Do I need a visa to travel to Honduras?

With jungle-covered Maya ruins, charming centuries-old villages with cobblestone streets, stunning white-sand beaches, and world-class diving along the second-largest barrier reef, Honduras truly has it all.

Despite its wonders, this remarkable country is often overshadowed by its more popular Central American neighbors, leaving many of its unique attractions still waiting to be discovered.

Entering and exiting Honduras is generally a smooth process, though requirements differ based on your nationality. Here’s everything you need to know about the entry requirements for Honduras, including visa details, costs, and application instructions.

Visa-free stays and tourist permits for Honduras

Citizens of the EU, along with those from Canada, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, the USA, and most nations in South America and Central America, do not require a visa or tourist card to enter Honduras. They can stay for up to 90 days upon arrival.

The only prerequisites are a passport valid for six months beyond your intended stay, return or onward travel tickets, and proof of yellow fever vaccination if you’re coming from a region with a risk of yellow fever transmission.

In 2006, Honduras entered into the Central America-4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement with El Salvador, Guatemala, and Nicaragua. This means that any stay in these neighboring countries counts toward your 90-day allowance in Honduras. To re-enter for another 90 days, you’ll need to visit a destination outside of these four countries.

Who needs a visa to enter Honduras?

Travelers from most Asian and African nations must secure a visa in advance if visiting Honduras for tourism, business, or family matters. You’ll need to apply at your local Honduran embassy or consulate, pay a visa fee (US$30), and provide the following documentation:

• Completely filled-out visa application form

• Two recent passport-sized photos

• Your valid passport, which must expire at least six months from now

• Your flight itinerary

• Proof of any visas you currently hold for other countries

• Your current residency status (e.g., student, tourist, etc.), if you are a foreign resident in the country where you're applying for a visa to Honduras

• Receipt of visa fee payment

Is it possible to extend a Honduras visa?

If you wish to prolong your stay in Honduras, you can easily obtain a one-time 30-day extension from the main immigration office in Tegucigalpa (Avenida La Paz; operating hours are 7:30 am to 3:30 pm Monday to Thursday and 8 am to 3 pm on Friday; tel +504 236 9320) for a fee of US$20.

Immigration offices are also located in La Ceiba, San Pedro Sula, Tela, and Utila, although some travelers have encountered difficulties extending their stay at certain regional offices.

Rather than seeking an extension, you can travel to a nearby country outside the CA-4 border agreement zone (the closest options are Belize and Costa Rica) for a minimum of 72 hours, then re-enter Honduras for an additional 90 days.

Visas for work and volunteer opportunities in Honduras

If you're seeking volunteer opportunities in Honduras, like teaching English, helping with iguana breeding, or engaging in various construction projects, a visa-free entry or a tourist visa will suffice.

There are also some casual job options available, especially on the Bay Islands. Many diving instructors are foreigners, and some visitors taking PADI Divemaster courses find work as waitstaff or bartenders in Roatán’s West Bay and West End, often without needing a work permit, or on Utila.