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Print Version
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TRAVEL REPORT
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Last Updated: December 7, 2006 16:32
EST
Still Valid: December 8, 2006 23:15
EST
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| Honduras |
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1. INTRODUCTION
A minor editorial change has been done in the French version of this Travel Report.
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2. ATTENTION
In late December 2004 assailants opened fire on a public bus in the Sula valley in northern Honduras. Twenty-eight passengers were killed. In light of another recent incident where a Canadian citizen was killed by assailants in a public bus, Canadians are advised to exercise extreme caution and avoid public transportation while travelling to San Pedro Sula and to its neighbouring municipalities.
OFFICIAL REGISTRATION RECOMMENDATION: Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada offers a registration service for Canadians travelling or residing abroad. Canadians are encouraged to register with the responsible Canadian government office during the hurricane season, which runs from June 1st to November 30th. Registration can be done on-line or by calling the responsible Canadian government office abroad to request a registration form.
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3. SAFETY AND SECURITY
Petty and violent crime, including armed robberies, carjackings, sexual assaults, muggings, and home invasions, is prevalent throughout the country. A large percentage of the population is armed. Kidnappings and carjackings occur. Carjackers target vehicles leaving San Pedro Sula airport. Tourists are targeted by criminals in and around San Pedro Sula, Tela, Trujillo, Tegucigalpa, Goascorán, and the Department of Olancho. Criminal activity towards foreign citizens is also rising on the islands of Roatán and Utila. Travellers should remain vigilant at all times, including in airports, bus terminals, shopping malls and other public places. Do not show signs of affluence and avoid walking or travelling after dark. Ensure personal belongings and travel documents are secure at all times. The emergency number for local police is 199. Police response to criminal incidents may be limited and delayed. The Honduran police generally do not speak English or French. There are tourist police in La Ceiba, Copan, Tela and San Pedro Sula.
Unmarked mine fields are located on both sides of the Honduras-Nicaragua border, especially in the Rio Coco region, the Choluteca and EL Paraiso provinces, and in the area near the Atlantic Coast. Although significant progress was made in clearing these areas, landslides and floods resulting from Hurricane Mitch have scattered many of the remaining mines, making the border area unsafe. Extreme caution is advised if travelling in this area. Confine travel to major thoroughfares and border crossings, such as El Espino (La Fraternidad), Las Manos, and Guasaule. To avoid possible excessive charges at land border crossings, travellers should ascertain the correct fees from the embassy or consulate of each country they plan to visit.
The most dangerous stretches for road travel are from Tegucigalpa to Choluteca (mountain curves); from El Progreso to La Ceiba (animal crossings and the poorly maintained bridges); from Limones to La Union (highway banditry); and from Tegucigalpa to Copan (mountain curves and poor road conditions).
Armed gangs operate along the road from La Esperanza to Gracias (CA-11a). There have also been frequent incidents of highway robbery on Route 41 in Olancho around Salamá and northward to Saba. Do not stop to attend to a body on the roadside; report it to the next police point instead. Route 39 between Gualaco and San Esteban is dangerous and should be avoided.
Armed robberies and bus/carjackings occur along Honduran highways. Remain alert en route to El Progreso, Tela, Trujillo, La Ceiba, and on the road through Santa Barbara. Drive with windows closed and doors locked at all times.
Armed gangs play out different scenarios to trap motorists. At roadblocks, drivers should establish the identity of the individuals stopping them before rolling down the window or opening the door.
Campers should always ensure that facilities are patrolled and well lit. Verify the safety of any beach with local police, park rangers, or hotel staff. Backpackers travelling by ferry from La Ceiba to the Bay Islands have been robbed.
The northern part of the Department of Olancho is known for narcotics smuggling and violence. Exercise caution at all times.
The area off the coast of northeastern Honduras has been the subject of maritime border disputes between Honduras and Nicaragua. The Honduran Navy has increased its patrols in this area. All transiting private vessels may be hailed and possibly boarded by Honduran military personnel for document verification.
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4. LOCAL TRAVEL
Many roads have been damaged by heavy rains, flooding, landslides, and bridge collapses. Roads are often poorly marked and lit. Avoid driving after dusk, vehicles often travel on roadways without proper lighting. Animals and pedestrians are common on roads after dark. Traffic accidents are a common cause of death and injury. Drivers involved in road accidents where another person is badly injured may be held in custody, regardless of culpability.
There have been incidents of armed robberies against tourist vans, minibuses and cars travelling from the airport to hotels in the San Pedro Sula area.
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required.
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5. NATURAL DISASTERS AND CLIMATE
The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. Storms during the 2005 season caused torrential rain, flooding, mudslides, severe damage to infrastructure, and forced the evacuation of thousands of residents.You are advised to visit the Web site of the National Hurricane Center for information on weather conditions.
The rainy season extends from May to October. Major highways are often closed due to rockslides and flooding during this period. The dry season is from November to April. Travellers should keep informed of regional weather forecasts and plan accordingly.
Honduras is located in an active seismic zone. Visitors should familiarize themselves with earthquake precautionary measures. Canadians should also know the address and telephone number of the Office of the Canadian Embassy in Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and of the Canadian Embassy in San José, Costa Rica (see below) in the event of an emergency.
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6. LOCAL LAWS AND CUSTOMS
You are subject to local laws. A serious violation may lead to a jail sentence. The sentence will be served in local prisons.
Canadians arrested or detained have the right to contact the responsible Canadian government office (embassy, high commission, etc.) listed in Section 7 below. Arresting officials have a responsibility to assist you in doing so. Canadian consular officials can provide a list of local lawyers upon request.
The Department publishes A Guide for Canadians Imprisoned Abroad, specifically targeted at incarcerated Canadians. Its prime objective is to inform Canadian detainees, their families, and friends about available assistance and advice.
The government of Honduras recognizes dual nationality. Canadians should travel using their Canadian passport and present themselves as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times.
Honduran law prohibits the export of firearms, antiques, and artifacts from pre-colonial civilizations. It is also illegal to export certain birds, feathers, and other flora and fauna.
Canadians interested in purchasing property or making other investments should seek legal advice from appropriate professionals in Canada and Honduras before making commitments. Disputes arising from such activities could be prolonged and costly to resolve.
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7. ASSISTANCE FOR CANADIANS ABROAD
You can obtain consular assistance and further consular information at the following address:
Honduras - TEGUCIGALPA, Embassy of Canada
Address: Centro Financiero BANCO UNO, 3rd Floor, Boulevard San Juan Bosco, Colonia Payaquí, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Postal Address: P.O. Box 3552, Tegucigalpa, Honduras
Tel.: (504) 232-4551 Ext.: 3341
Fax: (504) 239-7767
E-mail: tglpa@international.gc.ca
The Canadian Embassy in San José, Costa Rica, has overall consular responsibility for Honduras.
Costa Rica - SAN JOSÉ, Embassy of Canada
Address: La Sabana Executive Business Centre, Building No. 5, 3rd Floor, beside the Contraloría General de la República, San José, Costa Rica
Postal Address: P.O. Box 351-1007, San José, Costa Rica
Tel.: (506) 242-4400
Fax: (506) 242-4410
E-mail: sjcra@international.gc.ca
Internet: http://www.sanjose.gc.ca
For emergency assistance after hours, contact the Office of the Canadian Embassy in Tegucigalpa and follow the instructions. You may also make a collect call to the Department in Ottawa at 613-996-8885.
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8. ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS
The following information on entry and exit requirements has been confirmed with the Honduras authorities and, to the best of our knowledge, was valid on November 21, 2006. However, entry and exit requirements are subject to change.
It is the sole prerogative of each country to determine who is allowed to enter. All countries have special requirements for persons intending to reside for extended periods (usually more than 90 days) or who plan to work, study, or engage in non-tourist activities. To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the country or countries to be visited. Violations of entry and exit requirements may result in serious penalties.
Foreign Affairs Canada’s Office of Protocol provides contact details for the Embassy of the Republic of Honduras and its consulates, where you can obtain further information on entry and exit requirements.
A valid Canadian passport is required for Canadians intending to visit Honduras. The passport has to be valid for at least six months beyond the date of your expected departure from the country. Canadian tourists may travel within any of the C-4 countries (Honduras, Nicaragua, El Salvador and Guatemala) for a 90 day period. The 90 days begins at the first point of entry of any of the C-4 countries. Fines are applied for travellers who exceed this 90 day limit although a request for an extension can be made for up to 30 days by paying a fee before the 90 days limit expires.
Minors under the age of 21 who hold dual citizenship or are residents of Honduras, departing the country alone or with only one parent, are required to present a legally certified document stating that both parents (if travelling alone) or the parent remaining in the country (if travelling with only one parent) agree to their travel.
Tourist Visa: Not required (for stays up to 90 days)
Business Visa: Not required (for stays up to 30 days)
A departure tax of US$30 is required for all international flights.
Selling, altering, or allowing another person to use your passport is a criminal offence. It could lead to the laying of charges and imprisonment if convicted. It could also lead to the denial of future passport services.
Special and diplomatic passport holders should verify visa requirements for this and other countries, as they may differ from those that apply to regular passport holders.
Any adult travelling with children may be required to show evidence of parental/custodial and/or access rights. Foreign and Canadian authorities may also require evidence that the adult has the consent of the parents, legal guardian, and/or the court to travel with the children. Some countries may not permit children to enter or, in some cases, leave the country without proper documentation such as a letter of consent or a court order.
Although same-sex marriages are legal in Canada, many countries do not recognize them. Attempting to enter as a same-sex married couple may result in refusal by local officials. For more information, contact the foreign government office accredited to Canada.
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9. MONEY
The currency is the lempira (L). Canadian dollars cannot be exchanged into local currency (lempiras). U.S. dollars are easily converted. Airport currency exchange booths are usually closed by 5 p.m. Carry only small amounts of cash, and use U.S. dollar traveller's cheques whenever possible. Although a passport is required for all financial transactions, a certified photocopy of your identification page should suffice. Check with your bank for information on ATM services in other countries. You can also check the VISA ATM locator page or the MasterCard ATM locator page for the addresses of ATMs around the world. Your bank can advise if you need a new personal identification number (PIN) for overseas access to your account. Credit cards and debit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud and other criminal activity. ATMs should be used during business hours inside a bank, supermarket, or large commercial building. Leave copies of your card numbers with a family member in case of emergency.
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10. GENERAL INFORMATION
Honduras (capital: Tegucigalpa) is located in Central America, bordered by El Salvador, Nicaragua, Guatemala, the Caribbean Sea, and the Pacific Ocean. The official language is Spanish.
Travellers should consult their travel agent or the Honduras Institute of Tourism (e-mail: hondurastips@globalnet.hn) for current information on specific locations. Alternatively, visitors may consult the Honduras Tourism Web site.
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11. TRAVEL MEDICINE PROGRAM
The Public Health Agency of Canada and the World Health Organization (WHO) report on disease outbreaks that occur throughout the world. For the latest travel health advisories and related information, visit the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Travel Medicine Program Web site.
The Public Health Agency of Canada strongly recommends that your travel plans include contacting a travel medicine clinic or physician six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication and advise you on precautions to avoid disease. Travellers are reminded to ensure that their routine (childhood) immunizations (e.g., tetanus, diphtheria, polio, and measles) are up to date.
Standards of medical care may differ from those in Canada. Treatment may be expensive, and payment in advance may be required. Travellers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in the original container and packed in carry-on luggage.
The Public Health Agency of Canada also recommends that travellers who become sick or feel unwell on their return to Canada seek a medical assessment with their personal physician. Travellers should inform their physician that they have been travelling or living outside of Canada.
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12. ADDITIONAL HEALTH INFORMATION
As with any tropical storm aftermath, outbreaks of diarrheal diseases and other communicable diseases are to be expected. Flooding can cause sewage systems to overflow and rivers to become contaminated. As a result, potable water may not be available in many areas. Because of the flooding, there is an increased risk for water-borne diseases.
Tap water should be boiled or chemically treated. Safe bottled water is widely available.
Private hospitals and clinics in the city are often better staffed and equipped than public or rural facilities. Physicians and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for medical care. Credit cards are accepted.
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13. RETURNING TO CANADA
Please consult the Current Issue on returning to Canada.
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14. INTERNATIONAL ADOPTIONS
Provincial and territorial authorities in Canada are responsible for authorizing international adoptions. If you are thinking of adopting a child from another country, you must first obtain information about the adoption regulations of the province or territory in which the child will reside. While adoption is a provincial/territorial responsibility, Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is responsible for allowing an adopted child entry into Canada. Entry can be refused if the child does not hold the appropriate immigrant visa. A visa may be denied, even if the adoption has already been completed. For more information contact CIC at 1 888 242-2100 (in Canada only), check the CIC Web site or contact your provincial or territorial government.
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15. TRAVEL TIPS
Please consult our Traveller's Checklist.
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16. HEALTH AND TRAVEL INSURANCE
Do not rely on your provincial health plan to cover all expenses if you get sick or are injured while abroad. It may cover nothing or only a portion of the costs. Understand the terms of your supplementary insurance policy. Some credit cards offer their holders health and travel insurance. Do not assume the card alone provides adequate coverage. Carry details of your insurance with you. Also, tell your travel agent, a friend or relative, and/or travelling companion how to contact your insurer. Get a detailed invoice from the doctor or hospital before you return to Canada. Always submit original receipts for any medical services or prescriptions received abroad. Most insurance companies will not accept copies or faxes.
Cancelling a scheduled trip abroad could cost you money. Before cancelling a scheduled trip, you should discuss the matter with your travel agent, your travel insurer, or the airline. The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller.
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17. FOR MORE INFORMATION
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18. ANNEX
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