Honduras

Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime and terrorism.

to Honduras due to crime and terrorism. Some areas have an increased risk. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

U.S. government travel restrictions

• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not allowed to travel to Gracias a Dios department due to safety risks.
• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not allowed to visit adult clubs nor casinos. Extortion, overcharging, criminal surveillance, and other potential criminal activity can take place in these locations.
• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not permitted to travel between cities after dark. After dark travel between Palmerola International Airport (XPL)/Soto Cano Airbase and Tegucigalpa is authorized. There is an increased risk of vehicle accidents and carjackings after dark on major highways. 
• U.S. government employees working in Honduras are not permitted to drive through or to high crime zones unless previously approved by the Regional Security Office. Designated high crime zones in Honduras include but are not limited to:
  • Distrito Central (Francisco Morazan): 
    • Colonia Villa Nueva, Nueva Suyapa, Flor de Campo, Los Pinos, Los Laureles, El Carrizal, Villa Cristina, La Travesia, Pueblo Nuevo, Barrio Concepción, Villa Fanca, La Laguna, San Ignacio, and Torocagua.
  • Cortes: 
    • Lomas del Carmen, Barrio Medina, Brisas del Merendon, Col. La Pradera, Col. Rivera Hernandez, Brisas del Sauce, La Planeta, Cerrito Lindo, Col. 6 de Mayo, Cofradia, Col. Central, Col. Hector Sabillon Cruz, Barrio El Centro, Barrio Barandilla, Chamelecon, Choloma.
  • Department of Colon

Crime

• Violent crime is common. Common crimes include murder, armed robbery, and kidnappings.
• Violent gang activity is widespread in designated high-crime zones.
• Crimes may also include violent street crime, rape, extortion, human trafficking, and drug-related crime. Robberies perpetuated by motorcyclists on pedestrians are common.
• Local authorities may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious crimes. 

In December 2022, the Government of Honduras declared a “State of Exception” in response to high levels of extortion and other crimes. The declaration remains in effect and has been modified to include more cities. It allows the police to suspend constitutional rights in 226 of the country’s 298 municipalities. 

Terrorism 

Given the high level of gang activity, including gangs identified as foreign terrorist organizations, there is risk of terrorist violence, including terrorist attacks and other activity in Honduras. Visit the U.S. Department of State's country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Unrest

Large-scale demonstrations related to local political situations may occur with little notice. Demonstrations may become violent and result in death and injuries. 

Demonstrations may disrupt transportation and other essential services, often without warning, including: 

• Roads and highways
• Airports and other domestic transportation 
• Retail goods and services

Do not travel to:

• Gracias a Dios Department due to crime.