There’s no British Embassy in Honduras. Consular support may be limited in Honduras, with the exception of Tegucigalpa and the Bay Islands, and severely limited in more remote areas.

In late May 2019, teachers and health professionals called for a nationwide strike which was followed by violent protests in major cities in Honduras and at Toncontin Airport. Peaceful protests have since continued in different parts of the country and may continue for some time. These protests could turn violent, leading to the closure of businesses and blockades by protesters on roads in the main cities, including Roatan. These events could cause disruption to transport and cause delays. You should monitor local and social media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator or airline.

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

A new road is being built from the “El Florido” border crossing with Guatemala to the entrance of the town of Copán. These works are expected to last until July 2019. The “El Florido” border and the road are open only from 6am to 9pm. Please monitor the situation with your tour operator and with the local authorities (COPECO) and the National Institute of Migration.

The rainy season normally runs from June to November, coinciding with the hurricane season in the Caribbean.

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.

Crime and violence are a serious problem throughout Honduras and the country has one of the highest homicide rates in the world. You should exercise a high degree of caution.

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

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Honduras, attacks can’t be ruled out.

4,153 British nationals visited Honduras in 2016. Most visits are trouble free.

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

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Honduras, attacks can’t 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.

Find out more about the global threat from terrorism, how to minimise your risk and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack.

Crime

There are high levels of crime. Most serious crime doesn’t 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’re visiting Roatán, travel with a reputable guide. If you’re 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 on 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, MP3 players, iPads and mobile phones.

It’s safer to withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres and to change money in hotels or banks. Don’t 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

Don’t travel around 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.

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 (199) or the fire brigade (198) and stay with your vehicle. If you are in a serious accident you may be held in 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 don’t 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.

Political situation

In late May 2019, teachers and health professionals called for a nationwide strike which was followed by violent protests in major cities in Honduras and at Toncontin Airport. Peaceful protests have since continued in different parts of the country and may continue for some time. These protests could turn violent, leading to the closure of businesses and blockades by protesters on roads in the main cities, including Roatan. These events could cause disruption to transport and cause delays. You should monitor local and social media for updates and follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator or airline.

Protests and large demonstrations can often occur with little or no notice. Avoid all demonstrations. You should not attempt to pass through any blockades. Please monitor local press, radio and TV, 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’s no British Embassy in Honduras. Consular support may be limited in Honduras, with the exception of Tegucigalpa and the Bay Islands, and severely limited in more remote areas. If you need consular assistance, you should contact the British Embassy in Guatemala City, or one of our two Honorary Consuls in Honduras:

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

Honorary Consul (Tegucigalpa): Email: Fortin-HonCon@fconet.fco.gov.uk

Honorary Consul (Roatán & Bay Islands): Email: Matthew.Harper-honcon@fconet.fco.gov.uk

There are severe penalties for drug trafficking (15 to 20 years in prison and a very large fine) and drug use (from 3 to 9 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.

The information on this page covers the most common types of travel and reflects the UK government’s understanding of the rules currently in place. Unless otherwise stated, this information is for travellers using a full ‘British Citizen’ passport.

The authorities in the country or territory you’re travelling to are responsible for setting and enforcing the rules for entry. If you’re unclear about any aspect of the entry requirements, or you need further reassurance, you’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

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

Visas

British nationals don’t need a visa to visit Honduras. You can get a 30 day visit entry stamp on arrival. 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 your visa then 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 (Facebook).

For more information on entry requirements for other purposes, like voluntary work, contact the Honduran Embassy in London hondurasuk@lineone.net.

Children travelling with only one parent or without both 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 nearest Embassy or Consulate of Honduras, or if you’re in Honduras the nearest National Institute of Migration (Facebook), for information about the process and language requirements for consent documents.

Passport validity

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

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 (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a period of up to 90 days without completing entry and exit formalities at border immigration checkpoints. This period begins at the first point of entry of any of the CA-4 countries. 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.

If you’re planning on travelling to Nicaragua, prior to your trip you should check information on entry requirements with your travel company, the Nicaraguan Immigration authorities or by contacting your nearest Nicaraguan embassy. You should also check our travel advice for Nicaragua.

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. Be aware that the “El Florido” border crossing between Guatemala and the town of Copan is shut overnight, from 9pm to 6am.

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 a US$2 (or Lempira equivalent) airport departure tax for domestic flights. For more information, check the Honduras Airports website.

UK Emergency Travel Documents

UK Emergency Travel Documents (ETDs) are valid for entry into Honduras. ETDs must also have a minimum period of 6 months validity from the date you enter Honduras.

At least 8 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’re abroad.

The legal status and regulation of some medicines prescribed or purchased in the UK can be different in other countries. If you’re 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’ll need to contact the embassy, high commission or consulate of the country or territory you’re travelling to.

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 is present in Honduras.

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.

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 195 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

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 weather updates from the National Hurricane Centre. 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’s 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 can’t 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’re there.

Travel safety

The FCO travel advice helps you make your own decisions about foreign travel. Your safety is our main concern, but we can’t provide tailored advice for individual trips. If you’re concerned about whether or not it’s 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’ve identified, before making your own decision on whether to travel. Only you can decide whether it’s safe for you to travel.

When we judge the level of risk to British nationals in a particular place has become unacceptably high, we’ll state on the travel advice page for that country or territory that we advise against all or all but essential travel. Read more about how the FCO 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’ve 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 can’t 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’re not happy with their response, you can complain to the Financial Ombudsman Service.

Registering your travel details with us

We’re no longer asking 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 FCO travel advice

If you’re looking for a previous version of the FCO travel advice, visit the National Archives website. If you can’t find the page you’re looking for there, send the Travel Advice Team a request.

Further help

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