HEALTH ALERT – U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras (March 30, 2020)
LOCATION: Honduras
EVENT: New Measures Imposed by the Government of Honduras
The Honduran National Police announced on March 29 new measures to control COVID-19 in Honduras including limiting travel to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and banks based on the last number of an individual’s national identity card, passport, or residency carnet. These restrictions take effect today, March 30, and will continue until at least April 12, 2020.
Under these new measures, individuals with identification numbers ending in 1, 2 or 3 can only travel to grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, etc. on Mondays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Those with numbers ending in 4, 5 or 6 can only travel Wednesdays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. And those whose identification numbers ending in 7, 8, 9 or 0 can only travel Fridays from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The elderly, women who are pregnant, and disabled individuals will be able to access grocery stores and other essential services exclusively from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. on the day that corresponds to the last number on their identification. The new restrictions also limit the number of individuals in any vehicle to two and only one of the individuals in the vehicle can perform errands such as grocery shopping.
All U.S. citizens are expected to abide by the restrictions set forth by the Honduran Government. However, transit to and from the airport to depart Honduras and to and from the Embassy for emergency consular services are still permitted without restriction under the exception for “salvoconducto” (safe passage). U.S. citizens should carry their safe conduct letters and their U.S. passports with them at all times when traveling.
If you need a safe conduct for an emergency consular service or to travel to the airport, please send an email to usahonduras@state.gov
ACTIONS TO TAKE:
- U.S. citizens who are present in Honduras should enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). Enrollment in STEP enables the American Citizen Services unit in Tegucigalpa to reach out directly to U.S. citizens in need of assistance. STEP also allows U.S. citizens to receive Alerts to convey information about terrorist threats, security incidents, planned demonstrations, natural disasters, etc.
- 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.
ASSISTANCE:
U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras:
Telephone: +(504) 2238-5114
After-hours telephone: +(504) 2236-8497
E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov
Webpage: https://hn.usembassy.gov/
State Department – Consular Affairs:
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts.
