U.S. issues travel alerts for 2 countries, including a ‘Level 3: Reconsider travel’ warning

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Travelers may want to reconsider traveling to two countries in Central America, as the United States issued this week travel alerts due to violent crime that can impact tourists.

The U.S. Department of State issues travel alerts to two countries — Honduras and Costa Rica . The alert for Honduras is a “Level 3: Reconsider travel” warning due to violent crime, while Costa Rica is at a “Level 2: Exercise increased caution” due to petty and violent crime.

The state department suggests travelers not go to Gracias a Dios Department, most eastern department, due to violent crime, such as homicide, armed robbery, and kidnapping — which remain common. Violent gang activity, such as extortion, violent street crime, rape, narcotics, and human trafficking, is also widespread.

“Local authorities may lack sufficient resources to respond effectively to serious crime incidents,’’ stated the U.S. Department of State’s travel alert. “Around resort areas in the Bay Islands, which include Roatan, Utila, and Guanaja, there is a concentration of resources, and these areas are better policed.”

If you decide to travel to Honduras, it’s suggested to avoid demonstrations, be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking or driving at night, don’t physically resist any robbery attempt, be extra vigilant when visiting banks or ATMs, don’t display signs of wealth, and don’t take public transportation.

In Costa Rica, the warning is less severe, at a “Level 2: Exercise increased caution,” due to petty crime and violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide and sexual assault.

The U.S. Department of State suggests if you plan to travel to Costa Rica to be aware of your surroundings, avoid walking alone on poorly lit beaches or streets, don’t resist robbery attempts, and don’t display signs of wealth.

U.S. citizens should always exercise caution when traveling abroad.