Honduras Country Report

Honduras is a developing country in Central America that has a history of frequent military interventions. Although it has shown improved stability in roughly the past decade, concerns over flawed electoral processes and political violence remain, particularly in light of President Juan Orlando Hernandez's flawed presidential win in late 2017.

Terrorism is not a major concern, although organized criminal groups are known to use terrorist-style tactics against their rivals and security personnel. Civil and labor unrest occur with regularity and can cause significant disruptions, whilst crime poses a high threat in the country, where gangs and organized criminal groups are often engaged in turf wars. The high levels of corruption and weak rule of law are likely to impact business operations.

The country is prone to powerful earthquakes. The threat of powerful hurricanes is higher in northern departments than in other parts of Honduras, whilst heavy downpours can affect much of the country during the rainy season (May to November). Medical care is limited, and intensive operations may require evacuation to nearby, more developed countries.

Crime poses the main threat to the safety of travelers in the country. Although such a threat mainly stems from petty and opportunistic crime, the country has one of the highest violent crime rates in the world due to gang-related activities and violence. Terrorism and armed conflict are not a major concern, although organized criminal groups are known to use terrorist-style tactics against their rivals and security personnel in their respective strongholds. Protests have the potential to degenerate into violence, whilst strike actions have the capacity to paralyze targeted sector(s).

There are no safety concerns over air travel.

Road travel is considered dangerous due to poor road and driving conditions as well as criminal activity.

Most of the seaports in Honduras are small and not suited for international shipping.

A considerable percentage of rural households have no access to electricity, whilst mobile communications coverage and Internet connections are considered stable and reliable in major cities.

Cybercrime is a growing problem, but the government does not have a coherent and long-term strategy against such threats.

The country has a generally tropical climate. There is a prevailing threat of landmines in areas near the borders with Nicaragua and El Salvador, although such locations are usually outside of the itineraries of most travelers. In addition, northern departments are particularly vulnerable to powerful tropical weather systems from June to November, whilst monsoon seasons bring heavy downpours across the country. Similarly, there is a credible threat of powerful earthquakes and major tsunamis.

Mosquito-borne diseases pose the biggest threat to travelers, although other ailments are occasionally reported. Medical care is generally limited, though there are several adequate hospitals and clinics in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula that can provide basic care. Shortages of medicines are common. Tap water is not considered safe for drinking unless otherwise directed.

There are no known major threats to the current administration. However, high levels of corruption and disregard for the rule of law are a concern for those operating in the country.