Honduras - Consular Information Sheet
September 5, 2001

 Country Description: Honduras has a developing economy. Tourists facilities are generally adequate, but vary in quality. Large cities have luxury hotels and accomodations.

 Entry Requirements: A passport is required. U.S. citizens do not need a visa for a one-month. For additional information concerning entry and customs requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Honduras at 3007 Tilden Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel. (202) 966-7702; or one of the Honduran consulates in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Honduran consulate.

 Areas of Instability: Travel by road between Nicaragua and Honduras, even on main highways, is potentially hazardous. The presence of extensive minefields on both sides of the border, particularly along the Rio Coco and in the Atlantic Coast region, present a danger to anyone venturing close to the border at other than El Espino, Las Manos, and Guasaule border crossings. El Espino crossing is also known by the name "La Fraternidad."

 Security: Several small explosive devices were detonated at local government buildings over the past year. While most of these explosions occurred at night, at least one incident occurred during business hours and resulted in a loss of life. Although American citizens have not been targeted, on February 11, 1997, several U.S.-franchised restaurants were subjected to grenade attacks. The attacks, which occurred during business hours, caused no injuries or loss of life. No motivations for or perpetrators of these attacks have been identified.

 Medical Facilities: Medical care varies in quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation, has proven useful. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559, or via the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov.

 Crime Information: The security situation in Honduras calls for a high degree of caution. Street crime is the principal concern. Thefts in urban and coastal recreational areas, including purse snatching, pickpocketing and armed robberies, are on the rise. Displaying jewelry or large amounts of money increases the risks of robbery. Highway robberies and armed carjackings have been a particular problem, and there have also been incidents of home and yacht burglaries. Tourists have been targeted by criminals in certain areas of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. Americans should exercise extra caution in and around deserted coastal areas, and should avoid walking on lonely or isolated beaches, especially at night. There have been several serious incidents in 1997 of U.S. citizens being attacked, robbed or mugged by armed criminals on beaches in and around the popular north coast resort town of Tela. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication and others, such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and to the local police. Use caution and care, as you would in any mayor U.S. city.

 Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Honduras for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Lengthy judicial delays can also be expected. Recently, one U.S. citizen was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 18 years in prison. He was held for five years before being convicted.

 Purchasing Property: U.S. citizens contemplating investment in real estate in Honduras should exercise caution, particularly in coastal areas and the bay islands. The Honduran constitution contains provisions restricting or prohibiting land ownership by foreigners in coastal and border areas, notwithstanding subsequent passage by the Honduran Congress of laws authorizing such ownership in certain areas and with particular restrictions.

 In general, the enforcement of laws pertaining to property titles in Honduras is inconsistent. Squatters have also laid claim to a number of properties owned by U.S. citizens. It is recommended that potential investors engage competent local legal representation before making any commitments. Investors or their attorneys should thoroughly check property titles with the following: the property registry office, the municipality having jurisdiction in the area in which the property is located (being especially observant of marginal notations on the deed and that the property is located within the area covered by the original title), the National Agrarian Institute (INA) and the National Forestry Administration (COHDEFOR).

 Further information and guidance on purchasing real property in Honduras may be obtained by writing, calling or faxing the American Embassy Consular Section at the following address: American Embassy, Tegucigalpa, Consular Section, Attention: Property Unit, Unit 2909, APO AA 34022, tel. 011-504-385114 or 011-504-369-320, fax 011-504-371-792.

 Currency Regulations: It is difficult to cash personal checks in Honduras, but major credit cards are accepted.

 Road Conditions: The majority of roads in Honduras are unpaved. The major cities are connected by a poorly-maintained two-lane system of paved roads. During the rainy season, even major highways are often closed due to rockslides and flooding. Driving at night is not recommended, due to a general lack of lighting and inadequately marked highways. Additionally, vehicles often are driven at night without adequate illumination, and animals and people wander onto the roads at all hours.

 Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. The U.S. Embassy in Honduras is located at Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; tel. (504) 369-320 or (504) 385-114.

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