Country Profile for HONDURAS

Overview

Honduras is currently recovering from an episode of significant political turmoil, which destabilised the country and led to a widespread civil unrest. Former president Manuel Zelaya was ousted from power in June, 2009, which led to controversial elections in the November. Porfirio Lobo Sosa was elected as the new president of Honduras, and sworn into office in January, 2010. The political situation in Honduras has subsequently stabilised, however, protests and demonstrations do still occur in the country and always have the potential to become violent.

Honduras is a transit point in the trafficking of drugs between South America and Mexico, and like much of the region it is blighted by drug-related criminal gangs. In the last few years Mexican drug cartels have been moving their operations further south into Honduras and Guatemala, and in November, 2011, the Honduran congress voted to deploy armed forces to fight the criminal organisations. A UN report, published in early 2012, highlighted the increasing levels of drug related violence in the ‘Northern Triangle’ (El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras), as well as identifying drug-related corruption and weakening criminal justice systems.

Drug trafficking gangs are responsible for much of the violent crime in the country, and Honduras has one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, with more than 82 murders per 100,000 people. Carjackings and armed robberies are frequently reported on many of the main highways (such as the CA-5 between San Pedro Sula and Siguatepeque), and visitors should avoid from driving at night wherever possible. Foreign nationals are more likely to be affected by petty crime whilst in Honduras; pick-pocketing and muggings are serious concerns in major urban areas, such as the capital, Tegucigalpa. Street gangs, knows as “maras”, often target tourists in San Pedro Sula, Tela and Trujillo, particularly around hotels and public transport hubs.

Kidnapping is also a concern in Honduras, with the country listed amongst the top ten for recorded incidents worldwide. Although the majority of victims are Hondurans, foreign nationals have been targeted in the past. Maras also carry out express kidnappings in Honduras, where victims are held for short periods of time and released for smaller ransoms.

Health

• Recommended vaccinations/boosters: Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Tuberculosis and Typhoid.
• Due to incidents of Rabies in Honduras necessary precautions, such as avoiding direct contact with animals, is advised.
• Insect-borne diseases Malaria and Dengue Fever exist in the country.  Precautions should be taken to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.
• Standard of health care is adequate in Honduras.  Visitors should arrange any required medication and extensive medical insurance prior to arrival.
• More information can be found at the National Travel Health Network and Centre (www.nathnac.org).

Travel

• Toncontin International Airport is located 5km from Tegucigalpa.
• Taxis are widely available throughout the country and fares should be agreed prior to departure.
• Internal flights are available and are a popular way of travelling throughout Honduras.
• Buses are often unreliable and poorly maintained and should be avoided wherever possible.