Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2025: Enhanced Health Declarations
Travelers to Honduras may need to complete an online health declaration form upon arrival, especially for those from regions with ongoing outbreaks. This quick process helps ensure smooth entry and is free of charge. Always check the latest advisories from your home country's foreign affairs department for any updates on vaccination requirements.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Honduras, and it should have at least two blank pages for entry and exit stamps. This is a standard rule to prevent issues at immigration checkpoints.
Renew your passport early if it's nearing expiration, as delays can occur during peak travel seasons. Children under 18 traveling without both parents may need additional notarized consent forms.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, EU countries, Canada, Australia, and many others can enter Honduras visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days. This policy promotes easy access for short visits to explore beaches and ruins.
Upon arrival, you'll receive a tourist card; overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so track your dates carefully using a travel app.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply at a Honduran consulate or embassy in your home country, submitting documents like a valid passport, proof of onward travel, and financial means (around $50/day). The fee is typically $50-100, depending on your location.
Processing times vary from 5-15 business days; expedited options may be available for an extra fee. Always include a letter of invitation if visiting friends or family.
Border Crossings
Airports like Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula offer straightforward entry with passport control and customs checks, often taking 30-60 minutes. Overland borders with Guatemala and El Salvador require vehicle permits if driving.
Expect questions about your itinerary and accommodations; having hotel bookings printed can speed things up. Maritime arrivals via Roatan cruise ports are efficient but require the same documentation.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential in remote areas like the Bay Islands), trip delays, and adventure activities such as diving or zip-lining. Policies should include at least $50,000 in emergency medical coverage.
Providers like World Nomads offer tailored plans starting at $5/day; declare any pre-existing conditions to avoid claim denials. Yellow fever vaccination proof is required if arriving from endemic countries in Africa or South America.
Extensions Possible
If you wish to extend your 90-day stay, apply at the National Institute of Migration in Tegucigalpa or San Pedro Sula before your visa expires, providing reasons like ongoing work or medical needs. Extensions are granted for up to 30-90 additional days at a cost of about $20-50.
Supporting documents such as bank statements or a sponsor's letter are necessary; approval isn't guaranteed, so plan for potential departure. Overstays beyond extensions can lead to bans on re-entry for several years.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Honduras uses the Honduran Lempira (HNL). For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Tegucigalpa or Roatan by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season peak.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at roadside pupuserias or markets for affordable meals under HNL 100, skipping resort restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs.
Fresh fruits, tamales, and baleadas from vendors provide authentic flavors and nutrition at budget prices; always choose busy spots for freshness.
Public Transport Passes
Opt for chicken buses or shared taxis for intercity travel at HNL 100-300 per leg, far cheaper than private shuttles.
Multi-day ferry passes to the Bay Islands can cost HNL 800 round-trip, including some island hopping discounts for eco-parks.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches on Roatan, Copan ruins outskirts, and national parks like Pico Bonito, which offer free entry and stunning natural beauty.
Many cultural festivals and community events in places like La Ceiba are open to the public at no cost, providing immersive experiences without fees.
Card vs Cash
Cards are accepted in tourist areas and hotels, but carry small HNL bills for markets, taxis, and tips in remote spots.
Use ATMs in banks for better rates, avoiding airport exchanges; notify your bank of travel to prevent card blocks.
Combo Tickets
Purchase multi-site passes for Mayan ruins and national parks at HNL 500-800, covering entry to Copan, Lancetilla, and more for a week.
These bundles pay for themselves after 3-4 visits and often include transport perks, ideal for history and nature enthusiasts.
Smart Packing for Honduras
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, quick-dry clothes for the tropical humidity, including long-sleeve shirts and pants for sun protection during jungle hikes in Celaque National Park.
Include swimwear for Bay Islands beaches and modest attire for visiting indigenous communities; versatile pieces like convertible pants work well for multi-day treks.
Electronics
Bring a universal adapter (Type A/B), waterproof phone case for beach days, solar charger for remote areas, and a GoPro for snorkeling adventures.
Download offline maps of Roatan and Copan, plus Spanish phrase apps; a portable Wi-Fi hotspot ensures connectivity in less-developed regions.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, prescriptions, and high-SPF reef-safe sunscreen to protect marine life.
Include DEET insect repellent for mosquito-prone areas like the Mosquito Coast, plus water purification tablets; vaccinations for hepatitis A/B and typhoid are advised.
Travel Gear
Pack a durable daypack for volcano climbs, reusable water bottle with filter, microfiber towel for island hopping, and HNL in small notes for tips.
Bring passport copies, a money belt for urban areas like San Pedro Sula, and a dry bag for ferry rides during rainy season; compression sacks save space.
Footwear Strategy
Choose waterproof hiking sandals or boots for muddy trails in La Tigra Cloud Forest and sturdy water shoes for coral reefs around Utila.
Comfortable flip-flops suffice for beach resorts, but add closed-toe shoes for city exploration; break in footwear before travel to avoid blisters on long walks.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, aloe vera for sunburns, and a rain poncho for sudden downpours in the highlands.
Pack wet wipes and hand sanitizer for hygiene on buses; eco-friendly products respect Honduras' fragile ecosystems, and compact sizes keep luggage light for domestic flights.
When to Visit Honduras
Dry Season (December-April)
Peak time for sunny beach days on Roatan and clear views of Copan ruins, with temperatures averaging 25-30°C and low humidity.
Ideal for diving and whale shark spotting in Utila, though crowds and prices rise; festivals like Semana Santa add vibrant cultural energy.
Early Wet Season (May-June)
Shoulder season with lush greenery in Pico Bonito National Park and fewer tourists, temperatures around 28-32°C with afternoon showers.
Great for birdwatching and hiking before rains intensify; accommodations drop 20-30%, and sea turtles begin nesting on Caribbean coasts.
Peak Wet Season (July-October)
Budget-friendly for exploring the Mosquito Coast with heavy rains but warm 26-30°C weather, creating waterfalls and vibrant rainforests.
Adventure seekers enjoy zip-lining and river rafting; avoid Pacific coast during hurricane risks, but inland areas like Copan remain accessible.
Late Wet to Dry Transition (November)
Milder rains tapering off, perfect for cultural immersion in Tegucigalpa with comfortable 24-28°C days and emerging dry conditions.
Harvest events and Garifuna celebrations on the north coast; lower costs than peak dry season make it ideal for extended stays and eco-lodges.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Honduran Lempira (HNL). Approximately 25 HNL = 1 USD. Cards accepted in tourist areas but cash preferred for local transactions; ATMs available in cities.
- Language: Spanish is official, with English spoken in Bay Islands and tourist spots. Garifuna and indigenous languages in coastal regions.
- Time Zone: Central Standard Time (CST), UTC-6 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 110V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (North American two/three-pin)
- Emergency Number: 911 for police, medical, or fire assistance nationwide
- Tipping: 10% customary in restaurants (often added as 16% IVA tax); HNL 20-50 for guides and drivers
- Water: Tap water not safe; drink bottled or purified. Avoid ice in rural areas
- Pharmacies: Farmacias available in towns; look for red cross signs. Basic meds over-the-counter