Honduras Imposes Measles Vaccine Requirement for Travelers Starting July 7, 2025
In an official announcement that is making headlines nationwide, the National Office of Migration of Honduras has confirmed that all travelers arriving by air or sea will be required to show proof of measles vaccination beginning Monday, July 7, 2025. This mandatory requirement is part of an urgent effort to protect public health in response to the growing number of measles cases reported globally, particularly in countries currently under official health alerts.
The new mandate, issued through Executive Decree No. 28-1-2025, was recently published in La Gaceta, the official government bulletin of Honduras. According to Wilson Paz, Director of the National Office of Migration, the country is taking proactive measures to prevent the importation of measles and ensure the virus does not spread within national borders.
Who Is Affected by the New Measles Entry Requirement?
The new requirement applies to both Honduran citizens and foreign nationals, though with different protocols depending on the traveler's nationality and age.
For Honduran citizens, the new rule will apply only to children under the age of 10. Children in this age group must present a valid vaccination card at the port of entry. Adults and adolescents over 10 years old are currently exempt from this requirement, unless further directives are issued by the Secretaría de Salud (Ministry of Health) in the coming weeks.
For foreign nationals, the rules are stricter. All travelers from 24 countries currently under measles alert must present a valid measles vaccination card upon arrival, whether entering Honduras by air or sea. This includes travelers from countries such as:
The United States
Canada
Brazil
Spain
Costa Rica
And many others currently listed under the alert by global health authorities
The list of affected countries may be updated as the international health situation evolves. It is strongly advised that travelers consult the official channels of the Honduran government before their trip.
What If Travelers Don’t Have a Measles Vaccination Certificate?
In an effort to accommodate those who may not yet be vaccinated or lack official documentation, the Government of Honduras has taken an inclusive and responsive approach. Vaccination stations will be available at all official entry points, including major airports, ferry terminals, and land borders. These stations will be equipped with medical personnel and supplies to administer the measles vaccine on-site to travelers who need it.
This measure ensures that no traveler is turned away at the border, but also guarantees that every person entering the country contributes to the collective effort to maintain public health safety and prevent a national outbreak.
How Long Will the Measles Entry Requirement Be in Place?
According to authorities, the policy will be temporary, but no exact end date has been set. The duration of the requirement will depend on national vaccination coverage levels. The Ministry of Health will evaluate the situation over time and may extend the requirement from two weeks up to three months, based on real-time data and the risk level for an outbreak.
This flexible framework allows for rapid adjustments in response to evolving health conditions while prioritizing the safety of both citizens and international visitors.
Why Is Honduras Taking This Step?
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease that can lead to severe complications, particularly in children. With international travel on the rise and multiple outbreaks occurring in various countries, the Honduran government is acting in alignment with global health recommendations to prevent reintroducing the disease into communities where it had previously been controlled or eliminated.
By issuing this preventive mandate, Honduras joins the ranks of countries taking decisive action to safeguard public health and strengthen border protocols in response to global epidemics.
What Should Travelers to Honduras Do Now?
If you're planning to travel to Honduras after July 7, 2025, here are a few key steps to follow:
Check your vaccination records and make sure your measles vaccine is up to date.
If you're traveling with children under 10, ensure they have a valid vaccination card.
If you're from one of the 24 countries under alert, prepare your measles vaccination certificate and have it readily available upon arrival.
If you don’t have proof of vaccination, prepare to receive the vaccine at the port of entry.
Stay updated through official government channels, including the Facebook pages of Dirección Nacional de Migración Honduras and the Secretaría de Salud Honduras.
Final Thoughts: A Shared Responsibility
As global mobility increases and public health challenges continue to emerge, policies like this represent an important balance between protecting individual freedoms and preserving community health. The Government of Honduras is sending a clear message: the health of our people and our visitors is a national priority.
While this new measure may require some additional preparation for travelers, it ultimately reflects a commitment to ensuring that Honduras remains a safe, healthy, and welcoming destination for all.
