Is there a safe harbor for tourists at Roatan? Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. Similarly, the government lacks resources like boats to patrol these more isolated areas. But the water was perfect. 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. Sign up for our free newsletter. Unlike the mainland of Honduras, Roatan has a very little crime and we never felt unsafe walking through town, even at night. 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. Another vote for an hotel or condo. Some enjoy renting motor scooters. Precheck online is down and not reachable, West End Main Road Restaurant & Shop Locations, Timing airport arrival or departure and ferry, Feb 22 experience in Customs and Immigration from US. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. Hope to get back for Spring break in fact. The State Department and the U.S. Embassy will not pay your medical bills: Be aware thatU.S. Medicaredoes not apply overseas. We can: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contactthe U.S. Embassy for assistance. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. Due to gang and cartels fighting for control of the lucrative drug trade in the region, gangs and cartels are battling for control. I am coming to Roatan in July for a month. Crimes against property are the most common with petty theft being the leader. The beautiful island of Roatan Honduras, can offer expats all of the above and the best part is, you dont have to be dreaming to make it a reality. 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. On the Island of Roatn taxi drivers quote prices that are per person instead of by mileage. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. The local police often depend on local merchants or other supporters for gas for their vehicles. My question is in regards of the paperwork needed. Avoid wandering around local villages after hours. During the 1980s, Honduras proved a haven for anti-Sandinista contras fighting the Marxist Nicaraguan Government and an ally to Salvadoran Government forces fighting leftist guerrillas. Access to the islands is limited which helps alleviate the crime problems that plague the mainland. The same goes for Roatan, but just like in the states, these low prices wont stick around indefinitely. All items are in stock and prices are accurate at the time of publication. 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. At night, foreigners are frequently robbed in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila. 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. The government often lacks the money to pay their police or customs officials for months at a time. Creole English, a language that is spoken in three different languages, is the primary tongue of Roatan. Medical Marijuana: Marijuana, even for medicinal use and with a prescription, is illegal in Honduras. The island of Roatan is a small Honduran island with a population of over 115,000 people, most of whom are Afro-Caribbean islanders and mestizos from the Dominican Republic. His corpse was found yesterday wearing only shorts with a bag over his head. Hard drugs and prostitution are in general the two activities which lead to the most exposure to trouble. 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. Being in isolated anchorages in Honduras or anywhere, brings the benefits of quiet, privacy, solitude, but also the dangers we have seen here. Sincerely. 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). Friday, 7:30a.m. One of the more common questions: Is it safe to live in Roatan? Small cameras, jewelry, and expensive cell phones are things most often reported as stolen. Further, both the hard drugs and prostitution are illegal in Roatan. The tropical sun is stronger. As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. Bur very affordable. }. Additionally, the infrastructure is not always the best, so power outages and water shortages are not uncommon. Avoid walking alone at night, or even on the beach with your loved one when darkness descends. Here you can sunbathe, snorkel, dive, and stroll the mangrove forests in a much more solitary environment. You will experience life underwater as you observe seawalls, shipwrecks, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales all in the gorgeous warm waters of the Caribbean. The islands lack of access is one of the reasons crime on the mainland is so prevalent. The local grocery store is similarly protected. width:auto; Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with theNational Insurance Crime Bureauor with private insurance carriers about coverage details. Many of the comforts and securities which many enjoy elsewhere are simply not available in Honduras. Great article. These sort of crimes can be avoided by dressing down, being careful about where expensive belongings are left, and keeping to safe areas. 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. The Panama City real estate market may have finally taken a turn in , Did you know there are dozens and dozens of great resources on Costa Rica for expats and investors? Read the entire Travel Advisory. Instant Download. On the other hand, we have had vessels approached and boarded while surrounded by 20 other boats in the anchorage in French Cay Harbour. Who knows how many keys get 'lost'. Due to a lack of evidence, Lahijani was released and he traveled to Panama. 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! There are usually speed bumps near all school zones, so be aware and slow down. to 3:00 p.m. U.S. Consular Agent - San Pedro Sula Since 1995, 115 U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras; of these, just 32 cases have been resolved. Keep a copy in your purse or wallet and only take as much cash as you will need. I am the same..I prefer to stay in a multi-unit resort where there are other tourists (any where I stay) for people company mostly but it is most secure this way. Others have gotten into trouble simply by showing off. Infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police and military presence is scarce. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. But his legal trouble in the United States was not over. } This Central American country actually has one of the highest murder rates in the world. Most areas around Roatan are safe. What could be better? I read the Honduras gov. As a result, the U.S. Embassy has restricted U.S. government personnel travel to Gracias a Dios. Additionally, there are several areas along this walk where there is no sand, and you must walk over very slippery rocks. No actions from local or national govt. Take the time to look around you and enjoy the scenery instead. 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park But until you no longer look like a tourist, it is best to leave all of your electronics at home. Carlos Mejia, head of the Policeman in Roatn, he told LA PRENSA this afternoon that "we are working with two strong . Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. Basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and healthcare, is lacking. Faith-Based Travelers:See our following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers:There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Honduras. I presume that those asking want to make a comparison to their perceived safety in the States. 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). .signup-column { Scooter accidents are among the most common transportation accidents we see on Roatan. Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. Do not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry. October 16, 2021 by archyde. The culture of the island is rich, with friendly locals and a welcoming environment. However, due to the high level of crime in the area, visitors should take precautions such as not leaving valuable items unattended and not walking around the area alone at night. Avoid displays of money and valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. Roatan is a popular port which is heavily marketed as a paradise getaway by Miami-based cruise lines like Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean. float: left; Honduras was ranked 121st out of 187 countries in the UN Development Program 2011 Human Development Index. Thanks. Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. Roatan is a safe island. Honduras, despite its status as one of the most dangerous countries in the region, has seen an increase in gender-based violence during the pandemic. These are examples of how to commit a crime or steal from you. 11 years ago. If you are living on the island, purchase a safe and keep your valuables inside of it unless you are using them. Report inappropriate content. In these slow times, the local people have no work, no source of income, and many are on the verge of starvation. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. 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. 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. Foreign workers are required to keep the tourism industry operating. 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. This means that the actual crime rate on the island is still relatively low when compared to larger cities in Honduras or other countries in Central America. Michele, I have been to Roatan a few times, I love the place. The Rainy Season and the Dry Season. Plan your outings in advance and enjoy Roatan. Even backpackers who normally travel on a budget are considered to be more well off than many hard workers in the local middle class. 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. Over 200 information packed pages with hundreds of beautiful photos. Like in many areas of Central America, the pace of life in Roatan is slow and relaxed, the complete opposite of life in America. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. The two activities that are almost guaranteed to get you into trouble on Roatan are drugs and prostitution. Period. Demonstrations:Demonstrations regularly occur in Honduras, particularly near the Presidential Palaces, Congress, and the universities in Tegucigalpa. So let's try to break it down a bit with Roatan safety questions and answers. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you enter the vehicle, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Areas frequented by tourists, such as the Bay Islands (including Roatan, Utila and Guanaja) and Copan Ruins, have notably lower rates of violent crime and increased law enforcement services. For this reason, you should apply sunscreen before exposing yourself to an extended period outdoors. 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. Steer clear of both as to not invite any trouble. For up-to-date information, visit Honduras National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) website for current alerts, as well as theNational Hurricane Centers website. The Northern Triangle, which includes Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, has seen an increase in crime. Check with your airline for vaccine requirements and be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommendedby the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Approximately 60 percent of Honduras 8 million people are impoverished, which is a major source of poverty. Enjoying a few umbrella drinks at a local beach bar and forget to pick up your wallet or purse while you take a bathroom break andwell, you get the picture. In addition, threats and violence have been used against U.S. citizens involved in property disputes. This compounds the difficulties as Coxen Hole is in a different municipality from where the incident occurred and some 30 miles from the scene of the crime. While Honduras and the United States have signed and ratified a Stolen Vehicle Treaty, existing Honduran laws protect good faith buyers (even of stolen vehicles), so the recovery and return of these vehicles to their original owners is not guaranteed. Honduras is a country located in Central America. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. Tegucigalpa M.D.C. As such, thisCosta Rican hotspotcontinues to be one . They do not have boats for patrols, and the less populated areas do suffer as a result. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; If you are nervous about crime, protect yourself by making smart decisions. In the end, you must decide for yourself what your definition of safety is and where your personal threshold is. It is a fact that poverty, drug dependence, and many other factors contribute to crimes of this type. When you close your eyes and picture your dream retirement, what do you see? I have generated the stats with the help of others. Be careful driving, especially near schools and day care centers during the day as kids walk to and from school along the main roads. Your use of this service is subject to our Should we get only rent a house with a security guard? The tourist presence in Roatan is enormous and has promoted a greater police presence as a result. Fraudulent deeds are common and have led to numerous disputes. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. There are many things that can be done to prevent crime, but it is up to each individual to decide. Certain areas of the island should be avoided because they are not considered to be so dangerous. Do you live in Roatan? Your safety is your responsibility, so be vigilant. The first rainy season will occur from June to July and the second (the winter rainy season) will span from October to February respectably. Unreported, downplayed and hushed up. width: 50%; That said,Hondurasis a third-world country which is still a developing country. Read about it here. Privacy Policy. The beach walk betweenWest BayandWest Endshould not be attempted alone, as muggings have occurred in this isolated stretch of beach. I get questions about moving to Roatan all the time. Despite this, Roatan is a poor country in a variety of ways. Required fields are marked *. Access to this Caribbean island from both the United States and Canada is especially appealing to Canadians. The location and timing of criminal activity is unpredictable. overflow: unset; The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. 304 helpful votes. Roatan has two main seasons. .fullwidth-signup{ These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. This warning recommends that tourists avoid all public gatherings because these can quickly turn violent. That prompts an internal chuckle that I find tough to stifle. Exploring of isolated areas of the island is best done through a guided tour or a car, rather than on scooters. Dressing down, staying cautious about where valuable items are kept, and keeping safe areas are all ways to prevent these types of crimes. Not sure I would want to be in a private rental. 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. 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. The first is that the island is quite remote, so it can be difficult to get supplies or help if something goes wrong. This violent crime followed a warning issued in December 2013 by the the U.S. Department of State warning. While many people will hitchhike on Roatan, you should avoid giving rides to or accepting rides from people that you do not know. Download Historical Data Id like a source for monthly rentals in Roatan and for 6 -12 month leases. Tied to their African heritage, the Garifuna continue to play African drums and to speak in their native tongue. No spam. LGBTI travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. When it comes to expats relocating to the Caribbean, Riyadh is an excellent choice. A traveler who is found to have any amount of marijuana in their possession (including vape cartridges, edibles, organic cannabis, etc.) There is no road access, and it is frequently used for drug smuggling operations because it is so difficult to patrol. Hi! Traffic Laws: In an accident, contact the Honduran Transit Authority (Transito) by dialing 911.