Country information from A to Z

Things you should know

A

Area

  • Total area: 112.090 sqkm
  • Land area: 111.890 sqkm
  • Water area: 200 sqkm

B

Bordering countries:

  • Guatemala 256km
  • El Salvador 342km
  • Nicaragua 922km

Banking hours

Mo-Fr  09.00-16.00 Uhr, (some banks in the capital open until 19.00)

C

Capital city

Tegucigalpa  87º 12' W 14º 05' N 

Car hire

Self-drive cars are available at the airport. But the rental charges are relatively high because only foreigners use this service.

Documents: Both international and foreign driving licences are accepted for up to 90 days.

Climate and tourist season

The only two seasons are determined by the wet season (from May through October/November)) and the dry season ( from November/December through April/May. There is a warm, tropical climate all year round except for the higher mountain regions.The north-east trade wind is responsible for rainfall in most parts of the country. In the north and north-east, there are 2.500 mm of rainfall per year, in the  other parts of the country there are usually between 900 and 2.000 mm. Best time to travel: The months with low rainfall, but you can travel the country all year round without problems.

Coastline

820 km

Codes:

 HN, HND, www.*.hn

Country code

+ 504

Credit Cards

American Express, Eurocard, MasterCard, Diners Club and Visa are accepted. You can get details from the issuer of the respective credit card. For withdrawing money almost solely Visa and MasterCard are accepted.

Currency

1 Lempira (L) = 100 Centavos

E

Embassy of Honduras in the UK

115 Gloucester Place, London, W1H 3PJ.
Tel: 020 7486 4880 - Fax: 020 7486 4550

Nearest Tube Station: Baker Street

Embassy of Honduras in the USA

3007 Tilden Street, NW, Suite 4M, Washington DC 20008

Telephone: (202) 966-7702
Fax: (202) 966-9751
E-mail: embhondu@aol.com
URL: http://www.hondurasemb.org/

If you are a citizen of any other country, you will find a listing of Honduran embassies worldwide:

http://www.embassyworld.com/embassy/Honduras/Honduras3.html

Electricity

line voltage and sockets: 110 volts AC, 60 Hz

Exchange regulations

There are no restrictions on import and export of local and foreign currencies. Amounts of money equivalent to 10.000 US-dollars and more have to be declared. It is not allowed to export more US-dollar than the declared amount.

F

Flag

Honduras' flag features three equal horizontal bands of blue, white, and blue (from top-down). The two outer blue bands represent the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. The inner white band represents the land between the ocean and the sea. Centred in the white band, and arranged in an X, are five blue five-pointed stars, which represent the members of the former Federal Republic of Central America -- Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua.

Fax

Empresa Hondureña de Telecomunicaciones (Hondutel ) (Internet: www.hondutel.hn ) offers this service

G

Geographical Position

Central America 83º W - 89º W / 13º N - 16º N

H

Health

Vaccination

There are no mandatory vaccinations required but depending on your planned stay certain vaccinations are recommended (see following advice)

Yellow fever

No; a yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from all travellers who want to enter the country within 6 days after staying in an infectious area acknowledged by the WHO. Travellers who did not leave the transit lounge in infectious areas as well as transit passengers in Honduras are exempt.

Cholera:

A cholera vaccination certificate is not a condition of entry into Honduras. However, there is a risk of infection mainly in the districts Comayagua, Choluteca, Cortes, El Paraiso, Francisco Morazan, Gracias a Dios, La Mosquitia, Omoa, Santa Barbara, Valle, Yoro.

Although, different from official regulations, a cholera vaccination certificate can be required, especially when arriving from a country where cholera is endemic or when entering the country outside the capital’s international airport.  As medical opinion is divided over the effectiveness of cholera vaccination, up-to-date medical advice should be sought in good time before you start off the journey. 

Typhoid & Polio

Yes

Malaria

Risk is mainly, but not exclusively, from benign malaria and is present throughout the year in most of the country including major cities. Malignant malaria is more common in the Islas de la Bahia.

Precautions

insect repellents and emergency medication.

Precautionary measures

Food & Drink: Visitors to Honduras are at risk for gastrointestinal illnesses throughout the country. Tap water is not potable. Water used for drinking, brushing teeth or making ice should first be boiled or otherwise sterilised.

Powdered or tinned milk is available and is advised, but make sure that it is reconstituted with pure water. Dairy products made from fresh milk should not be consumed.

Only eat well-cooked meat and fish, preferably served hot. Vegetables should be cooked and fruit peeled. You should avoid eating salad and mayonnaise. Avoid buying and eating food purchased from street vendors and on markets.

Chagas -disease is transmitted by kissing bugs. Travellers who stay overnight in simple huts/poorly constructed buildings or who sleep outdoors should use insecticide-impregnated bed nets.

Dengue fever, which is transmitted by a mosquito species, occurs mainly in the wet season. An effective insect repellent is recommended.

Hepatitis A and B occur. Vaccination against hepatitis A is recommended; for long-term stays and for children and young people a vaccination against hepatitis B is recommended as well.

AIDS/HIV is widespread and all those are put at risk who do not take the common precautionary measures.

Leishmaniasis, transmitted by the bite of infected sand flies, occurs. Protect yourself by wearing skin-covering clothes and using insect repellents.

Rabies occurs. Carriers are dogs, cats, woodland animals and bats among others. A vaccination is recommended for backpackers, children, professional high-risk groups and for long-term stays. If you are bitten, seek medical advice without delay.

Healthcare

There are hospitals in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula and all major towns. The health system is not comparable to European/North American standard, but there are excellent private hospitals, where mostly American doctors practise.

Mosquito nets are recommended for coastal areas.

You should arrange for private travel health insurance which also pays in case of medical emergency air evacuation. If you require medication for existing medical conditions, take a sufficient supply for all your needs during travel as well as a first aid kit.  But there are also well-stocked pharmacies so that it is possible to buy medicine on the spot.

Highest point

Cerro Las Minas 2,870 m

I

Independence

15. September 1821 (from Spain)

Internet/E-Mail

Meanwhile, there are internet cafés in most of the towns. Additionally, we also have internet access in our B&B with installed Skype for reasonably priced phone calls world wide.

International travel

By plane

There are no direct flights from the UK; connections are generally via the USA. There are daily flights from Miami operated by TACA and American Airlines. There is a direct flight from Italy to Roatan/Honduras.

International airports
Tegucigalpa Toncontin (TGU) is 5 km (3 miles) southeast of the city. Airport facilities: bank, post office, duty-free-shops, tourist information centre, pharmacy, car rentals, bars and restaurants. Buses and taxis are available to the city centre.

There are also international airports in San Pedro Sula (SAP) (Dr. Ramón Villeda Morales) and La Ceiba (LCE) (Goloson).  The airport in San Pedro is becoming more and more important and meanwhile there are more arrivals here than in Tegucigalpa.

By ship

Puerto Cortés, Tela, La Ceiba und Puerto Castilla are the major ports on the Caribbean coast, whereas San Lorenzo is the most important one on the Pacific coast. However, only cargo- and containerships call at those ports. There is a ferry crossing from Port Isabel in Texas to Puerto Cortés.

By rail

There are no rail services between Honduras and neighbouring countries.

By car/bus

Road routes run from El Salvador and Nicaragua via the Pan-American Highway and from Guatemala on the Western Highway. Visas must be obtained before the journey is undertaken. Border crossings can be fraught with long delays.

Bus: Comfortable coaches of private carriers like Ticabus (tel: 220 0579/0590; website: www.ticabus.com) go to all Central American capitals. Hedman Alas (internet: http://www.hedmanalas.com) offers services to Guatemala. Booking in advance is strongly recommended.

L

Largest city

Tegucigalpa (850.000 inhabitants)

Lowest point

Caribbean Sea  0

M

Manners & Customs

The Spanish influence is noticeable everywhere.  The traditional life style has been kept in many villages. The common polite forms of address should be observed.

Unobtrusive everyday clothes are accepted everywhere, you can normally wear more casual clothes in the coastal areas. Swimwear and shorts should only be worn at swimming pools or on the beach.

If you would like to take photos of local people, please ask for permission beforehand.

Tipping: 10-15%, in restaurants, mostly included in the bill. Porter and taxi drivers expect 0.5 to 1 L for help with the baggage

Mobil phone

GSM 850/1900. Main network operators are Celtel (Internet: http://www.celtel.net) and Aloe (Internet: www.megatel.hn).

Money exchange

US-dollar in cash or US-dollar-traveller cheques are exchanged. Pound Sterling cannot be exchanged.

N

National border

in total:  1.520 km

National holidays:

15. September (Declaration of Independence from Spain in 1821)

National travel

By plane

The three local airlines, Isleña Airlines (website: www.flyislena.com), Aero Honduras and Sosa Airlines (website: www.laceibaonline.net/aerososa/sosaingl), operate daily services which link Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula with provincial towns of the country. Isleña Airlines and Sosa Airlines run services to the island of Utila off the Caribbean coast. Over 30 small airfields handle light aircraft and commercial aviation. Even remote regions are regularly serviced by light aircrafts.

Domestic airports

Tegucigalpa , San Pedro Sula (SAP), La Ceiba (LCE) and Roatan Island Airport (RTB). An additional airport is being considered near the Copan ruins in the middle of 2008.

By ship

Ferries operate between ports on the Pacific and Caribbean coastlines. For details, contact local port authorities. There are sailings from La Ceiba and Puerto Cortés to the Bay Islands several times a week. Arrangements must be made with local boat owners.

By rail

There are only three railways in the north of the country which are mainly used for transporting bananas. Visitors can, however, take a trip from San Pedro Sula on a banana train towards Tela.

By car/bus

The road network comprises 14.600 km, of which 2543 km are paved, and about half of it is dirt road. Traffic drives on the right. An all-weather road exists from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula, Puerto Cortés, La Ceiba and main towns along the Caribbean coast, as well as to the towns around the Gulf of Fonseca in the south. It is not advisable to drive after nightfall. It is best to use an all-terrain vehicle when driving off-road.

Coaches, the main means of transport, run regular service to most large towns. The services are well used and booking in advance is essential. On the whole the services are very cheap.

In Saturday’s issue of the most important newspapers you can also find the latest timetables for the major domestic and international services.

Taxis are not metered, and run on a flat rate within cities. They are not always in safe condition. For longer distances, fares should be agreed before commencing the journey. There are also shared taxis, so called Colectivos.

O

Official language

Spanish

P

Population

7.326.496 inhabitants (2006)

Post

Airmail to Western Europe takes between four and seven days. Post Office hours: Mon-Sat 0800-1200 and 1400-1800.

Private courier service is expensive but faster and much more reliable.

Public holidays

  • 1. Jan. 2008  New Year.
  • 20. March Maundy Thursday.
  • 21.-23. March Easter Holidays. 
  • 14. Apr. Day of the Americas.
  • 1. May Labour Day.
  • 15. Sep. Independence Day.
  • 3. Oct. Soldiers’ Day.
  • 12. Oct. Americas Day (Discovery of America).
  • 21. Oct. Armed Forces Day. 25. Dec. Christmas Day.

R

Religion

Christians 95,0 %, others 5,0 %

Requirements to enter the country

Passport

Passport Required, no Visa Required, no Return Ticket Required for:

  • British
  • Australian
  • Canadian
  • USA
  • OtherEU
  • Japanese

Passport valid for three months from date of arrival required by all.

It is advisable to have a return ticket, but not obligatory. However, visitors may be asked to prove how they plan to leave the country.

Visas

Required by all except the following:

(a) nationals of countries referred to in the list above

(b) nationals of Andorra, Antigua & Barbuda, Argentina, The Bahamas, Bahrain, Barbados, Belize, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Guatemala, Iceland, Israel, Korea (Rep), Kuwait, Liechtenstein, Madagascar, Marshall Islands, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Panama, Paraguay, Qatar, Romania, St Kitts & Nevis, St Lucia, St Vincent & the Grenadines, San Marino, São Tome and Principé, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Soloman Islands, South Africa, Switzerland, Trinidad & Tobago, Turkey, Tuvalu, United Arab Emirates, Uruguay and Vanuatu, Vatican City and Venezuela;

(c) those in transit continuing their journey within 48 hours, except for those nationals who require special authorisation.

Travelling with children

Single parents or other adults travelling alone with children should be aware that some countries require documentary evidence of parental responsibility before allowing lone parents to enter the country or, in some cases, before permitting the children to leave the country.  For further information on exactly what will be required at immigration please contact the Honduran Embassy.

S

Safety

We strongly advise against hitch-hiking (especially women). It is strongly recommended to keep important documents and cash in safe places (for example in a safe/deposit box in your hotel).

Fortunately, it is meanwhile quite safe to travel and walk around during the day due to the commitment of the police. Although, we advise against walking around after dark.

The Honduran government regards tourism as an issue of national priority.

The introduction of a so called tourism police, which has been in operation since March 2002 in towns and cities like Tela and La Ceiba and San Pedro Sula and which has improved safety a lot, is an example for that. This project is an initiative of the Ministry of Tourism in cooperation with the Ministry of Public Security.

Please contact us directly via our contact form for further information.

Sports

There are good fishing grounds at the coasts and at Lake Yojoa (perches).

Diving: There are excellent opportunities to dive in the coral reefs around the Bay Islands. Diving equipment rental is included in the rate per night in some hotels.

Golf gets more and more popular. There are golf courses in nearly all holiday regions and larger cities/towns.

Swimming: There are safe places to swim on the sandy beaches of the coasts.

Public sports: Football/soccer is the national sport; baseball, basketball, boxing and bowling are also very popular.

T

Telephone

STD/direct distance dialling. The national telephone company is called Empresa Hondureña de Telecomunicaciones (Hondutel) (Internet: http://www.hondutel.hn). Public phones are often card phones, but this is quite expensive. Mostly, it is worthwhile buying a prepaid mobile phone, as the charge per unit is much cheaper and text messages can be sent as well.

Telegrams

Telegrams as well a simple letter telegrams (at least 22 words) can be posted.

Time difference: 

GMT -6 hours

Traveller cheques

Should be issued in US-dollar.

Y

Year of foundation:

15.09.1821