OCTUBER 2006 COUNTRY TRAVEL WARNING – HONDURAS
1. The United Nations System (UN) welcomes your proposed visit to Honduras, Central America.
Even though the UN does not provide airport pickup, most 4 or 5 star hotels located in Tegucigalpa
and San Pedro Sula offer airport - hotel - airport transportation free of charge on a fixed schedule
basis. Visitors are encouraged to use only those vehicles clearly marked as hotel buses that are
considered safe (identified by hotel logos on the sides and/or previously arranged transportation
from the inside at the airport arrivals area). If these are not available, visitors may choose to use
airport taxicabs, which are parked in front of the exit gate. No other type of taxi should be taken.
Due to the large number of robberies and armed assaults suffered by UN visitors, It is
strongly discouraged to walk alone in Tegucigalpa at any time of the day, personal or official
movements should be done in a vehicle.
2. The Designated Security a.i. Official for the UN Agencies and WHO Resident Representative is
Mr. Jose Fiusa Lima and can be reached during working hours at (504) 221-6091. The UN
Security Advisory Mr. Pedro Di Maggio and can be reached during working hours at (504) 220-
1100, Ext. 1151/1152/1153, Cell.(504) 992-6012, fax.(504) 239-0647 e-mail:
pedro.dimaggio@undp.org .The Local Field Security Assistant for Honduras is Mr. Carlos
Torres, and can be contacted at (504) 231- 0102 Ext. 1153, mobile (504) 992-5050, e-mail:
ctorres@unhouse.un.hn . Also can reach the Communication Assistant, Mr. Jorge Valladares,
and can be contacted at (504) 231- 0102 Ext. 1152, mobile (504) 970-2229, e-mail:
jvalladares@unhouse.un.hn For after hours arrivals and/or emergencies you may contact: Mr.
Carlos Torres, FSCA (504) 227-2179. UNDP and FSCA offices are located at the following address:
Edificio Casa de Las Naciones Unidas, Ave. Rep. de Panama, Col. Palmira Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
3. SECURITY PHASE I - Precautionary Measures is in effect for all the territory of Honduras.
Current security situation may limit free access for visitors to UN System Offices without prior
appointment. The FSCA must be notified in writing of visitor’s full name, contract type, contract
expiration date, arriving and departure date/time and full purpose of visit. Without this information
visitors may be required to be escorted within UNS premises while at post. Please also refer to
Travel Advisory document released monthly by UNDSS NY worldwide for further information.
4. Based on the UNDSS monthly travel advisory and field security restrictions status - Phase I, it is
the responsibility of each UNS agency to register their staff on official mission with the Designated
Official and FSCA upon arrival in Honduras. They should provide the local contact address /
telephone and duration of stay. Due to the UN security phase in effect - Phase I – Precautionary
Measures, a Security Clearance is required for any official or non-official traveler coming to
Honduras, prior to arrival at post for either temporary or permanent duty travel. Without this, there
will be no coverage of the Malicious Act Insurance Policy for the traveler. All requests for Security
Clearances should be sent in the approved form with complete information to the following address:
by e-mail: security.clearance.hn@undp.org or by fax: (504) 239 -0647.
5. Currency exchange facilities and ATMs are available at “Toncontin” airport terminal 1st floor.
Additionally, most local banks and hotels also provide currency exchange service. The Honduran
local currency is called Lempira (HNL) and for the month of September 2006 the official UN
exchange rate is L.18.90 = US$1.00. Rate may vary at banks and other places + - 5%. Normally,
you will be asked to pay bills in local currency, few places will accept US dollars. Most stores,
restaurants and others accept credit cards (VISA and MASTERCARD mainly).
6. Tegucigalpa is located at 3,000 feet above sea level and has a moderate climate (17 - 25o
Celsius) all year long; spring/fall weight clothing is most comfortable all year round. In the capital
city, during summer season (Feb - May) temperatures may raise up to 30 - 35o during rainy season
(May -Oct) moderate rain shower happen in the afternoons. The Country President is Mr. Manuel
Zelaya Rosales.
7. A passport is required when traveling to Honduras. No visa or tourist card is normally required,
although traveler is urged to seek information on visa requirements for his/her nationality prior to
travel. A courtesy visa is required from the government for any UN official visitor staying over thirty
days. This can be obtained at the UNDP Human Resources Unit upon arrival. Please bear in mind
that an airport exit tax fee of US$ 31.00 or equivalent in HNL in local currency and a security fee of
L.25.00 or equivalent in US$ will be levied on all departing travelers bearing a passport other than
diplomatic or UN Laisser Passer (blue/red).
8. THREAT ANALYSIS: The threat against UN system staff members from political activity is
considered LOW. The threat from common criminal elements is considered highly critical in certain
areas; violent crime is a serious and growing problem, especially in certain zones of Tegucigalpa
and San Pedro Sula, and to a less degree throughout the country. Pickpockets and purse -
snatchers are prevalent in major cities at tourist sites, especially in parts of Comayagüela and the
central market surroundings of Tegucigalpa. Visits to these areas should be avoided, especially
after dark. Highway, road and street robberies, car jacking and assault of pedestrians by armed
thieves are still high. Roadblocks and demonstrations on the main highways have decreased. In the
past, demonstrations have ended in street violence, requiring intervention by national police for
which precaution is requested. Under such circumstances, UN staff traveling by vehicle to or from
neighboring countries will not receive a Security Clearance. For a variety of useful information on
travel to Honduras, including potential risks, you can contact your country’s foreign affairs
department, for tourism and leisure travel information (www.letsgohonduras.com).
9. OTHER FACTORS TO CONSIDER: Travelers are especially advised to prevent mosquitoes
bites at all times, due to insect - borne diseases such as Malaria and Dengue Fever (both serious,
potentially fatal diseases). In general mosquitoes in Honduras are most bothersome from dusk to
dawn, especially in the countryside. Other infectious diseases are common such as Diarrhea,
Amoebic Dysentery, Rotavirus and Cholera commonly caused by the intake of contaminated water
and food. Seek urgent medical help if you suspect any of these diseases especially in children.
Under all circumstances, fluid replacement (at least equal to the volume lost) is the most important
thing to remember.
10. SECURITY BRIEFINGS: All visitors are requested to contact the Field Security Coordination
Office in Honduras (FSCA) upon arrival and receive a short security briefing for temporary visit to
the country. Briefings are given at the FSCA Office, every Monday from 09:00 – 10:00.
For UN staff staying over three months at post it is mandatory to register at the FSCA and receive a
full security briefing within the first week after arrival. Each UN system agency has the responsibility
to make all arrangements in this regard for their respective staff.