Mexico & Central America
Honduras
Two different trips: cheap diving and island life on Utila and Roatán, plus Copán's Maya ruins. Mainland cities have very high violent crime, so most travelers move between hubs quickly.
- US travel advisoryLevel 3Reconsider travelDetails
- Visa85 of 198passports can visit visa-freeDetails
- CurrencyHNLUS$1 ≈ L26.85Details
- Price level46%of US prices (World Bank PPP)Details
- English2/5LimitedDetails
- PlugsType A, B120 V, 60 HzDetails
- Emergency911All emergencies 911
- Tap waterNo, drink bottledTap water isn't safe to drink; buy bottled water or refill purified-water jugs, including on the Bay Islands.Details
- LGBTQ+LegalViolence against LGBTQ+ Hondurans is high.Details
- Internet96 MbpsMedian fixed broadband · mobile 43 MbpsDetails
- DrivingOn the rightForeign licences are valid for 3 months; carry your passport and rental papers. An IDP helps at checkpoints.
Where to go in Honduras
3 places with full guides. Comfortable monthly budget for one person, rent included.
| Place | Safety | Month, comfortable | Best months | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoatánIsland | 3/5 | $1,420–2,310 | Feb–May | 29/100 |
| UtilaIsland | 4/5 | $894–1,420 | Mar–Jun | 77/100 |
| Copán RuinasTown | 4/5 | $670–1,120 | Nov–Apr | 89/100 |
When to visit Honduras
Mainland dry season runs roughly February–May. The Bay Islands are best March–September; October–January is the rainy season on the Caribbean coast and islands.
Good to know
Entry
- Complete the online customs declaration before arrival and before departure, and show its QR code to officers.
- CA-4 rule: one combined stay limit covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua; crossing between them doesn't reset it.
- Land borders charge about US$3 in cash on entry; keep the receipt and check your passport is stamped.
- Carry hotel bookings and onward plans; police and immigration may ask to see them.
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry a copy of your passport's photo and entry-stamp pages at all times.
- Foreigners may not join protests or political activity; offenders are detained and deported.
- Drug trafficking carries 15–20 years in prison.
Etiquette
- Greet people with 'buenos días' or 'buenas tardes' before getting to business.
- Bay Islanders speak English and Creole; mainland life runs in Spanish.
- Stay away from political arguments and protests.
Tipping
About 10% in restaurants if service isn't included; tip dive masters and guides.
Neighbouring countries
Sources
- US State Department travel advisory
- GOV.UK foreign travel advice: Honduras
- Government of Canada travel advice: Honduras
- Aduanas Honduras traveller declaration (PECH)
- Speedtest Global Index: Honduras
- World Bank open data
Country facts are researched by SoloSquare; advisory levels, crime, health and visa figures come from the sources listed. Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.