Published: May 16, 2025

This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Honduras Travel Advisory and Honduras Country Information Page.

Embassy & Consulate Contact Information

U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa

Avenida Los Próceres 

Tegucigalpa, Honduras

Tel: + 504-2236-9320.

Emergencies: + 504-2236-8497. Hours: Monday-Thursday: 0730-1630, Friday: 0800-1500.

OSAC Country Chapter

The Honduras Country Chapter is active and generally meets monthly on a rotating basis in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.

Honduras Travel Advisory

The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication assesses that travelers should reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime.

Crime

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Honduras, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.

While the risk from crime in Honduras remains a concern, most travelers visiting or residing in Honduras are unaffected by violence, and visits for tourism or humanitarian aid work without incident. The U.S. Embassy estimates at least 31,000 U.S. citizens reside in Honduras.

For visitors to Tegucigalpa, neighborhoods to the east of the city center like Colonia Palmira and San Carlos, as well as the area around the Multiplaza Mall / Boulevard de Juan Pablo II offer lower risk areas for international visitors, but even these areas are known to see muggings. Villa Nueva, El Rincon, Kennedy, and Comayagüela represent some of the higher crime neighborhoods in the city. Those who choose to visit the historic center should do so with increased caution, and should depart before dark, as the risk of crime increases. Traffic in and out of the historic center can be particularly congested.

The public transportation sector is a regular target of extortion, and experiences higher levels of homicide than many other sectors. There have been multiple incidents of gang members destroying city buses and taxis, and reports that gang members rob, assault, rape, kidnap, or murder passengers. Passengers on public buses have been the victims of robbery at roadblocks and bus stops, during daytime and nighttime hours. Avoid using Colectivos (white sedan taxis with a sticker on the windshield denoting its established route), Ruleteros (private white sedan taxis with no established routes), and Rapiditos (small buses that pick up multiple riders).

Most of the reported incidents on public transportation involved gang members demanding extortion payments. Some passengers opt to travel armed when using public transportation, which has resulted in armed confrontations where innocent bystanders are injured or killed in the crossfire. Some would-be muggers and gang members keep to a daily schedule, riding city buses from one stop to the next, committing criminal acts with impunity along the way.

The U.S. Embassy prohibits employees from engaging in intercity car and bus travel after dark, except between Tegucigalpa and Palmerola Airport. The Embassy recommends always driving with the doors locked and windows up to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets. Always carry a mobile phone in case of emergency and exercise extreme caution when driving on isolated stretches of road and passing other vehicles on mountainous curves.

Efforts from the Honduran government have seen some progress in reducing homicide rates in recent years. Media reporting has suggested that 2024 closed with a national homicide rate of around 25.3 homicides per 100,000 residents. This is a decline from a rate of 34.4 in 2023 and 38.1 in 2022. Tegucigalpa, which makes up the majority of the Distrito Central municipality, and San Pedro Sula, saw homicide rates nearly cut in half from 2022 to 2024. This follows several years where the national homicide rates stayed relatively consistent with rates of 42 (2021), 39 (2020), 45 (2019), 41 (2018), and 44 (2017) per 100,000 residents. Historically, major cities (e.g., Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, La Ceiba) have had homicide rates higher than the national average. The three cities lead in total homicides in 2025 – as of May 1, 2025.

The Honduran departments of Colon, Olancho, Islas de la Bahia, Yoro and Atlantida also tend to see higher rate of violent crime. The Bay Islands department saw an increase in the homicide rate, becoming the highest among all Honduran departments.

The two largest criminal groups in Honduras that continue to impact average citizens are the MS-13 (Mara Salvatrucha) and Barrio 18 street gangs. Their activity focuses on cities such as Tegucigalpa, Choloma, La Ceiba, Tela, and San Pedro Sula, but they have a presence throughout the country. Most crime victims are members of rival gangs, small business owners who resist gang extortion, passengers on public transportation, or those involved in land disputes. Gangs are not reluctant to use violence, and specialize in murder-for-hire, carjacking, extortion, and other violent street crime. Gangs control some of the taxi services, primarily in the large cities. Transnational criminal organizations are also involved in narcotics trafficking and other illicit commerce.

In December 2022 the government of Honduras declared a State of Exception as a response to gang violence and high homicide rates in the country. The State of Exception extends the powers of law enforcement to crack down on criminal gangs and has been extended repeatedly in 45-day periods and expanded to include most municipalities. However, the State of Exception does not seem to have had a large impact on crime as in the streets, new groups have emerged, and extortion of the transport industry has expanded.

Violence linked to land disputes also occurs, particularly in the Bay Islands and the Bajo Aguan Valley in northern Honduras. Land disputes are sometimes tied to agricultural interests and against environmental defenders.

Armed robberies, burglaries, vandalization, home invasions, and extortions occur; closely guarded officials, businesspersons, and diplomats are not immune. There is street crime even in gated communities commonly referred to locally as Barrios Seguros, generally safer areas with heightened security measures.

Roatán and the Bay Islands are geographically separate from the mainland and experience lower crime rates even when compared with other Caribbean islands. However, visitors have reported being robbed while walking on isolated beaches. Thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur. Additionally, illegal drugs are for sale in many of the popular tourist areas during the evening hours.

Drug trafficking and gang activity are the main causes of violent crime in Honduras. Penalties for the possession, use, or trafficking of illegal narcotics are strict; convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Traffickers exploit Honduran territory to transit cocaine destined for the United States and precursor chemicals used to produce illicit drugs. The northeastern Department of Gracias a Dios is particularly vulnerable to trafficking due to its remoteness, limited infrastructure, and minimal government presence.

The U.S. Embassy has instituted security protocols for U.S. government personnel traveling in the following areas:

Distrito Central: Colonia Villa Nueva, Nueva Suyapa, Flor de Campo, Los Pinos, Los Laureles, El Carrizal, Villa Cristina, La Travesia, Pueblo Nuevo, Barrio Concepcion, Villa Franca, La Laguna, San Ignacio, and Torocagua.

Department of Cortez: Lomas del Carmen, Barrio Medina, Brisas del Merendon, Col. La Pradera, Col. Rivera Hernandez, Brisas del Sauce, La Planeta, Col. 6 de Mayo, Cofradia, Col. Central, Col. Hector Sabillon Cruz, Barrio El Centro, Barrio Barandilla, Chamelecon, and Choloma.

Department of Choluteca: Marcovia

Department of Colon: Tocoa

Those planning travel to Gracias a Dios should consider postponing their travel as the U.S. Department of State lists this as a Level 4: Do Not Travel location. The U.S. Embassy has restricted U.S. government personnel travel to the Department of Gracias a Dios in eastern Honduras because of credible threat information against U.S citizens. Gracias a Dios is a remote location where narcotics trafficking is frequent, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police/military presence is limited.

Kidnapping Threat

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Honduras.

Kidnappings in Honduras are believed to be significantly underreported. Most that are reported occur in the Francisco Morazan Department (especially in the Distrito Central municipality) and Cortes Department. There were 2 kidnappings reported in 2025 as of May 1, 2025; 13 in 2024, and 8 in 2023. True totals are thought to be much higher. Although reports of kidnappings have dropped considerably in recent years, they continue to affect both the local and expatriate communities, with victims sometimes paying large ransoms for the prospect of release.

Reports of kidnappings of U.S. citizens are not common. Kidnapping figures are likely the result of underreporting, as the victim’s family members often pay ransoms without reporting these crimes to police out of fear of retribution.

Terrorism

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests. The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Honduras.

There are no known international terrorist groups operating in Honduras. No legal cases involving instances of terrorism affecting U.S. citizens or facilities have been brought before the Honduran judicial system, and there are no reports of judicial developments that would have a negative impact on U.S. counterterrorism efforts.

The CA-4 agreement among El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras allows for the inspection-free movement of citizens among these countries, reducing overall inspection at land crossings. Limited inspections could facilitate movements of terrorists. Neighboring country Nicaragua is not part of the CA-4 agreement.

In February, the U.S. Department of State designated eight Latin American transnational criminal organizations (TCOs) as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs). This included the six Mexican groups, including the Cartel de Sinaloa and Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generación (CJNG), which have ties to Honduran criminal groups. The Central American street gang Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13) was also designated as an FTO and is one of the predominant criminal gangs in Honduras.

In relation to the FTO designations, U.S. organizations should be aware of criminal penalties associated with providing material support to FTOs. The primary criminal statutes OSAC members need to be aware of regarding FTOs include 18 U.S.C. § 2339 A-D. These statutes define material support as (tangible or intangible) property, monetary instruments, lodging, training, advice, equipment, transportation, and other goods or services. This can include paying extortion demands to criminal groups designated as FTOs. Compliance departments should ensure that an organization does not knowingly, or unknowingly, provide material support to any FTO or FTO-affiliated entity.

Political Violence and Civil Unrest

The U.S. Department of State has assessed Tegucigalpa as being a MEDIUM-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Honduras. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.

Elections/Political Stability

Honduras is a constitutional, multiparty republic. The most recent national and local elections were held in November 2021. Voters elected Xiomara Castro of the LIBRE Party as president for a four-year term. International observers generally recognized the elections as free and fair.

The next general election will occur on November 30. The primary elections occurred in March and were marked by a polarized political environment, significant issues around ballot distribution by the armed forces, mis- and disinformation, accusations of fraud, and related protests. This has raised concerns about further demonstrations around the election in November and potential election day violence.

Protests & Demonstrations

Civil unrest in Tegucigalpa and other parts of Honduras remains a constant challenge. Most demonstrations were concentrated in or around city centers, public buildings, and other public areas. However, protesters have also blocked key intercity transportation routes and intracity intersections with burning tires, rocks, and other debris, to include the roads leading to the international airports in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and the CA-5 and CA-11 highways. While the majority of protests are relatively peaceful, they are to be avoided as they can escalate, with little or no notice, into violent confrontations resulting in destruction to public and private property.

“Colectivo” groups, affiliated with the ruling party, have disrupted business activities, including at medical centers. In a couple of cases, the groups have become violent.

Tegucigalpa: Protests in the capital often occur in or near the Parque Central, along Boulevard Suyapa, near the National Congress, Presidential Palace, and other prominent government buildings.

San Pedro Sula: Protests also occur in San Pedro Sula’s Parque Central, near the city’s municipal building, along Boulevard Morazán, and occasionally at industrial parks when labor conflicts arise.

Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment

There is currently no significant anti-U.S. or anti-Western sentiment in Honduras.

Law Enforcement

The HNP is part of the National Emergency System. It is responsible for operating the “911 Center” and in charge of receiving all emergency calls nationwide. To activate the response of the HNP in cases of security-related emergencies, the individual must dial 911 from a landline or cell phone; calls to 911 are free and confidential. The 911 Center will then coordinate a response by the nearest HNP station (Posta).

Members of the public can file a criminal complaint (Denuncia) through the DIPAMPCO by dialing 143 at any time of the day.

Police Response

The government lacks resources to investigate and prosecute cases; police often lack vehicles/fuel to respond to calls for assistance. Police may take hours to arrive at the scene of a violent crime or may not respond at all.

The government places specially trained police forces in areas tourists frequent (e.g., the Copan Mayan ruins and Roatán). The government is implementing similar programs for other locations (e.g., La Ceiba, Trujillo) and major hotels, while other tourist installations have increased private and police security. As noted, the government also formed groups such as the National Inter-Agency Security Task Force (FUSINA) and the new National Anti-Gang Task Force (DIPAMPCO) to help combat crime. However, it remains to be seen how effective these new organizations will be in combatting crime.

The police, along with the PMOP, routinely establish checkpoints and review documentation (e.g., driver’s licenses, vehicle registration). The Honduran National Police wear blue uniforms, while the PMOP normally wear green camouflage. Uniforms and vehicles are all clearly marked.

Travelers with Special Considerations

For specific traveler concerns in Honduras, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.

• Women Travelers
• LGB Travelers
• Travelers with Disabilities
• Student Travelers
• Faith-Based Travelers

Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency

The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Honduras.

The law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention, and provides for the right of any person to challenge the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention in court. Detained U.S. citizens should insist on speaking to U.S. Embassy representatives as soon as possible. The police generally treat detained foreigners well. Except in some very rural locations, police are aware of a U.S. citizen detainee's right to contact the Embassy. Travelers should be aware, however, that the assistance the Embassy can provide is limited to making sure U.S. citizens are not treated differently from local detainees and providing them with a list of local attorneys. The Embassy cannot secure the release or act as legal representation for any U.S. citizen. Local law allows the police to detain someone for up to 24 hours for administrative processing. This is a common practice for most automobile accidents where personal injury occurs, and for cases in which someone is accused of a criminal act. Seek legal representation before admitting or signing any legal form that acknowledges culpability. If you or someone you know becomes the victim of a crime, contact the local police and U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa.

Corruption remains a pervasive problem, especially at the local level given the strong presence of armed gangs who often target local officials for corruption. U.S. businesses and citizens report corruption in the public sector, and the judiciary is a significant constraint to investment in Honduras. Historically, corruption has been pervasive in government procurement, issuance of government permits, customs, real estate transactions (particularly land title transfers), performance requirements, and the regulatory system.

The law provides for freedom of expression, including for the press, with some restrictions, and the government generally respects this right. An independent press and a functioning democratic political system combine to promote freedom of expression, including for the press. The independent media are active and express a wide variety of views without restriction. A small number of powerful business magnates with intersecting commercial, political, and family ties own most of the major news media. Media members and NGOs stated the press self-censored due to fear of retaliation from organized criminal groups or corrupt government officials. Some journalists and other members of civil society reported threats from members of organized criminal groups. It was unclear how many of these threats were related to the victims’ professions or activism.

The government does not restrict or disrupt access to the internet or censor online content, and there are no credible reports that the government monitors private online communications without appropriate legal authority.

Cybersecurity

Extortion threats commonly originate through social engineering. Criminals sometimes obtain personal information through social media, the internet, or a victim’s family member. NGOs have reported anonymous attacks via social media, alleging that civil society actors are engaged in, or supportive of, criminal activity in Honduras.

Credit card skimming is common. Embassy employees and others have experienced skimming at well-known restaurants, hotels, and retailers. There is often a spike in skimming in December and June, when the working population receive Christmas and mid-year bonuses in the form of one extra month’s salary.

Import/Export Restrictions

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras is not aware of any specific security concerns regarding imports or exports. There are no known issues with satellite phones.

A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.

Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.