Travel Alert

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF STATE
Bureau of Consular Affairs

This information is current as of today,

Honduras

July 24, 2009

The Department of State alerts American citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice.  This Travel Alert expires on October 20, 2009.

On June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya and sent him out of the country.  There are military or police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been frequent demonstrations.

The Department of State recommends that American citizens in Honduras defer any unnecessary travel within the country.  The Government of Honduras has announced daily curfews with varying hours.  The Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens monitor local TV and radio each evening for current curfew times and abide by these restrictions.  The U.S. Embassy limits the travel of its staff within Honduras to necessary trips.  The decision to lift or continue those restrictions will be made on a day-to-day basis.

There have been regular demonstrations at various locations around Tegucigalpa including the Presidential palace, Toncontin International Airport, the National Congress, the Organization of American States and the United Nations.  Demonstrators have also blocked roads intermittently throughout the country.  Demonstrations both against and in favor of the new regime are expected to continue in the coming days throughout the country. Demonstrations to date have been generally non-violent with few reports of injuries, but Americans are reminded that peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no warning.

Honduras’ borders remain open, and the airports remain open for regularly scheduled flights.  Continental Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines continue to operate flights as usual, though this is subject to change.  Those with flights scheduled with American Airlines may wish to call (504) 216-4800 (Honduras) or 1-800-433-7300 (United States).  Those traveling with Delta Airlines may wish to call 1-800-241-4141 (United States and Central America) or (504) 550-1616 (San Pedro Sula).  Those with flights scheduled with Continental Airlines may wish to call (504) 220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), (504) 557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 1-800-231-0856 (United States).  Taca Airlines and its affiliates have cancelled domestic flights for reasons unrelated to the political unrest.

The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid large gatherings and not try to pass roadblocks if they encounter them.  U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible, and via the internet.

Barring changes in the security situation, the Consular Section will be open for normal business.  This includes the immigrant, non-immigrant and American Citizens Services units at the Consular Section at the US Embassy in Tegucigalpa and the American Citizen Services unit at the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (011 504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (011 504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax (011 504) 238 4357; E-mail:  usahonduras@state.gov Webpage:   http://honduras.usembassy.gov.

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website (http://travel.state.gov), where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution, can be found.  Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website (https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs), and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras.  Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate.  By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.