Staff, facilities, and supplies in Honduras are not necessarily up to U.S. medical standards. In the Bay Islands there are +/- 115,000 people, (Roatan, Guanaja, Utila). Book a flight, pack your bags and take a tour around the island to see if life in Roatan is in fact the life for you. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. There are cultural differences which will enrich your overall experience but can also lead to frustrations and misunderstandings. Tegucigalpa M.D.C. And to connect with individuals who dabble in either of these two activities, one must go out and look for them. There are numerous communities within walking distance of Roatan that do not have crime. Roatan, Bay Islands. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country. If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high. .jason-signup { The truth of the matter is, the majority of the crime in Honduras is situated on the mainland in the country's major cities. Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. I assume getting the services of an emigration lawyer would be advisable. There are two medical facilities in Coxen Hole, the Woods Clinic and the Roatan public hospital. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 It varies from business to business, with some doing everything but changing the exchange rate on a daily basis and others rounding up or down to make it a cleaner number (for example, if the exchange rate is 22.3, then they will just change it to 22). Read about it here. But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. Most tourists, using normal traveler procedures, will not experience or even hear about a theft. In particular, Gracias a Dios is a remote location where narcotics trafficking is commonplace, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police or military presence is scarce. Roatan is a long, skinny island. Please help get the word out to cruisers. The beaches, reefs, and turquoise waters of Roatan are ideal for diving and snorkeling, and the locals are warm, welcoming, and always ready to lend a hand. Yes. Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, +(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100, Honduras International Travel Information, prevention of international child abduction. email [emailprotected]. Cruise lines and port agencies have approved tour companies offering packages. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. The islands lack of access is one of the reasons crime on the mainland is so prevalent. He was invited to do so by English Parliamentarians who were, The best way to prevent crime is to be proactive. No spam. Im terribly confused. The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. And with 4 modern supermarkets, bilingual schools (teaching English and Spanish) and other first world amenities available on the island, adjusting to Roatan life can be made a little easier for North American expats. Were in West End, and there is definitely a large and friendly expat community. In the end, you must decide for yourself what your definition of safety is and where your personal threshold is. There are a few problems that come with living in Roatan, Honduras. Precheck online is down and not reachable, West End Main Road Restaurant & Shop Locations, Timing airport arrival or departure and ferry, Feb 22 experience in Customs and Immigration from US. Hello all. I am the same..I prefer to stay in a multi-unit resort where there are other tourists (any where I stay) for people company mostly but it is most secure this way. To avoid them, bring or purchase insect repellent that contains DEET. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 38.93, a 5.01% decline from 2017. *We value your privacy. Everything Cruise Lines Don't Want You to Know. Rockslides are common, especially in the rainy season (May through December) and can cause closure of major highways. Traffic signs are often inadequate or non-existent. If you decide to go you won't regret it. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Does anyone have any suggestions? Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. Exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. Save. Since 1995, 115 U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras; of these, just 32 cases have been resolved. Quickly find out which country is right for you. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. This includes leaving handbags hanging on the back of chair backs or under a table. In Honduras, the types of danger include, but are not limited to, violent gang activity, trafficking, rape, street crime and armed robbery. The most common type of crime on Roatan are burglaries. If you are living on the island, purchase a safe and keep your valuables inside of it unless you are using them. When visiting the island you should be aware of these local warnings or dangers that may affect your trip.. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. Some areas have increased risk. The Honduran government conducts police and military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. A traveler who is found to have any amount of marijuana in their possession (including vape cartridges, edibles, organic cannabis, etc.) U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Honduras should avoid large gatherings or events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate, protest, or cause damage as a byproduct of celebrating an event, such as after soccer matches. When many people think of Honduras, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and you may find yourself asking, Is Honduras safe?. Great article. I am looking for a room or apartment share or a budget place to stay for two months. 475 reviews. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation. } See theDepartment of Statepage for information on scams. It is not guaranteed, William of Orange became King of England in 1689 when he invaded England with an army from the Netherlands. There is no disputing that Honduras has problems with crime, much of it due to the extreme poverty, and also the proliferation of drug trade participants. color: white; display: block; Please use My e-mail if you would like to respond. Simply enter your email address below to sign up for our free daily postcards and well also send you a FREE report on The Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens, plus access to over 10 more free reports. State Departments Investment Climate Statement, U.S. Embassys information page on purchasing property in Honduras, Department of State's Human Rights report, State Departments Traveling with Disabilities website, information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The short answer is yes. Crimes against property are the most common with petty theft being the leader. One of the major dilemmas that many retirees face when deciding on a location for a second, or even primary home, is how much distance they are willing to put between them and their families back in the U.S. On the one hand, relocating to an affordable tropical paradise may sound almost too good to be true, but on the other, not being able to run over to see the grandkids every day could be a deal breaker for some expats. The first rainy season will occur from June to July and the second (the winter rainy season) will span from October to February respectably. Safety in numbers. Now I am retiring, with two small pension. Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are among the most dangerous countries to visit in 2022, according to the United Nations. Effective June 2, 2021: All travelers, regardless of age, must provide either proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or negative test results for a PCR, Antigen or ELISA COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before entry into Honduras. Ted: Our number came from the 2001 Census where the island had a rough population of 28,000, most recent numbers are showing a population closer to 50,000 plus. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. I am coming to Roatan in July for a month. You will love Roatan and it's people, just use your head regarding safety and health. The truth is that criminals look for easy targets. The original research on Roatan was done by Ilias Scott, a Managing parter at Clarion/Pineapple Villas on Roatan. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Always negotiate the price before you get into the taxi to avoid price gouging. This should not be overplayed, however. The countrys borders were reopened on March 15th, 2020, a week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for five months. It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential. Instant Download. But drugs and prostitution are not the only way to get in trouble. We are a team of dedicated journalists and writers who strive to bring you the best news and stories from around the world. A woman is killed every 23 hours on average, the National Autonomous University of Honduras' Violence Observatory reports. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila. The same goes for Roatan, but just like in the states, these low prices wont stick around indefinitely. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { No increase in police or military as has happened in past crime waves. Telephone:+(504) 2558-1580 By in large, foreigners are viewed as belonging to the wealthy class when they visit Honduras. So . Crime:While crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, municipalities along the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the countrys highest crime rates. } Your use of this service is subject to our, Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion, Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft, Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. Why provide the opportunity? If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctors prescription. The family of four (with two children) were robbed at gunpoint and terrorized. But the strong police presence, timely intervention, and swift application of justice seem to be an adequate deterrent to keep crime low and criminals in line. Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high. Traffic Laws: In an accident, contact the Honduran Transit Authority (Transito) by dialing 911. Add data for Roatan Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras Crime 0 120 51.16 Crime rates in Roatan, Honduras Safety in Roatan, Honduras Contributors: 7 Last update: October 2022 I know the island is small, but traveling from the West end to the East End daily doesnt sound like fun. Latest News Profile Criminal Actors Investigations News Even though you can get an advance on your credit card, its better to bring more cash than you think youll need. There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. The reports are scattered and hard to verify. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. A visit to the island country will provide you with stunning beaches, tropical forests, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Foreign workers are required to keep the tourism industry operating. Always ensure you have enough medicine to cover your travel time, and research its availability in Honduras, or whether there is a viable replacement. One of the most popular pastimes in Roatan is scuba diving, so if you are a diver, you are definitely in for a treat. Fotos, cundo, donde, quin estuvo involucrado, qu occcurri, qu acciones han sido tomadas. What are the health and safety concerns in Roatan? travel info. Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. But how does the average Joe decide where to put his money? Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Roatan? Although this may change as Roatan continues to gain recognition, the island is not yet densely populated. Enjoy the simple things in life as you spend your days lounging on the beach, scuba diving, hiking through the lush forests, or stretching out in a hammock with a good book. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. Find information ondual nationality,prevention of international child abduction, andcustoms informationon our websites. by Amanda Walkins. Download Historical Data Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. Gracias a Dios is an isolated area with high levels of criminal activity and drug trafficking. Only sealed commercial water containers (bottles) are considered safe to drink. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. Thanks. Roatan Honduras came onto the radar of Cruise Law News in January of this year when a U.S. family who took a Carnival cruise to the island was robbed at gun point while driving in a rental car. Honduras is only a short 2.5 hour flight from Houston, Texas, and with flights arriving to and from on a daily basis, North American expats can realistically be lounging on the beach one day and enjoying Thanksgiving with their families the next. Road Conditions and Safety:Because of crime, poor road conditions, and heavy commercial truck traffic, driving in Honduras can be dangerous. Also, we read about malria and dengue fever. The local people in Roatan, Honduras, are made up of a unique blend of cultures from different ethnic backgrounds, but the largest population of locals are of Indian and Spanish decent. The island attracts a very different crowd indeed. The income disparities between the majority of Hondurans and those visiting Roatan is noticeable. Hope to get back for Spring break in fact. Expat retirees, yachties, families with kids, and cruise ship tourists make up a large majority of the demographic found on Roatan at any given time. Annual temperatures average out at 86F. Severe Weather:Honduras is vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding, especially between June and November. Just my two cents. There have undoubtedly been some burglaries. Avoid displays of money and valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. For up-to-date information, visit Honduras National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) website for current alerts, as well as theNational Hurricane Centers website. A sixty-nine year old U.S. citizen, originally from California, was identified yesterday as the victim of an abduction and murder in Roatan, Honduras, according to a Honduran newspaper El Heraldo. The U.S. Embassy discourages car and bus travel after dark. The people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, and the climate is ideal. Honduras Sand flies can also be an annoyance here, and are burrowed in the beach sand. The newspaper reports that the body of Philip Foster Brown was found in a ravine near a road leading from West End to West Bay in Roatan on Tuesday. Due to gang and cartels fighting for control of the lucrative drug trade in the region, gangs and cartels are battling for control. These are also known as Turtle Crossing, Palmetto Bay, and Lawson Rock. These are examples of how to commit a crime or steal from you. The answer may surprise you: it was, The English monarchy has produced some of the most iconic figures in history. Both are illegal on the island and, if you participate, you could be opening yourself up to dangerous situations. Burglaries are the most common type of crime in Roatan. His corpse was found yesterday wearing only shorts with a bag over his head. Women Travelers:See our travel tips forWomen Travelers. Like every other community in all other countries, there are areas that are best avoided, especially at night. Protests often result in the extended closure of major roads in the cities and highways connecting the major cities. The island of Roatan is a small Honduran island with a population of over 115,000 people, most of whom are Afro-Caribbean islanders and mestizos from the Dominican Republic. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. assist you in reporting a crime to the police, contact relatives or friends with your written consent, explain the local criminal justice process in general terms, provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution, help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. If you do what you say above, all should be A-Ok. We went 2x last yr with our young teen and pre teen and would no problem returning a third time. Id like a source for monthly rentals in Roatan and for 6 -12 month leases. J-M Unlike the mainland of Honduras, Roatan has a very little crime and we never felt unsafe walking through town, even at night. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye. Don't miss this up and commer. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. It cant be denied. Notify your car insurance company as soon as possible, preferably right after the accident. However, according to a recent report from the U.S. State Department, the crime rate in Roatan Honduras is relatively high when compared to other countries in the region. I can understand that the authorities there would be reluctant to investigate a crime that occurred in another municipality. Make sure to request a licensed cab from your hotel; call the number listed on your hotels website and request a licensed cab. Honduras Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. If you are not certain of your own safety, you must be vigilant. Read thecountry information pagefor additional information on travel to Honduras. The homicide rate in Honduras was 42 per 100,000 people in 2019, making it one of the most violent countries in the world. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Even backpackers who normally travel on a budget are considered to be more well off than many hard workers in the local middle class. Dont walk in large cities at night, dont display expensive items like jewelry, and always avoid the slums. The following diseases are prevalent in Honduras: Please review theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) website for further information. Clarion Suites Roatan at Pineapple Villas, Fantasy Island Beach Resort Dive And Marina All Inclusive. It is regarded as one of the most secure islands in the Caribbean. This report indicated that there were a total of 9 murders and 29 robberies on the island in 2016. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cruise ship accidents, injuries, crimes, disappearances, fires, and collisionson the high seas involve issues of maritime law. Crimes against U.S. citizens are rarely solved or prosecuted. The more typical crime against tourists on Roatan will be property crime - theft of money and portable goods. Roatan is in a third world country, and as such, it is not unusual to find cattle, horses, erratic taxi drivers, large trucks, and other unsafe motorists. Some enjoy renting motor scooters. Be careful driving at after hours or at dusk as pedestrians do walk along the side of the road because there aren't sidewalks along most roads in Roatan. One of the most frequently asked questions about Roatan by potential visitors is "How safe will I be?" Certainly reports about the high violent crime rate in Honduras trigger reasonable concerns for folks who have not experienced Roatan. Roatan is such a lovely place. information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. He received his information from his research and the Mayors of the two Municipalities on Roatan. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. The downsides of living on Roatan include poor education, safety, poverty, corruption, and low pay. There are more police and security presence in the western part of the island. Top 57 Places to Live & Invest in the Tropics. Roatan is a beautiful island about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras. There are no problems on Roatan, and there are no tourists here. The State Department and the U.S. Embassy will not pay your medical bills: Be aware thatU.S. Medicaredoes not apply overseas. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gracias a Dios as U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the area. The location and timing of criminal activity is unpredictable. Falling off your motor scooter and collisions with other vehicles are a real possibility for the uninitiated. The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. People and animals wander onto the roads. Violence has long ruled here. At night, foreigners are frequently robbed in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Evidence of onward travel. [emailprotected], Your email address will not be published. The local police often depend on local merchants or other supporters for gas for their vehicles. When you live in Riyadh, you have the opportunity to be active during your retirement. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. See ourwebpagefor further information. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. When leaving your home or hotel, dont take original copies of important documents (like passports) with you. swimming pool and a few min. That prompts an internal chuckle that I find tough to stifle. There are many things that can be done to prevent crime, but it is up to each individual to decide. The two activities that are almost guaranteed to get you into trouble on Roatan are drugs and prostitution. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Im going to Roatan in 2 weeks for a short vacation, but have been island shopping for the last several years, & Roatan might be a possibility. The show has been highly anticipated and has, In some cases, homeowners insurance policies may be able to cover biohazard and crime cleanup specialists, such as Aftermath, for murders, attempted murders, or unattended deaths. I presume that those asking want to make a comparison to their perceived safety in the States. Small cameras, jewelry, and expensive cell phones are things most often reported as stolen. However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited. If you are a beach lover, West Bay Beach cant be beat. Leave your wallet wrapped in a blanket on the beach while you take a dip and chances are, it won't be there when you return. The authorities work on two strong hypotheses to clarify the murder against Rick Kolinsky, who worked as manager of the Infinity Bay complex in the island zone of the country. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 36.33, a 13.52% decline from 2019. IMO you should visit your family doctor or better yet a travel medicine specialist and follow his advice. I meant to say, "we would have no problem returning a third time", lol. According to a 2018 World Bank report, Honduras had a poverty rate of 48.8% as of 2018, and the situation has quickly deteriorated as a result of COVID-19. The largest town in Roatan, Honduras, is Coxen Hole, where the airport, government offices, and cruise ship docks can be found. In Roatan, expats can not only expect to be welcomed by their fellow expats, but by the friendly locals as well. /* Clear floats after the columns */ What follows is a list of safety tips which you can adhere to when visiting our island. Similarly, the government lacks resources like boats to patrol these more isolated areas. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. For this reason, we encourage travelers to refrain from taking long trips on scooters. Telephone:+(504) 2236-9320 or +(504) 2238-5114 All rights reserved, The Queen Of England: A Look Back At 1992, The Best Looking Kings Of England: Edward VII Charles II And George, Impeachment: American Crime Story Everything You Need To Know. width: 100%; Is this really a concern? But Isn't Honduras the Murder Capital of the World? But it's also easy to read those blogs and marketing pieces and think, "Yeah, it , A deeper look atNosara and its history will quickly reveal that this long-time mecca for surfing enthusiasts offers so much more than just the sand and sea. Honduras was ranked 121st out of 187 countries in the UN Development Program 2011 Human Development Index. There are 4 additional murders, 2 shootings in Los Fuertes and 2 stabbing deaths. While many people will hitchhike on Roatan, you should avoid giving rides to or accepting rides from people that you do not know. The safety situation in Honduras has been deteriorating in recent years due to gang violence and organized crime. I for one would be more comfortable in a hotel than a villa. reaching out to all Roatan residents! The government often lacks the money to pay their police or customs officials for months at a time. Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime and kidnapping. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. As we wrote before, like many other Caribbean islands, the police in Roatan are either indifferent or corrupt. In addition, threats and violence have been used against U.S. citizens involved in property disputes. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. Not sure I would want to be in a private rental. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Because Roatan is a third-world country, cattle, horses, erratic taxi drivers, big trucks, and other dangerous drivers are not uncommon. Soak in the the sun on the sprawl of white sand, swim or snorkel in the warm waves, or maybe try your hand at paragliding. Honduran immigration authorities may also accept permission letters notarized at a Honduran embassy or consulate in the United States. Roatan is a great experience and the offshore snorkeling is divine. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. Despite the difficulties that have arisen, Roatan is still a safe and beautiful place to visit. Visit theEmbassy of Honduraswebsite or any of theHonduran consulatewebsites for the most current visa information. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. Unreported, downplayed and hushed up. There has been lots of armed robberies often with victims threatened with guns of knives to throats. The country's borders were closed on March 15th, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and Roatan resorts have looked forward to welcoming visitors back after being shut down for over five months. The health and safety conditions in Roatan are not unique to the island. While this data is certainly alarming, it is important to remember that Roatan is a relatively small island with a population of just over 80,000 people. As a result, the U.S. Embassy has restricted U.S. government personnel travel to Gracias a Dios. That said, this has not occurred recently. The Bay Islands are in a malaria and dengue zone according to Health Canada and the CDC. Access to this Caribbean island from both the United States and Canada is especially appealing to Canadians. I have a 2 bedroom fully furnished condo in W. Bay. Mr. What Im having trouble with is obtaining a general population number of expats, that question has alluded me. While no place on the planet is completely safe I never felt in danger there and I would bet that Roatan will fall well within the personal safety range of nearly everyone. There are dozens of dive sites scattered throughout Roatan, including the 2nd largest coral reef system on the planet that is located just offshore.
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