Moving to a new country is exciting--but it requires so much more planning and preparation than moving locally. The customs process is intricate, and you will have to do a lot of research before your journey overseas. If you are relocating to the Central American nation of Honduras, plan ahead and find out the required documents, regulations and restrictions for importing goods to your new home!
DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR ENTRY
When relocating to Honduras, there are many
important documents you'll need to clear customs and establish permanent residency. When you plan your international move, be sure to enlist customs brokering services from your international moving company to aid you in the preparation of your paperwork.
When moving to Honduras, you will need:
- Passport
- Residence visa
- Import permit
- Work permit
- Proof of employment
- Certificate of residence
- Permit to import household goods and personal effects
- Bill of Lading/Air Waybill
- Inventory (three copies, in Spanish)
- Letter authorizing Destination Agent to clear shipment
SHIPPING REGULATIONS
When moving to Honduras permanently, the regulations for the import of both personal effects (clothing, jewelry, toiletries) and household effects (furniture, rugs, linens, bedding, dishes, other furnishings) are:
- You must be present for customs clearance
- If you are relocating to Honduras, used goods and personal effects are duty free if you have a work permit
- If you are a returning Honduras citizen, used household goods and personal effects are duty free if you have lived abroad for at least two years
- Inspection is mandatory
- A dispensation request should be prior to importing new furniture and appliances, artwork, gifts and wine to reduce or eliminate excessive duties
PROHIBITED ITEMS
In Honduras, the following articles are prohibited for importation under any circumstances:
- Narcotics and illegal drugs
- Explosives
- Gun powder
- Toxic waste
- Pornographic and subversive films/literature
RESTRICTED ITEMS
Some articles are limited to maximum quantities or require special authorization/ payments of duties and taxes to clear customs. These items include, but are not limited to:
- Electrical appliances and new items (original receipts and four copies required)
- Firearms and ammunition (require a permit from the Ministry of Defense and Public Security)
- Hunting firearms (require a permit from the Secretary of Defense and the Treasury)
- Alcohol (no more than one bottle of spirits duty free)
- Tobacco (no more than one carton of cigarettes, one pound of loose tobacco or 250 cigars are duty free)
- Plants (require a health and/or quarantine certificate and permission from the Ministry of Natural Resources)
- Antiques and artifacts are subject to strict regulations
MOTOR VEHICLE REGULATIONS
If you are planning to ship your automobile to Honduras, you'll require the services of experienced and reliable international vehicle shippers with knowledge of overseas automobile shipping laws and customs regulations.
The requirements for importing your vehicle into Honduras are:
- New or used automobiles may be imported
- Vehicles are subject to heavy taxes by the treasury department
- Taxes are calculated based on vehicle specifications
- Documents must indicate make, model, year and the engine capacity
- Vehicles must be under seven years old
- Diplomats and members of international organizations may import vehicles duty free
You will need the following documents:
- Title and registration (original)
- Commercial/purchase invoice (original)
- Bill of Lading
PETS AND ANIMAL REGULATIONS
Your pet is an important part of the family, so you want to ensure that he or she will clear customs. However, the import of pets into Honduras is heavily restricted. To successfully cross Honduran borders with your furry friend, the requirements are:
- Veterinary health certificate(issued at point of origin and dated less than 10 days prior to arrival)
- Certificate of vaccination (including rabies, dated less than 30 days prior to arrival)
- Certificates must be certified by the USDA and be in Spanish
- Import permit (issued by the Direccion General de Ganaderia y Veterinaria/General Direction for Cattle Breeding and Veterinary Services)
- Dogs also require an additional rabies vaccination certificate and distemper and hepatitis certificates
- Quarantine is not required for pets coming from the United States
INTERNATIONAL MOVES
International moving a lengthy and exhausting process. It requires thorough research, proper preparation, and the services of professional and trustworthy international movers. Before choosing any company for hire, be sure to ask these important questions to verify they are qualified, experienced, and knowledgeable of the customs process in Honduras. Conducting a thorough background check on any potential overseas movers will also prevent you from making a common international moving mistake.
Ready to find reputable international moving companies in your area? Get started here at Movers.com by simply filling out our fast and easy free quote form and receiving estimates from up to seven qualified movers in your area.
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