Talking Points: Honduras Travel Warning (Updated January 24, 2017)
Talking Points – Honduras
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The following Talking Points may be used in conversations with the media and clients when discussing travel to Honduras. (January 24, 2017)
1. Due to recent incidents, the U.S. Department of State has updated its Travel Warning for Honduras advising that levels of crime remain high, especially in certain areas of the country. However, the warning does not advise against travel to Honduras.
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
Below you will find additional information, supporting material and statistics to help further illustrate each talking point.
1. Due to recent incidents, the U.S. Department of State has updated its Travel Warning for Honduras advising that levels of crime remain high, especially in certain areas of the country. However, the warning does not advise against travel to Honduras.
Tens of thousands of U.S. citizens visit Honduras each year for study, tourism, business, and volunteer work without incident. However, crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, according to the U.S. State Department.
For those traveling to Honduras, the U.S. Department of State advises that you should carefully consider Honduran travel, avoid certain areas and be vigilant about safety.
o “The U.S. Embassy restricts U.S. government staff from traveling to the Department of Gracias a Dios due to frequent criminal and drug trafficking activity.”
o “Criminals, acting both individually and in gangs, in and around certain areas of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba engage in murder, extortion, and other violent crimes. About 70% of U.S. citizen homicides since 2010 occurred in these urban areas. San Pedro Sula and Tegucigalpa rank as two of the most violent cities in the world.”
o “With one of the highest murder rates in the world and criminals operating with a high degree of impunity, U.S. citizens are reminded to remain alert at all times when traveling in Honduras.”
According to the Government of Canada, “There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Honduras. However, you should exercise a high degree of caution due to violent crime.”
The UK’s Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) states “Most serious crime doesn’t affect tourists but attacks on foreigners including armed robbery and sexual assault do sometimes occur. These attacks can take place anywhere and at any time of the day. People have been killed and injured resisting attack. It is useful to carry a small amount of money to hand out in the event of a robbery.”
2. Safety is our top priority for our clients.
We make certain to work with a select group of travel partners who take the safety and security of our clients as seriously as we do.
We advise our clients that they should always use good common sense when it comes to their personal safety, just as they would at home.
To maximize safety and security while traveling to Honduras or any other international destination, travelers should maintain a high level of vigilance and take appropriate steps to enhance their personal security:
o Be vigilant of your surroundings at all times and in all locations, especially when entering or exiting your home, hotel, car, garage, school, and workplace.
o Whenever possible, travel in groups of two or more.
o Avoid wearing jewelry and carrying large sums of money or displaying cash, ATM/credit cards, or other valuables.
o Avoid walking at night in most areas of Honduras or walking alone on beaches, historic ruins, and trails.
o Motorists should avoid traveling at night and always drive with the doors locked and windows up to deter potential robberies at traffic lights and on congested downtown streets.
Specifically related to Honduras, the U.S. State Department advises: “You should review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings and local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities.
We highly recommend that U.S. citizens follow the advice of the State Department and register their international travel plans at https://step.state.gov/step. By entering information into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), the Department of State can better assist travelers in an emergency.
Contact information for U.S. Embassies and Consulates can be found at http://travel.state.gov. Up-to-date information on security can also be obtained by calling 888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or, for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll line at 202-501-4444.
We strongly encourage all of our clients, whether they are traveling domestically or internationally, to purchase travel insurance, particularly right at the same time as travel has been booked. Travel insurance offers an additional layer of protection for travelers and can potentially help save a traveler hundreds or thousands of dollars if a medical or travel emergency occurs.
3. We provide the facts so our clients can make an informed decision about their travel plans.
We closely monitor the U.S. Department of State website for travel alerts as well as the more severe travel warnings for all destinations, including those that are most popular with our clients.
Should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination, we alert clients who may be planning to travel there so they can determine for themselves if they still wish to travel.
Also, should we become aware of an issue for a specific destination where a client is currently located, we try to immediately contact the client to check on their well-being and work to assist them if they require alternate travel arrangements.