Continued Political Unrest in Honduras, 2nd Update

June 30, 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 30 and July 1, 2009. The government of Honduras has imposed a curfew effective from 2100 (9:00 p.m.) June 30 through 0600 (6:00 a.m.) July 1. 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 30 and July 1, 2009.

As of 1700 local (1900 EST), there are reports of demonstrations in central Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and scattered protests and road blockages around the country, including along the CA-5 highway in Comayagua, Taulabe and outside San Pedro Sula. Due to road blockages, many inter-city bus companies have suspended services. The streets in the vicinity of many government offices continue to be blocked by police or military. Reports from the rest of the country indicate that calm prevails.

Honduras' land borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua have reportedly been closed to commercial traffic. Private vehicles and tourist buses are reportedly being allowed to cross unhindered. This closure is expected to last through July 1.

Honduran 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. Flights scheduled to depart or arrive during curfew hours may be cancelled or re-scheduled. 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). Taca Airlines and its affiliates have cancelled flights for the past week for reasons unrelated to the political unrest.

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 Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2. The Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula will also be closed on Wednesday, July 1 and Thursday, July 2. Both the Embassy and Consular Agency will be closed on Friday, July 3 for U.S. Independence Day. An announcement concerning services available on Monday, July 6 will be made in a future message.

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.