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Safety and Security

Crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, and the Government of Honduras lacks the resources to address these issues.  Since 2010, Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world.  Read our Travel Warning for Honduras for additional information.

U.S. citizens should be vigilant of their surroundings at all times and in all locations, especially when entering or exiting their homes, hotels, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces.  Whenever possible, U.S. citizens should travel in groups of two or more.  It is also advisable to avoid wearing jewelry and carrying large sums of money or displaying cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables.  U.S. citizens should avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras or walking alone on beaches, historic ruins, and trails.  Motorists should avoid traveling at night and always drive with their doors locked and windows up to deter criminals from robbing vehicles stopped at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets.

Demonstrations occur frequently in the major cities of Honduras.  During demonstrations, protestors frequently block public roads.  Police may use tear gas, water cannons, or rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators.  Travelers should avoid areas where demonstrations are taking place and never try to pass roadblocks.  U.S. citizens may stay informed by visiting the U.S. Embassy website, following the local news, and consulting hotel personnel and tour guides.

Honduras is also vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding.  The rainy season extends between June and November. Honduras’ National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) issues national alerts.  Visit the COPECO website for current alerts.

For up-to-date information on storms, U.S. visitors are encouraged to visit the National Hurricane Center’s website and read about hurricane preparedness on the State Department travel website.

To stay connected:

CRIME: Crime is widespread in Honduras and requires a high degree of caution by U.S. visitors and residents alike.  U.S. citizens have been the victims of a wide range of crimes over the years, including murder, kidnapping, rape, assault, and property crimes.  Widespread poverty and unemployment, along with significant street gang and drug trafficking activity, have contributed to the extremely high crime rate.

The per capita homicide rate in Honduras is one of the highest in the world.  Although crime and violent crime occur in all parts of Honduras, the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the country’s highest crime rates.  Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have lower crime rates than other parts of the country.  U.S. citizens should regularly check the Embassy’s Messages for U.S. Citizens page for safety tips and up-to-date information about the security situation.

There were nine reports of U.S. citizens murdered in Honduras in 2014.  Since 2010, there have been forty-one reported U.S. citizen murders.  The majority of these cases remain unresolved.

There were three reports of rape or sexual assault against U.S. citizens in 2014.  There have been twelve reports that U.S. citizens became the victim of rape or sexual assault in Honduras.  Perpetrators of sexual assaults are often armed.

There were three reports of U.S. citizens kidnapped in 2014.  Kidnappings often result in large ransoms paid.  The kidnappers rarely face justice.

U.S. citizens are primarily the victims of opportunistic crime.  There is no evidence suggesting criminals specifically target U.S. citizens, but foreigners have been targeted for crime due to their perceived wealth.  Weapons abound in Honduras, and armed street robberies are especially common, with criminals taking advantage of relatively isolated victims to steal their valuables.  Young males working in pairs, often riding motorcycles, are perpetrating many of the armed robberies in Honduras’ urban areas; this continues to be a tactic used by criminals in spite of a 2011 law that restricts ridership of motorcycles and prohibits two men from riding together.  Criminals and pickpockets target visitors as they enter and depart airports and hotels, so visitors should consider carrying their passports and valuables in a concealed pouch.  Since 2010, U.S travelers have reported 452 passports as having been stolen.  We have also confirmed reports of armed robbers traveling in private cars targeting pedestrians on isolated streets.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to take the following safety precautions while in Honduras: 

  • Do not resist a robbery attempt.  Most criminals have weapons, and most injuries and deaths during robberies result when victims resist.  Several U.S. citizens have been injured or killed while resisting armed robberies.  Think in advance about how you will react if ever confronted by criminals.
  • Do not hitchhike or go home with strangers, particularly from nightspots.  Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more.  Use the same common sense while traveling in Honduras that you would in any high crime area in the United States.
  • Know where your family members are at all times.  This is especially important for children and teenagers.
  • Carry a cell phone with local emergency numbers programmed as well as a written list of important numbers, including U.S. Embassy contact information.  Remember that cell phones are common targets of thieves, so keep phones concealed as much as possible.
  • Do not wear excessive jewelry.
  • Do not carry large sums of money, or display cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables.
  • If you have to use an ATM, use one inside a location with security such as a bank, hotel, or mall, and be cognizant of your surroundings.
  • Do not walk at night in most areas of Honduras and exercise strong caution during the day. Avoid deserted or unfamiliar areas. 
  • Do not hike alone in backcountry areas, or walk alone on beaches, historic ruins, or trails.
  • Identify nearby “safe areas,” such as major hotels, malls, gas stations, and other familiar locations or residences where you can take shelter in an emergency.  A good safe area has lighting, security, telephones, food, and bathrooms.
  • Take precautions while driving.  Incidents of crime along roads, including carjacking and kidnapping, are common in Honduras.  There have been frequent incidents of carjacking and highway robbery on a number of roads including the main highway (CA-5) between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque, with the greatest risk between Potrerillos and Pito Solo in the lake area.  Travelers should always drive with their doors locked and windows rolled up to avoid potential robberies at traffic lights and other places, such as congested downtown streets.
  • Avoid driving at night.  Select familiar and well-traveled streets as much as possible, and make sure to plan your route carefully as well as an alternate route.  Whenever possible, drive to the center of the road, especially in rural settings, to avoid being forced off the road.  Remain a safe distance behind the vehicle ahead of you. 
  • Avoid public transportation in Honduras.  If you plan to travel by bus, always travel during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses.  Choose taxis carefully, and note the driver’s name and license number.  Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you depart, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change.  When possible, travel in groups. 

Incidents of piracy off the coast of Honduras can occur.  In 2012, a U.S. citizen reported that his boat was boarded and his passengers were the victims of an armed robbery while sailing in Honduran waters near Puerto Cortes, three miles north of Punta Sal.  In 2011, a Canadian citizen was killed in a similar incident.  U.S. citizens should exercise caution while sailing or mooring in Honduran waters.

U.S. citizens are encouraged to be vigilant of their surroundings at all times, especially when entering or exiting their homes, cars, garages, schools, and workplaces.  It is also recommended that drivers vary their routes and schedules to avoid a predictable routine.  Individuals should also limit the sharing of personal information and closely screen personal employees.  Should a U.S. citizen be kidnapped, family members or friends should immediately contact local authorities and the U.S. Embassy.

The Honduran government conducts police and military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime.  However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited.  Honduran police generally do not speak English.  The government has a special tourist police unit in the resort town of Tela and other tourist destinations including Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba, and Roatan, but the number of tourist police deployed is small and coverage is limited.

The Basilica of Suyapa in Tegucigalpa, also known as Suyapa Church or Cathedral, is an important religious site and popular tourist destination.  However, it is situated in a high crime area and has been the site of numerous armed robberies and thefts.  U.S. citizens in Honduras on U.S. government orders are only allowed to visit the Basilica of Suyapa with an organized tour group that provides armed security for the group.

San Pedro Sula area police authorities have reported armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses, and cars traveling from the airport to area hotels, and there have been armed robberies along the road to Copan.  Armed men have forced vehicles transporting tourists off the road and robbed the victims, occasionally assaulting the driver or passengers.  In past years, several U.S. citizens have been murdered in San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba shortly after arriving in the country.  Assaults in these areas may be based on tips from sources at airport arrival areas, so visitors are strongly urged to exercise caution in discussing travel plans in public.

Although Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country, thefts, break-ins, assaults, and murders do occur.  Exercise particular caution walking on isolated beaches, especially at night.  Several U.S. citizens have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches.  Cruise ship passengers should also take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and take care to book only with reputable tour companies during their stopover in Honduras.  The vast majority of cruise line passengers in Honduras experience no problems, but incidents of armed robbery and carjacking have been reported.  Coxen Hole on the island of Roatan should be avoided after dark.

The Government of Honduras has a very limited law enforcement presence in some northern coastal areas, including parts of the departments of Olancho, Colon, and Gracias a Dios. These areas are well known for narcotics smuggling and violence.  Travelers in those areas should use extra caution. See the description of highways and other areas to be avoided in the “Traffic Safety and Road Conditions” section below for details.

VICTIMS OF CRIME: If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime abroad, you should contact the local police and the U.S. embassy.  We can:

  • Replace a stolen passport.
  • Help you find appropriate medical care if you are the victim of violent crimes such as assault or rape.
  • Put you in contact with the appropriate police authorities, and if you want us to, contact family members or friends.
  • Help you understand the local criminal justice process and direct you to local attorneys, although it is important to remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime.  

Travelers to Honduras should be familiar with local emergency numbers.  The local equivalent of the “911” emergency line in Honduras is 911 for National Police; 112 for the investigative police unit; 198 for fire fighters; and 195 for the local Red Cross.  Emergency operators typically speak Spanish only.  Emergency telephone lines may also experience connectivity problems.

Consider recording the following numbers in case of an emergency:

Fire Fighters
National: 198 or (504) 2220-7670
San Pedro Sula: (504) 2556-5270, 2556-5271 and 2556-6180

COPECO
National: 113
San Pedro Sula: (504) 2229-0606

Prosecutor on Duty
National: (504) 2237-6830
San Pedro Sula: (504) 2553-6860 ext. 62
La Ceiba: (504) 2241-2104

Transit Authority
Tegucigalpa: (504) 2230-2412
San Pedro Sula: (504) 2559-1255
La Ceiba: (504) 2441-0459

Please see our information for victims of crime, including possible victim compensation programs in the United States.

Safety and Security Flag

Population: 9,904,607


Total Land Area: 111,890 km2


Population/km2: 88.52