Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvlmactxt/HONDURAS.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 5KB | 85 lines

Honduras - Consular Information Sheet
September 2, 1994

Country Description: Honduras has a developing economy.  Tourist facilities
are generally adequate, but vary in quality.

Entry Requirements: A passport is required for travel to Honduras.  For
additional information concerning entry and customs requirements travelers
can contact the Embassy of Honduras at 3700 Tilden Street N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20008, tel: [phone] or the nearest consulate in Los Angeles,
Miami, Chicago, New Orleans, New York, or Houston.

Areas of Instability: Cross-border bandit groups operate out of areas near
the Honduran/Salvadoran border.  Travel by road, even on main highways,
between Nicaragua and Honduras is potentially hazardous.  The presence of
extensive minefields on both sides of the border, particularly along the Rio
Coco and in the Atlantic coast region presents a danger to anyone venturing
close to the border at other than the El Espino, Las Manos, and Guasaule
border crossings.  (The El Espino crossing is known by the name La
Fraternidad.)  It can be hazardous to venture off main roads in the Honduran-
Nicaraguan border area.  The Las Manos and El Espino border crossings
between Honduras and Nicaragua, as well as the Agua Caliente border crossing
between Honduras and Guatemala, are open only during daylight hours.  The
Guasaule border crossing is open daily from 8a.m. to 4p.m.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care varies in quality.  Cholera is present in
Honduras.  Visitors who follow proper precautions are not usually at risk.
Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health
services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid outside the United
States.  In some cases supplemental medical insurance with specific overseas
coverage has proved useful.  For additional health information, the traveler
can contact the Centers for Disease Control's international travelers
hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  The number of reported urban street crimes, such as
robberies and assaults, continues to rise.  The level of rural criminal
activity is also high.  Tourists have been targeted by criminals in some
areas of San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa.  Displaying jewelry or large
amounts of money increases the risk of robbery.  Travelers to rural areas
and to the border regions near Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua, should
use caution.  There have been reports of armed bands operating in some of
the border regions.  Useful information on guarding valuables and protecting
personal security while traveling abroad is provided in the Department of
State pamphlet, "A Safe Abroad."  This publication, as well as others, such
as "Tips for Travelers to Central and South America," are available from the
Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington,
D.C. 20402.  The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported
immediately to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate and the local police.

Drug Penalties: U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Penalties in Honduras for possession, use and
trafficking in illegal drugs are strict, and convicted offenders can expect
lengthy jail sentences and fines.

Currency Regulations: It is impossible to cash personal checks in Honduras.
It is also extremely difficult to arrange for the transfer of funds from
abroad to Honduras, and in particular to the Bay Islands, where banking
facilities are limited.

Adoption:  Information on adoption in Honduras can be obtained by writing to
the Office of Overseas Citizens Services, Room 4807, Department of State,
Washington, D.C. 20520, or by telephoning [phone].

Civil Aviation Oversight:  In May 1993, the U.S. Federal Aviation
Administration assessed Honduras' civil aviation authority as not in
compliance with international aviation safety oversight standards for
Honduran carriers operating to and from the U.S.  Typically, the same level
of safety oversight is applied to operations to other destinations.  For
further information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation
at 1-800-322-7873.

Registration:  Americans who register at the U.S. Embassy may obtain updated
information on travel and security within Honduras.

Embassy Location: The U.S. Embassy in Honduras is located on the Avenido La
Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone [phone]

No. 94-209

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated July 15, 1994 by adding
information on aviation oversight.