Avoid walking alone at night, or even on the beach with your loved one when darkness descends. Choose taxis or rideshares carefully. 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). 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. The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. And that would be the same for me no matter which tropical locale I choose. Cybercrime is part of most third world countries. Dressing down, staying cautious about where valuable items are kept, and keeping safe areas are all ways to prevent these types of crimes. We love Roatan. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. As a result of addressing these underlying issues, poverty in Roatan can be reduced and a better future can be provided for its residents. There are only a few street food vendors and with the abundant seafood available, typical of an island, many restaurants and beach bars offer a varied menu. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Leave extra cash and credit/debit cards at home or locked securely in your hotel room. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have lower crime rates than other parts of the country. - These gatekeepers do an excellent job of watching over your property and community. with this limited time offer. We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. Telephone:+(504) 2236-9320 or +(504) 2238-5114 A visit to the island country will provide you with stunning beaches, tropical forests, and world-class diving and snorkeling. The reports are scattered and hard to verify. margin: 1.5rem 0; As is expected in any tropical environment, there are hot and rainy seasons in Roatan. Please leave this field empty. It is not easy to find these individuals without a deliberate effort. The Caribbean island of Roatan, Honduras, is a popular tourist destination. It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential. 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. The Honduran government has also issued a new travel warning for the Northern Triangle region. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. I have been researching Roatan for the last couple of years, and the consensus of the vast majority of recently UPDATED sites state 70,000, with Bay Island Voice just blogging me that it is probably approaching 80,000. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. The local grocery store is similarly protected. Again, the officials have kids to feed, so they often accept a token payment rather than writing a traffic ticket, etc. A Comprehensive Look At The Legal Implications, Exploring The Illegal Firearm Market In Illinois: Understanding The Risks Challenges And Solutions, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Riding With An Unlicensed Driver: What You Need To Know, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Illegal Speech In The United States, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Using YouTube Converters In Canada, Illegally Accessing Someone Elses Text Messages In Australia: The Legal Implications And Penalties, Exploring The Legal And Political Implications Of Allowing Illegal Immigrants To Vote In The US. Some would argue that it was King Edward VII, who, The American Crime Story franchise is back with a brand new season, this time focusing on the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Thanks. Women Travelers:See our travel tips forWomen Travelers. Ever. The annual humidity for Roatan is estimated to be 77%. Sign up for our free newsletter. But the water was perfect. I for one would be more comfortable in a hotel than a villa. If you must travel by bus, always travel during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 36.33, a 13.52% decline from 2019. Being in isolated anchorages in Honduras or anywhere, brings the benefits of quiet, privacy, solitude, but also the dangers we have seen here. Read the entire Travel Advisory. January 8, 2015. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Honduras should avoid large gatherings or events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate, protest, or cause damage as a byproduct of celebrating an event, such as after soccer matches. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Find a TourFind a JobItinerariesContact UsImportsBack to Top, In Partnership withRoatan Online Community. J-M Required fields are marked *. For instance, residents have an option of living in gated communities or stand-alone residences with a hired caretaker of "watchman." Is this really a concern? Now I am retiring, with two small pension. Most tourists, using normal traveler procedures, will not experience or even hear about a theft. Drivers dont always use headlights at night. Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. Special Requirements for Minors: Under Honduran law, children under age 21 who are traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent must have written, notarized permission to travel from the non-traveling parent(s). Crimes against property are the most common with petty theft being the leader. /* Create three equal columns that floats next to each other */ email [emailprotected]. The island attracts a very different crowd indeed. Many cruisers anchor in places like Calabash Bight, and other East-End anchorages without any problems. The State Department and the U.S. Embassy will not pay your medical bills: Be aware thatU.S. Medicaredoes not apply overseas. For up-to-date information, visit Honduras National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) website for current alerts, as well as theNational Hurricane Centers website. (We are coming. 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. One vacant boat tied to the Marina wharf in front of my boat was boarded, and I did not see the culprit approaching. October 16, 2021 by archyde. When you close your eyes and picture your dream retirement, what do you see? Find out why. Sign up with your email address to receive news and updates. Avenida La Paz Don't miss this up and commer. 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 following diseases are prevalent in Honduras: Please review theU.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC) website for further information. Bur very affordable. State Departments Investment Climate Statement, U.S. Embassys information page on purchasing property in Honduras, Department of State's Human Rights report, State Departments Traveling with Disabilities website, information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The security situation is expected to continue to deteriorate in 2020 and 2021. Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with theNational Insurance Crime Bureauor with private insurance carriers about coverage details. Only 60 percent of the people in the district of Choluteca are malnourished, making it one of the poorest areas in Honduras. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. The beach walk betweenWest BayandWest Endshould not be attempted alone, as muggings have occurred in this isolated stretch of beach. Roatan is a beautiful island community that will remind you what it means to truly enjoy life. } For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report. Honduran immigration authorities may also accept permission letters notarized at a Honduran embassy or consulate in the United States. That said there is no question that your tetanus vaccine should be up to date. Certain areas of the island should be avoided because they are not considered to be so dangerous. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation. Access to this Caribbean island from both the United States and Canada is especially appealing to Canadians. The culture of Roatan is friendly and welcoming, the cost of living is low, the weather is beautiful, and there is a lot of food to eat. One of the major dilemmas that many retirees face when deciding on a location for a second, or even primary home, is how much distance they are willing to put between them and their families back in the U.S. On the one hand, relocating to an affordable tropical paradise may sound almost too good to be true, but on the other, not being able to run over to see the grandkids every day could be a deal breaker for some expats. Due to a lack of evidence, Lahijani was released and he traveled to Panama. Over 200 information packed pages with hundreds of beautiful photos. Your use of this service is subject to our, Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion, Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft, Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. Should we get only rent a house with a security guard? Roatan and the Bay Islands have significantly fewer incidents of crime and are overall much safer than mainland Honduras. On the Island of Roatn taxi drivers quote prices that are per person instead of by mileage. Does anyone have any suggestions? The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. But his legal trouble in the United States was not over. Both combined will qualify Me for retirement with income that is above the required $1500.00 US needed. Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. }. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and healthcare, is lacking. But who was the king of England? Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. display: block; Our food, products, and supplies had to travel a long way to arrive on our happy island, and this resulted in higher prices for everything. Leave your wallet wrapped in a blanket on the beach while you take a dip and chances are, it won't be there when you return. These neighborhoods have a high level of security and a combination of gated layouts and security patrols in place. 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? According to an email obtained by the The Nassau Guardian, an executive with Carnival Cruise Line reportedly warned a Bahamas tourism official that Carnival is so worried about crime in Nassau,. One of the most popular pastimes in Roatan is scuba diving, so if you are a diver, you are definitely in for a treat. The Honduran government conducts police and military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Sandy Bay, the West End, West Bay, Pristine Bay, Palmetto Bay Plantation, Keyhole Bay, and a number of other East End neighborhoods are among the most popular. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. Do you live in Roatan? float: left; Coral Views is a ga Free 200+ Page Report: Top 57 Places to Live & Invest. Information may also be posted to theU.S. Coast Guard homeport website, and theNGA broadcast warnings. Kind of the way I live at home too. A traveler who is found to have any amount of marijuana in their possession (including vape cartridges, edibles, organic cannabis, etc.) 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. Fraudulent deeds are common and have led to numerous disputes. Part of the country of Honduras, Roatnwhich is 30 miles offshoreis world's away from the mainland. 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. Your Name Whether its the latest news on politics, business, entertainment, sports or health, weve got you covered. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. The culture of the island is rich, with friendly locals and a welcoming environment. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. Roatan is an especially easy destination for Americans since almost everyone on the island speaks English as their first language, they accept American currency and even use the same outlet type as the USA. Use Radio-Taxi services (companies that operate by phone) or app-based rideshare programs rather than hailing a taxi on the street and note the drivers name and license number. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { Staff, facilities, and supplies in Honduras are not necessarily up to U.S. medical standards. To avoid them, bring or purchase insect repellent that contains DEET. What follows is a list of safety tips which you can adhere to when visiting our island. Roatan offers several residential living options as well, some safer than others. In addition, threats and violence have been used against U.S. citizens involved in property disputes. In Punta Gorda, you will find the largest population of Garifuna people. Honduras, casualmente, est en su apogeo de la estacin seca, que dura desde (BPT) - El invierno en el Hemisferio Norte le hace soar con unas vacaciones tropicales? The increasing interest in the area as a , What was once theup-and-coming expat havenofNosara, Costa Rica, has blossomed into one of Costa Rica's most established expatcommunities thatcontinues to be ranked near the top of the list of most desirable destinations in the Latin , When you hear people applaud Nosarafor its laid-back rustic vibe, what you may not realize is that despite it's off-the-beaten-path atmosphere, Nosara is also surprisingly well connected. The warm, welcoming island of Roatan is an ideal place to visit. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols. Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. If you are a beach lover, West Bay Beach cant be beat. 11 years ago. Further, there is no evidence of significant gang activity or violence on the island. But Isn't Honduras the Murder Capital of the World? 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. Posted in Crime. The family had arrived in Roatan via a Carnival cruise ship. Many of the comforts and securities which many enjoy elsewhere are simply not available in Honduras. Violence has long ruled here. No-hype updates & resource guides. 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. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. I have a 2 bedroom fully furnished condo in W. Bay. Limited offer. Sincerely. 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. 2023, Leicestershirevillages. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Medical Marijuana: Marijuana, even for medicinal use and with a prescription, is illegal in Honduras. Fotos, cundo, donde, quin estuvo involucrado, qu occcurri, qu acciones han sido tomadas. 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. Roatan Honduras came onto the radar of Cruise Law News in January of this year when a U.S. family who took a Carnival cruise to the island was robbed at gun point while driving in a rental car. Fax:+(504) 2238-4357 } As a result, Roatan is among the cheapest places to live in the Caribbean and North America. - Photos, when, where, who was involved, What happened, what actions have been taken. The family of four (with two children) were robbed at gunpoint and terrorized. By in large, foreigners are viewed as belonging to the wealthy class when they visit Honduras. It might be just hubby and I this time so I'm thinking Las Rocas, with the children we stayed at Henry Morgan. Areas to avoid after dark. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. And to connect with individuals who dabble in either of these two activities, one must go out and look for them. (The per capita homicide rate in the U.S. is a little over 4 per 100,000). Dont walk in large cities at night, dont display expensive items like jewelry, and always avoid the slums. This warning recommends that tourists avoid all public gatherings because these can quickly turn violent. Tell me about Taxis (land) and Public Transportation please? Chicago, for example,has a per capita murder rate of 24 per 100,000. In addition to safety from crimes, there are other safety issues one may wish to consider. Report inappropriate content. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Crime Scene Cleanup? Take the time to look around you and enjoy the scenery instead. Then, click on the red marker to open the add anchorage window. 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. Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa: +(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Sandy Bay, West End, and West Bay are the safest parts of the island. The tourist presence in Roatan is enormous and has promoted a greater police presence as a result. Please use My e-mail if you would like to respond. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Crime in Roatan, Honduras Compare Roatan with: We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. Download Historical Data You should avoid following in your late nights if you are in a village. 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. 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. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. Both are illegal on the island and, if you participate, you could be opening yourself up to dangerous situations. The prevalence of dengue fever can be found in both urban and rural areas. *We value your privacy. Falling off your motor scooter and collisions with other vehicles are a real possibility for the uninitiated. As we wrote before, like many other Caribbean islands, the police in Roatan are either indifferent or corrupt. Crime:While crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, municipalities along the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the countrys highest crime rates. Roatan is a safe island. Simply enter your e-mail below to subscribe to International Livings free daily e-letter and well immediately send your free reportThe Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens, Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. } Because of its own language and customs, the Garifuna language is unique. Life in Roatan, Honduras, can be calm and relaxed, but it can also be lively and invigorating depending on how you choose to spend your days. For sensitive individuals, use anti- itch cream or coconut oil to alleviate itchiness. Banco Atlntida Building Terms of Use and width: 50%; There are sand flies and mosquitos throughout all tropical areas, and the bites can affect visitors. If you are not certain of your own safety, you must be vigilant. This island seems perfect, but the crime reports do concern us. The island is now being recognized as a retirement destination worth visiting, with several lists of top retirement destinations published, including International Livings Annual Global Retirement Index. All About Roatan. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. .signup-column { Visit theEmbassy of Honduraswebsite or any of theHonduran consulatewebsites for the most current visa information. 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. 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. As a general rule, visitors to Roatan should abide by the same safety rules they abide by at home. The descriptive answer is complicated. Review the. Additionally, there are several areas along this walk where there is no sand, and you must walk over very slippery rocks. However, there have been reported instances of credit card information being stolen at ATMs. Definitely don't leave home without some really good bug spray. The more touristy parts of the island (on the west end) are the most populated and there is safety in numbers. The streets are very busy and unfortunately, some of the slums are unsafe (especially at night). Another thing that plays into this situation is the poverty and corruption in government. Honduran lempiras and US dollars can be used in Roatan. In this case, the victims went to Coxen Hole to report the incident. assist you in reporting a crime to the police, contact relatives or friends with your written consent, explain the local criminal justice process in general terms, provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution, help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. Do you live in Roatan? Like every other community in all other countries, there are areas that are best avoided, especially at night. There is one main road which is poorly maintained, poorly lit, and often congested. Honduras As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. The downsides of living on Roatan include poor education, safety, poverty, corruption, and low pay. This country is a particularly dangerous place to visit for the majority of travelers. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. There are numerous communities within walking distance of Roatan that do not have crime. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. Foreign workers are required to keep the tourism industry operating. Roatn made international headlines on Dec. 22 when Nedenia Post Dye, the great-granddaughter of the General Foods heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, was found stabbed to death in her luxury spa. Hope to get back for Spring break in fact. Here you can sunbathe, snorkel, dive, and stroll the mangrove forests in a much more solitary environment. And with gangs, the drug cartel, and the highest per capita murder rate, its no wonder that some expats feel wary. New data shows where U.S. expats are residing all across the globe. Not sure I would want to be in a private rental. } Rents vary depending on length of stay. But it's also easy to read those blogs and marketing pieces and think, "Yeah, it , A deeper look atNosara and its history will quickly reveal that this long-time mecca for surfing enthusiasts offers so much more than just the sand and sea. The first is that the island is quite remote, so it can be difficult to get supplies or help if something goes wrong. What area of Roatan would you suggest? Actually the current balance is quite ideal. Quickly find out which country is right for you. There are usually speed bumps near all school zones, so be aware and slow down. Honduras Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. 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. Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. Electricity and imported food are among the most expensive items, but overall living expenses are relatively low. It is not guaranteed, William of Orange became King of England in 1689 when he invaded England with an army from the Netherlands. Thank you in advance for your advice. You probably wont be able to see them, but they cause tiny, itchy red spots mostly on your legs and back. Creole English, a language that is spoken in three different languages, is the primary tongue of Roatan. 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 Free shipping for many products! There is no road access, and it is frequently used for drug smuggling operations because it is so difficult to patrol. Traffic signs are often inadequate or non-existent. SeeourLGBTI travel informationpage and section 6 of theDepartment of State's Human Rights reportfor further details. When many people think of Honduras, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and you may find yourself asking, Is Honduras safe?. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. There are a few problems that come with living in Roatan, Honduras. Also, we read about malria and dengue fever. There have undoubtedly been some burglaries. 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). Additionally, some protests directed toward the U.S. government, usually small in size, can occur around the U.S. Embassy. Our gift to you, on our favorite destinations. Over the last ten days there has been three kidnappings/abductions (including Phil Brown) resulting in probable homicides. The official language of Honduras is Spanish. And while Roatans safety rating is lumped in with mainland Honduras, Roatan is separate in geography, culture, and safety. If you are nervous about crime, protect yourself by making smart decisions. reaching out to all Roatan residents! Even though Honduras is still a safe place to visit, visitors should exercise caution because crime is on the rise. Plan your outings in advance and enjoy Roatan. I meant to say, "we would have no problem returning a third time", lol. [emailprotected], Your email address will not be published. In most cases, serious crime comes to those who have neglected their safety or have acted irresponsibly. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Hello all. The short answer is yes. But what is it about Roatan, Honduras, that is making expatschoose this island over the many other fantastic Central American retirement destinations out there? Avoid displays of money and valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. I read the Honduras gov. But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. 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 . As a result, the U.S. Embassy has restricted U.S. government personnel travel to Gracias a Dios. The people are friendly and welcoming, the scenery is beautiful, and the climate is ideal. If notarizing a permission letter in Honduras, the letter should be notarized by the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or by a Honduran notary public. For this reason, you should apply sunscreen before exposing yourself to an extended period outdoors. There are no problems on Roatan, and there are no tourists here. Re: Crime in Roatan. Sand flies can also be an annoyance here, and are burrowed in the beach sand. Some of these include the areas of Palmetto Bay, Pristine Bay, Turtle Crossing, & Lawson Rock. Honduras was ranked 121st out of 187 countries in the UN Development Program 2011 Human Development Index. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. Finally, for those with existing medical issues, and especially those taking prescription medication, be sure you have an ample supply as local inventory of such things as insulin, blood pressure medication, and common antibiotics may not be readily available.