Travel Tips For Roatan, Honduras
Flying To Roatan Airport: Everything You Need To Know
If you’re planning a trip to paradise, chances are you’ll be landing at Juan Manuel Gálvez International Airport (RTB), more commonly known as Roatan Airport. While the airport itself is small and easy to navigate, there are a few important things every traveler should know before flying to Roatan airport. From entry requirements to exit fees, here’s your go-to guide.
Honduran Entry Requirements
To avoid surprises, make sure you meet the basic Honduran Entry Requirements before boarding your flight to the Roatan airport:
- Passport validity: Your passport should be valid for at least six months beyond your travel dates, with a minimum of 2 blank pages available.
- Visas: U.S. and Canadian citizens can stay up to 90 days without a visa, while UK travelers do require a visa and must obtain it from a Honduran consulate before traveling. Citizens of Nicaragua, Guatemala, and El Salvador can enter with their personal identification document as part of the CA-4.
- Proof of onward travel: Immigration officers may ask for proof of a return or onward ticket, so keep a digital or printed copy handy.
- Vaccinations: If you are traveling directly from the U.S., Canada, or Europe, no vaccines are required. However, if you’ve visited or transited through a yellow-fever risk country – such as Costa Rica, Colombia, or Brazil – you must show proof of vaccination.
Immigration at Roatan Airport
After deplaning, you’ll go straight to immigration. The experience can go one of two ways; it can be quick, or it can take a while. If your flight is the first one arriving, the process is usually fast. But if two or more international flights land back-to-back, be prepared for a wait. Residents and Honduran citizens have their own immigration line, while visitors should expect to spend some time here, especially during peak tourism months.
Before arrival, be sure to fill out your digital Customs Declaration form as wi-fi can be spotty at the Roatan airport. Fun fact: there are no addresses on the island! When filling out your form, the accommodation name and general location should be sufficient.
Once you get to your immigration officer, you’ll present your completed customs declaration, passport, and proof of onward travel if requested. Officers may also ask routine questions about where you’re staying and how long.
Passport Stamps & Length of Stay
Most visitors receive a standard stay of 90 days upon arrival. If you’d like to stay longer – or in the event you received less than 90 days – you can request a 30-day extension within 5 days of your current visas expiration date at the Plaza Mar Immigration Office in Coxen Hole. The fee is around $20 USD per month – paid in Lempiras – and you’ll need your passport, a copy of your entry stamp, and a document justifying your reason for extension.
Getting To Your Destination
Once you’ve cleared customs and collected your bags, you’ll exit into the main lobby. Here, a number of drivers will be waiting to offer you a ride to your destination. Note that next to the exit doors, you’ll see a posted sign with official taxi rates. Be sure to check the rate for your destination so you don’t overpay. Many accommodations, including Puerta Azul, can also arrange a private driver to meet you at the airport. This is often the most stress-free way to get started after a long flight.
Exit Fees Upon Departure
All travelers leaving the Roatan airport must pay a departure tax. For most international flights, this fee is already included in your ticket. Domestic flights will need to pay a 54 HNL/$2 USD fee at the departure tax desk.