Public Announcements 2009
Continued Political Unrest in Honduras, 4th Update
July 2, 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 within city limits July 3 - 5, 2009. The government of Honduras has imposed a curfew effective from 2200 (10:00 p.m.) to 0500 (5:00 a.m.) the nights of July 2 and July 3. The Embassy strongly recommends American citizens abide by this curfew.
The U.S. Embassy has advised its staff to restrict travel to within city limits July 3 - 5, 2009.
Demonstrations both against and in favor of the new regime are expected to take place over the weekend 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. As of 1630 local (1830 EST) July 2, there are reported road blockages around the country, including at Los Limones in Olancho, and at various locations along the CA-5 highway between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Inter-city bus companies have resumed services, though they may experience some delays due to road blockages. Most streets near government offices are clear of police or military blockades, though the military continues to provide security at many of those locations. Reports from the rest of the country indicate that calm prevails.
Honduras’ land borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua have re-opened to commercial traffic; private vehicles and tourist buses are still being allowed to cross unhindered.
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 domestic flights for the past week for reasons unrelated to the political unrest; Taca International flights are operating normally.
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.
Both the Embassy and Consular Agency will be closed on Friday, July 3 for U.S. Independence Day. The U.S. Embassy will re-open for regular services, including routine passport, immigrant and non-immigrant visa services, on Monday, July 6. The Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula will be closed the week of July 6 – 10, as previously scheduled.
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
This and previous warden messages are available on the Embassy website. The U.S. Embassy does not distribute warden messages via SMS to cellular phones; messages received in that manner are not from the U.S. Embassy 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.