Honduras

Compliance/Financial Considerations

risk@berkeley.edu or 642-5141:

  • Hire a local to work for you as an employee
  • Purchase or lease office or research space
  • Purchase or lease an automobile
  • Establish a long-term (over 90 days) or ongoing project
  • Conduct a clinical trial 

U.S. GOVERNMENT COMPLIANCE CONSIDERATIONS 

Foreign activities may trigger many U.S. laws, including:

  • Import Controls
  • Export Controls
  • Tax Reporting
  • Foreign Bank Account Reporting
  • Country Embargoes and Targeted Sanctions
  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
  • Anti-Boycott Laws 

Import Controls. UC employees must adhere to U.S. import requirements, and may need to enlist the services of a customs broker, especially for shipments arriving by sea and subject to the Importer Security Filing 71730, also known as ISF 10+2. 

Export Controls. Export controls may apply to advanced software and technology, research data, and other sensitive assets. UC’s Export Compliance FAQ contains useful information and can be found here.  Go here for the University of California plan for compliance with federal export controls. If you plan on taking or sending potentially export-controlled materials to Honduras, consult the campus Research Administration Compliance Office at 642-0120. 

Tax Reporting. The University and its employees may be taxed in foreign countries. The United States does not have a tax treaty with Honduras. For more information about double taxation issues, contact the Controller’s Office at:

Foreign Bank Account Reporting. The U.S. Treasury Department requires U.S. citizens with a financial interest in or signatory authority over a financial account in a foreign country, where accounts exceed $10,000 at any point during a calendar year, to report such accounts on a Report of Foreign Bank and Financial Accounts (FinCen Report 114). Those needing to complete the form should contact the Controller’s Office at cashiers@berkeley.edu or 643-9803 for assistance. An IRS 1040 Schedule B form (Part III–Foreign Accounts and Trusts) must be filed by the signatory for any foreign bank account, regardless of the account balance. 

Country Embargoes and Targeted Sanctions. In general, collaborations between University personnel and scholars at foreign institutions or organizations do not require export licenses unless they involve export-controlled or -restricted research or involve scholars in sanctioned countries. Before engaging in an international collaboration, the University needs to determine whether export licenses are required and to verify that the foreign collaborator is not blocked or sanctioned. The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is responsible for enforcing all U.S. embargoes and sanctions. Depending on each country’s embargo or sanction program, activities may be prohibited without specific authorization or license. UC’s International Collaborations webpage contains additional information on this topic.   

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is intended to stop bribery. It prohibits offering to pay, paying, promising to pay, or authorizing the payment of money or anything of value to a foreign official. The term “foreign official” generally includes any employee or contractor of a foreign government, and may include individuals employed by foreign universities. It is also unlawful to make a payment to a third party knowing that all or part of the payment will go to a foreign official. For more information, review the federal government’s Resource Guide to the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. If you need further clarification, contact the UC Berkeley Office of Legal Affairs at 642-7122. Transparency International’s 2018 survey of perceived public sector corruption rated Honduras at 29 out of 100 (132nd out of 180 countries reviewed, i.e.  corrupt). 

Anti-Boycott Laws.  The U.S. Department of Commerce is responsible for oversight of laws prohibiting individuals and entities from participating in boycotts not approved or sanctioned by the U.S. government. The Export Administration Act requires that requests to participate in such boycotts or to conduct activities in any of the boycotting countries be formally reported to the Department of Commerce and/or IRS.

For other compliance-related issues, refer to UC’s International Compliance webpage.   

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS FOR DOING BUSINESS INTERNATIONALLY

Foreign Bank Accounts. Employees wishing to open a foreign bank account should contact the Controller’s Office at cashiers@berkeley.edu or 643-9803. Requests to open accounts must be made through the Office of the President’s Banking and Treasury Services Group by the Chancellor or the Chancellor’s designee. 

Real Estate Agreements. Only employees with delegated authority to sign contracts on behalf of The Regents may enter into agreements, leases, or other contracts.  Foreign affiliates or operations must submit to the Real Estate Services Office property management agreements, personal property leases, or contracts with a term longer than one year or in an amount greater than $25,000 per year. The campus then seeks approval from the University president or designee. For more information, consult the Guidelines for the Establishment and Operation of Foreign Affiliate Organizations and Foreign Operations

Articles

The US State Department's page on HONDURAS may be found HERE.

Personal Safety

AS OF NOVEMBER 16, AUTHORITIES IN HONDURAS WILL CONTINUE TO LIMIT ALL MOVEMENTS AND BUSINESS OPERATIONS NATIONWIDE TO 0500-2200, AS PART OF THE NATION'S CORONAVIRUS DISEASE (COVID-19) RESPONSE PLAN, UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. AUTHORITIES REOPENED THE COUNTRY'S AIRPORTS AND LAND BORDER CROSSINGS TO INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL FOLLOWING AN EXTENDED CLOSURE BUT ARE ENFORCING ENHANCED ENTRY REQUIREMENTS FOR ALL TRAVELERS. ALL TRAVELERS MUST PRESENT A NEGATIVE RESULT FROM PCR COVID-19 TEST TAKEN NO MORE THAN 72 HOURS BEFORE DEPARTURE FOR HONDURAS AND A COMPLETED PRE-ARRIVAL (PRECHEQUEO) TRAVEL FORM. TRAVELERS MAY BE SUBJECT TO ADDITIONAL COVID-19 TESTING UPON ARRIVAL. THE USE OF A FACEMASK IS REQUIRED AT ALL TIMES WHILE TRAVELING. AUTHORITIES COULD REIMPOSE, EXTEND, FURTHER EASE, OR OTHERWISE AMEND ANY RESTRICTIONS WITH LITTLE TO NO NOTICE, DEPENDING ON LOCAL DISEASE ACTIVITY.

RECONSIDER TRAVEL TO HONDURAS DUE TO CRIME. SOME AREAS HAVE INCREASED RISK.

DO NOT TRAVEL TO:

  • GRACIAS A DIOS DEPARTMENT DUE TO CRIME.

Note: this page contains basic risk information. For more details, please contact the Risk Services Office at risk@berkeley.edu(link sends e-mail).

If you are traveling to Honduras on University-related business, please sign up for the University’s travel insurance program by going here. For more information on the travel insurance program, please go here.

Because everyone’s health is unique, we suggest seeking the advice of a medical professional before traveling internationally. Members of the campus community interested in protecting their health while abroad may schedule an appointment with the University Health Services International Travel Clinic.

The threat of civil unrest in Honduras is high. Protests occur often in Honduras and sometimes devolve into violence. Most demonstrations are related to economic conditions, social issues, and political developments, such as election campaigns. Protests are most common in Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula and occasionally cause significant transportation delays.

Criminal activity is most prevalent in urban locations, particularly in parts of Tegucigalpa, San Pedro Sula, and La Ceiba, as well as along the Salvadoran and Guatemalan borders.

Nonviolent crime poses a high threat to foreign nationals, expatriates, and local staff and is widespread throughout the country. Thieves typically target purses, bags, wallets, smartphones, and other electronic devices. These opportunistic crimes can occur anywhere, but especially at tourist attractions, on buses, entering and existing taxis or cars, in restaurants or bars, and outside of ATMs and banks. Beach areas, though typically very tourist-friendly, are at high risk of theft and drug dealing. Travelers should avoid leaving belongings unattended on beaches. Foreign nationals and expatriates are typically targeted by criminals due to their perceived wealth and unfamiliarity with the area. Nonviolent crime generally increases during the Christmas and New Year holidays.

Scams pose a moderate threat to foreign nationals, expatriates, and local staff in Honduras. However, official data is unreliable due to underreporting and poor government recordkeeping. Street hustlers and gangs typically perpetrate this crime. Criminals may claim to be tour guides in order to run scams against travelers.

Overall, the threat of violent crime in Honduras is very high; foreign nationals are sometimes targeted by criminals. Violent crime, including carjacking, homicide, rape, and assault, is widespread; however, Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula likely experience the highest per capita rates of crime. High levels of crime are generally found in low-income communities that have elevated rates of drug trafficking activity and drug use. Criminals in Honduras do not hesitate to use force if a victim resists; do not resist. 

Gender-based violence and/or discrimination poses a high threat to foreign nationals, expatriates, and local staff in Honduras. Verbal and sexual harassment affect locals more than foreigners and expatriates. Women walking alone are sometimes verbally harassed; the threat of a physical attack is lower than a verbal one, but assault cannot be ruled out, especially at night and in isolated areas.   Anti-LGBT violence does not systemically occur in Honduras; however, same-sex couples may face aggression or even assault. 

Legal/Political

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws. If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Furthermore, some crimes are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law. 

Arrest Notification: If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy or Consulate immediately. 

Special circumstances:

  • Marine Safety and Oversight: Honduran military personnel commonly board private vessels in Honduran territorial waters to verify crew and passenger documentation. 
    Criminals have been known to pose as fisherman and commit armed assaults. If your vessel is hailed by a suspicious vessel, contact the U.S. Coast Guard by radio or INMARSAT at (305) 415-6800.
  • Customs Regulations: Strict regulations apply to the import-export of items such as vehicles, medications, and business equipment.  Honduran law prohibits the export of artifacts from pre-colonial civilizations, as well as certain birds and other flora and fauna.  For specific information, contact the Embassy of Honduras in Washington, DC and see our Customs Regulations. 

Firearms: No one may bring firearms into Honduras, except for diplomats or individuals participating in sporting events who have obtained a firearm permit from the Honduran Ministry of Security or Ministry of Defense prior to travel.  

Adventure Sports: There is little to no oversight of safety standards in Honduras.  You should research service providers to ensure they are using internationally acceptable or certified equipment, guides, safety measures, and instruction.

LGBTI Travelers:There are no legal restrictions on same-sex sexual relations or the organization of LGBTI events in Honduras. However, many activists report that crimes committed against the LGBTI community go unpunished. There have also been cases of police harassment of patrons in LGBTI nightclubs. LGBTI travelers should exercise caution, especially when expressing affection in public.