Assessing Travel and Visa Obligations

Whether you can travel lawfully as a business visitor or require work authorization depends on the types of activities you will be conducting during your time in Honduras. In case you are unsure if your activities constitute business or work, please seek advice from your immigration counsel.

Traveling for Business

Business visitors traveling to Honduras may engage in the activities below. This list is not comprehensive and other activities may qualify as business.

• Attend business meetings
• Tour a company facility
• Attend a trade show or convention
• Develop business contacts

If I qualify as a business visitor, do I need a visa for Honduras?

EU, Canadian, US, and many other select nationals do not require a visa to enter Honduras to conduct business activities. Business visitors who require a visa to enter Honduras must obtain either a Consular Visa or a Consulted Visa, prior to travel.

Nationals who would otherwise require a Consular Visa, but who hold a valid visa from Canada, the US or a Schengen member state are eligible for a Visa Waiver.

Honduras is a signatory of the Central America 4 (CA-4) Border Control Agreement along with Nicaragua, El Salvador, and Guatemala. Foreign nationals who enter any one of the CA-4 countries are free to travel to any of the other CA-4 countries without obtaining additional documentation.

Working in Honduras

What sorts of activities require a work permit?

In Honduras, the requirement for a work permit is generally determined by the duration and the nature of the work assignment. Many unremunerated activities can be conducted for up to 90 days without a work permit; however, an assessment is recommended prior to travel.

If I am traveling to Honduras for work, what type of work visa do I need?

Whether you require a work permit depends on your qualifications, whether your employer has an entity in Honduras, and the nature of your work. The most common Honduran work visa is the Temporary Residence Work Permit (direct-hire work permit).

Are there any nationals who are exempt from work permit requirements?

There are no nationals who are exempt from the work permit requirement Honduras.

What else should I know?

Inevitably, the legal and strategic considerations impacting visa selection or work authorization eligibility entail careful consideration of many factors. We recommend that you consult with your immigration counsel before taking any course of action.

Copyright © 2016 Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP. Government immigration agencies often change their policies and practices without notice; please consult an immigration professional for up-to-date information. This document does not constitute legal advice or create an attorney-client relationship. BAL maintains comprehensive immigration information and processing specifics for our clients.