Continued Political Unrest in Honduras, 6th Update

July 5, 2009

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

Due to the current unstable political and security situation, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa recommends 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 July 6, 2009. The government of Honduras has imposed a curfew effective from 1830 (6:30 p.m.) July 5 through 0500 (5:00 a.m.) July 7. 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 July 6.

Demonstrations both against and in favor of the new regime are expected to continue in the coming days throughout the country, including in Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, El Progreso and Roatan. Demonstrations to date have been generally non-violent and there have been few reports of injuries.

On July 5, a large pro-Zelaya demonstration (approximately 20,000 participants) blocked the entrance to the airport. It is unknown whether this large group intends to return to the airport on Monday, July 6, or move the demonstration to other sites throughout the city.

Tegucigalpa's Toncontin Airport is closed for an indefinite period. Those with flights scheduled 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). Those with flights scheduled with Continental Airlines may wish to call (504) 220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), (504) 557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 1-800-231-0856 (United States). Taca Airlines and its affiliates have cancelled domestic flights for the past week for reasons unrelated to the political unrest.

The Embassy again strongly recommends that American 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 Monday, July 6. Visa services will not be available that day. The Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula will be closed the week of July 6 - 10, as previously scheduled. An announcement concerning services available on Tuesday, July 7 will be made in a future message.

The U.S. Embassy distributes its warden messages via email, and posts them on its website. Messages received via SMS to cell phones are not U.S. Embassy messages and do not reflect U.S. government travel advice.

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.

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