The Department of State alerts U.S. 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 December 20, 2009.
On Sunday, June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya in a coup d’etat and sent him out of the country. There are police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of frequent demonstrations.
The Department of State recommends that American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras exercise extreme caution when traveling within the country. While the de facto government of Honduras is no longer imposing daily curfews, the Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens monitor local TV and radio each evening for current curfew information and abide by these restrictions, should they be imposed. The U.S. Embassy has imposed limitations on the travel of its staff within Honduras and these restrictions are reviewed and or revised 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 the United Nations and the Clarion hotel, the site of negotiations. There have also been regular demonstrations in San Pedro Sula and two small demonstrations in Roatan on the Bay Islands. 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. However, Americans are reminded that peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no warning. Demonstrations are expected to increase in frequency as the November 29, 2009 elections approach.
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).
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.
As of August 26, 2009, non-emergency, non-immigrant visa services were suspended pending a full review of visa policies in Honduras. Barring changes in the security situation, the Consular Section will be open for normal business for immigrant visa services and American Citizens Services both at the Consular Section at the U.S. 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 Travel Alerts, 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 United States, or for callers outside the United States 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.
