HEALTH ALERT – U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras (March 27, 2020)
Location: Honduras
Event: FAQs regarding U.S. Government Organized Flights for U.S. Citizens in Honduras
Is the U.S. Embassy organizing flights for U.S. citizens?
The U.S. Embassy in Honduras has coordinated U.S. government-organized charter flights– the first departed Sunday, March 22 – from Ramon Villeda Morales International Airport in San Pedro Sula to the United States. Additional flights are expected in the next few days.
Who pays for these flights and how much do they cost?
Under U.S. law, passengers on a U.S. government-organized flight are responsible for paying the cost of their ticket, which may be higher than standard commercial fares. U.S. travelers are required to sign a promissory note before boarding the flight to the United States. No cash or credit card payments will be accepted at the airport. U.S. travelers are responsible for any arrangements or costs (lodging, onward destination or local transportation, etc.) beyond your initial destination in the United States. Exact departure time and routing are subject to change.
How can I sign up for one of these flights?
Please email the following information to usahonduras@state.gov. Please do not submit your information more than once.
- Airport where you prefer to depart (Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, or Roatan)
- Full name as it appears on your passport
- Passport number and expiration date
- Citizenship
- Date of birth
- Gender
- Email address
- Phone number
- Emergency contact name and phone number
- City where you are traveling from in Honduras
Who gets a seat on these flights?
Flight seats are reserved for U.S. citizens and their legal permanent resident family members (especially those with identified health concerns).
Should I wait at the airport in Honduras to board one of these flights?
The U.S. Embassy urges any interested travelers *NOT* to arrive at an airport until they have received an official communication from the U.S. Embassy with confirmed flight details and booking. U.S. travelers will not be permitted to enter the airport without confirmation from the U.S. Embassy of a seat on the flight.
Are there any health screenings?
Travelers seeking transport on U.S. government-organized flights will not be permitted to travel if they are exhibiting flu-like symptoms and should not come to the airport. Note: Temperature checks will be conducted.
Can I check luggage?
Travelers on U.S. government-organized flights are allowed one checked bag (max. weight 50 lbs), one carry on bag, and one personal item. Pets will not be allowed.
Where can I get more information?
Visit our Embassy website https://hn.usembassy.gov/
Twitter and Facebook accounts for definitive updates on flights and for information on conditions in Honduras.
Review the State Department’s Global Level 4 Health Travel Advisory at travel.state.gov.
Consult the CDC website for the most up-to-date information.
For the most recent information on what you can do to reduce your risk of contracting COVID-19 please see the CDC’s latest recommendations.
Visit the COVID-19 crisis page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.
Check with your airlines, cruise lines, or travel operators regarding any updated information about your travel plans and/or restrictions.
Visit the Department of Homeland Security’s website on the latest travel restrictions to the U.S.
Monitor local news for updates.
What luggage is permitted on the U.S. Embassy organized flight?
Travelers are advised that they are allowed one checked bag (max. weight 50 lbs), one carry on bag, and one personal item.
How will I know if I am on the list or have a spot on this flight?
Once you have sent your information to usahonduras@state.gov and enrolled in STEP, you will begin receiving individual emails regarding government flights. The only emails the U.S. Embassy will use for communication regarding government flights are those ending in “@state.gov,” usually usahonduras@state.gov. When a flight is available, an Embassy official will call to give you more specific information.
Here is an outline of the basic process but it will vary based on individual situations. Phone contact may be necessary in some cases.
- You send an email to usahonduras@state.gov
- You receive a response either informing you that your information is complete and you are on the list or asking for missing information. If necessary, you respond with the missing information. In your response, please include any necessary information within the body of the e-mail, and please send your response directly to usahonduras@state.gov, even if you received correspondence from a different @state.gov e-mail address.
- Once you are confirmed for a spot on one of the charter flights, you will receive a call giving you specific instructions on when to arrive at the airport.
The U.S. Embassy is working to respond to each and every U.S. citizen inquiry and about potential flights. Every email will receive a response.
