Cruisers sailing the Western Caribbean to popular destinations like Roatan, Honduras, can relax. A new vaccination rule in Honduras that sparked confusion last month has been clarified.

According to a July 4, 2025 update from the US Embassy in Honduras, the country’s new measles and rubella vaccination requirement does not apply to foreign visitors, including cruise ship guests arriving at ports like Roatan.

Instead, the mandate affects Honduran citizen minors aged 12 months to 10 years who are departing the country for certain destinations, including the United States.

The policy goes into effect on July 7, 2025, and was introduced in response to measles outbreaks reported globally.

The policy does affect dual national citizens of Honduras and the United States, as well.

Shared on the US Embassy in Honduras’ web page, officials updated a report regarding a new requirement for proof of measles and rubella (MMR) vaccine that was released on June 28, 2025.

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“There is no requirement for proof of measles and rubella vaccination for travelers arriving in Honduras,” the update reads.

The clarification brings relief to cruise passengers amid a busy summer season, especially as Roatan remains one of the most visited ports in the Western Caribbean. 

Operated by Carnival Corporation, Roatan’s Mahogany Bay, off the northern coast of mainland Honduras, frequently welcomes ships from Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, and Holland America Line, among others.

Roatan is also a popular call for major cruise lines like Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises, and Virgin Voyages.

Stay Informed

The clarification follows a statement released by the US Embassy that incorrectly specified US and other citizens would be required to show proof of a measles vaccine when entering Honduras.

The news left passengers already on voyages worried they didn’t have the documentation needed to enjoy a port call, especially as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises being vaccinated with MMR at least two weeks before departure.

Princess Cruises’ Enchanted Princess, for example, departed on a 14-night adventure from Fort Lauderdale the day the news broke. 

It is scheduled to arrive in Honduras on July 8, a day after the new vaccine requirements go into effect.

MSC Cruises’ MSC World America had also departed on June 28 from Miami, but arrived in Roatan ahead of the changes on July 1, 2025.

But as now clarified, the vaccine requirement does not apply to international cruise guests visiting Honduras.

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Instead, the rule specifically targets Honduran nationals under age 10 who are flying to or otherwise departing Honduras for destinations with known measles and rubella risks, which now includes the United States.

The World Health Organization has tracked outbreaks in parts of the Americas, Europe, and Africa, with unvaccinated children considered especially vulnerable.

Cruisers should always refer to embassy websites to learn of any vaccinations they may need before entering a country.

In many South American and African nations, for instance, Yellow Fever vaccinations are recommended for visiting places like Brazil and have become a requirement for visiting Ecuador after Brazil, Colombia, and other countries on May 12, 2025.

Ecuador is a popular cruising destination to visit the Galapagos Islands.

Embassy Reports Passengers Visiting Honduras Do Not Need Vaccines