Roatan is a Honduran island with a population of more than 115,000 people made up primarily of Afro-Caribbean islanders and mestizos. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. I get questions about moving to Roatan all the time. A general lack of prudence or showing off large sums of cash can turn visitors into prime targets for a crime of opportunity. Presuming we use common sense and take taxis is there anything here we should worry about? The tropical weather in and around Roatan is inclusive of sea breezes which keep the annual temperatures within a range of 70F to 80F. His corpse was found yesterday wearing only shorts with a bag over his head. This includes leaving handbags hanging on the back of chair backs or under a table. 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park ), travelers can provide copies of the relevant paperwork such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc. 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. Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime and kidnapping. A Look at Roatans Popular Neighborhoods Most expats will look at several popular neighborhoods in Roatan. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye. So let's try to break it down a bit with Roatan safety questions and answers. It is not easy to find these individuals without a deliberate effort. 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. There are many things that can be done to prevent crime, but it is up to each individual to decide. The ability to work on a tourist visa is illegal, and those without residency can be deported. Read about it here. There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. The bandito shot the car up, terrifying the three children in the car as well as their parents, who had . But Isn't Honduras the Murder Capital of the World? Demonstrations:Demonstrations regularly occur in Honduras, particularly near the Presidential Palaces, Congress, and the universities in Tegucigalpa. Having a hard time pinning down the easiest/most inexpensive option for Covid Testing before our mid_May trip. October 16, 2021 by archyde. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. 11 years ago. This should not be overplayed, however. In 2013, Honduras reformed the penal code to recognize femicide as a crime. Most tourists, using normal traveler procedures, will not experience or even hear about a theft. By in large, foreigners are viewed as belonging to the wealthy class when they visit Honduras. Staff, facilities, and supplies in Honduras are not necessarily up to U.S. medical standards. Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with theNational Insurance Crime Bureauor with private insurance carriers about coverage details. In the end, you must decide for yourself what your definition of safety is and where your personal threshold is. 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. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. Honduras population has access to clean water, with 84 percent having access. Despite its small size, the lack of basic infrastructure on the island is not a problem; however, the lack of infrastructure will be a concern if the island grows rapidly. Save. While Roatan is generally a safe place to visit, there can be some issues related to theft. All Rights Reserved. Special Requirements for Minors: Under Honduran law, children under age 21 who are traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent must have written, notarized permission to travel from the non-traveling parent(s). 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. In addition, threats and violence have been used against U.S. citizens involved in property disputes. Our thanks to Ken Carrothers, Dockmaster at Fantasy Island Marina, for his comments about crime and safety in Honduras in response to the recent attack on a cruising yacht in Port Royal, Eastern Roatan. I am coming to Roatan in July for a month. 1. Do you live in Roatan? I did mind the sand fleas at first because I didn't expect them but it was really no problem. 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. Travel to Honduras should be avoided if possible. If you choose to settle down in Roatan, you will be free of some of the crowds that would be simply unavoidable in other popular expat spots in Central America. with this limited time offer. For up-to-date information, visit Honduras National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) website for current alerts, as well as theNational Hurricane Centers website. information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. During the cruising season, it is my opinion that the larger number of boats and cruisers tends to discourage crime against the boaters. Be aware of your surroundings. Some of these include the areas of Palmetto Bay, Pristine Bay, Turtle Crossing, & Lawson Rock. The infrastructure of the island is in need of renovation and improvement, but foreign investment is usually sufficient to make it happen. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. Because of the growing number of expats, Roatan is becoming increasingly popular. Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. If you are living on the island, purchase a safe and keep your valuables inside of it unless you are using them. The more touristy parts of the island (on the west end) are the most populated and there is safety in numbers. Crimes against property are the most common with petty theft being the leader. Read theTravel Advisory for Hondurasfor additional information. Medical insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities. 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. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. There are numerous communities within walking distance of Roatan that do not have crime. In fact, Island Magazine named Roatan the #1 island in the world to retire to in 2011 and it was also listed on Kiplinger.com as one of 8 great places to retire abroad. There are dozens of dive sites scattered throughout Roatan, including the 2nd largest coral reef system on the planet that is located just offshore. What area of Roatan would you suggest? For this reason, we encourage travelers to refrain from taking long trips on scooters. reaching out to all Roatan residents! I for one would be more comfortable in a hotel than a villa. The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. 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. It is a good idea to make a photocopy of your passport and credit cards so that you have a record in case the originals are lost or stolen. According to an email obtained by the The Nassau Guardian, an executive with Carnival Cruise Line reportedly warned a Bahamas tourism official that Carnival is so worried about crime in Nassau,. The French Harbour of Roatan is the second largest community on the island and is filled with amenities like grocery stores, banks, and even a shopping center. And that would be the same for me no matter which tropical locale I choose. Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law 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 Traffic signs are often inadequate or non-existent. What are the health and safety concerns in Roatan? Passengers must show the test results at check-in. These are examples of how to commit a crime or steal from you. Required fields are marked *. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Since 2010, Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world. 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. Your safety is your responsibility, so be vigilant. 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. The reports are scattered and hard to verify. Safety in numbers. Honduras receives very little precipitation, and the weather is hot for the majority of the year. When many people think of Honduras, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and you may find yourself asking, Is Honduras safe?. .fullwidth-signup{ Poverty and corruption are two of the most serious challenges that people face in Roatan. At the time of this writing, the roads on Roatan are generally horrible, narrow with deep ruts, broken pavement, and large gaps where only sand and dirt exist. The short answer is yes. The same goes for Roatan, but just like in the states, these low prices wont stick around indefinitely. Roatan is a popular port which is heavily marketed as a paradise getaway by Miami-based cruise lines like Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean. I think that they are probably safer there than in an isolated anchorage on the mainland coast of Honduras, Nicaragua, or many other areas. There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. To be quite honest that may have been over kill. Let us do the legwork! Protests often result in the extended closure of major roads in the cities and highways connecting the major cities. If your health requires frequent medical intervention, or even periodic interventions, Roatans medical services may be stretched to respond. Download the book instantly (for free!) 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. swimming pool and a few min. Thousands of divers and snorkelers descend upon this magnificent little island every week, staying for a week or two and spending a healthy chunk of change for food, lodging, beverages and of course, diving excursions. For stays of up to 90 days, you do not need a visa for tourism. Further information may be found on theFAAs safety assessment page. Roatn made international headlines on Dec. 22 when Nedenia Post Dye, the great-granddaughter of the General Foods heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, was found stabbed to death in her luxury spa. I would like to.learn more about a possible stay in Roatan. For instance, residents have an option of living in gated communities or stand-alone residences with a hired caretaker of "watchman." Make sure to request a licensed cab from your hotel; call the number listed on your hotels website and request a licensed cab. Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. Sand flies can also be an annoyance here, and are burrowed in the beach sand. Carnival and Royal Caribbean Suspend Cruises to Ensenada Due to Threats and Violence by Mexican Drug Cartel, Cruise Passenger Pleads Guilty to Murdering His Girlfriend on Carnival Elation, Passenger Arrested for Breaking Girlfriend's Jaw and Arm on Norwegian Breakaway, ten most dangerous cruise port in the world, or join the discussion on our Facebook page, MSC Cruises Crew Member Caught Filming Women in Bathroom, Health Hazard! I have a 2 bedroom fully furnished condo in W. Bay. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Even though Honduras is still a safe place to visit, visitors should exercise caution because crime is on the rise. Definitely don't leave home without some really good bug spray. This unique lot boarder a green space that cannot be built upon. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, English is also widely used thanks to its historical link to England (it was once a British colony). New data shows where U.S. expats are residing all across the globe. Due to gang and cartels fighting for control of the lucrative drug trade in the region, gangs and cartels are battling for control. IsRoatanSafe? The Honduran government conducts police and military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Foreign nationals can purchase up to 3,000 square meters (0.74 acres) of land in Honduras and Roatan. The Caribbean island of Roatan, Honduras, is a popular tourist destination. Find a TourFind a JobItinerariesContact UsImportsBack to Top, In Partnership withRoatan Online Community. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Exploring of isolated areas of the island is best done through a guided tour or a car, rather than on scooters. Public Transportation: Avoid public transportation in Honduras. Dont pass by beggars; instead, avoid them and those who ask for or offer assistance. 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. Exercise caution using cell phones in public, including inside of cars while stopped in traffic. Hello all. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; 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. } Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 about having to have a test no more than 72 hours before arrival in Honduras. float: left; For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. 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. Get Your Free Honduras Report Here: Read the entire Travel Advisory. Annual temperatures average out at 86F. Where do most expats live in Honduras? Like every other community in all other countries, there are areas that are best avoided, especially at night. Also be aware of dehydration, as the heat can be extreme even once youve lived here for a while. I am currently on the Honduran mainland and will be coming over to the island in a week or two.. Life in Roatan, Honduras, can be calm and relaxed, but it can also be lively and invigorating depending on how you choose to spend your days. Travelers must declare any amount over $10,000. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Honduras, despite its status as one of the most dangerous countries in the region, has seen an increase in gender-based violence during the pandemic. Violence has long ruled here. No Spam. Some enjoy renting motor scooters. Telephone:+(504) 2236-9320 or +(504) 2238-5114 Although this may change as Roatan continues to gain recognition, the island is not yet densely populated. Severe Weather:Honduras is vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding, especially between June and November. However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited. 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. People and animals wander onto the roads. The islands lack of access is one of the reasons crime on the mainland is so prevalent. The origin of this broken English can be traced back to the various languages spoken throughout the island. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Ever. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. 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. Many cruisers anchor in places like Calabash Bight, and other East-End anchorages without any problems. There is a high rate of crime in this region, which contributes to its high levels of poverty. Now that weve established a frame of reference, heres the scoop on Roatan. 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. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Over 200 information packed pages with hundreds of beautiful photos. clear: both; There are adequate facilities for advanced surgical procedures in case of non-elective emergencies. Vaccinations:Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if traveling to or coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. But who was the king of England? 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. Only sealed commercial water containers (bottles) are considered safe to drink. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Many of the comforts and securities which many enjoy elsewhere are simply not available in Honduras. Foreign workers are required to keep the tourism industry operating. If you are renting a villa or condo I would suggest you check with your landlord or the property management company and ask if the door locks are key or electronic. Access to the islands is limited which helps alleviate the crime problems that plague the mainland. Find out why. Access to this Caribbean island from both the United States and Canada is especially appealing to Canadians. The only book in the world that ranks investment and lifestyle in one place. Only 60 percent of the people in the district of Choluteca are malnourished, making it one of the poorest areas in Honduras. 475 reviews. The annual humidity for Roatan is estimated to be 77%. The security situation is expected to continue to deteriorate in 2020 and 2021. LGBTI travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. 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. width:auto; Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. 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? I am looking for a room or apartment share or a budget place to stay for two months. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. In the Bay Islands there are +/- 115,000 people, (Roatan, Guanaja, Utila). 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). It is well-known for its incredible offshore reefs and is ideal for both new and advanced divers alike. 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! Traffic Laws: In an accident, contact the Honduran Transit Authority (Transito) by dialing 911. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. 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. Since 1995, 115 U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras; of these, just 32 cases have been resolved. U.S. citizens should not travel to Gracias a Dios. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. These sort of crimes can be avoided by dressing down, being careful about where expensive belongings are left, and keeping to safe areas. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 40.98, a 26.23% decline from 2016. Described by Lonely Planet as pitch perfect, West Bay Beach is what you expect the Caribbean to be, a true tropical oasis. To add an anchorage click on the map to place the red marker. .signup-column { I would not say that cruisers should avoid the eastern part of the Island of Roatan. Terms of Use and Editors Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers on Isla de Roatn. I presume that those asking want to make a comparison to their perceived safety in the States. Detalles por favor! Crime can be easily avoided . Guidance appreciated! Fraudulent deeds are common and have led to numerous disputes. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. From what I have heard from the locals most of he watchmen are essentially useless. Drivers dont always use headlights at night. We can: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contactthe U.S. Embassy for assistance. What are some typical costs for groceries, liquor and transportation? When they see a Gringo pull in with a boat worth 100 times more than they will ever earn in a lifetime, they get tempted. 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? Since 2010, Honduras has had one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, ranging between 59 and 86 per 100,000 according to the U.S. Department of State. Simply enter your e-mail below to subscribe to International Livings free daily e-letter and well immediately send your free reportThe Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens, Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. 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. Always negotiate the price before you get into the taxi to avoid price gouging. This Central American country actually has one of the highest murder rates in the world. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. } Electricity and imported food are among the most expensive items, but overall living expenses are relatively low. There are cultural differences which will enrich your overall experience but can also lead to frustrations and misunderstandings. Thanks. Quickly find out which country is right for you. Crime in Roatan, Honduras Compare Roatan with: We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. However, due to the high level of crime in the area, visitors should take precautions such as not leaving valuable items unattended and not walking around the area alone at night. Our food, products, and supplies had to travel a long way to arrive on our happy island, and this resulted in higher prices for everything. Apply repellent before going out. Approximately 31 miles long and less than 5 miles wide at its widest point, Roatan only has a population of around 28,400 people, but this island paradise attracts thousands of tourists to its pristine shores each year. A home in Roatan, Honduras, can be the perfect solution for expats in this predicament. Check with your airline for vaccine requirements and be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommendedby the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. U.S. government employees have no restrictions on travel to these areas. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. You can catch a water taxi from West End Village that will take you to West Bay Beach in around 10 minutes for under $3. The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. January 8, 2015. Latest News Profile Criminal Actors Investigations News Further, both the hard drugs and prostitution are illegal in Roatan. Carry personal identification documents, including your drivers license, copies of passports, and vehicle registration cards while driving. There have undoubtedly been some burglaries. overflow: hidden; Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. SeeourLGBTI travel informationpage and section 6 of theDepartment of State's Human Rights reportfor further details. Fax:+(504) 2238-4357 The Honduran government has also issued a new travel warning for the Northern Triangle region.
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