New travel alerts: U.S. issues 2 new tourist warnings, including a ‘level 3’ reconsider travel level

The U.S. State Department has updated two travel alerts for Central American nations, including one where a portion of the country is under a higher level 3 “reconsider travel” warning.

The updates were issued Dec. 10 for Honduras and Costa Rica. Honduras is under the higher level 3 due to crime, in the most eastern department of the country, Gracias a Dios. In that area, violent crimes such as homicide, armed robbery and kidnapping remain common and gang activity with extortion, rape, narcotics and human trafficking is widespread.

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“Local authorities may lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime incidents,” the warning noted.

Around the resort islands popular with tourists and as cruise stops, including Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja, however, “there is a concentration of resources and these areas are better policed,” the advisory added.

Visitors are also warned about ongoing demonstrations in the country that can occur without warning, closing roads without notice for extended periods.

Anyone visiting the country should not walk or drive at night, be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, avoid public transportation, including white car taxis and always remain aware of their surroundings.

Costa Rica is under a lower warning level, a 2, but also for high crime levels. “Petty crime is common through Cosa Rica. Violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault also affects tourists,” the warning noted.

People who travel to Costa Rica are advised to remain aware of their surroundings, avoid walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets and not display signs of wealth, such as wearing expensive watches or jewelry.