US citizens advised to delay summer vacation travel to Honduras

June 30, 9:32 AMWorldwide Travel ExaminerMark Resnicoff

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Soldiers block a street near the presidential residency in Tegucigalpa, Monday, June 29, 2009. Honduras' new leaders defied growing global pressure on Monday to reverse a military coup, arguing that they had followed their constitution in removing President Manuel Zelaya. (AP Photo/ Eduardo Verdugo)

Travelers planning summer vacations in Honduras for scuba diving, surfing or visiting Mayan ruins are strongly encouraged to change their plans.  Due to Sunday’s military coup that ousted President Manuel Zelaya and sent him into exile, the United States Department of State issued a travel alert to American citizens on June 29, 2009 warning against unnecessary travel to Honduras.  The State Department alert specifically states:

“The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice.  This Travel Alert expires on July 29, 2009.”

Demonstrations have broken out at the Presidential palace in the capital city Tegucigalpa.  Streets near many government offices are being blocked by the military or police.

The rest of the country appears to be calm, though occasional roadblocks have been reported.  Many adventure travel hotspots in Honduras are isolated locations far from the unrest and demonstrations in the big cities of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.  However, many travelers visiting the Mayan ruins at Copan or scuba diving at Roatan Island enter and leave the country through the big city airports, which could leave them susceptible to potential violence.

Honduras’ borders and airports currently remain open.  However, U.S. citizens, especially those with travel plans to Honduras over the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, may wish to contact their airlines, hotels or travel agents to inquire about changing their plans to a later date or canceling their reservations and obtaining deposit refunds.

Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).