Honduras investigates entry of 13,000 Chinese citizens

Honduran Deputy Kilvett Bertrand has called for an investigation into the entry of 13,022 Chinese citizens into Honduras. Bertrand cited reports of potential influence peddling and irregular payments related to immigration, requesting that the Migration and International Relations commissions of the National Congress verify if these individuals complied with national laws.

In response to the migration trends, Carlos Cordero, Executive Director of the National Institute of Migration, reported that while there has been a significant increase in Chinese arrivals since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the movement remains “balanced.” Data from 2022 to 2025 shows that of the 13,022 Chinese citizens identified via biometric control, 12,401 have departed the country.

The primary reasons for entry included tourism (5,435), business (3,085), transit (790), and temporary work (756). The influx has grown annually, rising from 1,246 entries in 2022 to 5,026 in 2025. Many travelers utilized US visas or processed documentation through the Honduran Embassy in China.