Suspension of Curfew, Embassy Re-Opening

September 23, 2009

The Embassy advises American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras that the de facto regime has announced the suspension of the curfew effective 6:00 a.m. Thursday, September 24. The Embassy recommends American citizens monitor local television and radio for updates to travel restrictions and other security measures.

Barring a further extension of the curfew, the Embassy will re-open to the public on September 24. Non-immigrant visa services remain suspended for all but emergency medical cases.

The U.S. Embassy has advised American employees and family members to restrict travel to necessary trips only on September 24.

Honduran airports will be open September 24 for domestic passenger flights and international cargo and mail flights. The de facto regime has not yet authorized a resumption in international passenger flights. Those whose flights were cancelled due to the curfew should contact their airlines for further information.

Honduras' borders with El Salvador, Guatemala and Nicaragua are currently closed in accordance with the curfew, but are expected to re-open to private and commercial traffic when the curfew is lifted.

There were demonstrations throughout Tegucigalpa on September 23, as well as reports of protests and roadblocks in the rest of the country. There is evidence of some looting and property damage in Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of confrontations between protesters and security forces. Demonstrations are expected for September 24 and the foreseeable future. The Embassy again strongly recommends that American citizens avoid large gatherings and do not try to pass roadblocks if they encounter them. American citizens should move away from any potential conflict between security forces and demonstrators. American citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including television, radio and the internet.

The U.S. Embassy disseminates 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