Security Overview for Honduras

Honduras has one of the highest crime rates in all of Latin America, thanks in part to the prevalence of weapons from the Cold War-era proxy wars and grinding poverty. Many areas, including the major cities of San Pedro Sula, Tegucigalpa and La Ceiba, experience high rates of violent crime, much of which has ties to organized crime. Most middle-class locals, successful businesspeople, the foreign diplomatic corps and multinational managers avoid walking in cities due to the high crime rates. Petty street crime is a problem; so is violent crime (including mugging and kidnapping).

Gang activity, especially from rival gangs MS-13 and Mara 18, is prevalent throughout Honduras. In the worst areas, these heavily armed criminal gangs perpetrate numerous violent assaults. In addition to long-standing threats posed by pickpockets, purse-snatchers and thieves, locals and visitors face armed robbers, carjackers and other assailants. While the vast majority of urban crime victims in Honduras are locals, foreigners may be specifically targeted because of perceived wealth. Street criminals have targeted tourists in the northern coastal towns of Tela and Trujillo, but the tourist haven Bay Islands are remarkably safer than the rest of the country.

Assaults by rural criminal gangs and highway bandits are an increasing and sometimes deadly problem. Extensive security precautions are called for, such as the use of appropriately armored vehicles driven by people trained in defensive evasive procedures. Tourist buses have been targeted by thieves. Six U.S. citizens were murdered in Honduras during 2006.

While the safest means of transportation into the city is by privately hired and/or corporate vehicles with reliable drivers, registered airport taxis (usually yellow) can be used with a reasonable degree of confidence, providing the fare is confirmed in advance to avoid overcharging and possible disputes.

Large-scale civil unrest is not common in Honduras, but public workers' unions regularly strike to demand pay wage increases and improvements in working conditions. Farmers and indigenous groups also occasionally protest by blocking highways.

The threat from terrorism has largely receded; some groups have disbanded or ceased operations, but organized criminal groups and street gangs (or maras) are a threat. Like the majority of Central American countries, Honduras has experienced a significant rise in kidnappings in recent years. While kidnapping has not posed a significant threat to foreigners to date, businesspeople that reside in or make extended visits to Honduras should take standard precautions to minimize the risk of abduction.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.