Public Announcements 2009
Updates to Curfew
September 23, 2009
To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section
The Embassy advises American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras that the de facto regime extended the curfew announced Monday, September 21, 2009 until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2009. The de facto regime then announced that the curfew would be lifted from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 23, 2009. Immediately following the lifting of the curfew, there were reports of extremely long lines at some supermarkets and gas stations. The Embassy strongly encourages American citizens to abide by the curfew when it is in place and to exercise caution when traveling during the periods when the curfew is lifted. Also, American citizens should monitor local television and radio for updates to travel restrictions and other security measures.
The curfew was completely lifted in the Bay Islands as of 12:00 p.m. September 22, 2009.
Barring a further extension of the curfew, the Embassy will re-open to the public on September 24, 2009. Non-immigrant visa services remain suspended for all but emergency medical cases. The American Town Hall scheduled for Monday, September 28 on Roatan has been cancelled. The U.S. Embassy has advised American employees and family members to restrict travel to necessary trips only on Wednesday, September 23.
There was a large demonstration in central Tegucigalpa in the vicinity of the Brazilian Embassy on September 22, as well as other protests and roadblocks throughout the country. There is evidence of some looting and damage to property in neighborhoods throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of confrontations between protesters and security forces. Demonstrations in central Tegucigalpa are forming on September 23, and protests are expected to continue for the near 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 police and demonstrators. American citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV, radio and the internet.
Honduran airports will remain closed to international flights on September 23, 2009, but are open for domestic flights from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. on September 23.
Those whose flights were cancelled to the airport closure should contact their airlines for further information. Those flying 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 1-800-241-4141 (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).
Honduras' land borders with Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua are open while the curfew is lifted, but are expected to close once the curfew is re-imposed.
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
