The security situation is expected to continue to deteriorate in 2020 and 2021. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; A reality check shows that Roatan is only an island, and that the majority of the food consumed here is imported. The local police often depend on local merchants or other supporters for gas for their vehicles. Roatan is a long, skinny island. The two activities that are almost guaranteed to get you into trouble on Roatan are drugs and prostitution. Traffic signs are often inadequate or non-existent. Also, the cruise ship passengers do tend to help the local economy by spending money. I read the Honduras gov. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. 20 Is there a lot of crime in Roatan? The Rainy Season and the Dry Season. The more touristy parts of the island (on the west end) are the most populated and there is safety in numbers. Is Roatan Honduras safe? border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; As a result of addressing these underlying issues, poverty in Roatan can be reduced and a better future can be provided for its residents. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 36.33, a 13.52% decline from 2019. For further information, review theState Departments Investment Climate Statementand theU.S. Embassys information page on purchasing property in Honduras. Like in many areas of Central America, the pace of life in Roatan is slow and relaxed, the complete opposite of life in America. For up-to-date information, visit Honduras National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) website for current alerts, as well as theNational Hurricane Centers website. Avoid wandering around local villages after hours. How safe is living in Honduras? 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. Roatan has two main seasons. Another thing that plays into this situation is the poverty and corruption in government. Honduras is a dangerous country to visit. Our gift to you, on our favorite destinations. display: table; Latest News Profile Criminal Actors Investigations News } The island attracts a very different crowd indeed. Over 200 information packed pages with hundreds of beautiful photos. No spam. Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. And after stocking up with fresh produce from the local market, cook flavorful and inexpensive meals made up of fish, blue crab, shrimp, mangoes, coconut, and plantains and be sure to get a taste of authentic Honduran cuisine by trying local dishes like delicious conch soup. - Photos, when, where, who was involved, What happened, what actions have been taken. Period. Thats 7 total. Business Hours:Monday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. width:max-content; 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. 304 helpful votes. Its not right, but when your kids are starving, its not easy to have ethics and morals. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country. We are considering visiting Roatan and have read about the crime rate being high, home invasions, break ins etc. 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). Enjoy the simple things in life as you spend your days lounging on the beach, scuba diving, hiking through the lush forests, or stretching out in a hammock with a good book. The local government is well aware of the powerful economic impact these visitors have on the economy and maintains a strong, visible police presence on behalf of their guests. Women Travelers:See our travel tips forWomen Travelers. Of course, while it's not ever good to generalize an. Aside from the primate sanctuary in Gumbalimba Park, Roatan has several other eco-friendly attractions. Dont walk in large cities at night, dont display expensive items like jewelry, and always avoid the slums. Scooter accidents are among the most common transportation accidents we see on Roatan. The truth is that criminals look for easy targets. Crime can be easily avoided . 475 reviews. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Despite these limitations, Roatan is a fantastic place to retire. The Northern Triangle, which includes Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, has seen an increase in crime. Actually the current balance is quite ideal. For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. Please leave this field empty. Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. You will experience life underwater as you observe seawalls, shipwrecks, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales all in the gorgeous warm waters of the Caribbean. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. Traffic Laws: In an accident, contact the Honduran Transit Authority (Transito) by dialing 911. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. That said, this has not occurred recently. People and animals wander onto the roads. A U.S. passport with at least six months validity. In fact, on any given night, you can find a fair chunk of them at Sundowners Beach Bar on Half Moon Bay beach. The health and safety conditions in Roatan are not unique to the island. A general lack of prudence or showing off large sums of cash can turn visitors into prime targets for a crime of opportunity. The authorities work on two strong hypotheses to clarify the murder against Rick Kolinsky, who worked as manager of the Infinity Bay complex in the island zone of the country. Free shipping for many products! Travel to Honduras should be avoided if possible. Since 2010, Honduras has had one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, ranging between 59 and 86 per 100,000 according to the U.S. Department of State. Gracias a Dios is an isolated area with high levels of criminal activity and drug trafficking. Honduras was ranked 121st out of 187 countries in the UN Development Program 2011 Human Development Index. Infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police and military presence is scarce. Dont flash a wad of bills or a wallet full of credit cards. The Ace Hardware store in French Harbour has an armed guard outside and another inside. overflow: unset; What are the health and safety concerns in Roatan? I starting to shop around for retirement destinations. Vaccinations:Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if traveling to or coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. San Pedro Sula Why provide the opportunity? 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. Download the book instantly (for free!) with this limited time offer. See the report about this attackhere. 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. Thanks for any input. Even though Honduras is still a safe place to visit, visitors should exercise caution because crime is on the rise. Terms of Use and If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high. When you close your eyes and picture your dream retirement, what do you see? Unlike the mainland of Honduras, Roatan has a very little crime and we never felt unsafe walking through town, even at night. Due to gang and cartels fighting for control of the lucrative drug trade in the region, gangs and cartels are battling for control. Detalles!!!! There are dozens of dive sites scattered throughout Roatan, including the 2nd largest coral reef system on the planet that is located just offshore. I am looking for a room or apartment share or a budget place to stay for two months. The government often lacks the money to pay their police or customs officials for months at a time. I assume getting the services of an emigration lawyer would be advisable. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. Soak in the the sun on the sprawl of white sand, swim or snorkel in the warm waves, or maybe try your hand at paragliding. Quickly find out which country is right for you. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. He received his information from his research and the Mayors of the two Municipalities on Roatan. This report indicated that there were a total of 9 murders and 29 robberies on the island in 2016. Obviously, there is no GPS here, so once you head off the main road, you are on your own. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. There is no definitive answer to this question as the crime rate in Roatan Honduras can vary greatly depending on the source of the data. 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. Please use My e-mail if you would like to respond. I can understand that the authorities there would be reluctant to investigate a crime that occurred in another municipality. As a general rule, visitors to Roatan should abide by the same safety rules they abide by at home. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Although scorpions are uncommon in Roatan, if you come across one, you should seek medical attention. Furthermore, there is a high rate of crime, with robbery, assault, and murder being the most common. Sincerely. Im terribly confused. Many cruisers anchor in places like Calabash Bight, and other East-End anchorages without any problems. Despite the difficulties that have arisen, Roatan is still a safe and beautiful place to visit. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. Another vote for an hotel or condo. Please be careful overtaking on corners and hills when passing other vehicles. 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). In these slow times, the local people have no work, no source of income, and many are on the verge of starvation. Are there any all-inclusive resorts in Roatan? .signup-column { 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. Honduras was cited in the State Departments 2022 Annual Report to Congress on International Child Abduction for demonstrating a pattern of non-compliance with respect to international parental child abduction. These sort of crimes can be avoided by dressing down, being careful about where expensive belongings are left, and keeping to safe areas. If you are nervous about crime, protect yourself by making smart decisions. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. No Spam. Plan your outings in advance and enjoy Roatan. Your Email But the water was perfect. Areas to avoid after dark. Approximately 31 miles long and less than 5 miles wide at its widest point, Roatan only has a population of around 28,400 people, but this island paradise attracts thousands of tourists to its pristine shores each year. However, there have been reported instances of credit card information being stolen at ATMs. Get Your Free Honduras Report Here: Here are the world's top banking jurisdictions. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. Avenida La Paz Poverty and corruption are two of the most serious challenges that people face in Roatan. reaching out to all Roatan residents! Guidance appreciated! I would not say that cruisers should avoid the eastern part of the Island of Roatan. In this case, the victims went to Coxen Hole to report the incident. Roatan is in a third world country, and as such, it is not unusual to find cattle, horses, erratic taxi drivers, large trucks, and other unsafe motorists. U.S. citizens should not travel to Gracias a Dios. Check with your airline for vaccine requirements and be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommendedby the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. IsRoatanSafe? 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). There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. This warning recommends that tourists avoid all public gatherings because these can quickly turn violent. 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! We love Roatan. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. 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. Only sealed commercial water containers (bottles) are considered safe to drink. Numerous U.S. citizens have reported significant delays in resolving judicial cases and/or lack of cooperation from courts and the legal system. If your health requires frequent medical intervention, or even periodic interventions, Roatans medical services may be stretched to respond. LGBTI travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. The income disparities between the majority of Hondurans and those visiting Roatan is noticeable. All About Roatan. Honduras is a country located in Central America. The newspaper reports that the body of Philip Foster Brown was found in a ravine near a road leading from West End to West Bay in Roatan on Tuesday. At the time of this writing, the roads on Roatan are generally horrible, narrow with deep ruts, broken pavement, and large gaps where only sand and dirt exist. . Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. During the cruising season, it is my opinion that the larger number of boats and cruisers tends to discourage crime against the boaters. Quickly find out which country is right for you. 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 . 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. The infrastructure of the island is in need of renovation and improvement, but foreign investment is usually sufficient to make it happen. The homicide rate in Honduras was 42 per 100,000 people in 2019, making it one of the most violent countries in the world. The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. Book a flight, pack your bags and take a tour around the island to see if life in Roatan is in fact the life for you. So let's try to break it down a bit with Roatan safety questions and answers. See ourwebpagefor further information. Details please! Be aware of your surroundings. This report indicated that there were a total of 9 murders and 29 robberies on the island in 2016. Again, even though Roatan isnt overrun with tourists and expats, there is definitely an established expat community in Roatan Honduras. There are many things that can be done to prevent crime, but it is up to each individual to decide. There is no road access, and it is frequently used for drug smuggling operations because it is so difficult to patrol. For instance, residents have an option of living in gated communities or stand-alone residences with a hired caretaker of "watchman." One of the more common questions: Is it safe to live in Roatan? Roatan is a popular port which is heavily marketed as a paradise getaway by Miami-based cruise lines like Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean. width: 50%; I know the island is small, but traveling from the West end to the East End daily doesnt sound like fun. Staff, facilities, and supplies in Honduras are not necessarily up to U.S. medical standards. Protests often result in the extended closure of major roads in the cities and highways connecting the major cities. .signup-column { International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. On May 15, 2019, the Honduran police surrounded Lahijani's house in Puerto Francs on Roatn and arrested him for money laundering and confiscated some $130,000 in cash. If they are key locks don't forget these units are rented out to tons of people and the keys are sometimes shared with property management staff. Over the last ten days there has been three kidnappings/abductions (including Phil Brown) resulting in probable homicides. The more the better. That prompts an internal chuckle that I find tough to stifle. Some enjoy renting motor scooters. Roatan, a Caribbean island off the coast of Honduras, is a popular tourist destination in addition to its beach resorts. .fullwidth-signup{ .fullwidth-signup{ The most common type of crime on Roatan are burglaries. travel info. In most cases, serious crime comes to those who have neglected their safety or have acted irresponsibly. 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. Hi! No-hype updates & resource guides. 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. Sign up for our free newsletter now. He handles a wide variety of cases from serious injuries to thehighest profile sexual assault and cruise crime cases. And while Spanish is the national language in Honduras, many locals also speak good English and some are even predominantly English speaking, which makes communicating in Roatan easy for North American expats. Additionally, there are several areas along this walk where there is no sand, and you must walk over very slippery rocks. 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. 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. According to a 2018 World Bank report, Honduras had a poverty rate of 48.8% as of 2018, and the situation has quickly deteriorated as a result of COVID-19. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. To be quite honest that may have been over kill. Annual temperatures average out at 86F. When visiting the island you should be aware of theselocal warnings or dangers that may affect your trip. Sign up for our free newsletter. Again, the officials have kids to feed, so they often accept a token payment rather than writing a traffic ticket, etc. Honduras is a country in Central America that is washed by the Caribbean Sea in the north and the Pacific Ocean in the south. Hi: Locals are always willing to share their favorite spots with visitors, and there are a lot of interesting places to see here. After the housing crisis that reached an all-time low in 2008, the housing market in the U.S. is beginning to improve and the market today is prime for buyers due to extremely low prices. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. The bandito shot the car up, terrifying the three children in the car as well as their parents, who had . The show has been highly anticipated and has, In some cases, homeowners insurance policies may be able to cover biohazard and crime cleanup specialists, such as Aftermath, for murders, attempted murders, or unattended deaths. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Because of its own language and customs, the Garifuna language is unique. But Isn't Honduras the Murder Capital of the World? Creole English, a language that is spoken in three different languages, is the primary tongue of Roatan. Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. 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. The others I went with did not get the vaccines. Business Hours:Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00p.m. Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime and kidnapping. 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. By in large, foreigners are viewed as belonging to the wealthy class when they visit Honduras. Read theTravel Advisory for Hondurasfor additional information. Safety on Roatan. I think that they are probably safer there than in an isolated anchorage on the mainland coast of Honduras, Nicaragua, or many other areas. 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. Save. Thousands of divers and snorkelers descend upon this magnificent little island every week, staying for a week or two and spending a healthy chunk of change for food, lodging, beverages and of course, diving excursions. If you rent a scooter, consider staying nearby and don't venture far. Privacy Policy. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. Mr. Public Transportation: Avoid public transportation in Honduras. Roatans economy is driven by a thriving tourist industry, propelled by its well-deserved reputation as a world class diving destination. The reports are scattered and hard to verify. This, by the way, applies to all travelers in all countries. There are no problems on Roatan, and there are no tourists here. Is there a safe harbor for tourists at Roatan? Crimes against U.S. citizens are rarely solved or prosecuted. Honduras, the second poorest country in Central America, is in the midst of a recession. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. The first rainy season will occur from June to July and the second (the winter rainy season) will span from October to February respectably. If you must travel by bus, always travel during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses. Because of the growing number of expats, Roatan is becoming increasingly popular. There has been lots of armed robberies often with victims threatened with guns of knives to throats. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. We cover local and national news stories that are relevant to the United States and the Leicester area. float: none; Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities. We plan to rent at first, and then buy. Have a comment? ( Roatan or not ). 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. Honduras is far more deadly than even the most violent U.S. cities. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Sandy Bay, West End, and West Bay are the safest parts of the island. Most of the traffic coming in and out of Roatan arrives through monitored access points like the airport and ferry terminals and Roatan also uses a primary road that makes police stops quite easy. The U.S. Embassy discourages car and bus travel after dark. Limited offer. Ever. Should we get only rent a house with a security guard? Finally, crime rates are relatively high, so it is important to be vigilant about your safety. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. The French Harbour of Roatan is the second largest community on the island and is filled with amenities like grocery stores, banks, and even a shopping center. .jason-signup { But drugs and prostitution are not the only way to get in trouble. This island seems perfect, but the crime reports do concern us. A home in Roatan, Honduras, can be the perfect solution for expats in this predicament. Visitors to Honduras must have a valid visa issued by a Honduran diplomatic mission. Roatan has a lot to offer, including the beautiful beaches, the laid-back atmosphere, and the friendly people. }. This is good for both tourists and residents. Avoid walking alone at night, or even on the beach with your loved one when darkness descends. width: 100%; 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. } Roatan is such a lovely place. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, English is also widely used thanks to its historical link to England (it was once a British colony). Mr. Brown, who had lived on the island of Roatan in a community on West Bay for several years, disappeared from his home several days ago, leaving a large pool of blood on the porch of his house. 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. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. Travelers must declare any amount over $10,000. The ability to work on a tourist visa is illegal, and those without residency can be deported. Of note, foreign residents of the Bay Islands who purchase properties have reported increased incidents of harassment, including being the victims of violent attacks, after becoming involved in disputes. *We value your privacy. Road Conditions and Safety:Because of crime, poor road conditions, and heavy commercial truck traffic, driving in Honduras can be dangerous. Not sure I would want to be in a private rental. The businesses and resorts that depend on the tourism take steps to try and protect their customers. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. I have generated the stats with the help of others. What area of Roatan would you suggest? font-size: medium; Banco Atlntida Building Crime in Roatan, Honduras Compare Roatan with: We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. Re: Crime in Roatan. Were in West End, and there is definitely a large and friendly expat community. Add data for Roatan Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras Crime 0 120 51.16 Crime rates in Roatan, Honduras Safety in Roatan, Honduras Contributors: 7 Last update: October 2022 The culture of the island is rich, with friendly locals and a welcoming environment. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. I am coming to Roatan in July for a month. This should not be overplayed, however. Roatan is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. 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. What could be better? Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cruise ship accidents, injuries, crimes, disappearances, fires, and collisionson the high seas involve issues of maritime law. - These gatekeepers do an excellent job of watching over your property and community.