Country Risk Report
Honduras
Tegucigalpa
Spanish (official)
Honduran lempira (HNL)
Executive Summary
Honduras is classified as a HIGH risk destination. The principal threats are gang-related and organised crime, including the transnational gangs MS-13 and Barrio 18, and drug-trafficking violence, with the country a key transit corridor to the United States. A state of exception has been in force since December 2022, now covering the great majority of municipalities, granting broad arrest and search powers. Homicide rates, long among the world's highest, have fallen to around 26 per 100,000 in 2024, the lowest in three decades, though analysts attribute this partly to shifts in gang tactics rather than the crackdown alone. Violence has spread from the main cities into rural departments linked to land disputes and drug trafficking, such as Colon and Olancho, and mass-casualty attacks still occur, including killings in Trujillo and Omoa in May 2026. Extortion of businesses and transport operators is widespread, impunity is very high, and gangs remain active inside prisons. Tourist areas, particularly the Bay Islands of Roatan and Utila, are generally safer than the mainland cities. Cover for Honduras is available on a specialist basis. Tourist areas are manageable with precautions, while high-crime urban zones, rural trafficking departments and border regions require specialist advice.
Risk Matrix
| Category | Risk Rating | Commentary |
|---|---|---|
| Armed Conflict | Low | No armed conflict, though gang and trafficking violence is significant. |
| Terrorism | Low | No significant terrorism threat. |
| Kidnapping | Moderate | Kidnapping and express kidnapping occur in high-crime and trafficking areas. |
| Crime | High | High violent crime, gang activity and pervasive extortion, though homicides have fallen. |
| Civil Unrest | Moderate | Protests occur, including over politics and elections. |
| Health & Medical | Moderate | Reasonable private care in main cities; limited elsewhere. |
| Internal Travel | High | Highway robbery, carjacking and rural-area risk affect road travel. |
| Digital / Cyber | Moderate | Scams, fraud and extortion calls occur. |
Essential Precautions
Security Situation
Honduras's main threats are gang and organised-crime violence and pervasive extortion, with a long-running state of exception. Homicides have fallen in the cities but violence has spread to rural trafficking departments, and the Bay Islands are comparatively safer.
Tegucigalpa and the Central District
San Pedro Sula and the North Coast
The Rural Departments (Colon, Olancho, Gracias a Dios)
The Bay Islands (Roatan, Utila)
Detailed Risk Assessment
Armed Conflict
Honduras is not in armed conflict, though gang wars and trafficking-related violence are significant in specific areas.
Terrorism
There is no significant terrorism threat in Honduras. Risks stem from organised crime and gangs rather than ideological terrorism.
Kidnapping and Extortion
Kidnapping and express kidnapping occur in high-crime and trafficking areas, and extortion of businesses and transport operators is widespread and a major driver of insecurity and migration.
Crime and Lawlessness
Violent crime, gang activity and extortion remain high despite declining homicides, with very high impunity. Armed robbery, carjacking and mass-casualty attacks affect specific areas.
Internal Travel
Road travel carries highway robbery and carjacking risk, especially at night and on some intercity and rural routes. Vetted transport reduces risk, and ferries and flights serve the Bay Islands.
Health and Disease
Private healthcare in the main cities is reasonable, but rural and island care is limited. Serious cases may require transfer, and travellers should hold appropriate cover.
Cultural and Religious Sensitivities
Honduras is welcoming, with strong Catholic and evangelical traditions and diverse communities. Travellers are generally well received, and normal courtesy and respect for local customs apply.
LGBT Travellers
Same-sex relationships are legal but there are limited protections and conservative attitudes, and LGBT people have been targeted by violence. Discretion is advisable, particularly outside tourist areas.
Diplomatic and Government Situation
Honduras is a democracy that held general elections in late 2025, with a new administration in 2026, and has relied on a long-running state of exception against gangs. Corruption and criminal influence in institutions remain concerns. Consular support is available.
Digital and Cyber Threats
Scams, fraud and extortion calls occur, and travellers should practise good digital and financial hygiene. Connectivity is generally functional in populated areas.
Vaccinations & Health Hazards
Strongly Recommended
- Hepatitis A and Typhoid
Recommended due to food and water risk.
- Hepatitis B and Tetanus
Recommended for many travellers.
- Rabies
Consider for rural or long stays.
- Malaria
Consider prophylaxis for certain areas, including the Bay Islands and Mosquitia.
Other Health Hazards
- Mosquito-borne illness: Dengue and malaria occur; take bite-avoidance measures.
- Hurricanes: Prepare for the hurricane season on the coast and islands.
- Food and water hygiene: Take care outside reputable venues.
- Private care: Use reputable private facilities in the main cities.
- Routine vaccines: Ensure all primary courses and boosters are up to date on the UK schedule.
Choosing the Right Insurance
Cover for Honduras is available on a specialist basis. Tourist areas are manageable with standard precautions, while high-crime urban zones, rural trafficking departments and border regions require specialist advice, and cover should include medical and evacuation provisions.
Annex A - Key Risk Dynamics
Checkpoints and Detention Triggers
Police and military checkpoints operate under the state of exception; cooperate calmly. Carry ID and a clear travel purpose. Do not photograph security forces or operations. Rural-department checkpoints carry higher risk.Kidnapping and Detention Dynamics
Express kidnapping occurs in the capital and high-crime areas. Extortion is widespread against businesses and transport. Higher abduction risk in trafficking departments. Risk is highest at night and on some routes.High-Risk Travellers
High-crime-zone travellers face elevated risk in parts of the main cities. Business owners are targeted for extortion. Rural-department travellers face trafficking-related risk. Night highway travellers face robbery and carjacking.Annex B - Key Preparation & Checklists
Essential Preparation and Medical
Match plans to the area and favour safer tourist regions such as the Bay Islands. Hold medical and evacuation cover. Use reputable transport. Prepare for hurricanes in season.Digital Security and Checkpoints
Guard against fraud and extortion calls. Be alert to virtual-kidnapping scams. Connectivity is generally functional in towns. Limit public location sharing.Movement and Operational Security
Avoid high-crime zones and rural trafficking departments. Avoid intercity road travel after dark. Use reputable providers. Comply with security checkpoints.Conduct and Legal Compliance
Be courteous and respect local customs. Avoid displaying wealth. Never photograph security forces or operations.This report is provided for information only and does not constitute travel or security advice. Ratings are indicative and subject to change without notice. Confirm current conditions with Hotspot Cover before any deployment.
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