Described by Lonely Planet as pitch perfect, West Bay Beach is what you expect the Caribbean to be, a true tropical oasis. 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. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Even if you rent or own a car if you are unfamiliar with areas of the island it is best to ask someones advice before venturing off on your own. Jim Walker graduated from law school in 1983 and has been handling maritime law cases for the past thirty-five years. Required: Honduras currently requires travelers arriving from or traveling to Panama and every nation in South America to present proof of yellow fever vaccine. You can read the warning here. Potholes may be harder to spot after heavy rain, so it is always best to drive slowly and take your time. Add data for Roatan, Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. 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. I know the island is small, but traveling from the West end to the East End daily doesnt sound like fun. 475 reviews. Download Historical Data to 3:00 p.m. U.S. Consular Agent - San Pedro Sula Since 2010, Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world. Top 57 Places to Live & Invest in the Tropics. The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. 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. The U.S. State Department states that: Roatan and the Bay Islands are geographically separated from and experience lower crime rates than on the mainland and other Caribbean islands; however, thefts, break-ins, assaults, rapes, and murders do occur., The State Department Crime and Safety Reportalso states that Cruise ship passengers should take safety precautions, avoid unfamiliar areas, and book only with reputable tour companies during their stopover. .fullwidth-signup{ Telephone:+(504) 2236-9320 or +(504) 2238-5114 Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. Terms of Use and Notify your car insurance company as soon as possible, preferably right after the accident. The newspaper reports that the body of Philip Foster Brown was found in a ravine near a road leading from West End to West Bay in Roatan on Tuesday. Honduras lacks the infrastructure to maintain water purity and food safety. If you are renting a villa or condo I would suggest you check with your landlord or the property management company and ask if the door locks are key or electronic. Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. position: relative; Exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. assist you in reporting a crime to the police, contact relatives or friends with your written consent, explain the local criminal justice process in general terms, provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution, help you find accommodation and arrange flights home. This country is a particularly dangerous place to visit for the majority of travelers. 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. The first rainy season will occur from June to July and the second (the winter rainy season) will span from October to February respectably. more, Get answers to your questions about Roatan, Health Concerns - Vaccinations, Shots, Stabs and Jabs. I have generated the stats with the help of others. The CDC's latest guidance on international travel for vaccinated people can be foundhere. Is this really a concern? The Northern Triangle, which includes Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala, has seen an increase in crime. Also contact the U.S. Embassy at 011-504-2236-9320 or 011-504-2238-5114 (and after-hours at 011-504-2238-5114, extension 4100). Traffic signs are often inadequate or non-existent. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Air pollution can aggravate or lead to respiratory problems during the dry season due to widespread forest fires and agricultural burning. The State Department and the U.S. Embassy will not pay your medical bills: Be aware thatU.S. Medicaredoes not apply overseas. Honduras, casualmente, est en su apogeo de la estacin seca, que dura desde (BPT) - El invierno en el Hemisferio Norte le hace soar con unas vacaciones tropicales? If you rent a scooter, consider staying nearby and don't venture far. In most cases, serious crime comes to those who have neglected their safety or have acted irresponsibly. Now I am retiring, with two small pension. Regardless of how romantic you may think it will be, there is nothing romantic about being mugged so why take a chance? Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Carnival Cruise Lines Blue T Shirt Mens M Crewneck Isla Roatan Retro 90s Vintage at the best online prices at eBay! October 16, 2021 by archyde. A home in Roatan, Honduras, can be the perfect solution for expats in this predicament. 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. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. There are sand flies and mosquitos throughout all tropical areas, and the bites can affect visitors. Who knows how many keys get 'lost'. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Scooter accidents are among the most common transportation accidents we see on Roatan. Finally, crime rates are relatively high, so it is important to be vigilant about your safety. LGBTI travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public. Rents vary depending on length of stay. 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. Roatan is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. Not sure I would want to be in a private rental. Take the time to look around you and enjoy the scenery instead. People and animals wander onto the roads. For examples, see our website oncrimes against minors abroadand theDepartment of Justicewebsite. margin: 1.5rem 0; Thanks. Some would argue that it was King Edward VII, who, The American Crime Story franchise is back with a brand new season, this time focusing on the impeachment of President Bill Clinton. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Important information if heading to South Africa, For support using your membership please email, For all other inquiries or to contact the editor please email. 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. Over the last ten days there has been three kidnappings/abductions (including Phil Brown) resulting in probable homicides. Dressing down, staying cautious about where valuable items are kept, and keeping safe areas are all ways to prevent these types of crimes. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Again, even though Roatan isnt overrun with tourists and expats, there is definitely an established expat community in Roatan Honduras. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. ), travelers can provide copies of the relevant paperwork such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc. A general lack of prudence or showing off large sums of cash can turn visitors into prime targets for a crime of opportunity. float: none; Find a TourFind a JobItinerariesContact UsImportsBack to Top, In Partnership withRoatan Online Community. I have a 2 bedroom fully furnished condo in W. Bay. Roatan Honduras: The Expat Guide to Island Life. Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. If you are living on the island, purchase a safe and keep your valuables inside of it unless you are using them. Thank you in advance for your advice. 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). A woman is killed every 23 hours on average, the National Autonomous University of Honduras' Violence Observatory reports. The Caribbean island of Roatan, Honduras, is a popular tourist destination. Roatan has two main seasons. My question is in regards of the paperwork needed. The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. Despite this, Roatan is a poor country in a variety of ways. By in large, foreigners are viewed as belonging to the wealthy class when they visit Honduras. But Isn't Honduras the Murder Capital of the World? Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. I have been researching Roatan for the last couple of years, and the consensus of the vast majority of recently UPDATED sites state 70,000, with Bay Island Voice just blogging me that it is probably approaching 80,000. These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. Please leave one below or join the discussion on our Facebook page. The original research on Roatan was done by Ilias Scott, a Managing parter at Clarion/Pineapple Villas on Roatan. He received his information from his research and the Mayors of the two Municipalities on Roatan. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2019 was 42.01, a 7.91% increase from 2018. We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. There are usually speed bumps near all school zones, so be aware and slow down. Detalles!!!! 1992 was the year of the Windsor Castle fire, the Maastricht Treaty, and the London bombings. Avoid displays of money and valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. Exercise caution using cell phones in public, including inside of cars while stopped in traffic. Please use My e-mail if you would like to respond. There are dozens of dive sites scattered throughout Roatan, including the 2nd largest coral reef system on the planet that is located just offshore. 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. Most tourists, using normal traveler procedures, will not experience or even hear about a theft. 1. Access to the islands is limited which helps alleviate the crime problems that plague the mainland. Travel to Honduras should be avoided if possible. Dont flash a wad of bills or a wallet full of credit cards. What would be the total cost (ball park figure) of the time required to do it properly, and amount of money needed including legal fees and consulting for the whole process. Creole English, a language that is spoken in three different languages, is the primary tongue of Roatan. What Im having trouble with is obtaining a general population number of expats, that question has alluded me. U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Honduras should avoid large gatherings or events where crowds have congregated to demonstrate, protest, or cause damage as a byproduct of celebrating an event, such as after soccer matches. At night, foreigners are frequently robbed in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. Only 60 percent of the people in the district of Choluteca are malnourished, making it one of the poorest areas in Honduras. Because of the growing number of expats, Roatan is becoming increasingly popular. Honduran immigration authorities may also accept permission letters notarized at a Honduran embassy or consulate in the United States. But unless youre catching a flight, Coxen Hole isnt the best area for expats. If there is no second parent with legal custody of the child (e.g., the second parent is deceased, one parent has sole custody, etc. 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. If you decide to go you won't regret it. Seafood ceviche is a common menu item and I happen to love it. The countrys borders were reopened on March 15th, 2020, a week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for five months. email [emailprotected]. Whether its the latest news on politics, business, entertainment, sports or health, weve got you covered. While many people will hitchhike on Roatan, you should avoid giving rides to or accepting rides from people that you do not know. SeeourLGBTI travel informationpage and section 6 of theDepartment of State's Human Rights reportfor further details. Since 2010, Honduras has had one of the highest per capita murder rates in the world, ranging between 59 and 86 per 100,000 according to the U.S. Department of State. U.S. government employees have no restrictions on travel to these areas. The health and safety conditions in Roatan are not unique to the island. Be careful driving at after hours or at dusk as pedestrians do walk along the side of the road because there aren't sidewalks along most roads in Roatan. January 8, 2015. The average temperature in Roatan is a perfect 28C, with the lowest temperature being around 22C and the highest, 31 C. So pack away your heavy coats, for in Roatan, you will never need more than a light jacket to be comfortable. As a result of addressing these underlying issues, poverty in Roatan can be reduced and a better future can be provided for its residents. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila. 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. Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law Im hoping to make my move to the Caribbean in the next 6mos. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. Everything Cruise Lines Don't Want You to Know. } Leave your wallet wrapped in a blanket on the beach while you take a dip and chances are, it won't be there when you return. Apply repellent before going out. Were in West End, and there is definitely a large and friendly expat community. If they are key locks don't forget these units are rented out to tons of people and the keys are sometimes shared with property management staff. 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. Details please! The tourist presence in Roatan is enormous and has promoted a greater police presence as a result. Cruise lines and port agencies have approved tour companies offering packages. The streets are very busy and unfortunately, some of the slums are unsafe (especially at night). Your Email The first is that the island is quite remote, so it can be difficult to get supplies or help if something goes wrong. Even though Honduras is still a safe place to visit, visitors should exercise caution because crime is on the rise. } Business Hours:Monday through Thursday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Carry personal identification documents, including your drivers license, copies of passports, and vehicle registration cards while driving. 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. Most areas around Roatan are safe. Hi! I got all of the recommended vaccines before I spent 10 days in Roatanhowever I was doing some medical mission work and was in some areas pretty far off the beaten path. Three U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras between January and September 2013. New data shows where U.S. expats are residing all across the globe. 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. This is good for both tourists and residents. Also, we read about malria and dengue fever. The beautiful island of Roatan Honduras, can offer expats all of the above and the best part is, you dont have to be dreaming to make it a reality. 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? 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. Drivers dont always use headlights at night. Approximately 31 miles long and less than 5 miles wide at its widest point, Roatan only has a population of around 28,400 people, but this island paradise attracts thousands of tourists to its pristine shores each year. J-M But what is it about Roatan, Honduras, that is making expatschoose this island over the many other fantastic Central American retirement destinations out there? Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. The same goes for Roatan, but just like in the states, these low prices wont stick around indefinitely. Yes, I'm willing to do a survey, Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. The answer may surprise you: it was, The English monarchy has produced some of the most iconic figures in history. But who was the king of England? The largest town in Roatan, Honduras, is Coxen Hole, where the airport, government offices, and cruise ship docks can be found. Like in many areas of Central America, the pace of life in Roatan is slow and relaxed, the complete opposite of life in America. Use Radio-Taxi services (companies that operate by phone) or app-based rideshare programs rather than hailing a taxi on the street and note the drivers name and license number. When visiting the island you should be aware of these local warnings or dangers that may affect your trip.. Having a hard time pinning down the easiest/most inexpensive option for Covid Testing before our mid_May trip. Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with theNational Insurance Crime Bureauor with private insurance carriers about coverage details. To avoid them, bring or purchase insect repellent that contains DEET. width:auto; The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or residents of Honduras. Its not right, but when your kids are starving, its not easy to have ethics and morals. As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. There are two medical facilities in Coxen Hole, the Woods Clinic and the Roatan public hospital. ( Roatan or not ). And with gangs, the drug cartel, and the highest per capita murder rate, its no wonder that some expats feel wary. Ever. In fact, on any given night, you can find a fair chunk of them at Sundowners Beach Bar on Half Moon Bay beach. Big companies should stop coming here now.. Obviously, there is no GPS here, so once you head off the main road, you are on your own. Additionally, there are several areas along this walk where there is no sand, and you must walk over very slippery rocks. Period. width: 100%; Your safety is your responsibility, so be vigilant. Actually the current balance is quite ideal. The west end of Roatan is definitely more popular with tourists, and in the bohemian West End Village, expats can find restaurants, bars, shops, dive centers, and a lot of excitement. Please be careful overtaking on corners and hills when passing other vehicles. Enjoy the simple things in life as you spend your days lounging on the beach, scuba diving, hiking through the lush forests, or stretching out in a hammock with a good book. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. Im going to Roatan in 2 weeks for a short vacation, but have been island shopping for the last several years, & Roatan might be a possibility. width:max-content; Passengers must show the test results at check-in. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. Tell me about Taxis (land) and Public Transportation please? This island seems perfect, but the crime reports do concern us. Have a comment? The more touristy parts of the island (on the west end) are the most populated and there is safety in numbers. That prompts an internal chuckle that I find tough to stifle. Read theTravel Advisory for Hondurasfor additional information. I would like to.learn more about a possible stay in Roatan. Instruct the driver not to pick up other passengers, agree on the fare before you enter the vehicle, and have small bills available for payment, as taxi drivers often do not make change. This includes leaving handbags hanging on the back of chair backs or under a table. Another thing that plays into this situation is the poverty and corruption in government. They do not have boats for patrols, and the less populated areas do suffer as a result. Can anyone tell me where I can find budget/hostel or cheap, clean accommodation near or by the beach but not in a noisy place. *We value your privacy. Again, the officials have kids to feed, so they often accept a token payment rather than writing a traffic ticket, etc. In Punta Gorda, you will find the largest population of Garifuna people. Sign in to access your subscriptions and subscriber-only content. 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. I think that they are probably safer there than in an isolated anchorage on the mainland coast of Honduras, Nicaragua, or many other areas. Check with your airline for vaccine requirements and be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommendedby the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Do you live in Roatan? I for one would be more comfortable in a hotel than a villa. about having to have a test no more than 72 hours before arrival in Honduras. Visit theEmbassy of Honduraswebsite or any of theHonduran consulatewebsites for the most current visa information. When you are on the beach, rub a layer of oil over your skin to keep them at bay. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report. The Honduran government has also issued a new travel warning for the Northern Triangle region. 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. Friday, 7:30a.m. In Honduras, the types of danger include, but are not limited to, violent gang activity, trafficking, rape, street crime and armed robbery. Report inappropriate content. Kind of the way I live at home too. The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. Crime in Roatan, Honduras Compare Roatan with: We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. Sign up for our free newsletter. 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. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. The truth is that criminals look for easy targets. There is a high rate of crime in this region, which contributes to its high levels of poverty. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. Honduras, the most dangerous country in Central America, has the highest homicide rate in the region, with 38 per 100,000 people.
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