Honduras

Honduras's maritime authority is the Directorate General of the Merchant Marine (DGMM). Its website lists harbour master's offices and contact channels in various locations. The directory does not establish that every port processes international clearance for private yachts. Before departure, contact DGMM and the port authority at the intended destination to confirm reception and procedures.

Ports of entry and departure

Published cruising reports mention Coxen Hole (Roatán) and Guanaja as places where yachts have cleared in. Confirm that they are open for this voyage and check office availability.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Guanaja – Noonsite

Noonsite's Honduras guide, updated in July 2026, says yachts must submit a Notice of Arrival before arrival and gives a deadline of at least 48 hours in advance. Use the official form linked from that page and confirm the current submission method with immigration and maritime authorities at the intended port before departure.

Everyone aboard must undergo immigration inspection at an officially open port of entry in Honduras. Foreign visitors should carry valid travel documents and provide information required by the immigration authority. Visa requirements depend on nationality and passport type; holding a visa does not guarantee admission. Before departure, confirm current visa categories, permitted stay and arrangements for yacht clearance at the intended port with the Honduran immigration authority.

Honduras Customs' published temporary-import procedure for vehicles belonging to visitors from third countries expressly includes non-commercial recreational vessels. Applicants must present proof of vessel ownership (and authorization if applying on behalf of someone else), passport/immigration details, seaworthiness documentation, registration or nationality documents, and transit/registration documents from the country of origin. Customs inspects the vessel and issues a temporary-import permit. The procedure lists a temporary stay of six months, but the period actually granted by customs on entry governs. Do not transfer or abandon the vessel, or use it commercially, before the period expires; confirm the specific restrictions with customs.

On arrival, accurately declare any animals, plants, food and related products carried aboard. Honduras Customs' passenger declaration form lists these as items to declare. Official SENASA application forms require import permits and official health certificates, among other documents, according to the item category; live animals may also be subject to quarantine. Before departure, confirm the latest rules for pets, food aboard, plants and other biological products with SENASA/agricultural quarantine authorities and the port concerned. Available sources do not confirm a specific declaration procedure for provisions stored aboard private yachts.

Honduras Customs' passenger declaration form requires declarations of weapons, ammunition, explosives and related chemical/medicinal items. Customs guidance on firearms imports and exports says firearms, ammunition and related items are subject to specific permits. Visitors wishing to bring hunting or sporting firearms and up to 500 rounds of ammunition must obtain prior authorization from the Ministry of National Defence. Firearms, ammunition and explosives without the required authorization may be seized and dealt with under the law. Confirm procedures for weapons kept aboard a yacht in advance with customs and the Ministry of National Defence.

Arrival procedures

Cruising accounts describe clearing immigration first and then reporting to the harbour master, but document-copy requirements vary by port. Carry vessel registration, passports, previous-port clearance and a crew list.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Guanaja – Noonsite

Fees and departure

One vessel's 2024 report says clearance was free and the permit period followed the visa period. This does not establish that clearance is free throughout the country or that every visitor receives a uniform 90-day stay.

Third-party reference (not an official rule): Guanaja – Noonsite