If you must travel by bus, always travel during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses. This unique lot boarder a green space that cannot be built upon. Crime:While crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, municipalities along the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the countrys highest crime rates. walk to the beach. Great article. For this reason, we encourage travelers to refrain from taking long trips on scooters. A U.S. passport with at least six months validity. One of the most frequently asked questions about Roatan by potential visitors is "How safe will I be?" Certainly reports about the high violent crime rate in Honduras trigger reasonable concerns for folks who have not experienced Roatan. But who was the king of England? Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned. Everything Cruise Lines Don't Want You to Know. While Roatan is generally a safe place to visit, there can be some issues related to theft. 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. Although scorpions are uncommon in Roatan, if you come across one, you should seek medical attention. Honduras is a dangerous country to visit. While many people will hitchhike on Roatan, you should avoid giving rides to or accepting rides from people that you do not know. 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. No Spam. Poverty and corruption are two of the most serious challenges that people face in Roatan. The Honduran government has also issued a new travel warning for the Northern Triangle region. The safety situation in Honduras has been deteriorating in recent years due to gang violence and organized crime. As part of Palmetto bay youll have access Clear ocean views from this hillside lot in phase 1 of Coral Views Village. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. The U.S. Embassy discourages car and bus travel after dark. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. 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. Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime and kidnapping. Also, we read about malria and dengue fever. Avenida La Paz Roatans economy is driven by a thriving tourist industry, propelled by its well-deserved reputation as a world class diving destination. Carry personal identification documents, including your drivers license, copies of passports, and vehicle registration cards while driving. See ourwebpagefor further information. float: none; Then, click on the red marker to open the add anchorage window. Coral Views is a ga Free 200+ Page Report: Top 57 Places to Live & Invest. Bur very affordable. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. A sixty-nine year old U.S. citizen, originally from California, was identified yesterday as the victim of an abduction and murder in Roatan, Honduras, according to a Honduran newspaper El Heraldo. 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? So let's try to break it down a bit with Roatan safety questions and answers. Sure, we have a ton of resources for Costa Rica on our site, and a whole bunch , It's easy to find tons of articles and information out there highlighting all the great benefits of living in Costa Rica. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Add data for Roatan, Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. Ted: Our number came from the 2001 Census where the island had a rough population of 28,000, most recent numbers are showing a population closer to 50,000 plus. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation. The businesses and resorts that depend on the tourism take steps to try and protect their customers. Expats enjoy living in Roatan due to the many neighborhoods to which it offers. But his legal trouble in the United States was not over. Today we have a guest post written by Kent Davis, owner of one of the most successful real estate brokerages in Panama City How about smooth, powder-white sand beaches and crystal blue water, all wrapped up with moderate, year-round weather at an affordable price? Law enforcement is also slow to respond, if at all. The reports are scattered and hard to verify. There are sand flies and mosquitos throughout all tropical areas, and the bites can affect visitors. Do you live in Roatan? I presume that those asking want to make a comparison to their perceived safety in the States. 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. float: left; Many expats live in Roatan, Utila and Copan , and I think there's a pretty strong expat community in La Ceiba and maybe Trujillo too (there's a new development there that seems to be attracting a lot of Canadian investors)," said one . Cuanta ms informacin mejor. Now that weve established a frame of reference, heres the scoop on Roatan. But that's just me.everyone has a different comfort level. Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 65%, IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2023 + 15 more, about subscribing to International Living Magazine, 5 affordable Caribbean islands to live on and 2 to avoid, 7 of the Best Cities in Spain for Your Retirement, Everything You Need to Know About Roatan Honduras. Although this may change as Roatan continues to gain recognition, the island is not yet densely populated. Cruise lines and port agencies have approved tour companies offering packages. Safety in numbers. While no place on the planet is completely safe I never felt in danger there and I would bet that Roatan will fall well within the personal safety range of nearly everyone. Just about every place in Roatn takes dollars and lempiras, but not every shop will take a credit card. But until you no longer look like a tourist, it is best to leave all of your electronics at home. Crime in Roatan 11 years ago Save We are considering visiting Roatan and have read about the crime rate being high, home invasions, break ins etc. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. Another vote for an hotel or condo. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Can anyone tell me where I can find budget/hostel or cheap, clean accommodation near or by the beach but not in a noisy place. } 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! It might be just hubby and I this time so I'm thinking Las Rocas, with the children we stayed at Henry Morgan. swimming pool and a few min. These sort of crimes can be avoided by dressing down, being careful about where expensive belongings are left, and keeping to safe areas. Ever. Please review the information on theState Departments Traveling with Disabilities website. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. width:auto; I got all of the recommended vaccines before I spent 10 days in Roatanhowever I was doing some medical mission work and was in some areas pretty far off the beaten path. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. By in large, foreigners are viewed as belonging to the wealthy class when they visit Honduras. Roatan is a beautiful island about 40 miles off the coast of Honduras. I read the Honduras gov. He received his information from his research and the Mayors of the two Municipalities on Roatan. Areas to avoid after dark. display: table; While no separate safety or crime statistics are kept for Roatan, an abundance of evidence strongly suggests that Roatan is a world apart from its mainland connection to Honduras. Download the book instantly (for free!) Im going to Roatan in 2 weeks for a short vacation, but have been island shopping for the last several years, & Roatan might be a possibility. Leave your wallet wrapped in a blanket on the beach while you take a dip and chances are, it won't be there when you return. When visiting the island you should be aware of these local warnings or dangers that may affect your trip.. J-M Violence has long ruled here. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. It is not guaranteed, William of Orange became King of England in 1689 when he invaded England with an army from the Netherlands. With an almost total absence of guns and the purchase of ammunition being restricted and almost impossible to find, petty criminals are likely to have neither and rely on the inattention of tourists (many who may have had a few too many rum drinks) to make their living. No Spam. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. font-size: medium; The Rainy Season and the Dry Season. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. 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. However, this excitement can best be experienced at night as people come out to dance, listen to live music, and walk along half-moon bay, the crescent shaped beach that the village is built along. When many people think of Honduras, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and you may find yourself asking, Is Honduras safe?. We have written about cruise passengers and at least one crew member who have been victimized in violent armed robberies over the years in this idyllic yet dangerous destination, earning it a spot (#2) on my list of theten most dangerous cruise port in the world several years ago. It cant be denied. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Honduran roads are poorly lit and poorly marked. Yes, I'm willing to do a survey, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. 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! (The per capita homicide rate in the U.S. is a little over 4 per 100,000). Even if you rent or own a car if you are unfamiliar with areas of the island it is best to ask someones advice before venturing off on your own. Stay safe and enjoy. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. 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. If notarizing a permission letter in the United States, the letter should be apostilled by the U.S. state registrar where the notary is registered. 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. Be aware of your surroundings. If you are not certain of your own safety, you must be vigilant. In fact, on any given night, you can find a fair chunk of them at Sundowners Beach Bar on Half Moon Bay beach. This article is dated July 12, 2013 and it states Roatan only has a population of around 28,400 people. Do you live in Roatan? Approximately 60 percent of Honduras 8 million people are impoverished, which is a major source of poverty. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. Also contact the U.S. Embassy at 011-504-2236-9320 or 011-504-2238-5114 (and after-hours at 011-504-2238-5114, extension 4100). Honduras is a country in Central America that is washed by the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the south. Secure valuable items in a security box or safe if one is provided by your hotel, a resort, or vacation home. The country has a population of about 8.5 million people and a land area of 112,492 square kilometers. I assume getting the services of an emigration lawyer would be advisable. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. We can: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contactthe U.S. Embassy for assistance. The Bay Islands are in a malaria and dengue zone according to Health Canada and the CDC. Having now lived outside the U.S. for nearly eight years, I am frequently asked by my friends back in the States if living outside the U.S. is safe. Roatan is a long, skinny island. It is, in fact, much safer than mainland Honduras and feels infinitely safer than the U.S., if for no other reason than the total absence of a gun culture. The ability to work on a tourist visa is illegal, and those without residency can be deported. How safe is living in Honduras? These are also known as Turtle Crossing, Palmetto Bay, and Lawson Rock. Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. There are more police and security presence in the western part of the island. Learn more about the best places in the world to retire in our daily postcard e-letter. Traffic signs are often inadequate or non-existent. Like in many areas of Central America, the pace of life in Roatan is slow and relaxed, the complete opposite of life in America. A home in Roatan, Honduras, can be the perfect solution for expats in this predicament. Just maintain a low profile and avoid drinking to excess. This large hill side lot offers ocean views and is located in a tranquil community of Guaiabara Beach.This up and coming seaside community is located in Big Big Its rare to find a large lot in a gated community, and this one in the Palmetto Bay development is over 1 1/3 acres. Your safety is your responsibility, so be vigilant. Choose taxis or rideshares carefully. Further, there is no evidence of significant gang activity or violence on the island. There is a high rate of crime in this region, which contributes to its high levels of poverty. And with gangs, the drug cartel, and the highest per capita murder rate, its no wonder that some expats feel wary. reaching out to all Roatan residents! Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law Important information if heading to South Africa, For support using your membership please email, For all other inquiries or to contact the editor please email. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. Unlike the mainland of Honduras, Roatan has a very little crime and we never felt unsafe walking through town, even at night. Most tourists, using normal traveler procedures, will not experience or even hear about a theft. Honduras is a country located in Central America. Hi: information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Foreign workers are required to keep the tourism industry operating. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. The island is now being recognized as a retirement destination worth visiting, with several lists of top retirement destinations published, including International Livings Annual Global Retirement Index. For this reason, a good idea to use ATMs that are located in banks instead of using an ATM which might be outside and accessible to street pedestrians. Simply enter your email address below to sign up for our free daily postcards and well also send you a FREE report on The Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens, plus access to over 10 more free reports. And with gangs, the drug cartel, and the highest per capita murder rate, it's no wonder that some expats feel wary. But it is raw, marinated seafood so, use your own judgement. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. The countrys borders were reopened on March 15th, 2020, a week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for five months. Leave your wallet wrapped in a blanket on the beach while you take a dip and chances are, it wont be there when you return. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. 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. Exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. A Comprehensive Look At The Legal Implications, Exploring The Illegal Firearm Market In Illinois: Understanding The Risks Challenges And Solutions, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Riding With An Unlicensed Driver: What You Need To Know, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Illegal Speech In The United States, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Using YouTube Converters In Canada, Illegally Accessing Someone Elses Text Messages In Australia: The Legal Implications And Penalties, Exploring The Legal And Political Implications Of Allowing Illegal Immigrants To Vote In The US. 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. 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. Drug trafficking gangs, corruption, and extreme poverty keep Honduras down. No-hype updates & resource guides. We love Roatan. The culture of Roatan is friendly and welcoming, the cost of living is low, the weather is beautiful, and there is a lot of food to eat. Save. Clarion Suites Roatan at Pineapple Villas, Fantasy Island Beach Resort Dive And Marina All Inclusive. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. Finally, for those with existing medical issues, and especially those taking prescription medication, be sure you have an ample supply as local inventory of such things as insulin, blood pressure medication, and common antibiotics may not be readily available. Your email address will not be published. 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. The vast majority of cruise line passengers experience no problems, but incidents of armed robbery (like this one) and carjacking have been reported., November 23, 2018 Update: A resident of Roatan who does not feel comfortable revealing her name left this comment: I live on Roatan. This, by the way, applies to all travelers in all countries. The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. Additionally, there are several areas along this walk where there is no sand, and you must walk over very slippery rocks. Evidence of onward travel. 6. background-color: #1a3c95; Despite the difficulties that have arisen, Roatan is still a safe and beautiful place to visit. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. . Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. Small cameras, jewelry, and expensive cell phones are things most often reported as stolen. Getting residency in Roatan is a relatively simple process and you can be granted a retirement Visa as long as you can prove that you have a monthly income of $1,500. In the end, you must decide for yourself what your definition of safety is and where your personal threshold is. All About Roatan. Period. Just my two cents. Transportation on Roatan can be a challenge as public transportation is a bit sketchy. Many of the comforts and securities which many enjoy elsewhere are simply not available in Honduras. The family of four (with two children) were robbed at gunpoint and terrorized. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. Some enjoy renting motor scooters. There is one main road which is poorly maintained, poorly lit, and often congested. After a rainfall, local the roads can be very slippery, and you should reduce your speed and take extra caution when driving. by Amanda Walkins. The answer may surprise you: it was, The English monarchy has produced some of the most iconic figures in history. What could be better? The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols. The legal system is somewhere between barbaric and non-existent. Why provide the opportunity? Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Honduras, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Hondurass Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Additionally, the infrastructure is not always the best, so power outages and water shortages are not uncommon. But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. I would not say that cruisers should avoid the eastern part of the Island of Roatan. But the strong police presence, timely intervention, and swift application of justice seem to be an adequate deterrent to keep crime low and criminals in line. Banco Atlntida Building Top 57 Places to Live & Invest in the Tropics. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. No increase in police or military as has happened in past crime waves. Also be aware of dehydration, as the heat can be extreme even once youve lived here for a while. The local people in Roatan, Honduras, are made up of a unique blend of cultures from different ethnic backgrounds, but the largest population of locals are of Indian and Spanish decent. Others have gotten into trouble simply by showing off. overflow: unset; Be the first to discover secret destinations, travel hacks, and more. The people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, and the climate is ideal. As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. This region is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungle landscapes, and clear blue water. Severe Weather:Honduras is vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding, especially between June and November. Your Name Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with theNational Insurance Crime Bureauor with private insurance carriers about coverage details. Medical insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. This is especially true for children. Please leave one below or join the discussion on our Facebook page. The tropical weather in and around Roatan is inclusive of sea breezes which keep the annual temperatures within a range of 70F to 80F. It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential. At night, foreigners are frequently robbed in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. A Look at Roatans Popular Neighborhoods Most expats will look at several popular neighborhoods in Roatan. Not sure I would want to be in a private rental. Let us do the legwork! If you decide to go you won't regret it. There has been lots of armed robberies often with victims threatened with guns of knives to throats. During the cruising season, it is my opinion that the larger number of boats and cruisers tends to discourage crime against the boaters. Dont pass by beggars; instead, avoid them and those who ask for or offer assistance. Exploring of isolated areas of the island is best done through a guided tour or a car, rather than on scooters. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Free shipping for many products! Honduras population has access to clean water, with 84 percent having access. Hope to get back for Spring break in fact. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila. A reality check shows that Roatan is only an island, and that the majority of the food consumed here is imported.