Further Extension of Curfew, Continued Closure of Airports and Borders

September 22, 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 a.m. Wednesday, September 23, 2009, with the exception of the Bay Islands, where the curfew was lifted as of 12:00 p.m. 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.

Barring a further extension of the curfew, the Embassy will re-open to the public on September 23, 2009.  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 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 isolated protests and roadblocks throughout the country.  Demonstrations 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 on September 23, 2009, but are expected to re-open on September 24, 2009.  Some airlines may resume flights September 24, while others may not resume until a later date.

Those whose flights were scheduled for September 22, 23, or 24 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 currently closed in accordance with the curfew, but are expected to re-open when the curfew is lifted.

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