Yes, it’s safe to vacation in Honduras. But, there is a caveat that you need to know about. Crime is a problem in some parts of Honduras (and the world for that matter). Though, if you follow the rules and common sense it should be okay. Below are the five smartest tips regarding travel safety in Honduras.

Honduras has gained several bad reps over the years due to their high murder rates and corrupt governments. However, if you plan on vacationing in Honduras, it is one of the best kept secrets among Central Americans. In fact, it’s been rated as one of the best places to travel in 2018 by National Geographic. This article will look at common myths about traveling in Honduras and what to watch out for.”

Honduras is a country in Central America, bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Honduras has a population that is less than 10% of the United States. It is considered an underdeveloped nation with poor sanitation, little political stability, and high unemployment. That said, I feel it’s a great place for vacation for many reasons. Honduras is a country in Central America. It’s located on the Atlantic coast of the isthmus that connects North and South America. Honduras borders with Nicaragua to the north and Guatemala to the southwest, with Pacific Ocean bordering the country’s east and Caribbean Sea bordering it’s west. The total area of Honduras is 112,090 square kilometers. Herewith, we want to highlight its top travel attractions, as well as its daytime and nighttime population.

Safety and security

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

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 4×4 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.

Is It Safe To Vacation In Honduras

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.