The U.S. Department of State issued an alert about the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice. On Sunday, June 28, the Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya in a coup d'etat and sent him out of the country. There are police checkpoints throughout Tegucigalpa, and there have been reports of frequent demonstrations. The Department of State recommends that American citizens residing in and visiting Honduras exercise extreme caution when traveling within the country. While the de facto government of Honduras is no longer imposing daily curfews, the Embassy strongly recommends that American citizens monitor local TV and radio each evening for current curfew information and abide by these restrictions, should they be imposed. The U.S. Embassy has imposed limitations on the travel of its staff within Honduras and these restrictions are reviewed and or revised on a day-to-day basis.
There have been regular demonstrations at various locations around Tegucigalpa including the Presidential palace, Toncontin International Airport, the National Congress, the Organization of American States the United Nations and the Clarion hotel, the site of negotiations. There have also been regular demonstrations in San Pedro Sula and two small demonstrations in Roatan on the Bay Islands. Demonstrators have also blocked roads intermittently throughout the country. Demonstrations both against and in favor of the new regime are expected to continue in the coming days throughout the country. Demonstrations to date have been generally non-violent with few reports of injuries. However, Americans are reminded that peaceful demonstrations can turn violent with little or no warning. Demonstrations are expected to increase in frequency as the Nov. 29 elections approach.
Honduras' borders remain open, and the airports remain open for regularly scheduled flights. Continental Airlines, American Airlines, and Delta Airlines continue to operate flights as usual, though this is subject to change. Those with flights scheduled with American Airlines may wish to call 504-216-4800 (Honduras) or 800-433-7300 (United States). Those traveling with Delta Airlines may wish to call 800-241-4141 (United States and Central America) or 504-550-1616 (San Pedro Sula). Those with flights scheduled with Continental Airlines may wish to call 504-220-0999 (Tegucigalpa), 504-557-4141 (San Pedro Sula), or 800-231-0856 (United States).
The U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa strongly recommends that U.S. citizens avoid large gatherings and not try to pass roadblocks if they encounter them. U.S. citizens should monitor the situation via media sources, including TV and radio when possible, and via the Internet. As of Aug. 26, non-emergency, non-immigrant visa services were suspended pending a full review of visa policies in Honduras. Barring changes in the security situation, the Consular Section will be open for normal business for immigrant visa services and American Citizens Services both at the Consular Section at the U.S. Embassy in Tegucigalpa and the American Citizen Services unit at the Consular Agency in San Pedro Sula. The U.S. Embassy is located on Avenida La Paz in Tegucigalpa; telephone, 011 504 238 5114; after hours telephone, 011 504 236 8497; Consular Section fax, 011 504 238 4357; and email, [email protected] For more information, visit www.honduras.usembassy.gov.
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