{"slug":"honduras","title":"Honduras travel advice","updated_at":"2026-07-29T16:40:19+01:00","reviewed_at":"2026-07-29T15:40:19Z","change_description":"This travel advice has been reviewed for accuracy with minor updates made throughout, including updated information on airport tax, crime and violent attacks against vehicles ('Safety and security' page).","web_url":"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/honduras","entry_requirements_html":"<p>This information is for people travelling on a full <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/types-of-british-nationality\">‘British citizen’ passport</a> from the UK. It is based on the UK government’s understanding of Honduras current rules for the most common types of travel. </p>\n\n<p>The authorities in Honduras set and enforce entry rules. If you’re not sure how these requirements apply to you, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://hondurasembassyuk.com/\">Honduran Embassy in the UK</a> (Spanish language website).</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"passport-validity-requirements\">Passport validity requirements</h2>\n\n<p>To enter Honduras, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ at least 6 months after the date you arrive and at least 2 blank pages. Check with your travel provider that your passport and other travel documents meet requirements. <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/renew-adult-passport/renew\">Renew your passport</a> if you need to.</p>\n\n<p>You will be denied entry if you do not have a valid travel document or try to use a passport that has been reported lost or stolen.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"dual-nationals\">Dual nationals</h2>\n\n<p>When returning to the UK, British citizens must carry a valid <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/browse/abroad/passports\">British passport</a> or <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/right-of-abode/apply-for-a-certificate-of-entitlement\">certificate of entitlement</a>. See <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/dual-citizenship\">Dual citizenship</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"visa-requirements\">Visa requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You must have a visa to visit Honduras.</p>\n\n<p>However, passengers of cruise ships are permitted to enter Honduras under a “short pass”. This allows passengers to disembark during the hours the ship is docked in Honduras (usually less than a day). If passengers remain in Honduras beyond the hours of docking a visa will be required. Check with your cruise line or with your nearest Honduran Embassy for further information.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"applying-for-a-visa\">Applying for a visa</h3>\n\n<p>Find out <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://hondurasembassyuk.com/visa/\">how to apply for a Honduran visa</a> (Spanish language website - with English instructions on visa application process) in London from the Honduran Embassy.</p>\n\n<p>If you are not in the UK, contact the nearest Honduras Embassy for information and instructions about how to apply for a visa. You can also contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://inm.gob.hn/\">National Institute of Migration</a> (Spanish language website).</p>\n\n<p>To work, study or for business travel, you must meet the Honduran government’s entry requirements. Check which type of visa or work permit you need with the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://hondurasembassyuk.com/visa/\">Honduran Embassy</a> (Spanish language website).</p>\n\n<p>If you overstay, you may get a fine that you must pay before you leave Honduras. For information on how to extend your stay or pay a fine, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://inm.gob.hn/\">National Institute of Migration</a> (Spanish language website).</p>\n\n<div role=\"note\" aria-label=\"Warning\" class=\"application-notice help-notice\">\n<p>Make sure you get your passport stamped.</p>\n</div>\n\n<p>You will get a 30-day visit entry stamp in your passport when you arrive. Make sure the border control officer puts a stamp in your passport otherwise you may get a fine. If your passport is missing a stamp, return to the immigration desk immediately, or go to the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://inm.gob.hn/\">National Institute of Migration</a> in Tegucigalpa as soon as possible.</p>\n\n<p>You can apply at an immigration office to extend your stay.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"travelling-through-honduras\">Travelling through Honduras</h2>\n\n<p>If you’re travelling through Honduras to another country (sometimes called ‘transiting’), you must follow Honduran entry requirements even if you do not pass through immigration. Contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://inm.gob.hn/\">National Institute of Migration</a> (Spanish language website) for information.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"travelling-between-honduras-el-salvador-guatemala-and-nicaragua\">Travelling between Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua</h2>\n\n<p>You can travel between Guatemala, Nicaragua and El Salvador for up to 90 days without a visa. The CA-4 Agreement also includes Honduras, however British Nationals must have a visa to visit Honduras. If you’re entering Honduras, <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/honduras/entry-requirements\">read the entry requirements</a>. Read the travel advice for:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li><a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/el-salvador/entry-requirements\">El Salvador</a></li>\n  <li><a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/guatemala\">Guatemala</a></li>\n  <li><a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/nicaragua/entry-requirements\">Nicaragua</a></li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>The 90-day period starts when you enter any of these countries and does not restart when you cross borders. You’ll have to go through immigration checks at borders. If you’re expelled from one of these countries, you’re also excluded from the other 3.</p>\n\n<p>If you wish to extend your stay, contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://inm.gob.hn/\">National Institute of Migration</a> (Spanish language website) in Honduras. If you overstay, you may get a fine.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"travellers-aged-20-and-under\">Travellers aged 20 and under</h2>\n\n<p>To enter or exit Honduras, people aged 20 and under travelling alone or with only one parent or legal guardian must have a notarised letter in Spanish from the parents or guardians not travelling with them. Contact the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://hondurasembassyuk.com/\">Honduran Embassy</a> (Spanish language website), or if you’re in Honduras the nearest <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://inm.gob.hn/\">National Institute of Migration</a> (Spanish language website), for information about what documents you need. Single parents will need additional documents.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"airport-tax\">Airport tax</h2>\n\n<p>There is an airport departure tax for international flights ranging from USD40 - USD55 (or the same amount in Honduran lempiras) depending on the airport. This is normally included in the cost of your ticket. </p>\n\n<p>There is also a lower rate departure tax for domestic flights, again, normally included in the cost of your ticket.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"land-border-fee\">Land border fee</h2>\n\n<p>When you arrive at a land border, the immigration authorities may charge you a fee of 3 US dollars (in cash). Keep the receipt until you leave Honduras as you may be asked to present it and make sure you get a stamp in your passport.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"vaccine-requirements\">Vaccine requirements</h2>\n\n<p>You may need a yellow fever certificate for onward travel to some other countries, due to the risk of yellow fever in Honduras.</p>\n\n<p>For full details about medical entry requirements and recommended vaccinations, see <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/101/honduras#Vaccine_recommendations\">TravelHealthPro’s Honduras guide</a>.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"customs-rules\">Customs rules</h2>\n\n<p>There are strict rules about goods you can take into or out of Honduras. You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.</p>\n\n<p>You must complete the Government of Honduras’ <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://sisglobal.aduanas.gob.hn/Pech/#/plataforma/otra_gestiones/formularioDJRV\">customs declaration form</a> prior to entering or leaving the country. After completing the online form, you must present the QR code to the customs authorities, either on paper or electronically.</p>\n\n","safety_html":"<h2 id=\"terrorism\">Terrorism</h2>\n\n<p>There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.   </p>\n\n<p>UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.counterterrorism.police.uk/runhidetell/\">staying safe</a> and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/reduce-your-risk-from-terrorism-while-abroad\">how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"terrorism-in-honduras\">Terrorism in Honduras</h3>\n\n<p>Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Honduras, attacks cannot be ruled out.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"political-situation\">Political situation</h2>\n\n<p>Protests can happen anywhere in Honduras. Although normally peaceful, these can rapidly turn violent with a general breakdown in law and order, including looting. The police have frequently responded with tear gas and there have been deaths and injuries.</p>\n\n<p>Although protests are normally restricted to the main cities (especially Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and La Ceiba), the authorities can set up roadblocks anywhere at short notice and these cause significant travel disruptions. Your travel plans may be affected at short notice.</p>\n\n<p>It is illegal for foreigners to participate in political activities. If you take part in protests, you may be detained and deported. Avoid all demonstrations and protests and do not try to pass through blockades. Follow the advice of local authorities and your tour operator or airline and monitor local and social media.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"crime\">Crime</h2>\n\n<p>Honduras has one of the highest violent crime rates in Latin America. Although most serious crime does not affect tourists, you could be caught up in incidents as they can happen anywhere and at any time, even in tourist areas.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"protecting-yourself-and-your-belongings\">Protecting yourself and your belongings</h3>\n\n<p>Petty theft is a problem in cities and tourist areas, including the Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja). Avoid walking around Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and other main towns and cities in mainland Honduras. Be particularly careful at bus stations, airports, isolated beaches, tourist sites and on public transport. Keep your valuables locked away in a safe if possible. Avoid displaying valuable items like jewellery, cameras, tablets, laptops, and mobile phones.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"atm-crime\">ATM crime</h3>\n\n<p>ATMs are available in the major towns. Check with your hotel which ATMs to use, especially in Roatán. It is safer to withdraw money from ATMs in shopping centres and to change money in hotels or banks. Check ATMs for evidence of tampering, although affected machines may not be easy to spot. Do not withdraw a lot of money at one time and avoid withdrawals at night.</p>\n\n<p>People have been killed and injured resisting criminals. It is useful to carry a small amount of money to hand out if you’re robbed.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"violent-attacks-against-vehicles\">Violent attacks against vehicles</h3>\n\n<p>There have been violent attacks on people in cars and buses. Using a reputable tour company for longer journeys may reduce the risks, consider alternatives to public transport (buses). For shorter distances, use radio-dispatched taxis or hotel taxis. It is generally safer to travel on main roads between major cities and tourist destinations.</p>\n\n<p>Take precautions such as:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>locking vehicle doors</li>\n  <li>keeping windows closed</li>\n  <li>not travelling after dark</li>\n  <li>travelling in convoy</li>\n  <li>not picking up hitchhikers</li>\n</ul>\n\n<p>Take care if you’re travelling alone. In remote areas it may be safer to travel with others or join a tour. Do not accept lifts from strangers or hitchhike.</p>\n\n<p>There have been attacks on roads:</p>\n\n<ul>\n  <li>from Limones to La Union</li>\n  <li>from Olancho via Salama to Saba</li>\n  <li>from Gualaco to San Esteban</li>\n  <li>from La Esperanza to Gracias</li>\n  <li>in the Department of Santa Barbara</li>\n  <li>in and around Tela, La Ceiba, Trujillo and El Progreso</li>\n</ul>\n\n<h3 id=\"scams\">Scams</h3>\n\n<p>Scammers often target foreign visitors and residents. The scams come in many forms and can cause great financial loss. Warn your friends and family to be sceptical if they’re asked to transfer funds to you in Honduras. Tell them to contact you to check that you’ve made this request.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"laws-and-cultural-differences\">Laws and cultural differences</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"personal-id-and-travel-documents\">Personal ID and travel documents</h3>\n\n<p>Always carry photo ID. Carry a copy of the photo and visa pages of your passport with you. Leave the original in a safe place.</p>\n\n<p>Make sure you always have the documents for your hotel, car rental, tour or ticket reservations. Local authorities may stop you and ask for documents confirming your travel plans. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"illegal-drugs-and-prison-sentences\">Illegal drugs and prison sentences</h3>\n\n<p>There are severe penalties for drug trafficking (15 to 20 years in prison and a very large fine) and drug use (from 3 to 9 months in a rehabilitation centre). Honduran prisons are overcrowded and violent.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"lgbt-travellers\">LGBT+ travellers</h3>\n\n<p>Same-sex sexual activity is not illegal. There are no laws guaranteeing freedom from discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation. There is no recognition of same-sex marriage. People in the capital, Tegucigalpa, are largely tolerant of individuals’ personal lifestyles and accept small signs of affection between same-sex couples. There is a more conservative attitude outside the capital and showing affection in public is not recommended.</p>\n\n<p>Read more <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-foreign-travel-advice\">advice for LGBT+ travellers</a>.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"money\">Money</h3>\n\n<p>US dollars are widely accepted for exchange and payment. It is difficult to exchange British pounds in Honduras. </p>\n\n<h2 id=\"outdoor-activities-and-adventure-tourism\">Outdoor activities and adventure tourism</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"scuba-diving-accidents\">Scuba diving accidents</h3>\n\n<p>There is a hyperbaric (recompression) chamber on Roatán and there are recompression facilities on the Bay Island of Utila. However, emergency medical facilities on the Bay Islands are extremely limited.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"transport-risks\">Transport risks</h2>\n\n<h3 id=\"road-travel\">Road travel</h3>\n\n<p>If you are planning to drive in Honduras, see <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad\">information on driving abroad</a>. </p>\n\n<p>You can use a UK photocard driving licence to drive in Honduras for up to 3 months. If you still have a paper driving licence, you may need to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/exchange-paper-driving-licence\">update it to a photocard licence</a> or get the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/driving-abroad/international-driving-permit\">correct version of the international driving permit (<abbr title=\"international driving permit\">IDP</abbr>)</a> as well.</p>\n\n<p>Hire car companies often have stricter requirements for their customers, such as a year of driving experience, a higher minimum age and holding an <abbr title=\"international driving permit\">IDP</abbr>. </p>\n\n<p>Make sure you have adequate insurance.</p>\n\n<p>If you are involved in an accident, contact the police or the fire brigade (telephone: 911), stay with your vehicle and wait for the police to arrive. If you’re in a serious accident, you may be taken into custody regardless of responsibility. Seek legal help and inform the <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/world/organisations/british-embassy-honduras\">British Embassy in Guatemala</a>.  Take full details of the other driver (who may not be insured), and do not rely solely on the vehicle’s number plate.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"driving-conditions\">Driving conditions</h3>\n\n<p>Driving standards in Honduras are generally poor. Avoid road travel at night. Many vehicles travel without lights, and animals often wander across roads causing accidents. You may need a 4-wheel drive vehicle if you are not travelling on main roads.</p>\n\n<p>Public buses are often poorly maintained, overcrowded and recklessly driven. Accidents are common and sometimes fatal. Luxury buses, operated by private companies, are usually better maintained.</p>\n\n<p>Some roads remain damaged by hurricanes that struck in 2020.</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"air-travel\">Air travel </h3>\n\n<p>Airlines in Honduras can change their schedules at short notice. Before you travel, check with your airline or travel agent.</p>\n\n<h2 id=\"extreme-weather-and-natural-disasters\">Extreme weather and natural disasters</h2>\n\n<p>Drought, forest fires and flash flooding are common in Honduras.</p>\n\n<p>Find out what you can do to <a href=\"https://www.gov.uk/guidance/tropical-cyclones\">prepare for and respond to extreme weather and natural hazards</a>. </p>\n\n<h3 id=\"hurricanes\">Hurricanes</h3>\n\n<p>The hurricane season in Honduras normally runs from May to November. Landslides and flooding can affect roads throughout the country. Monitor local weather reports and check the warnings from the <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.nhc.noaa.gov/\">US National Hurricane Center</a>. Follow the advice of local authorities, including any evacuation orders. See the Honduran national civil protection website <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://copeco.gob.hn/\">COPECO</a> (Spanish language website).</p>\n\n<h3 id=\"earthquakes\">Earthquakes</h3>\n\n<p>Earthquakes are a risk in Honduras. The US Federal Emergency Management Agency website has advice about <a rel=\"external\" href=\"https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes\">what to do before, during and after an earthquake</a> and <a rel=\"external\" href=\"http://www.ready.gov/tsunamis\">tsunami</a>.</p>\n\n","customs_snippets":["When you arrive at a land border, the immigration authorities may charge you a fee of 3 US dollars (in cash).","You must declare anything that may be prohibited or subject to tax or duty.","You must complete the Government of Honduras’ customs declaration form prior to entering or leaving the country.","After completing the online form, you must present the QR code to the customs authorities, either on paper or electronically."]}
