Passports
A U.S. passport valid for at least 3-months from the date of entry is
required to enter Honduras. Though not required by law, some travelers
have reported difficulty departing Honduras using a passport with less
than three months of validity beyond the date of departure. A visa is
not required, but tourists must provide evidence of return or onward
travel. Parents should not rely on birth certificates for their children’s
travel; rather, prior to travel they should obtain U.S. passports for
infants and minors born in the United States. U.S. citizens are encouraged
to carry a photocopy of their U.S. passports with them at all times, so
that if questioned by local officials proof of identity and U.S. citizenship
are readily available. For additional information visit the U.S. Department
of State website.
The Language and Currency
The ofThe official language of Honduras is Spanish, the most common language
spoken on Roatan is Caribbean English. The official currency is the
Lempira (about 18.9 lemps = $1), but U.S. dollars are used just as frequently
for all transactions. Credit/Debit ATM cards are also accepted at bigger
businesses. There are several ATM’s on the Island which dispense both
Lempira’s or Dollars.
Electricity and Internet Access Roatan has 110-volt electricity so a converter is not needed for
U.S. appliances, however, you might consider a voltage regulator
or surge protector for any delicate electronics. The Island is run
by generators and there are frequent outages. Roatan also has high-speed
internet which is available from several Internet Cafés. The internet
connection is slow by US standards, suitable for e-mail only not VOIP
applications. The cost is about $5 per hour.
Hyberbaric ChamberHyperbaric Chambers
There are two hyperbaric chambers in Roatan. One located at Anthony's
Key Resort and the other at Fantasy Island Resort. Two medical doctors
and an EMT staff are at the clinic at Anthony's Key. The hours are
8:00am - 5:00pm daily; on call 24 hours/day. A nominal charge of $12/week
or $2/day will serve as insurance for treatment in the recompression chamber
in the event of decompression sickness. The fee also serves as a donation to the clinic that provides medical services to the local community.
What to Bring
- Valid Passport. It's also recommended to keep a photocopy of your passport
with you at all times.
- U.S. cash in small denominations or Lempiras. You can change U.S. Dollars
almost anywhere on the island, so bring plenty with you. Credit cards are
not accepted everywhere and when they are accepted there is an additional charge.
- Dive cert card and your diving or snorkeling gear.
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, antihistamines and anti-itch cream.
"No see ums" are around all year.
- Personal items and toiletries, medications.
- Camera and video equipment
- Bathing suits and lightweight clothing such as t-shirts and shorts, and
lightweight long sleeves and pants; comfortable walking shoes, sandals or
surf shoes; ladies might enjoy summer dresses for dining out; a very light
sweater or jacket; hats with ample brims.
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