Frequently Asked Questions

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 Honduran law requires every individual to carry photo identification at all times. This can be a license, a passport, or a general ID card. If you are stopped by police and asked for identification and cannot furnish it, they are within their rights to arrest you.

Be aware that in Honduras it is illegal to use or be in possession of drugs such as marijuana, cocaine, ecstasy, etc. Be aware that in Honduras, prostitution is illegal, as is sex with minors.   

It is illegal to carry a firearm on your person. You are allowed to own a firearm but it must remain in your home for protection purposes only. If you are caught with a firearm on your person or in your vehicle, you can and will be arrested and fined.

  Understand local fishing restrictions – even if you are not fishing you should know when each season starts and ends to support sustainable practices with local restaurants. There are seasons for fishing certain species at certain times of the year. Shrimp season lasts between August 1 and the last day of February. Lobster fishing season runs between July 1 and the last day in February. There is no legal season for conch - the only legal procurement of conch is through Hybur, which is the nationally approved distributor for Roatan. It is illegal to hunt or sell these species outside of their respective seasons. Keep in mind that any restaurants serving any of these fish outside of their seasons are not supporting sustainable practices outlined by the Honduran government with the guidance of the Roatan Marine Park. Use the Bay Islands Sustainable Seafood Guide to ensure you are supporting sustainable practices by local restaurants. This guide is specific to the Bay Islands and takes into account the local fish populations and activities. Be sure to take a trip to the Marine Park office for more guidelines and information.

  Whenever you are driving in Roatan, be sure to carry your driver’s license at all times. Do not leave valuable items in your car. Make sure when driving your vehicle you also have the “matricula” or registration card. Police and road checks are common in Roatan, please be courteous, polite, and patient with the local police. Do not run roadblocks. Do not drink and drive, or accept a ride with someone that has been drinking and is driving. It is illegal to drive without seat belts or for the driver to use a cell phone unless it is used in hands free mode. If you are involved in an accident, do not move your vehicle until the police arrive. Once you get your residency in Honduras, you need to get your Honduran driver's license.