The Jaguar King Who Founded Honduras' Little French Key Zoo - InSight Crime And while Roatans safety rating is lumped in with mainland Honduras, Roatan is separate in geography, culture, and safety. When it comes to expats relocating to the Caribbean, Riyadh is an excellent choice. To avoid them, bring or purchase insect repellent that contains DEET. The largest town in Roatan, Honduras, is Coxen Hole, where the airport, government offices, and cruise ship docks can be found. The short answer is yes. The family of four (with two children) were robbed at gunpoint and terrorized. Rents vary depending on length of stay. I meant to say, "we would have no problem returning a third time", lol. This country is a particularly dangerous place to visit for the majority of travelers. As such, thisCosta Rican hotspotcontinues to be one . Visit our website forTravel to High-Risk Areas. } Like every other community in all other countries, there are areas that are best avoided, especially at night. There are two medical facilities in Coxen Hole, the Woods Clinic and the Roatan public hospital. I can understand that the authorities there would be reluctant to investigate a crime that occurred in another municipality. There have undoubtedly been some burglaries. } Just maintain a low profile and avoid drinking to excess. Additionally, the infrastructure is not always the best, so power outages and water shortages are not uncommon. 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. The islands lack of access is one of the reasons crime on the mainland is so prevalent. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. Editors Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about warnings or dangers on Isla de Roatn. What Im having trouble with is obtaining a general population number of expats, that question has alluded me. 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. 475 reviews. Some products are sent to us free of charge with no incentive to offer a favorable review. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. Tied to their African heritage, the Garifuna continue to play African drums and to speak in their native tongue. Coxen Hole, Los Fuertes, French Harbour, are some of the main places where tourist and residents alike should keep a watchful eye. Honduras is a dangerous country to visit. Please leave this field empty. Here are the world's top banking jurisdictions. Dont walk in large cities at night, dont display expensive items like jewelry, and always avoid the slums. The reports are scattered and hard to verify. However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited. Many of the comforts and securities which many enjoy elsewhere are simply not available in Honduras. 20 Is there a lot of crime in Roatan? Copyright 2009-2023 Numbeo. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, few buildings are accessible. Latest News Profile Criminal Actors Investigations News What are the health and safety concerns in Roatan? Crimes against U.S. citizens are rarely solved or prosecuted. Transportation on Roatan can be a challenge as public transportation is a bit sketchy. As a result, Roatan is among the cheapest places to live in the Caribbean and North America. Take the time to look around you and enjoy the scenery instead. Your use of this service is subject to our, Worries being subject to a physical attack because of your skin color, ethnic origin, gender or religion, Problem property crimes such as vandalism and theft, Problem violent crimes such as assault and armed robbery. By Jim Walker on June 3, 2014. Once youve acquired that, you can own up to acres of land in your own name, the property taxes are very low and any foreign earned income will not be taxed at all. The bandito shot the car up, terrifying the three children in the car as well as their parents, who had . The island is now being recognized as a retirement destination worth visiting, with several lists of top retirement destinations published, including International Livings Annual Global Retirement Index. clear: both; Be aware of your surroundings. All Rights Reserved. Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. Add data for Roatan, Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. Limited offer. I am currently on the Honduran mainland and will be coming over to the island in a week or two.. Roatan, a Caribbean island off the coast of Honduras, is a popular tourist destination in addition to its beach resorts. For this reason, you should apply sunscreen before exposing yourself to an extended period outdoors. Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. Scooter accidents are among the most common transportation accidents we see on Roatan. You will love Roatan and it's people, just use your head regarding safety and health. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. The island offers one large public hospital, one fairly new private hospital and a number of small clinics. What area of Roatan would you suggest? Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. Instant Download. 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park overflow: unset; In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. Unreported, downplayed and hushed up. For instance, residents have an option of living in gated communities or stand-alone residences with a hired caretaker of "watchman." Murder in Roatan: A Peaceful, Tranquil Paradise? MUST READ! Is Honduras Safe to Visit in 2022? - The Broke Backpacker These sort of crimes can be avoided by dressing down, being careful about where expensive belongings are left, and keeping to safe areas. Visit theEmbassy of Honduraswebsite or any of theHonduran consulatewebsites for the most current visa information. The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. .signup-column { Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. 8 Places You Need to Explore in Roatan, Honduras Similarly, the government lacks resources like boats to patrol these more isolated areas. } While Roatan is generally a safe place to visit, there can be some issues related to theft. Crime in Roatan - Roatan Forum - Tripadvisor to 3:00 p.m. U.S. Consular Agent - San Pedro Sula Over 200 information packed pages with hundreds of beautiful photos. With so much to offer, what is keeping expats from immediately jumping on the next plane to Roatan, Honduras? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Cruise ship accidents, injuries, crimes, disappearances, fires, and collisionson the high seas involve issues of maritime law. One vacant boat tied to the Marina wharf in front of my boat was boarded, and I did not see the culprit approaching. Foreign workers are required to keep the tourism industry operating. Roatan is a popular port which is heavily marketed as a paradise getaway by Miami-based cruise lines like Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean. 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. Sure, we have a ton of resources for Costa Rica on our site, and a whole bunch , It's easy to find tons of articles and information out there highlighting all the great benefits of living in Costa Rica. For up-to-date information, visit Honduras National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) website for current alerts, as well as theNational Hurricane Centers website. margin: 1.5rem 0; Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. I have a 2 bedroom fully furnished condo in W. Bay. State Departments Investment Climate Statement, U.S. Embassys information page on purchasing property in Honduras, Department of State's Human Rights report, State Departments Traveling with Disabilities website, information on insurance providers for overseas coverage, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. Be careful driving, especially near schools and day care centers during the day as kids walk to and from school along the main roads. In 2013, Honduras reformed the penal code to recognize femicide as a crime. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country. No Spam. 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. San Pedro Sula Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Find out why. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa: +(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 Basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and healthcare, is lacking. It is regarded as one of the most secure islands in the Caribbean. 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. Police investigate two hypotheses in the crime of the manager - Archyde content: ""; Sincerely. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Add data for Roatan Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras Crime 0 120 51.16 Crime rates in Roatan, Honduras Safety in Roatan, Honduras Contributors: 7 Last update: October 2022 Traffic signs are often inadequate or non-existent. For years, street gangs have charged protection money from bus and taxi drivers and store owners in Honduras, as in neighboring El Salvador. float: none; 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. Again, the officials have kids to feed, so they often accept a token payment rather than writing a traffic ticket, etc. The beach walk betweenWest BayandWest Endshould not be attempted alone, as muggings have occurred in this isolated stretch of beach. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. Honduras population has access to clean water, with 84 percent having access. Also, the cruise ship passengers do tend to help the local economy by spending money. I think that they are probably safer there than in an isolated anchorage on the mainland coast of Honduras, Nicaragua, or many other areas. Roatan is an especially easy destination for Americans since almost everyone on the island speaks English as their first language, they accept American currency and even use the same outlet type as the USA. /* Clear floats after the columns */ 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. Your Email No Spam. I for one would be more comfortable in a hotel than a villa. This large hill side lot offers ocean views and is located in a tranquil community of Guaiabara Beach.This up and coming seaside community is located in Big Big Its rare to find a large lot in a gated community, and this one in the Palmetto Bay development is over 1 1/3 acres. The first is that the island is quite remote, so it can be difficult to get supplies or help if something goes wrong. Make two copies of all of your travel documents in case of emergency, and leave one with a trusted friend or relative. If you are snorkeling, dont forget that you may feel cool in the water but your back is exposed to the bright sun. In Roatan, expats can not only expect to be welcomed by their fellow expats, but by the friendly locals as well. Always negotiate the price before you get into the taxi to avoid price gouging. Business Hours:Monday - Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 4:00p.m. My husband and I are researching moving to Roatan and are seeking a quiet, island-feel, non-commercial, near the beach experience. Others have gotten into trouble simply by showing off. I presume that those asking want to make a comparison to their perceived safety in the States. A general lack of prudence or showing off large sums of cash can turn visitors into prime targets for a crime of opportunity. 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. 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. The vast majority of cruise line passengers experience no problems, but incidents of armed robbery (like this one) and carjacking have been reported., November 23, 2018 Update: A resident of Roatan who does not feel comfortable revealing her name left this comment: I live on Roatan. October 16, 2021 by archyde. Roatan is a long, skinny island. I would say that cruisers in this area, like any other, need to be very vigilant. 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. Fax:+(504) 2238-4357 Make sure you stop by next time youre in town. In particular, Gracias a Dios is a remote location where narcotics trafficking is commonplace, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police or military presence is scarce. font-size: medium; Honduras is far more deadly than even the most violent U.S. cities. 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. Only 60 percent of the people in the district of Choluteca are malnourished, making it one of the poorest areas in Honduras. U.S. DEPARTMENT of STATE BUREAU of CONSULAR AFFAIRS, +(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100, Honduras International Travel Information, prevention of international child abduction. For this reason, we encourage travelers to refrain from taking long trips on scooters. Aside from the primate sanctuary in Gumbalimba Park, Roatan has several other eco-friendly attractions. This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. Download Historical Data Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. How to Move to Roatan Safety Concerns - Amanda Walkins .jason-signup { These areas should be avoided entirely by tourists, and instead they should spend their time in the safer southern and eastern parts of the country. Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging with your doctors prescription. Evidence of onward travel. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. For this reason, a good idea to use ATMs that are located in banks instead of using an ATM which might be outside and accessible to street pedestrians. Banco Atlntida Building 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. Everything that anyone could possibly think or say about crime, malaria & dengue has been discussed on this forum hundreds of times. Roatan RE/MAX Newsletter - security/safety/crime Travelers should still exercise reasonable precautions. Certain areas of the island should be avoided because they are not considered to be so dangerous. 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? The official language of Honduras is Spanish. 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. Over the last ten days there has been three kidnappings/abductions (including Phil Brown) resulting in probable homicides. But until you no longer look like a tourist, it is best to leave all of your electronics at home. Period. As we wrote before, like many other Caribbean islands, the police in Roatan are either indifferent or corrupt. Road Conditions and Safety:Because of crime, poor road conditions, and heavy commercial truck traffic, driving in Honduras can be dangerous. January 8, 2015. Since 2010, Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world. And to connect with individuals who dabble in either of these two activities, one must go out and look for them. But his legal trouble in the United States was not over. Exercise extreme caution before investing in real estate. So, lets first dispense with the boring statistics. As is expected in any tropical environment, there are hot and rainy seasons in Roatan. Keep a copy in your purse or wallet and only take as much cash as you will need. For stays of up to 90 days, you do not need a visa for tourism. Poverty and corruption are two of the most serious challenges that people face in Roatan. That said, this has not occurred recently. 2023 Smarter Travel Media LLC. email [emailprotected]. width: 100%; Hotels and resorts may be able to recommend trusted taxi or shuttle services. What is the safest place to live in Honduras? - 2023 Our thanks to Ken Carrothers, Dockmaster at Fantasy Island Marina, for his comments about crime and safety in Honduras in response to the recent attack on a cruising yacht in Port Royal, Eastern Roatan. This warning recommends that tourists avoid all public gatherings because these can quickly turn violent. Then, click on the red marker to open the add anchorage window. Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. Steer clear of both as to not invite any trouble. Notify your car insurance company as soon as possible, preferably right after the accident. But what is it about Roatan, Honduras, that is making expatschoose this island over the many other fantastic Central American retirement destinations out there? Bur very affordable. Falling off your motor scooter and collisions with other vehicles are a real possibility for the uninitiated. Avoid displays of money and valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. 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. This includes leaving handbags hanging on the back of chair backs or under a table. There are no problems on Roatan, and there are no tourists here. There are cultural differences which will enrich your overall experience but can also lead to frustrations and misunderstandings. These are examples of how to commit a crime or steal from you. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada.