Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. 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. But who was the king of England? Save. William And Mary: The Protestant Revolution, The Best Way To Prevent Crime Is To Be Proactive, Flipping Someone Off In Colorado: Not Illegal But Not Advisable Either, Is It Illegal To Go Through Someone Elses Wallet? While Honduras and the United States have signed and ratified a Stolen Vehicle Treaty, existing Honduran laws protect good faith buyers (even of stolen vehicles), so the recovery and return of these vehicles to their original owners is not guaranteed. Latest News Profile Criminal Actors Investigations News Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Even though you can get an advance on your credit card, its better to bring more cash than you think youll need. There are many things that can be done to prevent crime, but it is up to each individual to decide. With an almost total absence of guns and the purchase of ammunition being restricted and almost impossible to find, petty criminals are likely to have neither and rely on the inattention of tourists (many who may have had a few too many rum drinks) to make their living. with this limited time offer. Both are illegal on the island and, if you participate, you could be opening yourself up to dangerous situations. I presume that those asking want to make a comparison to their perceived safety in the States. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. Travelers must declare any amount over $10,000. If you stay in a secure place you don't have any worries. Again, even though Roatan isnt overrun with tourists and expats, there is definitely an established expat community in Roatan Honduras. Always negotiate the price before you get into the taxi to avoid price gouging. Please review the information on theState Departments Traveling with Disabilities website. Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. I am looking for a room or apartment share or a budget place to stay for two months. Read about it here. Hi! Some enjoy renting motor scooters. Thats 7 total. Additionally, some protests directed toward the U.S. government, usually small in size, can occur around the U.S. Embassy. Notify your car insurance company as soon as possible, preferably right after the accident. Roatan is a beautiful island community that will remind you what it means to truly enjoy life. The same goes for Roatan, but just like in the states, these low prices wont stick around indefinitely. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. It cant be denied. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. The warm, welcoming island of Roatan is an ideal place to visit. Being in isolated anchorages in Honduras or anywhere, brings the benefits of quiet, privacy, solitude, but also the dangers we have seen here. Is Roatan Honduras safe? The more the better. 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. 475 reviews. 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. The streets are very busy and unfortunately, some of the slums are unsafe (especially at night). 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. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. Leave extra cash and credit/debit cards at home or locked securely in your hotel room. But Isn't Honduras the Murder Capital of the World? Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctors prescription. I assume getting the services of an emigration lawyer would be advisable. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. One of the most popular pastimes in Roatan is scuba diving, so if you are a diver, you are definitely in for a treat. Telephone:+(504) 2236-9320 or +(504) 2238-5114 For stays of up to 90 days, you do not need a visa for tourism. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. This Central American country actually has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Public Transportation: Avoid public transportation in Honduras. And with gangs, the drug cartel, and the highest per capita murder rate, its no wonder that some expats feel wary. Only sealed commercial water containers (bottles) are considered safe to drink. By Jim Walker on June 3, 2014. 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. Guidance appreciated! . Please help get the word out to cruisers. Described by Lonely Planet as pitch perfect, West Bay Beach is what you expect the Caribbean to be, a true tropical oasis. Roatan is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. SeeourLGBTI travel informationpage and section 6 of theDepartment of State's Human Rights reportfor further details. We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings. See theDepartment of Statepage for information on scams. Because of the growing number of expats, Roatan is becoming increasingly popular. So, lets first dispense with the boring statistics. If you are not certain of your own safety, you must be vigilant. Honduras, casualmente, est en su apogeo de la estacin seca, que dura desde (BPT) - El invierno en el Hemisferio Norte le hace soar con unas vacaciones tropicales? ( Roatan or not ). There are cultural differences which will enrich your overall experience but can also lead to frustrations and misunderstandings. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. Roatan, a Caribbean island off the coast of Honduras, is a popular tourist destination in addition to its beach resorts. Hard drugs and prostitution are in general the two activities which lead to the most exposure to trouble. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Carnival Cruise Lines Blue T Shirt Mens M Crewneck Isla Roatan Retro 90s Vintage at the best online prices at eBay! All About Roatan. That said,Hondurasis a third-world country which is still a developing country. margin: 1.5rem 0; by Amanda Walkins. A traveler who is found to have any amount of marijuana in their possession (including vape cartridges, edibles, organic cannabis, etc.) Who knows how many keys get 'lost'. Enjoying a few umbrella drinks at a local beach bar and forget to pick up your wallet or purse while you take a bathroom break andwell, you get the picture. Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. The average temperature in Roatan is a perfect 28C, with the lowest temperature being around 22C and the highest, 31 C. So pack away your heavy coats, for in Roatan, you will never need more than a light jacket to be comfortable. Thanks. If your health requires frequent medical intervention, or even periodic interventions, Roatans medical services may be stretched to respond. Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. Cuanta ms informacin mejor. And after stocking up with fresh produce from the local market, cook flavorful and inexpensive meals made up of fish, blue crab, shrimp, mangoes, coconut, and plantains and be sure to get a taste of authentic Honduran cuisine by trying local dishes like delicious conch soup. I am currently on the Honduran mainland and will be coming over to the island in a week or two.. Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. The downsides of living on Roatan include poor education, safety, poverty, corruption, and low pay. *We value your privacy. 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. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. The people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, and the climate is ideal. Crimes against U.S. citizens are rarely solved or prosecuted. (We are coming. Mr. Despite the difficulties that have arisen, Roatan is still a safe and beautiful place to visit. Please leave this field empty. The Panama City real estate market may have finally taken a turn in , Did you know there are dozens and dozens of great resources on Costa Rica for expats and investors? Of course, while it's not ever good to generalize an. We can: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contactthe U.S. Embassy for assistance. 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. Finally, crime rates are relatively high, so it is important to be vigilant about your safety. It is, in fact, much safer than mainland Honduras and feels infinitely safer than the U.S., if for no other reason than the total absence of a gun culture. But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa: +(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 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 Roatan is a safe island. The descriptive answer is complicated. The islands lack of access is one of the reasons crime on the mainland is so prevalent. Let us do the legwork! 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. Important information if heading to South Africa, For support using your membership please email, For all other inquiries or to contact the editor please email. Is there a safe harbor for tourists at Roatan? 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. This, by the way, applies to all travelers in all countries. Banco Atlntida Building And to connect with individuals who dabble in either of these two activities, one must go out and look for them. It is well-known for its incredible offshore reefs and is ideal for both new and advanced divers alike. Always ensure you have enough medicine to cover your travel time, and research its availability in Honduras, or whether there is a viable replacement. Exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. reaching out to all Roatan residents! No Spam. 2023, Leicestershirevillages. Please leave one below or join the discussion on our Facebook page. Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. Aside from the primate sanctuary in Gumbalimba Park, Roatan has several other eco-friendly attractions. 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. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. The Caribbean island of Roatan, Honduras, is a popular tourist destination. Apply repellent before going out. A U.S. passport with at least six months validity. The more typical crime against tourists on Roatan will be property crime - theft of money and portable goods. Dressing down, staying cautious about where valuable items are kept, and keeping safe areas are all ways to prevent these types of crimes. During the cruising season, it is my opinion that the larger number of boats and cruisers tends to discourage crime against the boaters. Drug trafficking gangs, corruption, and extreme poverty keep Honduras down. He received his information from his research and the Mayors of the two Municipalities on Roatan. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. overflow: hidden; For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report. This country is a particularly dangerous place to visit for the majority of travelers. The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park Business Hours:Monday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. From what I have heard from the locals most of he watchmen are essentially useless. Your Name Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Hi: But his legal trouble in the United States was not over. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings and local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. 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. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols. After the housing crisis that reached an all-time low in 2008, the housing market in the U.S. is beginning to improve and the market today is prime for buyers due to extremely low prices. Make sure to request a licensed cab from your hotel; call the number listed on your hotels website and request a licensed cab. The security situation is expected to continue to deteriorate in 2020 and 2021. As a result, Roatan is among the cheapest places to live in the Caribbean and North America. Potholes may be harder to spot after heavy rain, so it is always best to drive slowly and take your time. Independent travelers tend to spend the majority of their time here for a week, but some spend the entire weekend here. You should avoid following in your late nights if you are in a village. See ourwebpagefor further information. No-hype updates & resource guides. Expats enjoy living in Roatan due to the many neighborhoods to which it offers. Honduran roads are poorly lit and poorly marked. Find a TourFind a JobItinerariesContact UsImportsBack to Top, In Partnership withRoatan Online Community. Roatan is a long, skinny island. Protests often result in the extended closure of major roads in the cities and highways connecting the major cities. Mr. Brown, who had lived on the island of Roatan in a community on West Bay for several years, disappeared from his home several days ago, leaving a large pool of blood on the porch of his house. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 20 Is there a lot of crime in Roatan? This is especially true for children. Dont pass by beggars; instead, avoid them and those who ask for or offer assistance. U.S. government employees have no restrictions on travel to these areas. Cybercrime is part of most third world countries. clear: both; This includes leaving handbags hanging on the back of chair backs or under a table. U.S. citizens should not travel to Gracias a Dios. The Rainy Season and the Dry Season. In the Bay Islands there are +/- 115,000 people, (Roatan, Guanaja, Utila). Numerous U.S. citizens have reported significant delays in resolving judicial cases and/or lack of cooperation from courts and the legal system. We are a team of dedicated journalists and writers who strive to bring you the best news and stories from around the world. Period. Honduras was ranked 121st out of 187 countries in the UN Development Program 2011 Human Development Index. The others I went with did not get the vaccines. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. The beach walk betweenWest BayandWest Endshould not be attempted alone, as muggings have occurred in this isolated stretch of beach. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. Even though Honduras is still a safe place to visit, visitors should exercise caution because crime is on the rise. Gracias a Dios is an isolated area with high levels of criminal activity and drug trafficking. Tegucigalpa M.D.C. The vast majority of cruise line passengers experience no problems, but incidents of armed robbery (like this one) and carjacking have been reported., November 23, 2018 Update: A resident of Roatan who does not feel comfortable revealing her name left this comment: I live on Roatan. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. In this case, the victims went to Coxen Hole to report the incident. walk to the beach. 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. Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. Depending on the type of repellent you choose, you may need to reapply it every few hours for it to work. IMO you should visit your family doctor or better yet a travel medicine specialist and follow his advice. However, many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI community go unpunished. Please be careful overtaking on corners and hills when passing other vehicles. 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.