Extension of Curfew, Closure of Airports

September 21, 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 extended the curfew announced Monday, September 21, 2009 until 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, September 22, 2009. The de facto regime also announced the suspension of all flights to and from Honduras and domestic flights within Honduras for September 22, 2009. The Embassy strongly encourages American citizens to abide by the curfew, and to monitor local television and radio for updates to travel restrictions and other security measures.

The Embassy will be closed to the public on September 22, 2009. A decision on re-opening the Embassy will be taken during the course of the day.

Those with flights scheduled for September 22 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 and El Salvador are currently open to commercial and private vehicles, but are subject to closure without warning. The borders between Honduras and Nicaragua have been closed intermittently since Friday, July 24.

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 Deparment'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 1-800-407-4747 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