Honduras Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens can visit Honduras visa-free for up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement. The Bay Islands offer world-class and very affordable diving.
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Honduras without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
No visa is required for US citizens for stays up to 90 days under the CA-4 agreement. This 90-day allowance is shared with Guatemala, El Salvador, and Nicaragua. Present your valid US passport at Toncontin International Airport (Tegucigalpa), Ramon Villeda Morales Airport (San Pedro Sula), or Juan Manuel Galvez Airport (Roatan). The CA-4 clock starts from the date of first entry into any CA-4 country.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for the duration of stay
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your planned departure date (varies by country)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the country, such as a return flight or onward travel booking
Proof of Return Travel Recommended
Return or onward ticket — recommended
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover expenses during your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for all international travel covering medical emergencies
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies recommended. Malaria prophylaxis for some areas. Dengue present - use repellent.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
Exercise increased caution in Honduras. The Bay Islands (Roatán, Utila) are much safer than the mainland. Avoid Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula at night. Use registered taxis, stay in tourist areas, and don't display valuables.
Money & Costs
Currency
L Honduran Lempira (HNL)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $35 · Mid: $80 · Luxury: $200+
Tipping
Tipping 10-15% is customary in restaurants. Tip dive guides and boat captains.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 120V
Driving
Right side
Emergency
911 (all emergencies), 199 (police)
Getting There
Main Airports
Roatán (RTB) · San Pedro Sula (SAP) · Tegucigalpa (TGU)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
February to May offers the driest weather and best diving visibility in Roatán. June to October is rainy but also the cheapest time to visit. The Bay Islands have their own microclimate with more unpredictable weather.
Cultural Notes
Honduras has rich Mayan heritage visible at Copán. The Garífuna people on the north coast have distinct African-Caribbean culture with unique music and food. Family is central to Honduran life. Soccer passion runs deep.
Insider Tips
The Bay Islands are the main draw - Roatán for diving and beaches, Utila for budget diving courses. Copán Ruinas is a safe base for exploring Mayan ruins. Use Hedman Alas luxury buses for long distances. US dollars are widely accepted.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Honduras: What You Need to Know
Honduras is part of the Central America-4 (CA-4) regional agreement and US citizens can enter visa-free for a combined 90-day period across Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua. Honduras offers the Bay Islands (Roatan, Utila, Guanaja) , world-class Caribbean diving at some of the most affordable prices anywhere (Utila is famous as the cheapest place in the world to get PADI certified), the ancient Maya city of Copan (considered the "Athens of the Maya world" for its extraordinary sculptured stelae), and the Caribbean coast city of La Ceiba (gateway to the Bay Islands). Honduras has faced security challenges, and safety conditions vary significantly by region.
How to Get There
Guatemala borders Honduras to the west , Copan ruins (Honduras) are 3 hours from Antigua (Guatemala), making a cross-border excursion popular. Belize has ferry connections from the Bay Islands (Roatan to Belize City ferry service). El Salvador and Nicaragua are CA-4 partners. From Utila, diving day trips to The Wall (Utila's legendary wall dive) and whale shark encounters (seasonal, May-September) are world-class.
Money & Banking
Honduras uses the Honduran lempira (HNL). The lempira trades at approximately 25 HNL per USD. Honduras is affordable , budget accommodation in Utila from $10-25 USD/night; Roatan ranges from $50-200 USD/night. PADI Open Water certification in Utila costs approximately $300-350 USD (complete 4-day course) , among the world's cheapest. ATMs in Roatan and main towns accept international cards; cash essential on Utila.
Practical Tips
Roatan is the most developed Bay Island with an international airport and resort hotels. Utila is the budget diver's island , tiny, laidback, completely focused on diving and whale shark encounters. Copan Ruinas is a charming small town next to the archaeological site , the Copan Acropolis's carved hieroglyphic stairway is the longest pre-Columbian text yet discovered. The north coast city of La Ceiba has a famous Carnival (third Saturday of May) and is the ferry/flight hub for the Bay Islands. The US State Department rates Honduras at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel) for most of the country , follow specific safety advice, particularly avoiding Honduras City and San Pedro Sula at night.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do US citizens need a visa for Honduras?
No. US passport holders can visit Honduras visa-free for up to 90 days under the CA-4 regional agreement. Note the 90 days covers Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, and Nicaragua combined.
Is Honduras safe for US tourists?
Safety varies dramatically by region. The Bay Islands (Roatan, Utila) are considered relatively safe tourist areas. Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula have elevated crime. The US State Department rates Honduras at Level 3 (Reconsider Travel). Research specific areas thoroughly and avoid travel at night in urban areas.
Is Utila really the cheapest place to learn to dive?
Yes, Utila is consistently among the world's cheapest places to get PADI certified. A full Open Water course (typically $300-350 USD) includes all materials, equipment rental, and 4-5 days of instruction. Utila's dive community is entirely built around budget diving, making it ideal for certification trips.