Honduras : Safety by City
Honduras sits in the heart of Central America, bordered by Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea.
Its location makes it a crossroads of ancient cultures, colonial history, and modern challenges.
Once home to the advanced Maya civilization, it later became part of the Spanish Empire before gaining independence in the 1800s.
Today, it’s a country of strong regional contrasts.
The mainland is mountainous, with colonial towns, rainforests, and urban centers, while the Caribbean coast and Bay Islands offer a more laid-back, tropical feel.
Roatán, Utila, and Guanaja—part of the Bay Islands—are well known for their reef access and relaxed pace.
More than half of the country’s 2.3 million annual visitors arrive by cruise ship.
These islands are the safest and most popular stops in Honduras.
They draw visitors due to their affordability, natural beauty, and world-class snorkeling and diving.
The mainland sees fewer tourists due to safety concerns, which vary greatly depending on location.
Some areas are vibrant and welcoming; others, especially in certain urban zones, have a reputation for gang activity and crime.
Traveling here requires some planning and street smarts, but for those willing to do the homework, Honduras offers a mix of adventure, culture, and nature that is still under the radar compared to its neighbors.
Warnings & Dangers in Honduras
OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM
There's a medium to high risk in Honduras, but it largely depends on where you plan to visit. Most travelers come for the Bay Islands, which are safer than mainland locations.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
Getting around Honduras generally comes with a high risk. First, don't travel by car or bus at night. If you do take a bus, get the first-class option in the name of safety, not luxury. Roads are poorly kept across the country, and drivers are even more dangerous. Check embassy alerts because some streets are listed as too risky to travel.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
This is a medium risk, especially in crowded markets, bus stations, or tourist-heavy areas. Not everyone’s out to rob you, but petty theft happens fast and often. Keep your stuff close, use a crossbody bag, and don’t flash valuables.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Honduras gets hit by tropical storms and hurricanes, mainly from June through November. Flooding and landslides can impact both coasts and inland travel. Earthquakes are rare but possible.
MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM
This is a real concern, especially after dark or in isolated areas. Even locals avoid certain zones at night. Don’t carry more cash than you need, and skip walking alone late—even in tourist towns. Stick to busy, well-lit streets and use registered taxis or hotel shuttles when possible. Those staying on the islands have a lower risk, but not enough to call it a "low risk."
TERRORISM RISK: LOW
There’s no organized international terrorism threat in Honduras, so the official risk is low. But some of the violence—like gang activity, drug trafficking, and targeted attacks—can resemble terrorism in how it affects communities. It’s not politically motivated or aimed at tourists, but the impact in certain areas can feel just as disruptive. Stick to regions with a visible tourism infrastructure for the safest experience.
SCAMS RISK: LOW
More annoying than dangerous. You might get overcharged by taxis or hustled by fake guides. Always agree on prices before paying, and use official operators. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Tourist scams are more common on the mainland than on the islands.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW
Catcalling and unwanted attention happen, especially in urban areas. Dress modestly, don’t share your itinerary with strangers, and avoid isolated beaches or streets. In groups, you’ll draw less attention. Some women feel safer sticking to Roatán and other tourist-focused areas.
TAP WATER RISK: HIGH
Tap water is not safe to drink in most of Honduras and comes with a high risk. Bottled or filtered water is the norm—even locals rely on it. Use it for brushing your teeth, too. In more remote areas, carry purification tablets or a reliable filter. Gastro issues are one of the most common trip-wreckers here.
Safest Places to Visit in Honduras
The official tourism website is “honduras.travel,” and you can get as much practical information as touristy details there.
About 2.3 million people visit Honduras annually, and 60% of them arrive by cruise ship.
Most cruise travelers to Honduras arrive through one of two ports on Roatán: Mahogany Bay and Port of Roatán in Coxen Hole.
Roatán is part of the Bay Islands and about 40 miles off the northern coast.
The top draws for cruise passengers include snorkeling and diving straight off West Bay Beach or via boat tours to the coral reef.
Animal sanctuaries with sloths, capuchin monkeys, and toucans are big crowd-pleasers.
Zipline parks, island-style beach clubs, and ATV tours also get a lot of traffic.
For something low-key, there’s Gumbalimba Park or the Roatán Rum Company—both close to the port and easy to hit in a few hours.
On the Honduran mainland, several standout attractions draw international visitors, especially those interested in history, nature, and adventure.
Copán Ruinas is the big one—this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most important and well-preserved Maya archaeological sites in the world.
The intricacy of the stone carvings here is unmatched, and it’s often a bucket-list stop for archeology buffs.
Pico Bonito National Park, near La Ceiba, is a favorite for ecotourism.
You’ll find serious hiking, birdwatching, waterfalls, and rainforest lodges—popular with travelers who want a jungle experience without the crowds of Costa Rica.
Lake Yojoa, the country’s largest lake, is a growing destination for nature lovers and craft beer fans (thanks to a popular microbrewery nearby).
Cloud forests, caves, and coffee farms surround it.
There’s also Gracias, a colonial-era town with natural hot springs and access to Celaque National Park, home to Honduras’s highest peak.
It hasn’t hit mainstream tourism yet, but it’s gaining traction with off-the-beaten-path travelers.
Tela and La Ceiba serve as coastal gateways to the mainland’s Caribbean side.
They offer beach access plus day trips to nearby wildlife refuges like Cuero y Salado and Punta Sal.
They are not as polished as the islands, but they’re culturally rich and more local in vibe.
Places to Avoid in Honduras
While different governments rate the risk level in Honduras differently, one thing is common: avoid the Gracias a Dios Department on the eastern edge of the country.
That region is filled with drug runners, narcotics trafficking, and gangs, and very little law enforcement stops the crimes.
The Canadian government also recommends avoiding the borders of Guatemala and El Salvador.
In addition, the Canadians list some other places to “Avoid Non-Essential Travel”:
- Choluteca: the city of Choluteca
- Colón, excluding the city of Trujillo
- Cortés: The eastern neighborhoods of San Pedro Sula, including Chamalecón, Cofradía, and Rivera Hernandez; the city of Choloma; and the El Planeta neighborhood of La Lima.
- Francisco Morazán: The city of Comayagüela, excluding the Toncontin airport and the major roads leading there
- Olancho
- Yoro
You should also avoid large gatherings or public demonstrations.
Not only is it illegal to participate in a political protest, but it’s also not a safe environment to be in.
Safety Tips for Traveling to Honduras
- Honduras does have a tourist police division—Policía de Turismo— which is generally stationed in places like Roatán, Tegucigalpa, and San Pedro Sula. They’re supposed to help visitors, but response times can vary. To call for help, dial 911, which connects you to general emergency services. Don’t assume every officer speaks English, and when in doubt, head to a major hotel or embassy for assistance.
- There’s no unified alert system for tourists. Check with your embassy to see what type of notifications or alerts are available for your country. For example, the U.S. has the STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) through the U.S. State Department. Local news is helpful, too—if you understand Spanish. You can also check the COPECO website (copeco.gob.hn) for the “alert” level, which is either green, red, or yellow.
- You can rent a car in Honduras with a valid U.S. driver’s license, but make sure it’s not expired and that you’re over 21. Insurance is a must—don’t skip it. Driving in this country can be dangerous, with bad road conditions and aggressive drivers. The U.S. embassy advises never to drive after dark.
- From February to May, dry season fires—both natural and agricultural—can turn the air quality hazardous. If you have asthma or any breathing issues, you’ll feel it. The smoke can be thick enough to delay flights and close airports. Check daily air quality indexes if you’re traveling during these months, and keep an N95 mask handy if you’re going to be outdoors a lot.
- If you travel with prescription meds, check that they’re legal in Honduras—some U.S.-approved drugs are banned or restricted there. Bring a copy of your prescription and keep meds in original labeled containers. Don’t just toss pills into a travel pouch unless you want extra attention at customs.
- Honduras declared a national dengue emergency in 2024, and the risk is still real. It’s mosquito-borne, not airborne, so your best protection is bug spray (look for DEET or picaridin), long sleeves, and sleeping under nets if you’re in rural areas. Don’t assume the risk is only in the jungle—it can hit urban areas, too, especially during the rainy season.
- You don’t need a yellow fever vaccine just to visit Honduras unless you’re coming from a country where it’s active—like parts of South America or Africa. If that applies, you’ll need to show proof of vaccination before entering. Otherwise, it’s not a requirement, but if you’re a frequent traveler through tropical regions, it might be worth getting ahead of time.
- Not all “official” tour guides are actually legit. Stick with operators who have a physical business presence, reviews that aren’t all copy-paste, and who are affiliated with regional tourism boards. Ask if they’re licensed and insured—don’t be shy. If someone’s pushing you hard on the street to book something, take a beat and double-check before committing your cash or safety.
- If a State of Exception is declared while you’re there, expect increased military and police presence, especially in urban areas. Some rights, like freedom of movement, may be limited, and warrantless searches can happen. Contact your embassy if you are there when this occurs.
- Choose your beach destination wisely. The waters around Roatán and Utila are known for being calm and clear, especially on the leeward sides. Open beaches like those near Tela or Trujillo can be more dangerous with rip tides and marine life.
So... How Safe Is Honduras Really?
Honduras is a country that lives up to its reputation as having violent crime.
However, not every country lists the same risks.
The United States, Canada, and Australia use a four-tiered system for rating travel risks.
One is the lowest, and four is the highest.
As of early 2025, the U.S. puts Honduras at Level 3: Reconsider Travel due to excessive violent crime.
Gracia a Dio Department, on the eastern side of the country, is listed at Level 4: Do Not Travel.
The United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FDCO) doesn’t give an overall risk rating but does note, “There are high levels of crime in Honduras.
Most serious crime does not affect tourists, but there have been attacks on foreigners, including armed robbery and sexual assault.
Attacks can take place anywhere at any time.”
Canada and Australia list Honduras at Level 2: Exercise Increased Caution, but do list certain locations as Do Not Travel, in line with U.S. recommendations.
Even the Honduran government realizes the risks.
In 2022, a State of Exception was declared, which means some constitutional rights were temporarily suspended so that authorities could crack down on gang activity.
This gave police more power to make arrests and searches without warrants.
All hope is not lost, as several resort locations in the Bay Islands are considered some of the safest places to visit.
The most imminent risk is petty theft, as skilled thieves wait for that moment of opportunity.
However, those behind the violent crime aren’t generally going after tourists but won’t care if someone gets hurt while they’re carrying out nefarious activities.
Use a lot of caution in Honduras and stick to the resort areas for the safest experience.
How Does Honduras Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Honduras | 49 |
| Morocco | 54 |
| Australia | 86 |
| Slovakia | 80 |
| Greece | 73 |
| Norway | 85 |
| Mauritius | 80 |
| Kazakhstan | 72 |
| Germany | 85 |
Useful Information
Visas
U.S. travelers don’t need a visa for trips under 90 days, but you do need a passport that’s valid for at least six months. You might get asked for proof of onward travel, so don’t delete that flight confirmation email. Cruise passengers should check the entry requirements for a "short pass" to visit the port area.
Currency
Honduras uses the lempira, but U.S. dollars are accepted in some tourist spots. Skip the airport kiosks and hotel front desks—they usually offer the worst rates. Instead, use banks or trusted exchange offices in big cities. ATMs inside banks are your safest bet if you’re withdrawing cash.
Weather
It’s tropical and humid almost year-round, especially on the coasts. The dry season (roughly November to April) is best for travel, while hurricane season runs from June through November. Inland areas can get surprisingly cool at night, so don’t only pack for beach weather—throw in a light layer just in case.
Airports
The main international airports are in Tegucigalpa (Toncontín), San Pedro Sula (Ramón Villeda Morales), and Roatán. San Pedro Sula is often cheaper for international flights, but Roatán’s a go-to if you’re heading straight to the islands. Toncontín’s landing is famously dramatic due to its short runway and surrounding mountains.
Travel Insurance
This isn’t a place to skip travel insurance. Coverage for medical issues, lost bags, or surprise flight changes is worth it here. Some areas don’t have top-tier healthcare, and emergencies could mean flying to another country. Double-check that your plan includes medical evacuation and adventure coverage if you’re diving or ziplining.
Honduras Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C | 26 | 28 | 30 | 31 | 30 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 28 | 27 | 26 | 25 |
| Low °C | 14 | 15 | 16 | 18 | 19 | 19 | 18 | 18 | 18 | 17 | 16 | 14 |
| High °F | 79 | 82 | 86 | 88 | 86 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 82 | 81 | 79 | 77 |
| Low °F | 57 | 59 | 61 | 64 | 66 | 66 | 64 | 64 | 64 | 63 | 61 | 57 |
Honduras - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| San Pedro Sula | 17 |
| Tegucigalpa | 33 |
Busy city
Wow, I had no clue things are that bad… I was researching things a bit before booking our plane tickets to visit Honduras for a second time for a business-related trip… I stayed in Tegucigalpa last time and oh boy, was it crowded, I felt like in an ant village.
Safe if you avoid key points
I stayed at the Marriott hotel and traveled by Uber so I didn’t have the chance to see the city in its whole. I remember reading about their criminality rates and I was a bit scared but luckily the trip went ok in my case.
Honduras the Murder Capitol
My son was murdered there in2017 and nothing their Government did. HONDURAS IS A HORRIBLE COUNTRY TO VISIT. I DON’T KNOW WHY THIS PLACE IS EVEN ON THE MAP
Terrible place too dangerous
Ridiculous why go there
its safe but avoid gangs and avoid walking late
i live in honduras i mean its not completey Safe because there is a lot of armed robbery murders drugs and in fact i live in sps/San Pedro sula and murders and drugs are common but that;’s normal life here i mean car accidents are also common.
Never again for me
I made the mistake of not researching Honduras’ safety before the trip, I was just glad I scored cheap plane tickets to somewhere warm. Never making that mistake again! I was mugged in broad daylight without someone making the slightest effort to do something…
Most people are wonderful but there’s a lot of crime
Honduras is a beautiful place but also a dangerous place as well. It’s too bad that the police and the Government doesn’t do more to protect its people and tourists because this country has so much to offer. I’ve been there 3 times already and I will probably go a few more times in the next few years. I actually love the people there and have made good friends over the years. I had to go there because of work related things and I also had a bit of time to travel the country and visit some of the major cities and also some smaller ones and even villages like Comayagua (which is beautiful) while there.
Most people are very friendly and hospitable but there are also a lot of criminals that operate here. I’ve seen (almost) all of it while I was here and it’s not pretty. There needs to be a serious police presence if this is to ever stop, otherwise I can’t, in good conscience, tell others to visit Honduras. It’s just too dangerous and you always have to be on the lookout, even in the daytime.
San Pedro Sula is very dangerous and I would avoid it if possible. This article is correct in saying there are criminal sources at some airports tipping off the criminals about tourists arrivals and routes. Be very careful that you are not overheard here.
I know of people getting robbed, beaten or killed even while it was light out and both in secluded and circulated areas. The locals know which places to avoid and when but tourists don’t.
The people here deserve a lot better and I would rate them with 5 stars for their love for their country and for their hospitality. But, taking in account all the dangers this should be a 2.
Tela honduras
I’ve been to honduras 🇭🇳 before 3 times my wife was born there but now is us citizen she was born and raised in the town called tela. it is a very nice town by the beach although you do see armed guards at the stores and bank and gas stations but I guess that how it is also you can get fresh fish red snapper grouper and shrimp and the people I have met are friendly what I would say always be aware of your surroundings any where you go you should be 🙂 fine plus all the fresh fruit !!!
Honduras crying out…
If you’re a drug nut looking to score drugs, you will encounter the scum of HONDURAS and DANGER! They should ALL be eradicated from our country! I’m a Honduran/American speaking not as a foreigner, but a born raised British Honduran. The Honduran people are the kindest, most hospitable people, they would give you the clothes off their backs!
CORRUPTION, greed and poverty is what infest HONDURAS! If every drug dealer were force to consume all the drugs their caught with until they’re demise, have this action as law of the land for selling drugs in Honduras this will STOP in a matter of months or 2 dealers dying. This one thing will free the Honduran people from drugs, opresión and eliminate the poverty, impuestos de Guerra. This will set free a country with incredible natural resources and the incredible population primed to reach they’re real potential. They will be no need to migrate to the USA because the natural beauty of HONDURAS, the love all citizens have for their country, they’re hard working primed them for success!!
What’s needed?
A president with BALLS enough to implement sincerely the freedom from opresión the people live under the shadows of drug peddling scums….