Continued Political Unrest in Honduras

June 29, 2009

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

Due to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice.

The Embassy advises American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras to restrict travel to necessary trips only on June 29 and June 30, 2009. The government of Honduras has imposed a curfew effective from 9:00 p.m. June 29 to 6:00 a.m. June 30. The Embassy strongly recommends American citizens abide by this curfew.

The U.S. Embassy has advised its staff to restrict travel to necessary trips only on June 29 and June 30, 2009.

As of 1700 local (1900 EST), there are reports of scattered demonstrations in Tegucigalpa, central San Pedro Sula and other parts of the country. The streets in the vicinity of many government offices continue to be blocked by police or military. The demonstration around the Presidential palace in central Tegucigalpa has been ended by police, but protesters may re-group elsewhere and attempt to return. There have been unconfirmed media reports of injuries at the Presidential palace demonstration. Reports from the rest of the country indicate that calm prevails.

Honduras' borders remain open, and the airports remain open for regularly scheduled flights. Continental Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines continue to operate flights as usual, though this is subject to change. Some early or late flights may be postponed, cancelled or otherwise re-scheduled to accommodate the June 29-30 curfew. Those traveling with Continental Airlines may wish to call (504) 220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), (504) 557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 1-800-231-0856 (United States). Those traveling with American Airlines may wish to call (504) 216-4800 (Honduras) or 1-800-433-7300 (United States). Those traveling with Delta Airlines may wish to call 1-800-791-9000 (United States and Central America) or (504) 550-1616 (San Pedro Sula).

The Embassy again strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid large gatherings and do not try to pass roadblocks if they encounter them. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible, and via the internet.

The U.S. Embassy will be open for emergency services only on Tuesday, June 30. The Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula will also be closed on Tuesday, June 30. An announcement concerning services available on July 1 will be made June 30.

The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238 4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov Webpage: http://honduras.usembassy.gov

For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department's Internet website, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.

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).

Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.