Here you can sunbathe, snorkel, dive, and stroll the mangrove forests in a much more solitary environment. The west end of Roatan is definitely more popular with tourists, and in the bohemian West End Village, expats can find restaurants, bars, shops, dive centers, and a lot of excitement. Annual temperatures average out at 86F. Hard drugs and prostitution are in general the two activities which lead to the most exposure to trouble. Despite its small size, the lack of basic infrastructure on the island is not a problem; however, the lack of infrastructure will be a concern if the island grows rapidly. width:auto; Having now lived outside the U.S. for nearly eight years, I am frequently asked by my friends back in the States if living outside the U.S. is safe. When you live in Riyadh, you have the opportunity to be active during your retirement. The countrys borders were reopened on March 15th, 2020, a week after being closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic for five months. The official language of Honduras is Spanish. I would like to.learn more about a possible stay in Roatan. Safety on Roatan. Just maintain a low profile and avoid drinking to excess. It is not easy to find these individuals without a deliberate effort. Small cameras, jewelry, and expensive cell phones are things most often reported as stolen. Tourism:The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. You are about to leave travel.state.gov for an external website that is not maintained by the U.S. Department of State. 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. This island seems perfect, but the crime reports do concern us. ATMs are Roatan, for the most part, reliable. Since 1995, 115 U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras; of these, just 32 cases have been resolved. Thank you in advance for your advice. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. Travelers Who Require Accessibility Assistance:Honduran law requires access to buildings for persons with disabilities; however, few buildings are accessible. Obviously, there is no GPS here, so once you head off the main road, you are on your own. If you are a beach lover, West Bay Beach cant be beat. 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. One vacant boat tied to the Marina wharf in front of my boat was boarded, and I did not see the culprit approaching. Enjoy the simple things in life as you spend your days lounging on the beach, scuba diving, hiking through the lush forests, or stretching out in a hammock with a good book. Michele, I have been to Roatan a few times, I love the place. But what is it about Roatan, Honduras, that is making expatschoose this island over the many other fantastic Central American retirement destinations out there? Download Historical Data For up-to-date information, visit Honduras National Emergency Management Commission (COPECO) website for current alerts, as well as theNational Hurricane Centers website. The real estate market in Roatan is actually related to the U.S. economy, which consequently, is where the largest number of Roatan expats hail from. Seafood ceviche is a common menu item and I happen to love it. We need more contributors for Roatan to increase our data quality. Is this really a concern? Country Summary: Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, is common. Review the. Enjoying a few umbrella drinks at a local beach bar and forget to pick up your wallet or purse while you take a bathroom break andwell, you get the picture. Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. If you are nervous about crime, protect yourself by making smart decisions. Honduran roads are poorly lit and poorly marked. Life in Roatan, Honduras, can be calm and relaxed, but it can also be lively and invigorating depending on how you choose to spend your days. Hotels and resorts may be able to recommend trusted taxi or shuttle services. Be careful driving, especially near schools and day care centers during the day as kids walk to and from school along the main roads. I would not say that cruisers should avoid the eastern part of the Island of Roatan. We offer our unbiased opinions and do not accept compensation to review products. Last Update: Reissued after periodic review with updates to the kidnapping indicator. If you must travel by bus, always travel during daylight hours and on first-class conveyances, not economy buses. 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. That said, this has not occurred recently. Today we have a guest post written by Kent Davis, owner of one of the most successful real estate brokerages in Panama City Aviation Safety Oversight: As there is no direct commercial air service to the United States by carriers registered in Honduras, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed the government of Hondurass Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards. Crime can be easily avoided . Latest News Profile Criminal Actors Investigations News In Roatan, expats can not only expect to be welcomed by their fellow expats, but by the friendly locals as well. When you close your eyes and picture your dream retirement, what do you see? A home in Roatan, Honduras, can be the perfect solution for expats in this predicament. If there is no second parent with legal custody of the child (e.g., the second parent is deceased, one parent has sole custody, etc. width:max-content; Mosquitoes like humidity, which makes Isla de Roatn the perfect breeding ground for a mosquito swarm. The only book in the world that ranks investment and lifestyle in one place. 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). 475 reviews. Expats enjoy living in Roatan due to the many neighborhoods to which it offers. Im terribly confused. He was invited to do so by English Parliamentarians who were, The best way to prevent crime is to be proactive. Visit theEmbassy of Honduraswebsite or any of theHonduran consulatewebsites for the most current visa information. For instance, residents have an option of living in gated communities or stand-alone residences with a hired caretaker of "watchman." So let's try to break it down a bit with Roatan safety questions and answers. This includes leaving handbags hanging on the back of chair backs or under a table. These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years. While many people will hitchhike on Roatan, you should avoid giving rides to or accepting rides from people that you do not know. Have a comment? The violence is carried out by local drug trafficking groups, gangs, corrupt security forces and transnational criminal organizations mainly from Mexico and Colombia. Add data for Roatan, Consider looking into aggregate data we have for Crime in Honduras. And while Spanish is the national language in Honduras, many locals also speak good English and some are even predominantly English speaking, which makes communicating in Roatan easy for North American expats. While no place on the planet is completely safe I never felt in danger there and I would bet that Roatan will fall well within the personal safety range of nearly everyone. This violent crime followed a warning issued in December 2013 by the the U.S. Department of State warning. Roatan is now open for visitors after Honduras officially reopened its airports for international flights on August 17th, 2020. Most areas around Roatan are safe. This report indicated that there were a total of 9 murders and 29 robberies on the island in 2016. The health and safety conditions in Roatan are not unique to the island. Your Name Aside from the primate sanctuary in Gumbalimba Park, Roatan has several other eco-friendly attractions. The show has been highly anticipated and has, In some cases, homeowners insurance policies may be able to cover biohazard and crime cleanup specialists, such as Aftermath, for murders, attempted murders, or unattended deaths. This report indicated that there were a total of 9 murders and 29 robberies on the island in 2016. In most cases, serious crime comes to those who have neglected their safety or have acted irresponsibly. Some of these include the areas of Palmetto Bay, Pristine Bay, Turtle Crossing, & Lawson Rock. It is a fact that poverty, drug dependence, and many other factors contribute to crimes of this type. with this limited time offer. 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. float: left; SeeourLGBTI travel informationpage and section 6 of theDepartment of State's Human Rights reportfor further details. As we wrote before, like many other Caribbean islands, the police in Roatan are either indifferent or corrupt. Medical Marijuana: Marijuana, even for medicinal use and with a prescription, is illegal in Honduras. Great article. Because of the growing number of expats, Roatan is becoming increasingly popular. You will experience life underwater as you observe seawalls, shipwrecks, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales all in the gorgeous warm waters of the Caribbean. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, and narcotics and human trafficking, is widespread. Creole English, a language that is spoken in three different languages, is the primary tongue of Roatan. Avoid walking alone at night, or even on the beach with your loved one when darkness descends. One of the more common questions: Is it safe to live in Roatan? Let us do the legwork! Evidence of onward travel. The tourist presence in Roatan is enormous and has promoted a greater police presence as a result. Also contact the U.S. Embassy at 011-504-2236-9320 or 011-504-2238-5114 (and after-hours at 011-504-2238-5114, extension 4100). Some areas have increased risk. Port Royal is an area that is sparsely populated, and isolated. Numerous U.S. citizens have reported significant delays in resolving judicial cases and/or lack of cooperation from courts and the legal system. 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. These sort of crimes can be avoided by dressing down, being careful about where expensive belongings are left, and keeping to safe areas. Leave your Rolex and big diamonds at home and keep a low profile. January 8, 2015. I have generated the stats with the help of others. The local grocery store is similarly protected. The authorities work on two strong hypotheses to clarify the murder against Rick Kolinsky, who worked as manager of the Infinity Bay complex in the island zone of the country. 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. It cant be denied. overflow: hidden; There have undoubtedly been some burglaries. Maritime Travel:Mariners planning travel to Guatemala should also check forU.S.maritimeadvisoriesandalerts. The truth of the matter is, the majority of the crime in Honduras is situated on the mainland in the countrys major cities. The downsides of living on Roatan include poor education, safety, poverty, corruption, and low pay. When they see a Gringo pull in with a boat worth 100 times more than they will ever earn in a lifetime, they get tempted. 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. I assume getting the services of an emigration lawyer would be advisable. Although this may change as Roatan continues to gain recognition, the island is not yet densely populated. 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. I have been researching Roatan for the last couple of years, and the consensus of the vast majority of recently UPDATED sites state 70,000, with Bay Island Voice just blogging me that it is probably approaching 80,000. Just about every place in Roatn takes dollars and lempiras, but not every shop will take a credit card. Honduran law requires all vehicles involved in an accident to remain in place until Transit Authority agents arrive. .signup-column { will face criminal prosecution for possession or trafficking. Always negotiate the price before you get into the taxi to avoid price gouging. Precheck online is down and not reachable, West End Main Road Restaurant & Shop Locations, Timing airport arrival or departure and ferry, Feb 22 experience in Customs and Immigration from US. If you wish to remain on travel.state.gov, click the "cancel" message. They do not have boats for patrols, and the less populated areas do suffer as a result. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment. Re: Crime in Roatan. Honduras crime rate & statistics for 2020 was 36.33, a 13.52% decline from 2019. Join More than 58,187 people who are breaking free, Home > Posts > Honduras > Roatan > Roatan Honduras: The Expat Guide to Island Life. 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. There is a high rate of crime in this region, which contributes to its high levels of poverty. In the Bay Islands there are +/- 115,000 people, (Roatan, Guanaja, Utila). walk to the beach. You probably wont be able to see them, but they cause tiny, itchy red spots mostly on your legs and back. Areas to avoid after dark. The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Gracias a Dios as U.S. government employees are restricted from traveling to the area. 20 Is there a lot of crime in Roatan? Hazardous areas/activities are not always identified with appropriate signage, and staff may not be trained or certified either by the host government or by recognized authorities in the field. Suggested: measles, rubella, rabies, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid. Isla de Roatn is the largest of the Bay Islands of Honduras, in the Caribbean Sea. And that would be the same for me no matter which tropical locale I choose. Over 200 information packed pages with hundreds of beautiful photos. Emergency After-Hours Telephone:Please contact the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa: +(504) 2238-5114 or +(504) 2236-9320, extension 4100 Described by Lonely Planet as pitch perfect, West Bay Beach is what you expect the Caribbean to be, a true tropical oasis. But the water was perfect. 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. Presuming we use common sense and take taxis is there anything here we should worry about? content: ""; Be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs. Despite the fact that thousands of tourists fly in and out of Roatan each year, Honduras does have crime. Hello all. Scooter accidents are among the most common transportation accidents we see on Roatan. } Vaccinations:Honduras requires proof of Yellow Fever immunization if traveling to or coming from another country endemic with Yellow Fever. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. Dont walk in large cities at night, dont display expensive items like jewelry, and always avoid the slums. Big companies should stop coming here now.. TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras -- Honduras became the second country in Central America to declare a state of emergency to fight gang crimes like extortion. Arrest Notification:If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. When visiting the island you should be aware of theselocal warnings or dangers that may affect your trip. The first is that the island is quite remote, so it can be difficult to get supplies or help if something goes wrong. Despite these limitations, Roatan is a fantastic place to retire. Diarrheal illness is very common even in large cities and luxury accommodations. Beware. With an almost total absence of guns and the purchase of ammunition being restricted and almost impossible to find, petty criminals are likely to have neither and rely on the inattention of tourists (many who may have had a few too many rum drinks) to make their living. You should avoid following in your late nights if you are in a village. Read theTravel Advisory for Hondurasfor additional information. If you are living on the island, purchase a safe and keep your valuables inside of it unless you are using them. It is regarded as one of the most secure islands in the Caribbean. Here are the world's top banking jurisdictions. For this reason, we encourage travelers to refrain from taking long trips on scooters. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. See ourRoad Safety pagefor more information. Many of the top destinations are in nearby Latin America. Conversely, there are areas or town around Roatan which should be avoided after dark or in which extra precaution is recommended. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Canada. Three U.S. citizens were reported murdered in Honduras between January and September 2013. My question is in regards of the paperwork needed. 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. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities. 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. Crimes against U.S. citizens are rarely solved or prosecuted. Passengers must show the test results at check-in. Travel Smarter! The tropical sun is stronger. Additionally, the infrastructure is not always the best, so power outages and water shortages are not uncommon. The homicide rate in Honduras was 42 per 100,000 people in 2019, making it one of the most violent countries in the world. What Im having trouble with is obtaining a general population number of expats, that question has alluded me. The first rainy season will occur from June to July and the second (the winter rainy season) will span from October to February respectably. Copan, Roatan/Bay Islands, and other tourist destinations have a lower crime rate than other parts of the country. A reality check shows that Roatan is only an island, and that the majority of the food consumed here is imported. Top 57 Places to Live & Invest in the Tropics. @media only screen and (max-width: 600px) { 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). New data shows where U.S. expats are residing all across the globe. There are certainly crimes committed on Roatan and those crimes are on par with other booming tourist destinations across the globe. These are also known as Turtle Crossing, Palmetto Bay, and Lawson Rock. But who was the king of England? 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. Choose taxis or rideshares carefully. You can read the warning here. Exercise caution using cell phones in public, including inside of cars while stopped in traffic. 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. - Photos, when, where, who was involved, What happened, what actions have been taken. width: 50%; Your Email 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! 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. However, there have been reported instances of credit card information being stolen at ATMs. Period. ), travelers can provide copies of the relevant paperwork such as a court decision, birth certificate naming only one parent, death certificate, etc. Always ensure you have enough medicine to cover your travel time, and research its availability in Honduras, or whether there is a viable replacement. Crime:While crime and violence are serious problems throughout the country, municipalities along the north coast and central portions of the country have historically had the countrys highest crime rates. . Both combined will qualify Me for retirement with income that is above the required $1500.00 US needed. While Honduras and the United States have signed and ratified a Stolen Vehicle Treaty, existing Honduran laws protect good faith buyers (even of stolen vehicles), so the recovery and return of these vehicles to their original owners is not guaranteed. A woman is killed every 23 hours on average, the National Autonomous University of Honduras' Violence Observatory reports. Offshore banking isn't just for the super rich. 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. Locals are always willing to share their favorite spots with visitors, and there are a lot of interesting places to see here. All Rights Reserved. Traffic Laws: In an accident, contact the Honduran Transit Authority (Transito) by dialing 911. Telephone:+(504) 2236-9320 or +(504) 2238-5114 Clarion Suites Roatan at Pineapple Villas, Fantasy Island Beach Resort Dive And Marina All Inclusive. While this data is certainly alarming, it is important to remember that Roatan is a relatively small island with a population of just over 80,000 people. I have a 2 bedroom fully furnished condo in W. Bay. Although scorpions are uncommon in Roatan, if you come across one, you should seek medical attention. 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 beach walk betweenWest BayandWest Endshould not be attempted alone, as muggings have occurred in this isolated stretch of beach. There are numerous communities within walking distance of Roatan that do not have crime. Cuanta ms informacin mejor. Regardless of how romantic you may think it will be, there is nothing romantic about being mugged so why take a chance? 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. Victims of Crime:If you are a victim of crime, call the national police by dialing 911. Recommended Web Browsers: Microsoft Edge or Google Chrome. Of course, while it's not ever good to generalize an. I am currently on the Honduran mainland and will be coming over to the island in a week or two.. What could be better? Even though you can get an advance on your credit card, its better to bring more cash than you think youll need. Stay safe and enjoy. Terms of Use and Of course, for those that would rather steer clear of the crowds, privacy can be found on the east end of Roatan. Ask Jim a Question about Cruise Law