Got questions about Covid? Check out our FAQs- if you don't find the answer you need, let us know
Q: Am I allowed to come? What are the restrictions?
A: It's a good idea to check with the Honduran consulate in your country for most up to date information, as the policies can change. Currently there are restrictions if coming from England or South Africa, due to the new strain of Coronavirus in those countries. If coming from somewhere else, a negative Covid test (PCR or rapid) must be done within 72 hours prior to arrival. The gov't pre-check in form must be completed within 48 hours prior to arrival. Having difficulties understanding the Spanish form? Click here for a user guide
Where can you get a Covid test on the island? My home country requires that I have a test prior to returning home
A: There are several clinics around the island that administer Covid tests (including the clinic at Anthony's Key Resort, which is just a 5 min walk from the hostel). You can see an up to date listing of clinics, pricing and turnaround times on the table below:
A: It's a good idea to check with the Honduran consulate in your country for most up to date information, as the policies can change. Currently there are restrictions if coming from England or South Africa, due to the new strain of Coronavirus in those countries. If coming from somewhere else, a negative Covid test (PCR or rapid) must be done within 72 hours prior to arrival. The gov't pre-check in form must be completed within 48 hours prior to arrival. Having difficulties understanding the Spanish form? Click here for a user guide
Where can you get a Covid test on the island? My home country requires that I have a test prior to returning home
A: There are several clinics around the island that administer Covid tests (including the clinic at Anthony's Key Resort, which is just a 5 min walk from the hostel). You can see an up to date listing of clinics, pricing and turnaround times on the table below:
Q: How bad is Covid on the island?
A: For current reports on Covid numbers, you can check out the governor's Facebook page, which has government reports posted. When looking at the numbers, bear in mind that the cases will still show as active even if it has been months since the initial test, unless a secondary test is done to show that the patient has recovered (the government prefers to use the tests only to see if someone is sick). As of January, the specially created Covid treatment center on Roatan is closed because it wasn't needed, with only a very small number of patients hospitalized in the public hospital. For information on Covid for all of the country of Honduras, click here for the government website
Q: What is Roatan doing to prevent the spread of Covid?
A: The Honduran government requires that all incoming international travelers have a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight. Masks are required by law in all public areas and businesses, both indoors and outdoors, and businesses must take employee and customer temperatures, have hand sanitizer stations and enforce physical distancing measures, in addition to the sterilization/disinfection of facilities. There may be restrictions in terms of hours that people are permitted to circulate, for example with a curfew imposed during the night/early morning hours (these restrictions are subject to change- you can check the more current information on the governor's Facebook page.
Q: What would be my care options if I got sick while there?
A: If you are experiencing Covid symptoms, the first step would be to contact a government appointed representative who will arrange testing and advise you where to go, in order to limit exposure to other people. The island has a public hospital in Coxen Hole, as well as two private hospitals, Cemesa in French Harbour and Woods in Coxen Hole, as well as various medical clinics. Travel insurance is always recommended.
Q: Can I have a contact-less check-in?
A: It is a government regulation that hotels/hostels must see the ID and record ID number of all guests. You are welcome to email this information ahead of time to us, and payment for your stay can also be made in advance, in order to reduce contact. Our hostel guide can be read ahead of time to prepare you for your stay. When you arrive, our employee will be in a mask and will need to take your temperature, as per government protocols, and will show you to your sanitized room with the disinfected key in the door, but will not enter it with you.
Q: What are the risks of contracting the virus at the hostel?
A: We are doing everything in our power to keep our staff and guests safe during the pandemic. Our employees do self-screening and have their temperatures taken daily. All high touch areas are disinfected multiple times throughout the day, and there are hand sanitizer stations. Communal areas such as the shared kitchen and dorm rooms are closed due to government protocols in order to minimize risks. The on-site restaurant has limited hours of operation and observes all government protocols regarding sanitization and physical distancing measures. Accommodations are cleaned and sanitized prior to check in. There is no housekeeping service during your stay, however cleaning supplies are available if you would like to clean anything in your accommodation. If you are staying for a prolonged period and would like a mid-stay cleaning, this can be arranged through the office for a fee of $15.
Q: Is there anything to do on the island, or are a lot of businesses shut?
A: The pandemic has had severe financial repercussions on businesses worldwide, and particularly on the tourism industry. The country had its borders shut until near the end of August. Even though borders are now open, there are limitations of circulation as well as reduced numbers allowed inside of businesses and other government protocols. This means that some businesses have unfortunately closed, and others have restricted hours of operation, however there is still plenty to do on the island. Most dive shops are open for business, as well as restaurants and activities such as ziplining, and of course the beach!
Q: I've heard crime has increased because of the economic problems from the pandemic- is it safe to come?
A: There has been an increase of crimes such as muggings, however you should be able to enjoy your time on the island without incident. When out and about, avoid isolated areas and keep items of value to a minimum, including only small amounts of cash. If you are traveling with items of value such as a smartphone, it is a good idea to frequently back up data on to a cloud, and have insurance coverage in the event that it is lost, damaged or stolen.
At the hostel, we keep the entry gate locked (you'll be given the combination on arrival so that you can come and go at your leisure), and have security cameras, as well as two dogs, who are friendly but are a visual deterrent. Security bars are installed on lower level windows. We recommend that guests lock their doors when they go out.
Enjoy island life! We look forward to having you stay with us.
A: For current reports on Covid numbers, you can check out the governor's Facebook page, which has government reports posted. When looking at the numbers, bear in mind that the cases will still show as active even if it has been months since the initial test, unless a secondary test is done to show that the patient has recovered (the government prefers to use the tests only to see if someone is sick). As of January, the specially created Covid treatment center on Roatan is closed because it wasn't needed, with only a very small number of patients hospitalized in the public hospital. For information on Covid for all of the country of Honduras, click here for the government website
Q: What is Roatan doing to prevent the spread of Covid?
A: The Honduran government requires that all incoming international travelers have a negative Covid test taken within 72 hours prior to their flight. Masks are required by law in all public areas and businesses, both indoors and outdoors, and businesses must take employee and customer temperatures, have hand sanitizer stations and enforce physical distancing measures, in addition to the sterilization/disinfection of facilities. There may be restrictions in terms of hours that people are permitted to circulate, for example with a curfew imposed during the night/early morning hours (these restrictions are subject to change- you can check the more current information on the governor's Facebook page.
Q: What would be my care options if I got sick while there?
A: If you are experiencing Covid symptoms, the first step would be to contact a government appointed representative who will arrange testing and advise you where to go, in order to limit exposure to other people. The island has a public hospital in Coxen Hole, as well as two private hospitals, Cemesa in French Harbour and Woods in Coxen Hole, as well as various medical clinics. Travel insurance is always recommended.
Q: Can I have a contact-less check-in?
A: It is a government regulation that hotels/hostels must see the ID and record ID number of all guests. You are welcome to email this information ahead of time to us, and payment for your stay can also be made in advance, in order to reduce contact. Our hostel guide can be read ahead of time to prepare you for your stay. When you arrive, our employee will be in a mask and will need to take your temperature, as per government protocols, and will show you to your sanitized room with the disinfected key in the door, but will not enter it with you.
Q: What are the risks of contracting the virus at the hostel?
A: We are doing everything in our power to keep our staff and guests safe during the pandemic. Our employees do self-screening and have their temperatures taken daily. All high touch areas are disinfected multiple times throughout the day, and there are hand sanitizer stations. Communal areas such as the shared kitchen and dorm rooms are closed due to government protocols in order to minimize risks. The on-site restaurant has limited hours of operation and observes all government protocols regarding sanitization and physical distancing measures. Accommodations are cleaned and sanitized prior to check in. There is no housekeeping service during your stay, however cleaning supplies are available if you would like to clean anything in your accommodation. If you are staying for a prolonged period and would like a mid-stay cleaning, this can be arranged through the office for a fee of $15.
Q: Is there anything to do on the island, or are a lot of businesses shut?
A: The pandemic has had severe financial repercussions on businesses worldwide, and particularly on the tourism industry. The country had its borders shut until near the end of August. Even though borders are now open, there are limitations of circulation as well as reduced numbers allowed inside of businesses and other government protocols. This means that some businesses have unfortunately closed, and others have restricted hours of operation, however there is still plenty to do on the island. Most dive shops are open for business, as well as restaurants and activities such as ziplining, and of course the beach!
Q: I've heard crime has increased because of the economic problems from the pandemic- is it safe to come?
A: There has been an increase of crimes such as muggings, however you should be able to enjoy your time on the island without incident. When out and about, avoid isolated areas and keep items of value to a minimum, including only small amounts of cash. If you are traveling with items of value such as a smartphone, it is a good idea to frequently back up data on to a cloud, and have insurance coverage in the event that it is lost, damaged or stolen.
At the hostel, we keep the entry gate locked (you'll be given the combination on arrival so that you can come and go at your leisure), and have security cameras, as well as two dogs, who are friendly but are a visual deterrent. Security bars are installed on lower level windows. We recommend that guests lock their doors when they go out.
Enjoy island life! We look forward to having you stay with us.
