Continued Political Unrest in Honduras, 5th Update

July 5, 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 remain in their homes or hotels for July 5, 2009, unless their travel is of a life or death nature, or a regularly-scheduled departure from Honduras. The government of Honduras has imposed a curfew effective from 2200 (10:00 p.m.) to 0500 (5:00 a.m.). The Embassy strongly recommends American citizens abide by this curfew.

The U.S. Embassy has advised its staff to remain in their residences for July 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.

Today, July 5, approximately 2,000 pro-Zelaya demonstrators have gathered at the Pedagogica University and are expected to march along Blvd Fuerzas Armadas to Tegucigalpa's Toncontin Airport. Their stated intention is to support the purported return of President Zelaya to Honduras at approximately 12:30 p.m. at Toncontin Airport. The airport remains officially open. However, Delta Airlines, American Airlines and Taca Airlines have all cancelled their scheduled flights. Continental and Copa Airlines flights are still expected to arrive as scheduled.

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 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 examining its security status on July 5 to determine whether it will be open for public services. 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.