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. One vacant boat tied to the Marina wharf in front of my boat was boarded, and I did not see the culprit approaching. Our gift to you, on our favorite destinations. Hi: While many people will hitchhike on Roatan, you should avoid giving rides to or accepting rides from people that you do not know. The bandito shot the car up, terrifying the three children in the car as well as their parents, who had . I think that they are probably safer there than in an isolated anchorage on the mainland coast of Honduras, Nicaragua, or many other areas. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:+(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 Should we get only rent a house with a security guard? Carnival and Royal Caribbean Suspend Cruises to Ensenada Due to Threats and Violence by Mexican Drug Cartel, Cruise Passenger Pleads Guilty to Murdering His Girlfriend on Carnival Elation, Passenger Arrested for Breaking Girlfriend's Jaw and Arm on Norwegian Breakaway, ten most dangerous cruise port in the world, or join the discussion on our Facebook page, MSC Cruises Crew Member Caught Filming Women in Bathroom, Health Hazard! 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. Crime can be easily avoided by taking basic safety precautions. Details please! Depending on the type of repellent you choose, you may need to reapply it every few hours for it to work. Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. If you are nervous about crime, protect yourself by making smart decisions. For this reason, we encourage travelers to refrain from taking long trips on scooters. This violent crime followed a warning issued in December 2013 by the the U.S. Department of State warning. Please review the information on theState Departments Traveling with Disabilities website. When it comes to expats relocating to the Caribbean, Riyadh is an excellent choice. 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. overflow: unset; Having a hard time pinning down the easiest/most inexpensive option for Covid Testing before our mid_May trip. Now that weve established a frame of reference, heres the scoop on Roatan. The more touristy parts of the island (on the west end) are the most populated and there is safety in numbers. Why provide the opportunity? Aside from the primate sanctuary in Gumbalimba Park, Roatan has several other eco-friendly attractions. Avenida La Paz If you must travel by bus, always travel during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses. The government often lacks the money to pay their police or customs officials for months at a time. Vehicle insurance may mitigate loss; please check with theNational Insurance Crime Bureauor with private insurance carriers about coverage details. Is there a safe harbor for tourists at Roatan? Because of the growing number of expats, Roatan is becoming increasingly popular. 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. IMO you should visit your family doctor or better yet a travel medicine specialist and follow his advice. Most of the traffic coming in and out of Roatan arrives through monitored access points like the airport and ferry terminals and Roatan also uses a primary road that makes police stops quite easy. Severe Weather:Honduras is vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding, especially between June and November. Dressing down, staying cautious about where valuable items are kept, and keeping safe areas are all ways to prevent these types of crimes. No-hype updates & resource guides. 11th Floor, across the street from Central Park Medical insurance: Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas. width: 50%; Here are the world's top banking jurisdictions. 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. SeeourLGBTI travel informationpage and section 6 of theDepartment of State's Human Rights reportfor further details. J-M As a result of addressing these underlying issues, poverty in Roatan can be reduced and a better future can be provided for its residents. On the Island of Roatn taxi drivers quote prices that are per person instead of by mileage. Crimes against U.S. citizens are rarely solved or prosecuted. There is no definitive answer to this question as the crime rate in Roatan Honduras can vary greatly depending on the source of the data. And after stocking up with fresh produce from the local market, cook flavorful and inexpensive meals made up of fish, blue crab, shrimp, mangoes, coconut, and plantains and be sure to get a taste of authentic Honduran cuisine by trying local dishes like delicious conch soup. Have a comment? 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. Expats enjoy living in Roatan due to the many neighborhoods to which it offers. 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. 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? 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. But Isn't Honduras the Murder Capital of the World? 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. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings and local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Roatan is a long, skinny 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. This island seems perfect, but the crime reports do concern us. I starting to shop around for retirement destinations. 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. I did mind the sand fleas at first because I didn't expect them but it was really no problem. There are more police and security presence in the western part of the island. Hope to get back for Spring break in fact. Im hoping to make my move to the Caribbean in the next 6mos. The beach walk betweenWest BayandWest Endshould not be attempted alone, as muggings have occurred in this isolated stretch of beach. Part of the country of Honduras, Roatnwhich is 30 miles offshoreis world's away from the mainland. Privacy Policy. These neighborhoods have a high level of security and a combination of gated layouts and security patrols in place. While some areas in Honduras may be more dangerous than others, the majority of the country is relatively safe. What could be better? Id like a source for monthly rentals in Roatan and for 6 -12 month leases. .signup-row:after { There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. The culture of the island is rich, with friendly locals and a welcoming environment. Subscribe to the Magazine Today and Save 65%, IL Magazine: Discover the World's Best Retirement Haven for 2023 + 15 more, about subscribing to International Living Magazine, 5 affordable Caribbean islands to live on and 2 to avoid, 7 of the Best Cities in Spain for Your Retirement, Everything You Need to Know About Roatan Honduras. Potholes may be harder to spot after heavy rain, so it is always best to drive slowly and take your time. Michele, I have been to Roatan a few times, I love the place. In fact, on any given night, you can find a fair chunk of them at Sundowners Beach Bar on Half Moon Bay beach. The islands, like Roatan, are much safer due to limited access. Staff, facilities, and supplies in Honduras are not necessarily up to U.S. medical standards. Poverty and corruption are two of the most serious challenges that people face in Roatan. 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. January 8, 2015. Exercise caution using cell phones in public, including inside of cars while stopped in traffic. My husband and I are researching moving to Roatan and are seeking a quiet, island-feel, non-commercial, near the beach experience. The health and safety conditions in Roatan are not unique to the island. Avoid displays of money and valuables such as expensive jewelry, watches, cell phones, iPods, cameras, etc. No increase in police or military as has happened in past crime waves. } Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. The Bay Islands are in a malaria and dengue zone according to Health Canada and the CDC. He was invited to do so by English Parliamentarians who were, The best way to prevent crime is to be proactive. Additionally, there are several areas along this walk where there is no sand, and you must walk over very slippery rocks. We are considering visiting Roatan and have read about the crime rate being high, home invasions, break ins etc. 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. Roatan is such a lovely place. Check with your airline for vaccine requirements and be up-to-date on allvaccinations recommendedby the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It is, in fact, much safer than mainland Honduras and feels infinitely safer than the U.S., if for no other reason than the total absence of a gun culture. We love Roatan. Roatan is a popular port which is heavily marketed as a paradise getaway by Miami-based cruise lines like Carnival, NCL and Royal Caribbean. Roatan is a safe island. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Finally, crime rates are relatively high, so it is important to be vigilant about your safety. As a general rule, visitors to Roatan should abide by the same safety rules they abide by at home. See our webpage for moreinformation on insurance providers for overseas coverage. Im terribly confused. Plan your outings in advance and enjoy Roatan. font-size: medium; 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. Roatan is the largest of the Honduras Bay Islands. .jason-signup { I have generated the stats with the help of others. more, Get answers to your questions about Roatan, Health Concerns - Vaccinations, Shots, Stabs and Jabs. A traveler who is found to have any amount of marijuana in their possession (including vape cartridges, edibles, organic cannabis, etc.) - These gatekeepers do an excellent job of watching over your property and community. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. For this reason, you should apply sunscreen before exposing yourself to an extended period outdoors. Limited offer. I can understand that the authorities there would be reluctant to investigate a crime that occurred in another municipality. 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. Links to external websites are provided as a convenience and should not be construed as an endorsement by the U.S. Department of State of the views or products contained therein. Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. display: table; Make sure you stop by next time youre in town. 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! The more typical crime against tourists on Roatan will be property crime - theft of money and portable goods. If notarizing a permission letter in Honduras, the letter should be notarized by the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy or by a Honduran notary public. 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. Obviously, there is no GPS here, so once you head off the main road, you are on your own. Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. Roatan Honduras: The Expat Guide to Island Life. In most cases, serious crime comes to those who have neglected their safety or have acted irresponsibly. It is regarded as one of the most secure islands in the Caribbean. Both are illegal on the island and, if you participate, you could be opening yourself up to dangerous situations. Special Requirements for Minors: Under Honduran law, children under age 21 who are traveling unaccompanied or with only one parent must have written, notarized permission to travel from the non-traveling parent(s). We are a team of dedicated journalists and writers who strive to bring you the best news and stories from around the world. The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors or residents of Honduras. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. Just do a search, you'll find plenty of opinions & information. What Im having trouble with is obtaining a general population number of expats, that question has alluded me. It has the tropical lifestyle, stunning beauty, and smokin appreciation potential.