A U.S. passport valid for at least six months from the date of entry is required to enter Honduras. A visa is not required for American citizens, but tourists must provide evidence of return or onward travel. 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. We often have missionaries traveling with us from other countries and they also must have a valid passport plus their visa in order to return to the U.S. As a precaution, I require that a color copy of the missionaries passport be kept on file in the Pastoral Services office in the event that a traveler loses his or her passport while traveling. During the return of our of a Youth Mission, one of our chaperones was detained in Houston due to mistaken identity. There was a wanted felon in the system with the same name, age and physical description as our chaperone. Even though he had his passport, he now travels with his Social Security card and a copy of his birth certificate to prove his identity.
Prior to departing on our mission trips, I will register all of our U.S. travelers with the U.S. State Department in Tegucigalpa. This again is a precaution and helps us stay in communication with the U.S. Embassy by providing our destination and my Honduras cell phone number.
I am always in constant communication with the Bishop Solé’s office and the local Parish Priest to insure the safety of our Missionaries. We also rely on the local communities Delegates of the Words to keep us informed about any threats that may affect our safety.
Because of our focus as a Diocese all Diocesan Missionaries will go through Safe Environment background checks and training prior to traveling.