Capital: Tegucigalpa
Population: 9.58 million
Official language: Spanish
Time zone: Central Standard Time
Emergency #: 999
Vaccinations required: Yes
Risk of malaria: Yes
Honduras is known for its natural landscapes and culture. Travellers can visit several sites of Mayan ruins, such as the Copan Archaeological site, as well as the white sand beaches of the Bay Islands and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. National parks in the country’s Moskitia region are popular for hikers.
The standards for patient care and medical services in Honduras may differ from your home country. Honduras has public and private healthcare options. The quality of healthcare generally does not meet international standards. There are seven national hospitals, located in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula, and numerous regional hospitals and medical centres located throughout the rest of the country. Many facilities are under-funded and under-staffed, and care in rural regions can be extremely limited.
In the event of a medical emergency, contact your travel health insurance company immediately. Hospitals and private practitioners in Honduras typically require upfront payment, regardless if you have travel health insurance. Evacuation – possibly to the United States – will be required for medical emergencies. Ensure that you have accessible funds to cover upfront fees and adequate travel health insurance, including evacuation. Before you depart, check with your insurer about the extent of their coverage in Honduras.
Pharmacies are generally accessible in large cities, but can be limited in rural regions. Shortages of medicines are common. Ensure you pack a sufficient supply of essential medication for the duration of your trip and consult a doctor before taking any medications.
If you are travelling with medication, check with Honduras’s embassy, consulate, or Ministry of Health for details on medication allowances and restrictions. Note that these sources may provide incomplete or out-of-date information.
Large cities are connected by paved roads, although they may not be well-maintained. Many roads in Honduras are unpaved. There are many winding roads in mountainous areas that can become dangerous in the rainy season when rockslides and flooding are common. Driving at night is generally discouraged in Honduras. Drivers and passengers of vehicles must wear seat belts at all times. Motorcycle drivers and passengers must wear helmets at all times.