Embassy and Airports Open for Business

September 24, 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 has announced a curfew beginning at 7:00 pm Thursday, September 24, until 5:00 am Friday, September 25th.The Embassy recommends American citizens monitor local television and radio for updates to travel restrictions and other security measures. The Embassy strongly recommends American citizens abide by the restrictions.

Barring a further extension of the curfew, the Embassy will remain open to the public, and the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula will re-open. 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 until further notice.

The U.S. Department of State continues to recommend that all American citizens defer non-essential travel to Honduras.

There were demonstrations throughout Tegucigalpa on Thursday, September 24, some with as many as 5,000 participants. There have been reports of a clash between demonstrators and security forces near the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras.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 and should monitor the situation via media sources, including television, radio and the internet.

Honduran airports re-opened September 24 for domestic passenger flights and international cargo and mail flights. International passenger operations will resume on Friday, September 25 with some airlines beginning service on that day and some on Saturday, September 26. Those whose flights were cancelled due to the curfew 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 if 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