transport changes which may delay your journey home.

If you test positive for COVID-19, you may need to stay where you are until you test negative. You may also need to seek treatment there.

Plan ahead and make sure you:

• can access money
• understand what your insurance will cover
• can make arrangements to extend your stay and be away for longer than planned

Travel in Honduras

Restrictions to prevent the spread of coronavirus are in place. If you are in Honduras you should observe social distancing of at least 1.5 metres.

On 22 March 2023 local authorities declared that the proper use of masks is mandatory in the following places:

• in private and public hospitals, medical and dental clinics, vaccination centres, medical and dental laboratories, nursing homes, prisons and other places that provide health services
• in places where social distancing cannot be observed, for example closed and crowded spaces (such as public transport), places with poor ventilation, airports and as recommended by local authorities

You should familiarise yourself with the COVID-19 threat level in your area and keep up to date with any changes.

Visit the website of the Honduran Police and the website of the National Institute of Migration for more information on present restrictions related to COVID-19.

Ensure you have the documents for your hotel, car rental, tour or ticket reservations with you at all times. Local authorities may stop you and ask for documents confirming your travel plans.

You can keep up to date with the COVID-19 situation in Honduras and any current restrictions by visiting the official website of the Honduran Government.

Accommodation

If you are trying to find a hotel in Honduras, please call in advance to confirm that they are taking reservations and to hear of any special measures or requirements they may have.

Public places and services

The opening and closure schedules, and operation of bars and nightclubs, as well as the celebration of concerts, and community fairs are regulated by local (municipal authorities) and national laws.  Therefore, individuals are also encouraged to respect these regulations.

All businesses should not exceed 50% capacity.

Healthcare in Honduras

For the contact details of English speaking doctors visit our list of healthcare providers.

If you think you have COVID-19 symptoms you should seek medical advice.

The public health system has limited capacity for handling severe and critical cases of COVID-19.

Some private hospitals are accepting patients with COVID-19, but it will cost 1,000,000 Lempiras (over £30,000) to be admitted, with the final medical bill potentially higher.

Small clinics can provide testing, basic medical attention and medication to COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms who do not require special medical care.

British-issued prescriptions cannot be used locally. To find a pharmacy (“farmacia”) look for one of the big national chains such as Farmacias Siman, Farmacias Kielsa or Farmacia El Ahorro, among others; a quick search online should help you to identify the nearest one open.

Your emotional and mental wellbeing is important. Read guidance on how to look after your mental wellbeing and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic

View Health for further details on healthcare in Honduras.

See also the guidance on healthcare if you’re waiting to return to the UK.

Finance

For information on financial support you can access whilst abroad, visit our financial assistance guidance.

Further information

If you need urgent consular assistance, contact your nearest British embassy, high commission or consulate. All telephone numbers are available 24/7.

Crime

There are high levels of crime in Honduras. Most serious crime does not affect tourists, but attacks on foreigners, including armed robbery and sexual assault, do sometimes occur. These attacks can take place anywhere and at any time of the day. People have been killed and injured resisting attack. It is useful to carry a small amount of money to hand out in the event of a robbery.

The Bay Islands are generally safer than mainland Honduras, but there have been several attacks 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, particularly Palm Beach Road close to Milton Bright. Take care on beaches in Tela and the north coast towns after dark. There have been attacks on foreigners on beaches after dark.

Take care if you are travelling alone. In remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or take part in a tour. Never accept lifts from strangers or attempt to hitchhike. Be vigilant of your surroundings at all times and in all locations. 

There have been reports of violent attacks on cars and buses. Using a reputable tour company for longer journeys may reduce the risks. On shorter distances, use radio or hotel taxis.

Petty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas, including the Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila and Guanaja). Avoid walking around Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and other main towns and cities in mainland Honduras. Be particularly careful at bus stations, airports, isolated beaches, tourist sites and on public transport. Keep your valuables locked away in a safe if possible. Avoid displaying valuable items like jewellery, cameras, tablets, laptops and mobile phones.

It is safer to withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres and to change money in hotels or banks. Do not withdraw too much money at one time. There have been attacks on foreigners after they have withdrawn money from ATMs. Avoid withdrawing money at night.

Foreign visitors and residents can be targeted by scam artists. The scams come in many forms, and can pose great financial loss. If you or your relatives or friends are asked to transfer money to Honduras make absolutely sure that it is not part of a scam and that you have properly checked with the person receiving the money that they are requesting it.

Local travel

On 3 December 2022, as part of its plan to address extortion, the government of Honduras announced a State of Exception for a period of 30 days, starting from 6 December 2022. This measure was extended on 6 January and on 20 February 2023.

On 6 April 2023 the Government extended the State of Exception for a further 45 days, starting from 6 April 2023 and included 123 municipalities throughout the country.

During this time there may be restrictions on freedom of movement and other rights in the affected municipalities.  Seek advice from your travel agent. You must carry a valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints; allow extra time to reach your destination; monitor local media for updates and information on the current situation and restrictions in specific municipalities. Avoid crowds or demonstrations. Always cooperate with military and police officers.

Do not travel after dark as you greatly increase the risk of attack. Roads that have seen attacks include routes from Limones to La Union, from Olancho via Salama to Saba, from Gualaco to San Esteban and from La Esperanza to Gracias. The isolated roads of the Department of Santa Barbara have also seen criminal activity, and hijackings of vehicles have occurred on roads in and around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo and El Progreso.

Border areas

Take particular care near the borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. Travellers have been targeted by armed robbers after crossing the Honduran border into El Salvador. It is often better to cross borders in the morning as they sometimes close in the early evening or remain unmanned at night.

There are unmarked minefields in/around the border with Nicaragua. Take care and avoid walking on unmarked paths or off main roads in these areas.

Road travel

You can use your UK driving licence to drive in Honduras if you are visiting for under 3 months, but an International Driving Permit is recommended.

Make sure you have adequate insurance. If you are involved in an accident, contact the police or the fire brigade (911) and stay with your vehicle. If you are in a serious accident, you may be taken into custody regardless of responsibility. Seek legal help and inform the British Embassy in Guatemala. Take full details of the other driver (who may not be insured), and do not rely solely on the vehicle’s number plate.

Driving standards in Honduras are generally poor. You may need a 4x4 vehicle if you are not travelling on main roads. You should avoid road travel at night. Many vehicles travel without lights, and animals often wander across the roads causing accidents.

It is generally safer to travel on main roads between major cities and tourist destinations. Lock vehicle doors and keep windows closed. If possible, travel in convoy. Following any traffic accident, you should normally wait for the police to arrive.

Public buses are often poorly maintained, overcrowded and recklessly driven. Accidents are common and sometimes fatal. You should avoid travel on public buses. There has been an increase of armed attacks by local gangs on bus drivers and conductors, often resulting in serious injury or death. There have been reports of violent muggings, including rape and assault against foreigners on these buses. Luxury buses, normally operated by private companies, are usually better maintained.

Air travel

Airlines sometimes modify their schedules at short notice. You should check with your airline before you travel.

You should note that airports can close at short notice, so before travelling to and from Honduras, you should contact your airline or travel agent to get confirmation that the airport is open.

Political situation

Protests can happen anywhere in Honduras. Although normally peaceful, these can rapidly turn violent and be accompanied by a general breakdown in law and order, including looting. The police have frequently responded with tear gas; deaths and injuries have also been reported. Although the protests are normally restricted to the main cities (especially Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba), roadblocks can occur anywhere at short notice, and can cause significant travel disruptions.

Travel plans may be impacted at short notice. You should avoid all demonstrations, and do not try to pass through blockades. You should follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator or airline, monitor local and social media or contact the British Embassy, Guatemala for local updates.

The Honduran Constitution prohibits political activities by foreigners. If you take part in demonstrations you may be detained and/or deported.

Consular assistance

There is no British Embassy in Honduras. Consular support may be limited in Honduras, with the exception of Tegucigalpa and severely limited in more remote areas. If you need consular assistance, you should contact the British Embassy in Guatemala City.

Consular Section, British Embassy, Guatemala City: Telephone: +(502) 2380 7300; Email: guatemala.consulate@fcdo.gov.uk

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Honduras, attacks cannot be ruled out.

There’s considered to be a heightened threat of terrorist attack globally against UK interests and British nationals, from groups or individuals motivated by conflict in Iraq and Syria. You should be vigilant at this time.

This page reflects the UK government’s understanding of current rules for people travelling on a full ‘British Citizen’ passport from the UK, for the most common types of travel.

The authorities in Honduras set and enforce entry rules. If you’re unsure how Honduras’ entry requirements apply to you, contact its UK embassy, high commission or consulate.

All travellers

All travellers entering or exiting Honduras must complete the immigration pre-clearance form. You will receive a confirmation email, which you should print and carry with you.

If you have problems accessing the page of the National Institute of Migration of Honduras or the link to the immigration pre-clearance form, please contact your travel agent or the Institute of Migration of Honduras at +504 2232 7800 or write to them to: sugerencias@inm.gob.hn for instructions on how to complete the pre-clearance form. If you are in the UK, please contact the Honduran Embassy..

Local authorities will apply health protocols if a traveller presents symptoms of any infectious disease, including COVID-19. You may be asked to undertake a medical evaluation. See Local travel.

All travellers need to comply with the exit requirements from Honduras as well as the entry requirements of their country of destination. See Returning to the UK.

Data collection

Upon arrival in Honduras, you will be asked to complete an immigration form where you will be required to provide the address where you will be staying. Local authorities will provide further instructions on any other details you should provide upon arrival.

Entry rules in response to Coronavirus (COVID-19)

The Government of Honduras announced that from 22 March 2023, to enter Honduras:

• You do not need to present proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test

Contact the Honduran Embassy in London for information on other migration requirements and documentation that you may need prior to travelling.

Stay informed before making any travel plans. You can confirm with your airline and/or check the website of the Honduran Institute of Migration.

There are no quarantine requirements.

Local authorities of Honduras have advised against travel if suffering from any respiratory disease or presenting COVID-19 symptoms.

Proof of vaccination status

You can use the UK COVID Pass demonstrate your vaccination record.

You don’t need to provide proof of your vaccination status for entry into Honduras.

If you’re transiting through Honduras

Transiting is when you pass through one country on the way to your final destination.

To transit Honduras, you must comply with the normal entry requirements. For information on transiting Honduras, please contact the National Institute of Migration.

Check your passport and travel documents before you travel

You should check with your transport provider or travel company to make sure your passport and other travel documents meet their requirements.

Passport validity

Your passport should be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the date of entry into Honduras.

Visas

British nationals do not need a visa to visit Honduras. You can get a 30 day visit entry stamp on arrival. You must ensure that you get your passport stamped on arrival to avoid complications on departure. If you wish to extend this you can do so up to a maximum of 90 days by applying at an Immigration Office.

If you overstay you should expect to pay a fine at the Immigration Office when you apply to extend your stay or before departure. For information on which office to go to and how to follow this process, contact the National Institute of Migration.

For more information on entry requirements for other purposes, such as voluntary work, contact the Honduran Embassy in London at hondurasembassyuk@gmail.com.

Travelling with Children

Children travelling with only one parent or without either parents or legal guardians must present a notarised letter of consent from the non-travelling parent(s) or legal guardian(s) to enter and exit Honduras. Contact the Honduran Embassy in London, or if you are in Honduras the nearest National Institute of Migration, for information about the process and language requirements for consent documents.

Central America Border Control Agreement

Honduras is party to the Central America Border Control Agreement (CA-4). Under the terms of this agreement, British tourists can travel within any of the CA-4 countries (El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua) for a period of up to 90 days which starts at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. They will be subject to immigration checks at the border (which does not interrupt or restart the 90-day count). Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90-day limit, although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 day limit expires. If you are expelled from any of the four countries you are also excluded from the entire CA-4 region.

Land borders

If you arrive or depart at a land border, the immigration authorities may charge you a fee of US$3 at the border crossing. Keep the receipt until you leave the country and make sure your passport is stamped.

You may experience some disruptions at the land border crossings between Honduras and Guatemala, due to the passage of migrant caravans.

Yellow fever certificate requirements

Check whether you need a yellow fever certificate by visiting the National Travel Health Network and Centre’s TravelHealthPro website.

Departure tax

There is a US$48.44 (or Lempira equivalent) airport departure tax which should be included in the price of the ticket (if not, be prepared to pay this in cash or with a credit card). There is also an airport departure tax for domestic flights of 54.13 Lempiras (or the equivalent in US dollars).

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are accepted for entry and exit from Honduras. ETDs must also have a minimum period of 6 months validity from the date you enter Honduras. If you are travelling via the United States of America on an ETD, you will need to get a US visa. For more information, please contact the US Embassy in Honduras.

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking (15 to 20 years in prison and a very large fine) and drug use (from three to nine months in a rehabilitation centre). Honduran prisons are overcrowded and violent.

Homosexuality is not illegal, although currently there are no provisions in Honduran legislation guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. There is no recognition of same-sex marriage in Honduras. Local people are largely tolerant of individuals’ personal lifestyles and small displays of affection between same-sex couples are accepted. There is a more conservative attitude outside Tegucigalpa City and public displays of affection by same-sex couples are not recommended. See our information and advice page for the LGBT community before you travel.

Carry a photocopy of the personal details page of your passport for identification purposes.

If you have a health condition, or you are pregnant, you may need specialist healthcare abroad. Check whether your destination country can provide the healthcare you may need and ensure you have appropriate travel insurance for unexpected medical evacuation or local treatment.

At least eight weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad. Guidance is also available from NHS (Scotland) on the FitForTravel website.

General information on travel vaccinations and a travel health checklist is available on the NHS website. You may then wish to contact your health adviser or pharmacy for advice on other preventive measures and managing any pre-existing medical conditions while you are abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you are travelling with prescription or over-the-counter medicine, read this guidance from NaTHNaC on best practice when travelling with medicines. For further information on the legal status of a specific medicine, you will need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you are travelling to.

While travel can be enjoyable, it can sometimes be challenging. There are clear links between mental and physical health, so looking after yourself during travel and when abroad is important. Information on travelling with mental health conditions is available in our guidance page. Further information is also available from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC).

UK health authorities have classified Honduras as having a risk of Zika virus transmission. For more information and advice visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre website.

Standards of medical treatment vary. State-funded hospitals are under-funded and medicines are in short supply. Health insurance is required and you should carry evidence of your insurance at all times. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation. You should use private clinics where possible, though these are only available in major towns.

Dengue fever epidemics occur every four to five years in Honduras due to its tropical and subtropical climates. In 2019, Honduras saw a sharp increase in cases of dengue fever, especially in children. For information on avoidance please visit the National Travel Health Network and Centre Website

Cases of Chikungunya virus have been confirmed in Honduras. You should take steps to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

Malaria is common in remote, low-lying parts of the country.

Information on coronavirus, including advice on preparing for foreign travel and helping reduce the spread of the virus, is available from Public Health England and on the TravelHealthPro website.

Unfiltered water is not generally safe to drink but bottled water is cheap and widely available.

There is a hyperbaric decompression chamber on Roatán and there are decompression facilitates on the Bay Island of Utila. However, emergency medical facilities on the Bay Islands are extremely limited.

In the 2010 Report on the Global AIDS Epidemic the UNAIDS/WHO Working Group estimated that around 376,000 adults aged 15 or over in Honduras were living with HIV; the prevalence percentage was estimated at around 0.8% of the adult population compared to the prevalence percentage in adults in the UK of around 0.2%. Exercise normal precautions to avoid exposure to HIV/AIDS.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 911 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Honduras is particularly susceptible to hurricanes, flooding and earthquakes. Drought and forest fires are also common.

Hurricanes

Hurricanes Eta and Iota, which struck Central America in November 2020, caused flooding and landslides to occur, as well as road closures. Some roads remain damaged.

The hurricane season in Honduras normally runs from June to November. Roads throughout the country can be affected by landslides and flooding. You should monitor local and international weather updates from the US National Hurricane Centre. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. For information in Spanish, see the Honduran national civil protection website (COPECO). See our Tropical Cyclones page for advice about what to do if you’re caught up in a storm.

Earthquakes

Make sure you know what action to take if an earthquake occurs. Read the hotel earthquake instructions. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about what to do before, during and after an earthquake or tsunami.

Credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are available in the major towns. It is safer to change money in hotels or at banks. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, although affected machines may not be easy to spot. Check with your hotel as to which ATMs to use, especially in Roatán. Sterling cannot generally be changed in Honduras.

Foreign travel checklist

Read our foreign travel checklist to help you plan for your trip abroad and stay safe while you are there.

Travel safety

The FCDO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we cannot provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you are concerned about whether or not it is safe for you to travel, you should read the travel advice for the country or territory you’re travelling to, together with information from other sources you have identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it is safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we will state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all but essential travel or all travel. Read more about how the FCDO assesses and categorises risk in foreign travel advice.

Our crisis overseas page suggests additional things you can do before and during foreign travel to help you stay safe.

Refunds and cancellations

If you wish to cancel or change a holiday that you have booked, you should contact your travel company. The question of refunds and cancellations is a matter for you and your travel company. Travel companies make their own decisions about whether or not to offer customers a refund. Many of them use our travel advice to help them reach these decisions, but we do not instruct travel companies on when they can or cannot offer a refund to their customers.

For more information about your rights if you wish to cancel a holiday, visit the Citizen’s Advice Bureau website. For help resolving problems with a flight booking, visit the website of the Civil Aviation Authority. For questions about travel insurance, contact your insurance provider and if you are not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We no longer ask people to register with us before travel. Our foreign travel checklist and crisis overseas page suggest things you can do before and during foreign travel to plan your trip and stay safe.

Previous versions of FCDO travel advice

If you are looking for a previous version of the FCDO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. Versions prior to 2 September 2020 will be archived as FCO travel advice. If you cannot find the page you are looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

If you are a British national and you have a question about travelling abroad that is not covered in our foreign travel advice or elsewhere on GOV.UK, you can submit an enquiry, or contact us on Twitter or Facebook. We’re not able to provide tailored advice for specific trips.