Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Tegucigalpa, Honduras (October 18, 2019)
Location: Honduras, countrywide
Event: Anticipated Celebratory Events and Anti-Government Demonstrations
As a result of a recent ruling out of the U.S. Federal Court for the Southern District of New York, celebratory events and anti-government demonstrations or road blockades (“tomas”) calling for the ouster of President Hernandez have been called for and are expected to take place.
The U.S. Embassy has instructed U.S. government employees and family members to minimize unnecessary travel throughout mainland Honduras and to avoid demonstrations as even peaceful ones can turn violent with little or no notice. Road blockages will likely occur as they have in the past, particularly along CA-5 from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula and along the CA-11.
On Saturday, October 19th, the Armed Forces of Honduras’ Anniversary Parade will take place to honor and recognize the country’s armed forces. The parade is expected to depart from UNAH at approximately 7:00 a.m. and then take Boulevard Suyapa before arriving at the national stadium at about noon.
Past parades in Tegucigalpa have been largely peaceful, but traffic is expected to be extremely heavy, especially in proximity to the parade route. Organizers are planning to close one of the eastbound lanes of Boulevard Suyapa. There will be heavy police and military presence to maintain order. However, U.S. citizens are reminded to maintain awareness of their surroundings as the situation may change quickly and could turn violent with little or no notice.
Actions to Take:
- Minimize unnecessary travel.
- Avoid demonstrations.
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Monitor local and social media for updates.
- Notify friends and family of your safety.
- Have travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
- Report specific safety concerns to local law enforcement authorities.
- Enroll in Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) with the U. S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa to receive security updates – https://step.state.gov/
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
