The original research on Roatan was done by Ilias Scott, a Managing parter at Clarion/Pineapple Villas on Roatan. Despite these limitations, Roatan is a fantastic place to retire. Honduras Honduras, long one of the poorest countries in Latin America, is now also among the most violent and crime-ridden. Just my two cents. Your use of this service is subject to our In fact, on any given night, you can find a fair chunk of them at Sundowners Beach Bar on Half Moon Bay beach. Clarion Suites Roatan at Pineapple Villas, Fantasy Island Beach Resort Dive And Marina All Inclusive. Effective June 2, 2021: All travelers, regardless of age, must provide either proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 or negative test results for a PCR, Antigen or ELISA COVID-19 test taken less than 72 hours before entry into Honduras. There are many things that can be done to prevent crime, but it is up to each individual to decide. Your safety is your responsibility, so be vigilant. This violent crime followed a warning issued in December 2013 by the the U.S. Department of State warning. As a school teacher, location near schools might be a key component as well. But what is it about Roatan, Honduras, that is making expatschoose this island over the many other fantastic Central American retirement destinations out there? A sixty-nine year old U.S. citizen, originally from California, was identified yesterday as the victim of an abduction and murder in Roatan, Honduras, according to a Honduran newspaper El Heraldo. By comparison, the United States has a global safety ranking of 128. Safety in numbers. border: 0.2rem solid #ffb500; display: table; Report inappropriate content. Roatan, Bay Islands. 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. By in large, foreigners are viewed as belonging to the wealthy class when they visit Honduras. I starting to shop around for retirement destinations. That said there is no question that your tetanus vaccine should be up to date. Leave extra cash and credit/debit cards at home or locked securely in your hotel room. The country has a population of about 8.5 million people and a land area of 112,492 square kilometers. Crime in Roatan - Roatan Forum - Tripadvisor Honduras population has access to clean water, with 84 percent having access. I did mind the sand fleas at first because I didn't expect them but it was really no problem. The infrastructure of the island is in need of renovation and improvement, but foreign investment is usually sufficient to make it happen. All About Roatan. 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. Hello all. Faith-Based Travelers:See our following webpages for details: LGBTI Travelers:There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Honduras. 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. Roatan is the more developed, more expensive, and family friendly big brother of Utila. How to Move to Roatan Safety Concerns - Amanda Walkins Falling off your motor scooter and collisions with other vehicles are a real possibility for the uninitiated. Honduran lempiras and US dollars can be used in Roatan. Roatan RE/MAX Newsletter - security/safety/crime And with 4 modern supermarkets, bilingual schools (teaching English and Spanish) and other first world amenities available on the island, adjusting to Roatan life can be made a little easier for North American expats. more, Get answers to your questions about Roatan, Health Concerns - Vaccinations, Shots, Stabs and Jabs. Thanks. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Furthermore, there is a high rate of crime, with robbery, assault, and murder being the most common. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. It varies from business to business, with some doing everything but changing the exchange rate on a daily basis and others rounding up or down to make it a cleaner number (for example, if the exchange rate is 22.3, then they will just change it to 22). Do not physically resist any robbery attempt. A Comprehensive Look At The Legal Implications, Exploring The Illegal Firearm Market In Illinois: Understanding The Risks Challenges And Solutions, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Riding With An Unlicensed Driver: What You Need To Know, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Illegal Speech In The United States, Exploring The Legal Implications Of Using YouTube Converters In Canada, Illegally Accessing Someone Elses Text Messages In Australia: The Legal Implications And Penalties, Exploring The Legal And Political Implications Of Allowing Illegal Immigrants To Vote In The US. 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. Road Conditions and Safety:Because of crime, poor road conditions, and heavy commercial truck traffic, driving in Honduras can be dangerous. Roatan, a Caribbean island off the coast of Honduras, is a popular tourist destination in addition to its beach resorts. The largest town in Roatan, Honduras, is Coxen Hole, where the airport, government offices, and cruise ship docks can be found. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. Like in many areas of Central America, the pace of life in Roatan is slow and relaxed, the complete opposite of life in America. There is no road access, and it is frequently used for drug smuggling operations because it is so difficult to patrol. Even though you can get an advance on your credit card, its better to bring more cash than you think youll need. The first is that the island is quite remote, so it can be difficult to get supplies or help if something goes wrong. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. 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. Roatan offers several residential living options as well, some safer than others. margin: 1.5rem 0; Carry personal identification documents, including your drivers license, copies of passports, and vehicle registration cards while driving. Both are illegal on the island and, if you participate, you could be opening yourself up to dangerous situations. Is Roatan Honduras safe? As a result of addressing these underlying issues, poverty in Roatan can be reduced and a better future can be provided for its residents. A home in Roatan, Honduras, can be the perfect solution for expats in this predicament. travel info. Is Roatn Safe - Is it Safe for Tourists to Travel on the Island of Roatn? A reality check shows that Roatan is only an island, and that the majority of the food consumed here is imported. Sincerely. We have written about cruise passengers and at least one crew member who have been victimized in violent armed robberies over the years in this idyllic yet dangerous destination, earning it a spot (#2) on my list of theten most dangerous cruise port in the world several years ago. Avenida La Paz Is Roatan Safe for Solo Female Travelers? - Madison's Footsteps Security Concerns on a Honduran Island - The New York Times As part of Palmetto bay youll have access Clear ocean views from this hillside lot in phase 1 of Coral Views Village. The culture of Roatan is friendly and welcoming, the cost of living is low, the weather is beautiful, and there is a lot of food to eat. Since 2010, Honduras has had the highest murder rate in the world. 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. Roatan is only a few miles from the United States, there are numerous charitable groups that would benefit from expat assistance, and the expat community is fantastic. Sign up for our free newsletter now. Actually the current balance is quite ideal. When many people think of Honduras, the first thing that comes to mind is crime and you may find yourself asking, Is Honduras safe?. 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. This is good for both tourists and residents. If you do what you say above, all should be A-Ok. We went 2x last yr with our young teen and pre teen and would no problem returning a third time. 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. Terms of Use and Also, the cruise ship passengers do tend to help the local economy by spending money. In addition to safety from crimes, there are other safety issues one may wish to consider. Foreign nationals can purchase up to 3,000 square meters (0.74 acres) of land in Honduras and Roatan. Having a hard time pinning down the easiest/most inexpensive option for Covid Testing before our mid_May trip. I read the Honduras gov. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. Basic infrastructure, such as electricity, water, and healthcare, is lacking. Read theTravel Advisory for Hondurasfor additional information. The descriptive answer is complicated. He was invited to do so by English Parliamentarians who were, The best way to prevent crime is to be proactive. Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. Foreign workers are required to keep the tourism industry operating. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law will face criminal prosecution for possession or trafficking. A visit to the island country will provide you with stunning beaches, tropical forests, and world-class diving and snorkeling. Afghanistan, Central African Republic, Iraq, Libya, Mali, Somalia, South Sudan, Syria, and Yemen are among the most dangerous countries to visit in 2022, according to the United Nations. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. 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. I can understand that the authorities there would be reluctant to investigate a crime that occurred in another municipality. The prevalence of dengue fever can be found in both urban and rural areas. padding: 1.25rem 1.25rem 1rem; Our gift to you, on our favorite destinations. 1. Just off the northern coast of Honduras, Roatan is a thin stretch of land that measures only 40 miles long and a mere 3 miles wide. Sand flies can also be an annoyance here, and are burrowed in the beach sand. Is Roatan Safe? Roatan Tourism Bureau By Jim Walker on June 3, 2014. Again, the officials have kids to feed, so they often accept a token payment rather than writing a traffic ticket, etc. 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. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2017 was 40.98, a 26.23% decline from 2016. Cybercrime is part of most third world countries. 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. Creole English, a language that is spoken in three different languages, is the primary tongue of Roatan. We can: Domestic Violence:U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence may contactthe U.S. Embassy for assistance. He received his information from his research and the Mayors of the two Municipalities on Roatan. Honduras is far more deadly than even the most violent U.S. cities. International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (. We strongly recommendsupplemental insuranceto cover medical evacuation. He handles a wide variety of cases from serious injuries to thehighest profile sexual assault and cruise crime cases. Plan your outings in advance and enjoy Roatan. For additional IPCA-related information, please see theInternational Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act (ICAPRA)report. The income disparities between the majority of Hondurans and those visiting Roatan is noticeable. Safety on Roatan. What could be better? Unlike the mainland of Honduras, Roatan has a very little crime and we never felt unsafe walking through town, even at night. Murder in Roatan: A Peaceful, Tranquil Paradise? There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. This means that the actual crime rate on the island is still relatively low when compared to larger cities in Honduras or other countries in Central America. Here you can sunbathe, snorkel, dive, and stroll the mangrove forests in a much more solitary environment. Then, click on the red marker to open the add anchorage window. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. ROATAN CRIME WATCH - Facebook As is expected in any tropical environment, there are hot and rainy seasons in Roatan. In the Bay Islands there are +/- 115,000 people, (Roatan, Guanaja, Utila). Prescription medication: If traveling with prescription medication, check with theEmbassy of Honduras in Washington, DCto ensure the medication is legal in Honduras. Obviously, there is no GPS here, so once you head off the main road, you are on your own. J-M Gracias a Dios is an isolated area with high levels of criminal activity and drug trafficking. I assume getting the services of an emigration lawyer would be advisable. Just about every place in Roatn takes dollars and lempiras, but not every shop will take a credit card. This unique lot boarder a green space that cannot be built upon. Ever. Honduras was ranked 121st out of 187 countries in the UN Development Program 2011 Human Development Index. Guadeloupe, Martinique, Saint Martin, and Saint Barthlemy (French West Indies), North Korea (Democratic People's Republic of Korea). Free shipping for many products! Vaccinations:Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if traveling to or coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. by Amanda Walkins. When visiting the island you should be aware of these local warnings or dangers that may affect your trip.. Don't miss this up and commer. Make sure to request a licensed cab from your hotel; call the number listed on your hotels website and request a licensed cab. One of the most frequently asked questions about Roatan by potential visitors is "How safe will I be?" Certainly reports about the high violent crime rate in Honduras trigger reasonable concerns for folks who have not experienced Roatan. Honduras - Organized Crime News - InSight Crime That prompts an internal chuckle that I find tough to stifle. That said, this has not occurred recently. After the housing crisis that reached an all-time low in 2008, the housing market in the U.S. is beginning to improve and the market today is prime for buyers due to extremely low prices. Similarly, the government lacks resources like boats to patrol these more isolated areas. walk to the beach. Is rajasthan a good place to retire? Be careful driving, especially near schools and day care centers during the day as kids walk to and from school along the main roads. The Caribbean island of Roatan, Honduras, is a popular tourist destination. Find a TourFind a JobItinerariesContact UsImportsBack to Top, In Partnership withRoatan Online Community. Add data for Roatan, Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. clear: both; Crimes against property are the most common with petty theft being the leader. Access to the islands is limited which helps alleviate the crime problems that plague the mainland. This region is known for its stunning beaches, lush jungle landscapes, and clear blue water. Please use My e-mail if you would like to respond. These neighborhoods have a high level of security and a combination of gated layouts and security patrols in place. Additionally, there are several areas along this walk where there is no sand, and you must walk over very slippery rocks. ( Roatan or not ). The annual humidity for Roatan is estimated to be 77%. Further, there is no evidence of significant gang activity or violence on the island. See the State Department's travel website for the Worldwide Caution and Travel Advisories. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. The streets are very busy and unfortunately, some of the slums are unsafe (especially at night). It is well-known for its incredible offshore reefs and is ideal for both new and advanced divers alike. Local police and emergency services lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime. What follows is a list of safety tips which you can adhere to when visiting our island. Friday, 7:30a.m. The homicide rate in Honduras was 42 per 100,000 people in 2019, making it one of the most violent countries in the world. Honduras is home to a small island with a total population of more than 115,000 people known as Roatan. Whether its the latest news on politics, business, entertainment, sports or health, weve got you covered. The capital of Honduras is Tegucigalpa. 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 countrys borders were reopened on March 15th, 2020, a week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for five months. Travelers should still exercise reasonable precautions. Roatan and the Bay Islands have significantly fewer incidents of crime and are overall much safer than mainland Honduras. Expat retirees, yachties, families with kids, and cruise ship tourists make up a large majority of the demographic found on Roatan at any given time. Crime in Roatan 11 years ago Save We are considering visiting Roatan and have read about the crime rate being high, home invasions, break ins etc. The Ace Hardware store in French Harbour has an armed guard outside and another inside. There are many communities around Roatan which are void of crime. His corpse was found yesterday wearing only shorts with a bag over his head. Unreported, downplayed and hushed up. 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. We have no plans to be walking on a secluded beach at night nor down any dark alleys. 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. On the other hand, we have had vessels approached and boarded while surrounded by 20 other boats in the anchorage in French Cay Harbour. Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world. to 3:00 p.m. U.S. Consular Agent - San Pedro Sula Others have gotten into trouble simply by showing off. The tropical weather in and around Roatan is inclusive of sea breezes which keep the annual temperatures within a range of 70F to 80F. Roatan is a long, skinny island. 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. One vacant boat tied to the Marina wharf in front of my boat was boarded, and I did not see the culprit approaching. Despite its size, it is home to a plethora of natural beauty and . According to an email obtained by the The Nassau Guardian, an executive with Carnival Cruise Line reportedly warned a Bahamas tourism official that Carnival is so worried about crime in Nassau,. }. 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. Exercise caution using cell phones in public, including inside of cars while stopped in traffic. When leaving your home or hotel, dont take original copies of important documents (like passports) with you.