Along with unspoiled beaches, lush forests, and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, Roatan also has that year-round moderate weather that so many expats crave. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. Just off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatan is a thin stretch of land that measures only 40 miles long and a mere 3 miles wide. Evidence of onward travel. The local people in Roatan, Honduras, are made up of a unique blend of cultures from different ethnic backgrounds, but the largest population of locals are of Indian and Spanish decent. It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila. A visit to the island country will provide you with stunning beaches, tropical forests, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Thanks for any input. Infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police and military presence is scarce. As a result, Roatan is among the cheapest places to live in the Caribbean and North America. The bandito shot the car up, terrifying the three children in the car as well as their parents, who had . The Bay Islands are in a malaria and dengue zone according to Health Canada and the CDC. Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime and kidnapping. (The per capita homicide rate in the U.S. is a little over 4 per 100,000). font-size: medium; However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited. This should not be overplayed, however. Simply enter your email address below to sign up for our free daily postcards and well also send you a FREE report on The Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens, plus access to over 10 more free reports. He handles a wide variety of cases from serious injuries to thehighest profile sexual assault and cruise crime cases. (We are coming. Roatan Honduras: The Expat Guide to Island Life. Details please! Editors Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers on Isla de Roatn. In addition to safety from crimes, there are other safety issues one may wish to consider. It is well-known for its incredible offshore reefs and is ideal for both new and advanced divers alike. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. However, there have been reported instances of credit card information being stolen at ATMs. Travel Smarter! You will love Roatan and it's people, just use your head regarding safety and health. Exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. This is good for both tourists and residents. In Punta Gorda, you will find the largest population of Garifuna people. Students:See ourStudents Abroadpage andFBI travel tips. As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. Honduras is only a short 2.5 hour flight from Houston, Texas, and with flights arriving to and from on a daily basis, North American expats can realistically be lounging on the beach one day and enjoying Thanksgiving with their families the next. Access to this Caribbean island from both the United States and Canada is especially appealing to Canadians. float: none; Please use My e-mail if you would like to respond. We love Roatan. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. By proceeding, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Mr. Bown was one of three foreigners (i.e., not Honduran) in Roatan who died under mysterious circumstances according to the Honduran press. 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. No increase in police or military as has happened in past crime waves. Even though you can get an advance on your credit card, its better to bring more cash than you think youll need. Even backpackers who normally travel on a budget are considered to be more well off than many hard workers in the local middle class. Getting residency in Roatan is a relatively simple process and you can be granted a retirement Visa as long as you can prove that you have a monthly income of $1,500. There has been lots of armed robberies often with victims threatened with guns of knives to throats. Due to a lack of evidence, Lahijani was released and he traveled to Panama. If you stay in a secure place you don't have any worries. This unique lot boarder a green space that cannot be built upon. The truth of the matter is, the majority of the crime in Honduras is situated on the mainland in the country's major cities. But it's also easy to read those blogs and marketing pieces and think, "Yeah, it , A deeper look atNosara and its history will quickly reveal that this long-time mecca for surfing enthusiasts offers so much more than just the sand and sea. That puts Roatan/Honduras a few points ahead of the U.S. Iceland holds the number one rated position and Afghanistan holds last place, ranked at 163. Here you can sunbathe, snorkel, dive, and stroll the mangrove forests in a much more solitary environment. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation. We hand-pick everything we recommend and select items through testing and reviews. Further, both the hard drugs and prostitution are illegal in Roatan. While this data is certainly alarming, it is important to remember that Roatan is a relatively small island with a population of just over 80,000 people. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Dressing down, staying cautious about where valuable items are kept, and keeping safe areas are all ways to prevent these types of crimes. Our gift to you, on our favorite destinations. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. The largest of the Bay Islands, Roatan can be found just off the northern coast of mainland Honduras, encompassed by the clear, warm waters of the Caribbean. What follows is a list of safety tips which you can adhere to when visiting our island. If notarizing a permission letter in the United States, the letter should be apostilled by the U.S. state registrar where the notary is registered. Be careful when riding on scooters on the island. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. My question is in regards of the paperwork needed. Travel to Honduras should be avoided if possible. *We value your privacy. In these slow times, the local people have no work, no source of income, and many are on the verge of starvation. Roatans economy is driven by a thriving tourist industry, propelled by its well-deserved reputation as a world class diving destination. When visiting the island you should be aware of theselocal warnings or dangers that may affect your trip. You should avoid following in your late nights if you are in a village. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. I did mind the sand fleas at first because I didn't expect them but it was really no problem. No actions from local or national govt. . Privacy Policy. Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. Simply enter your e-mail below to subscribe to International Livings free daily e-letter and well immediately send your free reportThe Worlds Top 10 Retirement Havens, Join International Living Today and Get the 2023 Global Retirement IndexFREE with This Special Offer. 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. 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. Roatn made international headlines on Dec. 22 when Nedenia Post Dye, the great-granddaughter of the General Foods heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, was found stabbed to death in her luxury spa. There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. To add an anchorage click on the map to place the red marker. Leave your wallet wrapped in a blanket on the beach while you take a dip and chances are, it wont be there when you return. It is safer, faster, and much easier to take land or water taxi. Sign up for our free newsletter. Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Gracias a Dios is an isolated area with high levels of criminal activity and drug trafficking. But that's just me.everyone has a different comfort level. background-color: #1a3c95; In the Bay Islands there are +/- 115,000 people, (Roatan, Guanaja, Utila). The Honduran government conducts police and military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. Of course, while it's not ever good to generalize an. The tropical weather in and around Roatan is inclusive of sea breezes which keep the annual temperatures within a range of 70F to 80F. There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. Another thing that plays into this situation is the poverty and corruption in government. It is not guaranteed, William of Orange became King of England in 1689 when he invaded England with an army from the Netherlands. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities. In fact, Island Magazine named Roatan the #1 island in the world to retire to in 2011 and it was also listed on Kiplinger.com as one of 8 great places to retire abroad. Potholes may be harder to spot after heavy rain, so it is always best to drive slowly and take your time. Beware. Leave extra cash and credit/debit cards at home or locked securely in your hotel room. This island seems perfect, but the crime reports do concern us. Make sure you stop by next time youre in town. Free shipping for many products! Precheck online is down and not reachable, West End Main Road Restaurant & Shop Locations, Timing airport arrival or departure and ferry, Feb 22 experience in Customs and Immigration from US. width: 50%; Crime can be easily avoided . During the cruising season, it is my opinion that the larger number of boats and cruisers tends to discourage crime against the boaters. One of the most frequently asked questions about Roatan by potential visitors is "How safe will I be?" Certainly reports about the high violent crime rate in Honduras trigger reasonable concerns for folks who have not experienced Roatan. The location and timing of criminal activity is unpredictable. I am the same..I prefer to stay in a multi-unit resort where there are other tourists (any where I stay) for people company mostly but it is most secure this way. Actually the current balance is quite ideal. January 8, 2015. Telephone:+(504) 2558-1580 Friday, 7:30a.m. If you move here and get more comfortable and familiar with the area and the people, of course, you can feel at ease walking down West End road with your normal gadgets. October 16, 2021 by archyde. The country was devastated by Hurricane Mitch in 1998, which killed about 5,600 people and caused approximately $2 billion in damage. With an almost total absence of guns and the purchase of ammunition being restricted and almost impossible to find, petty criminals are likely to have neither and rely on the inattention of tourists (many who may have had a few too many rum drinks) to make their living. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. Find a TourFind a JobItinerariesContact UsImportsBack to Top, In Partnership withRoatan Online Community. Public Transportation: Avoid public transportation in Honduras. Should we get only rent a house with a security guard? I would like to.learn more about a possible stay in Roatan. At night, foreigners are frequently robbed in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. Honduras Take the time to look around you and enjoy the scenery instead. By comparison, the United States has a global safety ranking of 128. There are only a few street food vendors and with the abundant seafood available, typical of an island, many restaurants and beach bars offer a varied menu. In this case, the victims went to Coxen Hole to report the incident. 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. I meant to say, "we would have no problem returning a third time", lol. Further, there is no evidence of significant gang activity or violence on the island. 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. Cybercrime is part of most third world countries. Crime:While crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, municipalities along the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the countrys highest crime rates. Is Roatan Honduras safe? Exploring of isolated areas of the island is best done through a guided tour or a car, rather than on scooters. Additionally, some protests directed toward the U.S. government, usually small in size, can occur around the U.S. Embassy. Most areas around Roatan are safe. Springing out of the sea, the Bay Islands form part of the underwater mountain range of Bonacci Ridge. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 40.98, a 26.23% decline from 2016. The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. Unreported, downplayed and hushed up. For sensitive individuals, use anti- itch cream or coconut oil to alleviate itchiness. All About Roatan. It is a good idea to make a photocopy of your passport and credit cards so that you have a record in case the originals are lost or stolen. Others have gotten into trouble simply by showing off. Fax:+(504) 2238-4357 1992 was the year of the Windsor Castle fire, the Maastricht Treaty, and the London bombings. Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are among the most dangerous countries to visit in 2022, according to the United Nations. As a result of addressing these underlying issues, poverty in Roatan can be reduced and a better future can be provided for its residents. 11 years ago. Described by Lonely Planet as pitch perfect, West Bay Beach is what you expect the Caribbean to be, a true tropical oasis. Areas to avoid after dark. The homicide rate in Honduras was 42 per 100,000 people in 2019, making it one of the most violent countries in the world. A Comprehensive Look At The Legal Implications, Exploring The Illegal Firearm Market In Illinois: Understanding The Risks Challenges And Solutions, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Riding With An Unlicensed Driver: What You Need To Know, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Illegal Speech In The United States, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Using YouTube Converters In Canada, Illegally Accessing Someone Elses Text Messages In Australia: The Legal Implications And Penalties, Exploring The Legal And Political Implications Of Allowing Illegal Immigrants To Vote In The US. I would say that cruisers in this area, like any other, need to be very vigilant. 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. Demonstrations:Demonstrations regularly occur in Honduras, particularly near the Presidential Palaces, Congress, and the universities in Tegucigalpa. Your Name Honduras receives very little precipitation, and the weather is hot for the majority of the year. Since 1995, 115 U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras; of these, just 32 cases have been resolved. Port agencies have worked to improve taxi service to/from ports. CarRentals.com provides car rentals that allow you to explore Roatan on foot. Crime in these neighborhoods is prevented through a combination of gated layouts and security patrols. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or residents of Honduras. Ted: Our number came from the 2001 Census where the island had a rough population of 28,000, most recent numbers are showing a population closer to 50,000 plus. However, many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI community go unpunished. The local grocery store is similarly protected. Having a hard time pinning down the easiest/most inexpensive option for Covid Testing before our mid_May trip. Roatan has a lot to offer, including the beautiful beaches, the laid-back atmosphere, and the friendly people. If you are snorkeling, dont forget that you may feel cool in the water but your back is exposed to the bright sun. Over the last ten days there has been three kidnappings/abductions (including Phil Brown) resulting in probable homicides. The island of Roatan is a small Honduran island with a population of over 115,000 people, most of whom are Afro-Caribbean islanders and mestizos from the Dominican Republic. 7 years ago Park & Josh closed their businesses, moved to Central America, and bought a 400 acre island in Panama. Cuanta ms informacin mejor. 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. Report inappropriate content. The French Harbour of Roatan is the second largest community on the island and is filled with amenities like grocery stores, banks, and even a shopping center. Roatan and the Bay Islands have significantly fewer incidents of crime and are overall much safer than mainland Honduras. One of the most popular pastimes in Roatan is scuba diving, so if you are a diver, you are definitely in for a treat. Mr. No-hype updates & resource guides. No Spam. } Leave your Rolex and big diamonds at home and keep a low profile. How safe is living in Honduras? Drug trafficking gangs, corruption, and extreme poverty keep Honduras down. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Severe Weather:Honduras is vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding, especially between June and November.