Again, the officials have kids to feed, so they often accept a token payment rather than writing a traffic ticket, etc. Find out why. The tropical sun is stronger. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. While Honduras and the United States have signed and ratified a Stolen Vehicle Treaty, existing Honduran laws protect good faith buyers (even of stolen vehicles), so the recovery and return of these vehicles to their original owners is not guaranteed. Please see Fact Sheet for this country/area. Review information about International Parental Child Abduction inHonduras. People and animals wander onto the roads. These sort of crimes can be avoided by dressing down, being careful about where expensive belongings are left, and keeping to safe areas. You can catch a water taxi from West End Village that will take you to West Bay Beach in around 10 minutes for under $3. float: left; While Roatan is generally a safe place to visit, there can be some issues related to theft. The culture of Roatan is friendly and welcoming, the cost of living is low, the weather is beautiful, and there is a lot of food to eat. If you buy something through our links, we may earn a commission. Roatan Honduras came onto the radar of Cruise Law News in January of this year when a U.S. family who took a Carnival cruise to the island was robbed at gun point while driving in a rental car. Fax:+(504) 2238-4357 Michele, I have been to Roatan a few times, I love the place. Presuming we use common sense and take taxis is there anything here we should worry about? Beware. As a general rule, visitors to Roatan should abide by the same safety rules they abide by at home. Always ensure you have enough medicine to cover your travel time, and research its availability in Honduras, or whether there is a viable replacement. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Subscribe to get up-to-date safety and security information and help us reach you in an emergency abroad. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country. To be quite honest that may have been over kill. Book a flight, pack your bags and take a tour around the island to see if life in Roatan is in fact the life for you. Plan your outings in advance and enjoy Roatan. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities. If you are a beach lover, West Bay Beach cant be beat. The first is that the island is quite remote, so it can be difficult to get supplies or help if something goes wrong. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 Poverty and corruption are two of the most serious challenges that people face in Roatan. This report indicated that there were a total of 9 murders and 29 robberies on the island in 2016. Described by Lonely Planet as pitch perfect, West Bay Beach is what you expect the Caribbean to be, a true tropical oasis. William And Mary: The Protestant Revolution, The Best Way To Prevent Crime Is To Be Proactive, Flipping Someone Off In Colorado: Not Illegal But Not Advisable Either, Is It Illegal To Go Through Someone Elses Wallet? Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. Honduras, the most dangerous country in Central America, has the highest homicide rate in the region, with 38 per 100,000 people. Read the entire Travel Advisory. Additionally, some protests directed toward the U.S. government, usually small in size, can occur around the U.S. Embassy. Thats 7 total. Sandy Bay, the West End, West Bay, Pristine Bay, Palmetto Bay Plantation, Keyhole Bay, and a number of other East End neighborhoods are among the most popular. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. I am currently on the Honduran mainland and will be coming over to the island in a week or two.. width:auto; In Roatan, like most of the world, if an individual gets involved with the wrong crowd, he/she stands a solid chance of getting in trouble. If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high. He was invited to do so by English Parliamentarians who were, The best way to prevent crime is to be proactive. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. Also, we read about malria and dengue fever. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. Prescription medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with theEmbassy of Honduras in Washington, DCto ensure the medication is legal in Honduras. Areas to avoid after dark. A Look at Roatans Popular Neighborhoods Most expats will look at several popular neighborhoods in Roatan. 20 Is there a lot of crime in Roatan? The income disparities between the majority of Hondurans and those visiting Roatan is noticeable. So let's try to break it down a bit with Roatan safety questions and answers. swimming pool and a few min. However, many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI community go unpunished. And to connect with individuals who dabble in either of these two activities, one must go out and look for them. As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. Crime in Roatan, Honduras Compare Roatan with: We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. Access to this Caribbean island from both the United States and Canada is especially appealing to Canadians. Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. However, according to a recent report from the U.S. State Department, the crime rate in Roatan Honduras is relatively high when compared to other countries in the region. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols. Here are the world's top banking jurisdictions. See theDepartment of Statepage for information on scams. These neighborhoods have a high level of security and a combination of gated layouts and security patrols in place. The Honduran government has also issued a new travel warning for the Northern Triangle region. . No actions from local or national govt. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. Effective June 2, 2021: All travelers, regardless of age, must provide either proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or negative test results for a PCR, Antigen or ELISA COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before entry into Honduras. Make sure you stop by next time youre in town. Your Question Annual temperatures average out at 86F. reaching out to all Roatan residents! The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. } Telephone:+(504) 2558-1580 But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. Roatan has a lot to offer, including the beautiful beaches, the laid-back atmosphere, and the friendly people. Your email address will not be published. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2018 was 38.93, a 5.01% decline from 2017. What Im having trouble with is obtaining a general population number of expats, that question has alluded me. When you live in Riyadh, you have the opportunity to be active during your retirement. If you do what you say above, all should be A-Ok. We went 2x last yr with our young teen and pre teen and would no problem returning a third time. Having now lived outside the U.S. for nearly eight years, I am frequently asked by my friends back in the States if living outside the U.S. is safe. Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with theNational Insurance Crime Bureauor with private insurance carriers about coverage details. Notify your car insurance company as soon as possible, preferably right after the accident. Everything Cruise Lines Don't Want You to Know. Only 60 percent of the people in the district of Choluteca are malnourished, making it one of the poorest areas in Honduras. Transportation on Roatan can be a challenge as public transportation is a bit sketchy. When many people think of Honduras, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and you may find yourself asking, Is Honduras safe?. The reports are scattered and hard to verify. Safety on Roatan. The Panama City real estate market may have finally taken a turn in , Did you know there are dozens and dozens of great resources on Costa Rica for expats and investors? Rockslides are common, especially in the rainy season (May through December) and can cause closure of major highways. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. Many cruisers anchor in places like Calabash Bight, and other East-End anchorages without any problems. By Jim Walker on June 3, 2014. While no separate safety or crime statistics are kept for Roatan, an abundance of evidence strongly suggests that Roatan is a world apart from its mainland connection to Honduras. Mr. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. The warm, welcoming island of Roatan is an ideal place to visit. Avoid wandering around local villages after hours. According to a 2018 World Bank report, Honduras had a poverty rate of 48.8% as of 2018, and the situation has quickly deteriorated as a result of COVID-19. There are cultural differences which will enrich your overall experience but can also lead to frustrations and misunderstandings. Be careful when riding on scooters on the island. Clarion Suites Roatan at Pineapple Villas, Fantasy Island Beach Resort Dive And Marina All Inclusive. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. Crimes against property are the most common with petty theft being the leader. .fullwidth-signup{ Royal Caribbeans Wonder of the Seas Belches Soot, Fire on Viking Orion Quickly Extinguished, Atlantis Events New Social Media Policy Misses the Mark, Guest Aboard Sky Princess Alleges Park West Gallery Employee Raped and Infected Her With HIV. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctors prescription. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. There is no disputing that Honduras has problems with crime, much of it due to the extreme poverty, and also the proliferation of drug trade participants. And with 4 modern supermarkets, bilingual schools (teaching English and Spanish) and other first world amenities available on the island, adjusting to Roatan life can be made a little easier for North American expats. The U.S. Embassy discourages car and bus travel after dark. Honduras, despite its status as one of the most dangerous countries in the region, has seen an increase in gender-based violence during the pandemic. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. One of the more common questions: Is it safe to live in Roatan? Your use of this service is subject to our I would like to.learn more about a possible stay in Roatan. } Many expats live in Roatan, Utila and Copan , and I think there's a pretty strong expat community in La Ceiba and maybe Trujillo too (there's a new development there that seems to be attracting a lot of Canadian investors)," said one . The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. Sand flies can also be an annoyance here, and are burrowed in the beach sand. Although Honduras is Spanish-speaking and it is spoken on the island, English is also widely used thanks to its historical link to England (it was once a British colony). See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. That said, this has not occurred recently. Honduras No Spam. There are two medical facilities in Coxen Hole, the Woods Clinic and the Roatan public hospital. The infrastructure of the island is in need of renovation and improvement, but foreign investment is usually sufficient to make it happen. If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high. Gracias a Dios is an isolated area with high levels of criminal activity and drug trafficking. ( Roatan or not ). Despite its small size, the lack of basic infrastructure on the island is not a problem; however, the lack of infrastructure will be a concern if the island grows rapidly. If you have been looking for a retirement spot with ideal weather, picture perfect beaches and affordable prices thats only a short plane ride away, consider Roatan, Honduras. Expats enjoy living in Roatan due to the many neighborhoods to which it offers. Not sure I would want to be in a private rental. Most of the traffic coming in and out of Roatan arrives through monitored access points like the airport and ferry terminals and Roatan also uses a primary road that makes police stops quite easy. For sensitive individuals, use anti- itch cream or coconut oil to alleviate itchiness. No spam. But the strong police presence, timely intervention, and swift application of justice seem to be an adequate deterrent to keep crime low and criminals in line. Ever. There is a high rate of crime in this region, which contributes to its high levels of poverty. Medical Marijuana: Marijuana, even for medicinal use and with a prescription, is illegal in Honduras. Roatan offers several residential living options as well, some safer than others. Violence has long ruled here. The more typical crime against tourists on Roatan will be property crime - theft of money and portable goods. Do you live in Roatan? The most common type of crime on Roatan are burglaries. Despite its size, it is home to a plethora of natural beauty and . In Roatan, expats can not only expect to be welcomed by their fellow expats, but by the friendly locals as well. Approximately 60 percent of Honduras 8 million people are impoverished, which is a major source of poverty. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. Save. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. Hi: Unlike the mainland of Honduras, Roatan has a very little crime and we never felt unsafe walking through town, even at night. Roatan and the Bay Islands have significantly fewer incidents of crime and are overall much safer than mainland Honduras. Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. Does anyone have any suggestions? We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation. They do not have boats for patrols, and the less populated areas do suffer as a result. The streets are very busy and unfortunately, some of the slums are unsafe (especially at night). Limited offer. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. This Central American country actually has one of the highest murder rates in the world. The bandito shot the car up, terrifying the three children in the car as well as their parents, who had . Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. Required fields are marked *. This warning recommends that tourists avoid all public gatherings because these can quickly turn violent. U.S. government employees have no restrictions on travel to these areas. Another vote for an hotel or condo. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. The others I went with did not get the vaccines. According to the Global Peace Index, the island of Roatan, as a part of Honduras, shares its ranking of 123 out of 163 countries analyzed. You can read the warning here. The prevalence of dengue fever can be found in both urban and rural areas. I did mind the sand fleas at first because I didn't expect them but it was really no problem. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. Whether its the latest news on politics, business, entertainment, sports or health, weve got you covered. Areas frequented by tourists, such as the Bay Islands (including Roatan, Utila and Guanaja) and Copan Ruins, have notably lower rates of violent crime and increased law enforcement services. Roatan is a part of the Honduran Bay Islands. Soak in the the sun on the sprawl of white sand, swim or snorkel in the warm waves, or maybe try your hand at paragliding. There have undoubtedly been some burglaries. Despite the difficulties that have arisen, Roatan is still a safe and beautiful place to visit. When you close your eyes and picture your dream retirement, what do you see? Gracias a Dios Department Level 4: Do Not Travel. Choose taxis or rideshares carefully. Law enforcement is also slow to respond, if at all. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa: +(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Honduras, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Hondurass Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. We are a team of dedicated journalists and writers who strive to bring you the best news and stories from around the world. Detalles por favor! Yes. In these slow times, the local people have no work, no source of income, and many are on the verge of starvation. Join More than 58,187 people who are breaking free, Home > Posts > Honduras > Roatan > Roatan Honduras: The Expat Guide to Island Life. We are considering visiting Roatan and have read about the crime rate being high, home invasions, break ins etc. Another thing that plays into this situation is the poverty and corruption in government. Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field.