Honduras Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Honduras
US State Department Travel Advisory
Reconsider Travel
Updated December 10, 2024
Honduras recorded 31.4 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Honduras #13 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have fallen 57% over the past decade (from 72.3 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Honduras at Level 3 of 4: Reconsider Travel.
Homicide Rate
31.4 /100k
Safety Rank
#183 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 3 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (1990-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have fallen 57% over the past decade (from 72.3 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Honduras Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Honduras, the homicide rate for men is 7.2× higher than the rate for women — 54.8 vs 7.7 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Honduras:
Reconsider travel to Honduras due to crime . Read the entire Travel Advisory. Do not travel to: Gracias a Dios Department, most eastern department, due to crime . Country Summary : Violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping, remains common. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, narcotics, and human trafficking, is widespread. Local authorities may lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime incidents.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Honduras
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated December 10, 2024).
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 country’s highest crime rates.
Gracias a Dios
Gracias a Dios is a remote region where narcotics trafficking is commonplace, infrastructure is weak, government services are limited, and police or military presence is scarce. The U.S. Embassy has restricted U.S. government personnel travel to Gracias a Dios. U.S. citizens should not travel to Gracias a Dios. The Honduran government conducts police and military patrols in major cities in an effort to reduce crime. However, the ability of Honduran law enforcement authorities to prevent, respond to, and investigate criminal incidents, and to prosecute criminals is limited.
Bay Islands and Copan Ruins
Areas frequented by tourists, such as the Bay Islands (including Roatan, Utila and Guanaja) and Copan Ruins, have a higher concentration of law enforcement resources; however, crime remains a concern in these areas, particularly relating to drugs, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms. Travelers should still exercise reasonable precautions. Foreign residents of the Bay Islands who purchase properties have reported increased incidents of harassment, including being the victims of violent attacks, after becoming involved in disputes. Review your personal security plans; remain aware of your surroundings and local events; and monitor local news stations for updates. Maintain a high level of vigilance, take appropriate steps to enhance your personal security, and follow instructions of local authorities. Read the Travel Advisory for Honduras for additional information.
Demonstrations
Demonstrations regularly occur in Honduras, particularly near the Presidential Palace, Congress, and the universities in Tegucigalpa. Protests and work stoppages have become common at Ministerio Publico offices throughout the country, leading to interruptions in services. Additionally, some protests directed toward the U.S. government, usually small in size, can occur around the U.S. Embassy. In addition, there are often demonstrations on the CA-5, the main highway connecting Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula. This highway is used to access or exit Palmerola International Airport – XPL, near Comayagua (54 miles north of Tegucigalpa). Palmerola is currently the main international airport for Tegucigalpa. Protests often result in the extended closure of major roads and highways in and between major cities, blocking the flow of goods, services and reducing access to daily household supplies.
Victims of Crime
If you are a victim of crime, call the national police by dialing 911. Remember that local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting the crime. Also contact the U.S. Embassy at 011-504-2236-9320 or 011-504-2238-5114 (and after-hours at 011-504-2238-5114). We can: help you find appropriate medical care 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 a list of local attorneys provide our information on resources for victims of crime provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support in cases of destitution help you find resources for accommodation and flights home
Severe Weather
Honduras is vulnerable to hurricanes, heavy rains, and flooding, especially between June and November. For up-to-date information, visit Honduras’ National Emergency Management Commission ( COPECO ) website for current alerts, as well as the National Hurricane Center’s website .
Tourism
U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage. The tourism industry is unevenly regulated, and safety inspections for equipment and facilities do not commonly occur. 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. In the event of an injury, appropriate medical treatment is typically available only in/near major cities. First responders are generally unable to access areas outside of major cities and to provide urgent medical treatment.
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Honduras Population & Demographics
Population of 10,825,703, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Honduras safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Honduras at Level 3 of 4 (Reconsider Travel). Cited risks include crime. The homicide rate of 31.4 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Honduras?
Honduras has an intentional homicide rate of 31.4 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #13 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Honduras?
Honduras is currently at Level 3: Reconsider Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Honduras compare to other countries?
Honduras's homicide rate of 31.4 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.