Honduras : Safety by City
Honduras is the second biggest country in Central America.
It shares borders with Guatemala to the northwest, El Salvador to the south, and Nicaragua to the southeast.
It boasts natural beauties, colonial villages (Gracias, Comayagua), a breathtaking history that can be experienced during a visit to the ancient Maya ruins, natural parks, both Pacific and Caribbean coastline, and the Bay Islands, that are basically just jaw-dropping beaches offering world-class snorkeling and diving.
Experiencing the coral reefs in the Caribbean paradise of Bay Islands: Utila, Roatán, Guanaja, and the Hog Islands is an exceptional adventure.
Visit the impressive ancient Maya civilization in Copán and marvel at its sculptures that are world-known for their quality.
Be a witness to several Mayan sites such as the main acropolis with the hieroglyphic staircase and the Rosalila Temple, Las Sepulturas, and El Rastrojon.
There there’s one more natural wonder: Lake Yojoa — the biggest lake in Honduras, famous for the little picturesque restaurants offering delicious fried fish by the lake.
Warnings & Dangers in Honduras
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
Honduras is somewhat safe to visit, though it has many dangers. You should be aware that tourist hotspots, public transportation and some streets are places where most thefts and pickpocketing occur, and that violent crime exists on the streets, too.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
Public transport is highly risky in Honduras. There have been robberies in public transport and buses are sometimes stopped while the robbers attack or harass the passengers. Be wary of unlicensed taxis since you might get kidnapped and robbed.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
As for pickpocketing and bag snatching, it is a recurring concern on the streets of Honduras, so be careful and hold your bags tightly by your side. Make sure you don't flash your valuable possessions on the street, or better yet, leave them in your accommodation.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
As for the natural disasters in Honduras, the rainy seasons that lasts from May to November brings many disastrous threats such as hurricanes, landslides, mudslides and flooding. Apart from that, Honduras is located on an active earthquake zone so tremors can be expected.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Mugging is also an issue in Honduras. In such a situation, hand over all your possessions immediately and do not resist. Armed bandits often attack minibuses and vans loaded with tourists traveling from the airport to their hotels in Sand Pedro Sula. Avoid poorly lit and deserted areas.
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
The risks of terrorist attacks in Honduras are low, but since they shouldn't be ruled out, it is important that you remain vigilant at all times and aware of your surroundings.
SCAMS RISK: HIGH
As in almost any country, there is a great risk of getting scammed if you're a tourist. Always check everything twice and negotiate everything in advance. Taxi drivers might try to trick you into paying more, giving you wrongful information about the price of the ride.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM
Many women have traveled alone to Honduras and haven't had any problems at all. However, this country isn't the safest in terms of females traveling solo, especially at night and you should exercise precaution measures at all times and avoid dark and empty streets and locations. Be very careful when interacting with men, even hotel employees.
So... How Safe Is Honduras Really?
Though Honduras is a gorgeous country, you should keep in mind that Honduras has extremely high rates of crime.
The most common form of crime is petty theft, pickpocketing and purse snatching occurring all the time on the streets of Honduras.
This obviously means that you should keep your valuables in a concealed place and avoid going out with jewelry and flashy objects.
Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Streets of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are known for robberies that happen both during day and night, often carried out by two-man teams on motorcycles that snatch items from pedestrians.
Violent crime is a serious issue in Honduras, with crimes such as kidnappings, rape, assaults, and murders.
Armed robbery is a common problem, with armed bandits attacking minibusses and vans loaded with tourists traveling from the airport to their hotels in San Pedro Sula.
Sometimes they even stop the buses in order to rob and assault the passengers and drivers.
Murder rate may be the biggest concern for foreigners.
During the period between 2010 and 2015 Honduras had the highest murder rate in the entire world.
Many accidents occur shortly after the victims arrive in Honduras and it may be so because there are criminal sources at the airports tipping off the information they pick up about tourists’ whereabouts and accommodation.
Because of this, visitors are strongly advised against discussing the details of their travel plans and accommodation in public.
How Does Honduras Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Honduras | 49 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Finland | 86 |
| Spain | 83 |
| Botswana | 77 |
| New Zealand | 90 |
| Hungary | 83 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Singapore | 90 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most countries do not need a visa in order to enter Honduras for any stays shorter than 30 days. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past your date of arrival. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.
Currency
Honduran lempira is the official currency in Honduras. All larger towns and cities have ATMs all around but be careful when handling it on the streets. Credit cards are usually accepted in tourist related establishments.
Weather
Honduras has tropical climate which is characterized in this country by cooler, milder weather in the mountains with lower temperatures of about 16°C to 20°C. The north coastline is very hot with rain during the year, and though it feels milder with the offshore breezes relieving the temperatures, the sun is very strong.
Airports
Ramón Villeda Morales International Airport also referred to as La Mesa International Airport is the main and busiest airport in Honduras. It is located 11 km east of the city of San Pedro Sula.
Travel Insurance
Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Honduras, because it would cover not only medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.
Honduras Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 27 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 31 | 29 | 28 | 29 | 29 | 28 | 27 | 27 |
| Low °C | 14 | 14 | 15 | 17 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 17 | 16 | 14 |
| High °F | 81 | 82 | 86 | 88 | 88 | 84 | 82 | 84 | 84 | 82 | 81 | 81 |
| Low °F | 57 | 57 | 59 | 63 | 64 | 64 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 63 | 61 | 57 |
Honduras - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| San Pedro Sula | 17 |
| Tegucigalpa | 33 |
Busy city
Wow, I had no clue things are that bad… I was researching things a bit before booking our plane tickets to visit Honduras for a second time for a business-related trip… I stayed in Tegucigalpa last time and oh boy, was it crowded, I felt like in an ant village.
Safe if you avoid key points
I stayed at the Marriott hotel and traveled by Uber so I didn’t have the chance to see the city in its whole. I remember reading about their criminality rates and I was a bit scared but luckily the trip went ok in my case.
Honduras the Murder Capitol
My son was murdered there in2017 and nothing their Government did. HONDURAS IS A HORRIBLE COUNTRY TO VISIT. I DON’T KNOW WHY THIS PLACE IS EVEN ON THE MAP
Terrible place too dangerous
Ridiculous why go there
its safe but avoid gangs and avoid walking late
i live in honduras i mean its not completey Safe because there is a lot of armed robbery murders drugs and in fact i live in sps/San Pedro sula and murders and drugs are common but that;’s normal life here i mean car accidents are also common.
Never again for me
I made the mistake of not researching Honduras’ safety before the trip, I was just glad I scored cheap plane tickets to somewhere warm. Never making that mistake again! I was mugged in broad daylight without someone making the slightest effort to do something…
Most people are wonderful but there’s a lot of crime
Honduras is a beautiful place but also a dangerous place as well. It’s too bad that the police and the Government doesn’t do more to protect its people and tourists because this country has so much to offer. I’ve been there 3 times already and I will probably go a few more times in the next few years. I actually love the people there and have made good friends over the years. I had to go there because of work related things and I also had a bit of time to travel the country and visit some of the major cities and also some smaller ones and even villages like Comayagua (which is beautiful) while there.
Most people are very friendly and hospitable but there are also a lot of criminals that operate here. I’ve seen (almost) all of it while I was here and it’s not pretty. There needs to be a serious police presence if this is to ever stop, otherwise I can’t, in good conscience, tell others to visit Honduras. It’s just too dangerous and you always have to be on the lookout, even in the daytime.
San Pedro Sula is very dangerous and I would avoid it if possible. This article is correct in saying there are criminal sources at some airports tipping off the criminals about tourists arrivals and routes. Be very careful that you are not overheard here.
I know of people getting robbed, beaten or killed even while it was light out and both in secluded and circulated areas. The locals know which places to avoid and when but tourists don’t.
The people here deserve a lot better and I would rate them with 5 stars for their love for their country and for their hospitality. But, taking in account all the dangers this should be a 2.
Tela honduras
I’ve been to honduras 🇭🇳 before 3 times my wife was born there but now is us citizen she was born and raised in the town called tela. it is a very nice town by the beach although you do see armed guards at the stores and bank and gas stations but I guess that how it is also you can get fresh fish red snapper grouper and shrimp and the people I have met are friendly what I would say always be aware of your surroundings any where you go you should be 🙂 fine plus all the fresh fruit !!!
Honduras crying out…
If you’re a drug nut looking to score drugs, you will encounter the scum of HONDURAS and DANGER! They should ALL be eradicated from our country! I’m a Honduran/American speaking not as a foreigner, but a born raised British Honduran. The Honduran people are the kindest, most hospitable people, they would give you the clothes off their backs!
CORRUPTION, greed and poverty is what infest HONDURAS! If every drug dealer were force to consume all the drugs their caught with until they’re demise, have this action as law of the land for selling drugs in Honduras this will STOP in a matter of months or 2 dealers dying. This one thing will free the Honduran people from drugs, opresión and eliminate the poverty, impuestos de Guerra. This will set free a country with incredible natural resources and the incredible population primed to reach they’re real potential. They will be no need to migrate to the USA because the natural beauty of HONDURAS, the love all citizens have for their country, they’re hard working primed them for success!!
What’s needed?
A president with BALLS enough to implement sincerely the freedom from opresión the people live under the shadows of drug peddling scums….