Honduras🇭🇳
Located in Central America, Honduras is surrounded by Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua. It is widely known for its rich culture, traditions and natural beauty. Honduras boasts incredible attractions, from the Mayan ruins of Copán and the ecological parks in Tela to the Caribbean Bay Islands and the Cangrejal River. The country's natural wonders and vibrant culture make it special. Deep sea diving in Bay Islands, visiting the Copán Ruins and exploring the Pico Bonito National Park are few of the must-try activities when visiting Honduras.
⚠️Things you should avoid⚠️
- Avoid travelling alone at night in major cities due to high criminal activities.
- Avoid using public transportation after dark, especially in areas known for crime.
- Avoid risky outdoor activities during the hurricane season (June to November).
- Do not ignore travel advisories and alerts issued by your embassy.
- Avoid remote areas due to limited emergency assistance.
- Do not accept offers from unlicensed tour operators or freelance guides to avoid scams.
- Do not drink tap water, use bottled or purified water instead.
- Do not carry large amounts of cash or wear flashy jewelry.
- Avoid getting involved in political demonstrations or protests as they can turn violent without warning.
- Do not ignore disease prevention measures, especially relating to mosquito-borne diseases.
Overall
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Crime 🔫
3
Honduras has a high crime rating due to its past struggles with gang violence and drug trafficking. San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa, the capital city, are considered the most dangerous areas with high crime rates. Though improvements have been reported recently, the crime rate continues to be a significant issue.
Terrorism 💣
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Terrorist incidents are very infrequent in Honduras. While there is no recent history of terrorism in Honduras, the instability caused by crime and drug trafficking could make it susceptible.
War ⚔️
9
Honduras has a peaceful history without any recent significant wars or conflicts. The last military conflict Honduras was involved in was the Football War with El Salvador in 1969.
Natural Disasters 🌊
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Honduras is susceptible to a range of natural disasters including hurricanes, floods and earthquakes. Severe hurricanes, such as Hurricane Eta and Iota in November 2020, have caused widespread damage and loss.
Medical Care 🏥
5
Medical facilities in Honduras are limited with some areas lacking adequate services. For serious medical issues, evacuation to a country with better facilities is usually required.
Tap Water Quality 💧
5
Tap water in Honduras is not considered safe to drink. Bottled water is usually preferred, especially in rural zones. Cities might have treated water, yet caution is advised.
Disease Burden 🤒
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Honduras has experienced outbreaks of mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever, zika and chikungunya. Malaria is also present in rural areas. But vaccination coverage in Honduras is reasonably good, reducing disease prevalence.
Corruption 💸
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Corruption remains a significant issue in Honduras. The corruption scandal in 2015 involving the Honduran Institute of Social Security triggered a widespread protest.
Safety for Women ♀️
5
Women travelling in Honduras should exercise caution, particularly in isolated areas. High levels of violent crime and domestic violence are reported in the country.
Safety for Queer People 👬
5
Despite legal protections, discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is prevalent in Honduras. Both social and institutionalized discrimination are an issue.
Censorship 📺
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While the constitution provides for freedom of speech, there have been incidents of censorship and violence against journalists in Honduras.
Public Transportation 🚌
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Public transportation in Honduras is commonly used but it can be risky due to poorly maintained vehicles and reckless drivers. Buses and taxis are common, however, security is not assured.
Other useful information
🔒 How safe is it?
While Honduras has some beautiful sites and attractions, safety can be an issue primarily due to high crime rates. As a visitor, exercise caution, stay alert, avoid risks and follow local advice. Natural disasters also pose a threat, so keep an eye on weather forecasts during your stay.
🏰 Embassies in this Country
Most Western countries have embassies in Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras. This includes the American, Canadian, British, and Australian embassies.
💉 Recommended Vaccinations
It is recommended to have routine shots up-to-date and additional vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Yellow fever before travelling to Honduras.
🐍 Dangerous Animals
Mosquitoes transmitting diseases like Dengue, Zika and Chikungunya are common. Other dangerous animals include the Fer-de-lance snake, crocodiles, and sharks in coastal areas.
🛂 Visa Requirements
Nationals of many countries do not require a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days. However, it's essential to check based on your nationality.
💲 Currency
The currency of Honduras is Lempira (HNL). Currency can be exchanged at banks, hotels, and authorized exchange businesses.
💳 Credit Card Acceptance
Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and travel agencies in cities, less so in remote areas.
🧑🏭 Is it possible to work and travel in this country?
Honduras doesn't have a strong work and travel culture, and work opportunities for foreigners may be limited and require a specific work visa.
💵 Cost of Travel and Living
Honduras is quite an affordable country when compared to western standards. Food, accommodation and transportation are reasonably priced.