EDITOR’S NOTE: The following bulletin was issued by the US State Department earlier today. We will provide updates and information from dive resorts in Honduras as information becomes available.
Political Unrest in Honduras
June 28, 2009
To: All American Citizens
From: American Citizens Services Unit, Consular Section
Due to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice.
The Embassy advises American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras to remain in their homes or hotels for June 28, 2009, unless their travel is of a life or death nature, or a regularly-scheduled departure from Honduras, and to restrict travel to necessary trips only on June 29, 2009. There have been media reports of a possible curfew, but no such curfew has been announced. If such a curfew is announced by officials, the Embassy strongly recommends American citizens abide by it.
The U.S. Embassy has advised its staff to remain in their residences for June 28, 2009, and to restrict travel to necessary trips only on June 29, 2009.
As of 1700 local (1900 EST), there are reports of a demonstration at the Presidential palace, and streets in the vicinity of many government offices are blocked by police or military. In general, the streets of Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula are quiet. Reports from the rest of the country indicate that calm is prevailing.
Honduras’ borders remain open, and the airports remain open for regularly scheduled flights. Continental Airlines, American Airlines and Delta Airlines continue to operate flights as usual, though this is subject to change; TACA has cancelled its flights for June 28. Those traveling with Continental Airlines may wish to call (504) 220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), (504) 557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 1-800-231-0856 (United States). Those traveling with American Airlines may wish to call (504) 216-4800 (Honduras) or 1-800-433-7300 (United States). Those traveling with Delta Airlines may wish to call 1-800-791-9000 (United States and Central America) or (504) 550-1616 (San Pedro Sula).
The Embassy again strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid large gatherings and do not try to pass roadblocks if they encounter them. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible, and via the internet.
The U.S. Embassy will be open for emergency services only on Monday, June 29. Visa services will not be available that day.
The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone (504) 238 5114, after hours telephone (504) 236 8497; Consular Section fax (504) 238 4357; E-mail: usahonduras@state.gov Webpage: http://honduras.usembassy.gov
For the latest security information, Americans traveling abroad should regularly monitor the Department’s Internet website, where the current Travel Warnings and Public Announcements, including the Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, can be found.
Up-to-date information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the U.S., or for callers outside the U.S. and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
Americans living or traveling in Honduras are encouraged to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department’s travel registration website, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. Americans without Internet access may register directly with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.
