Arrival in Honduras

For entry into Honduras, the National Migration Institute (Instituto Nacional de Migración) assesses visa requirements according to nationality and purpose of stay. Nationals of Guatemala, El Salvador and Nicaragua usually travel within the CA-4 framework (CA-4) using a national identity document or passport; other travellers generally need a passport valid for at least six more months. A visa does not guarantee entry because the final decision is made by the immigration officer at the authorized border crossing. A consular visa may require, among other things, a passport copy, proof of funds or employment, a notarized invitation, two photographs and contact details. Depending on the procedure, foreign documents must be legalized or apostilled and officially translated into Spanish. For a prior-consultation visa (Visa Consultada), the INM reviews the application in advance; according to the factsheet, the fee is 100 US dollars. Single-entry visas cost 30 US dollars for up to 30 days, and multiple-entry visas cost 60 US dollars for up to 90 days. The pre-entry immigration check (Prechequeo Migratorio) can be completed online using an email token and downloaded for inspection; before departure, check whether it is required for the specific departure location. Anyone arriving from a yellow-fever risk area needs an international vaccination certificate. The vaccination must have been administered at least ten days before entry; one dose is valid for life from the tenth day. Exceptions include, among others, children under one year of age, pregnant people, people with immunosuppression and people over 60 with a medical certificate. According to SESAL, transit from a risk area lasting less than twelve hours is an exception. Entry is permitted only through authorized ports of entry (Puertos de Entrada). Migration, health and security checks may take place there. At customs, the travel or baggage form must be completed truthfully. Personal baggage must not be commercial and must remain plausible in quantity and type. After inspection, secure entry stamps, the permitted length of stay and copies of documents. Tourists are typically allowed to stay for no more than 90 days. A 30-day extension can be requested before expiry from the INM, usually at the Interior Control Office (Oficina de Control Interior), with a TGR payment equivalent to 20 US dollars for each extended month. In the CA-4 region, the total stay may be no more than 120 days according to the INM. Overstaying may lead to a fine or risk of deportation. The INM can be reached at +504 2232-7800 and callcenter@inm.gob.hn. For permanent residence, depending on the circumstances, a residence permit (Residencia) or a Special Permit to Stay (Permiso Especial de Permanencia), or PEP, may be available. After a positive decision, registration in the National Register of Foreigners (Registro Nacional de Extranjeros; RNE) takes place at the INM; the required documents include, among other things, the decision, a valid passport, lawful immigration status and TGR payments for registration, certification and the stamp. The INM then issues the foreign resident card or PEP. According to the current INM portal, registration should take place within 30 days of the decision; renewal generally has to be requested annually before expiry. The Secretariat of Health (Secretaría de Salud) is responsible for health services. The Primary Level of Care (Primer Nivel de Atención) is usually the first local point of access; vaccinations are available through the state immunization program (PAI) or authorized health facilities. There is no documented special registration for new arrivals or uniform nationwide fee exemption. Acute emergencies are reported through the SNE-911 emergency service (SNE-911). For people in need of protection or travelling onward irregularly, the INM-CAMI support service (INM-CAMI) may, depending on available resources, provide information about rights and duties, biometric registration, a vulnerability assessment and referrals to health, medication and legal services. Protection needs should be stated explicitly; according to the factsheet, the procedure allows five days for departure or regularization and does not replace a general residence or settlement office. Honduras has no documented general initial registration for all new arrivals. An accommodation address may in individual cases be required as proof of visa or contact, but it does not automatically establish permission to stay, work or reside. The decisive factors remain the authorized entry point, valid status, truthful customs and document information, and the deadlines of the relevant residence procedure.