Honduran National Elections

November 27, 2009

To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section

The U.S. Embassy reminds all American citizens visiting or residing in Honduras that national elections will take place on Sunday, November 29, 2009.

While the U.S. Embassy anticipates that Sunday's event will be peaceful, the possibility remains that there will be isolated incidents of violence on election day. The U.S. Embassy has instructed its employees to avoid crowds and gatherings, including polling centers and shopping malls, from 9:00 p.m. Saturday, November 28, until 6:00 a.m. Monday, November 30.The U.S. Embassy continues to recommend that American citizens exercise extreme caution when in public places and to be aware of their surroundings for anything suspicious. Due to ongoing recent attacks against radio and telecommunications facilities in and around Tegucigalpa, the U.S. Embassy has advised its employees to stay clear of these facilities and their surroundings during late evening and early morning hours. The U.S. Embassy recommends that all American citizens follow this advice.

Due to anticipated traffic congestion on Sunday, November 29, the U.S. Embassy advises all American citizens to have sufficient stocks of food, water and medication.

The U.S. Embassy recommends that American citizens monitor local television and radio for any changes to travel restrictions and other security measures. The Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens abide by these restrictions.

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