If you do not have a passport, are foreign born, or have a foreign passport, check on the requirements for entry into Honduras well in advance of travel. At least 60 days and in some cases a longer time is required to obtain the necessary documents.
Make two copies of your passport to assist you in the event it becomes lost or stolen. Keep one copy separate from the passport in a safe location. Leave the second copy with someone in the US whom you can contact in the event of an emergency. If your Team Leader requests a copy, you will need a third copy. What immunizations and medications are required?
It is recommended that each person have the following immunizations and medications
Tetanus (if 7 years or more since your last shot)
Hepatitis A (2 shots)
Hepatitis B (3 shots)
Typhoid (1 shot, boosters periodically)
Tetanus (1 shot, boosters periodically)
Malaria Medication - the quantity varies depending upon the length of stay. Every person should take 500mg of Aralen or Chloroquine Phosphate as specified below:
1 week before entering Honduras take your first tablet
If you are in Honduras 1-7 days take one tablet each week on the same day as your first dose
If you are in Honduras more than 7 days you will need to repeat your medicine on the same day each week while in the country
After leaving Honduras you should take this medication for 4 more weeks
In summary, a stay of 7 days in Honduras will require a total of six (6) 500mg tablets while a stay of 10 days will require a total of seven (7) 500 mg tablets. This medication should be taken with a full meal.
Please contact your physician concerning individual needs, the medications to be taken, and their side effects. What airline should I take?
Your travel plans should be closely coordinated with the Team Leader. Generally, teams fly into San Pedro Sula and schedule arrivals around the same time of day for ease of meeting. Most teams travel via American Airlines, Continental Airlines, or Delta Airlines. Some teams use Taca Airlines. Always check fares from several nearby airports as sometimes it pays to drive to another airport to find a very reasonable fare. Important: The name on your ticket must match exactly the name on your passport.
What should I take with me? Airline rules are changing with regard to carry-on and checked luggage. Check the latest rules with your airline before travel. Generally teams try to take all clothing and personal items as carry-on luggage and utilize checked baggage to provide for the medicines and other medical supplies the team carries with them. You can keep your personal clothing to a minimum as there is a person on staff at the clinic who will provide laundry service daily. You will need sufficient clothes for your travel into Honduras, stays in La Ceiba or elsewhere before arriving at the clinic in Limón and your first day’s work at the clinic.
Place any personal medications (enough to cover a longer stay than is planned in case something delays your return home) and any personal medical equipment needed such as CPAP in a carry-on. Medical staff should take otoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, etc. Honduras is a tropical climate, so you will need to dress accordingly. The clinic is on front beach; many team members appreciate having a swim suit. Lastly, don’t forget mosquito repellant.
Are the food and water safe? You should take precautions when eating food or drinking water on the local economy. Generally, the food and water in the restaurants we use are safe, but one should avoid drinking tap water or having ice in drinks outside of these major establishments.
Most teams hire local cooks trained in food preparation for safe consumption. Thus volunteers do not worry about the food prepared by staff at the clinic. If eating non-peeled fruit, make sure it has been washed it for you before consumption. We have our own well at the clinic and have never experienced a problem with water quality. As a precaution, a water purification system supplies the ice machine and the spigot on the front porch. Use the water from the porch for drinking.
What are living accommodations like? Living accommodations are located upstairs in the clinic building. A family room and kitchen are the center of activities. There are eight bedrooms with two beds in each room; each two rooms share a bath. Each bedroom has a ceiling fan and floor fans are also available in each room. Frequently nice ocean breezes will be experienced. Along the beach side there is a large porch with ceiling fans.
What type of electrical power is available? All of Honduras uses 110 volt electrical power just as we have in the United States. Electrical plugs are also two-prong like here, but many outlets do not have the third ground prong. If you have electrical equipment that needs a third ground prong take an adapter with you.
What is the clinic like? Located on the ground level below the team living area, the medical clinic has a waiting room for patients, a pharmacy with a separate waiting area, a laboratory, 3 exam rooms, an ER surgical suite, a dental facility, a records room, and a lavatory. When needed the facilitator’s bedroom is used as a fourth exam room. All exam rooms, dental clinic and pharmacy are air conditioned.
How hot will it get? Weather varies by month just as it does here. Honduras is a temperate climate that is never cold. The area around Limón on the Caribbean Coast will experience daytime highs averaging between 82°- 92° F throughout the year. At times the temperature will exceed 100° F. Low temperatures are generally in the low 70’s° F. The rainy season (November – January) is slightly cooler, although higher humidity during the rainy season frequently makes it feel more uncomfortable.
Do I need to speak Spanish? Having an ability to speak the local language is beneficial but not necessary. Interpreters are hired as needed to work with team members. Some on the staff in Limón speak English.
Is it safe? Generally speaking the answer is yes. But, as with all travel, use good judgment. Do not walk around at night and do not leave valuables or cameras unattended in hotels, airports, or downstairs in the clinic.
How much will it cost? There are many elements which determine trip costs. The major variable is the airline ticket cost for each person. Fixed costs include vehicle rental and fuel for transportation in Honduras, medicines and medical supplies needed to treat the people at the clinics, and payment for employees working for the team while in Honduras. Since team members share these costs, a larger team will result in lower costs per person. Sometimes Teams find sponsors to subsidize a portion of these costs. Your Team Leader will develop a budget and advise each person of his/her share of the costs. Generally speaking, individual expenses can be expected to be approximately $1,500.
I understand that I have to pay an exit fee to leave Honduras. What is this?
Yes, there is an Airport exit fee when traveling within Honduras and when leaving the Country. This fee is frequently changing and can be paid in US Dollars (Cash Only) or in Honduran Limpera (Cash Only). Credit cards are not accepted. In 2008 the Exit Fee to return to the States was approximately $35, and the fee for traveling within Honduras was under $10. You will only need to pay this fee as you exit the Country or if you take an additional flight within the Country.
Can children go?
We encourage family groups to participate because the trip can provide many educational and relationship strengthening opportunities. However, ultimately this is a decision of your team leader.
My question is not in this list. How can I get an answer?
If you are scheduled as part of a team ask your Team Leader. If your are not on an upcoming team simply email your question to CZawacki@aol.com for an answer by return email.
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