Americans warned against Honduras travel

Americans are being advised to avoid all non-essential travel to Honduras, and an alert issued by the U.S. State Department recommended that those visiting or living in the country remain close to their homes and hotels unless they are trying to leave the country.

The travel alert was issued after Sunday's military coup ousted Honduran President Manuel Zelaya. There are police and military roadblocks in the capital city of Tegucigalpa and reports of demonstrations. However, Honduran borders remain open as are airports. Flights to the U.S., including by Continental, American and Delta airlines, have been operating normally although that could change.

Zelaya has said he will seek to return to Honduras on Thursday to regain control, and has called on Hondurans to mount peaceful protests.

One of the main destinations in Honduras for tourists is Roatan, an island off the country's Caribbean coast. Cruise ships also visit the island, and Carnival Cruise Lines still has port calls scheduled this week.

The U.S. Embassy in Honduras is posting updates on its site: http://honduras.usembassy.gov. Get information on the State Department's travel alert at www.travel.state.gov

The State Department also urged U.S. citizens living or traveling in Honduras to register with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate through the State Department's travel-registration site, https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs, and to obtain updated information on travel and security within Honduras. By registering, American citizens make it easier for the Embassy or Consulate to contact them in case of emergency.