From: owner-travel-advisories Subject: NEW TRAVEL INFO -- Honduras Newsgroups: wstd.travel.advisories Date: Fri, 23 May 1997 14:09:11 GMT Organization: The World Public Access UNIX, Brookline, MA Xref: world wstd.travel.advisories:1338 Path: world!eliz Message-ID: <970523140910_76702.1202_CHN36-1@CompuServe.COM> Precedence: bulk Sender: eliz@world.std.com (daemons) Distribution: wstd Approved: usenet@world.std.com Lines: 142 STATE DEPARTMENT TRAVEL INFORMATION - Honduras ============================================================ Honduras - Consular Information Sheet May 21, 1997 Country Description: Honduras has a developing economy. Tourist facilities are generally adequate, but vary in quality. Entry Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Honduras. For additional information concerning entry and customs requirements, travelers can contact the Embassy of Honduras at 3007 Tilden Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20008, tel.: (202) 966-7702; or the nearest Honduran consulate in Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, New Orleans, New York, or San Francisco. Overseas, inquiries should be made at the nearest Honduran consulate. Areas of Instability: Travel by road between Nicaragua and Honduras, even on main highways, is potentially hazardous. The presence of extensive minefields on both sides of the border, particularly along the Rio Coco and in the Atlantic Coast region, present a danger to anyone venturing close to the border at other than the El Espino, Las Manos, and Guasaule border crossings. (El Espino crossing is known by the name La Fraternidad.) Security: Several small explosive devices have detonated at local government buildings over the past year. While most of these explosions occurred at night, at least one incident occurred during business hours and resulted in a loss of life. Although American citizens have not been targeted, on February 11, 1997, several U.S.-franchised restaurants were subjected to grenade attacks. The attacks, which occurred during business hours, caused no injuries or loss of life. No motivations for or perpetrators of these attacks have been identified. Medical Facilities: Medical care varies in quality. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services. U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United States. In some cases, supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas coverage, including medical evacuation, has proved useful. For additional health information, travelers may contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers hotline at (404) 332-4559, or via the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. Crime Information: The security situation in Honduras requires a high degree of caution. Street crime is the principal concern, with thefts in urban areas, including purse snatching, pickpocketing and armed robberies, on the rise. Armed carjackings have been a particular problem, and there have been incidents of home invasions. Tourists have been targeted by criminals in areas of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa. Displaying jewelry or large amounts of money increases the risk of robbery. Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of State pamphlet, "A Safe Trip Abroad." This publication, as well as others such as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," is available from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and the local police. Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in which they are traveling. Penalties in Honduras for possession, use and trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect lengthy jail sentences and fines. Lengthy judicial delays can also be expected. Recently, one U.S. citizen was convicted of drug trafficking and sentenced to 18 years in prison. He had been held for five years before being convicted. Purchasing Property: U.S. citizens contemplating investment in real estate in Honduras should exercise caution, particularly in coastal areas and the bay islands. The Honduran constitution contains provisions restricting or prohibiting land ownership by foreigners in coastal and border areas, notwithstanding subsequent passage by the Honduran Congress of laws authorizing such ownership in certain areas and with particular restrictions. In general, the enforcement of laws pertaining to property titles in Honduras is uncertain. Squatters have also laid claim to a number of properties owned by U.S. citizens. It is recommended that potential investors engage competent local legal representation before making any commitments. Investors or their attorneys should thoroughly check property titles, not only with the property registry office and municipality having jurisdiction in the area in which the property is located (being especially observant of marginal notations on the deed and that the property is located within the area covered by the original title), but also with the National Agrarian Institute (INA) and the National Forestry Administration (COHDEFOR). Further information and guidance on purchasing real property in Honduras may be obtained by writing, calling or faxing the American Embassy Consular Section at the following address: American Embassy Tegucigalpa, Consular Section, Attention: Property Unit, Unit 2909, APO AA 34022, tel. 011-504-385-114 or 011-504-369-320, fax 011-504-371-792. Currency Regulations: It is difficult to cash personal checks in Honduras; however, major credit cards are accepted. Aviation Oversight: As a result of an assessment conducted by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in May 1993, the FAA has found the government of Honduras civil aviation authority to not be in compliance with international aviation safety standards for oversight of Honduran air carrier operations. Operations to the U.S. by Honduran air carriers are not permitted unless they arrange to have their flights conducted by an air carrier from a country meeting international aviation safety standards. The Department of Defense does not permit U.S. military personnel to use carriers from Honduras for official business except in extenuating circumstances. For further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation at 1 (800) 322-7873. Road Conditions: The majority of roads in Honduras are unpaved. The major cities are connected by a poorly maintained two-lane system of paved roads. During the rainy season, even major highways are often closed due to rockslides and flooding. Driving at night is not recommended, due to a general lack of lighting and inadequately marked highways. Additionally, vehicles often are driven at night without adequate illumination, and animals and people wander onto the roads at all hours. Registration/Embassy Location: U.S. citizens are encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. The U.S. Embassy in Honduras is located at Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 369-320 or (504) 385-114. No. 97-081 This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated February 14, 1997, to update information on security and crime. ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- ----- The "travel-advisories@stolaf.edu" mailing list is the official Internet and BITNET distribution point for the U.S. State Department Travel Warnings and Consular Information Sheets. To unsubscribe, send a message containing the word "unsubscribe" to: travel-advisories-request@stolaf.edu Archives of past "travel-advisories" postings are available at the URL: "http://www.stolaf.edu/network/travel-advisories.html" or via Gopher: gopher.stolaf.edu, Internet Resources/US-State-Department-Travel-Advisories