is haiti safe to visit on a cruise

Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now? What travelers should know

The State Department is urging Americans not to travel to Haiti amid fresh gang violence in the country, which declared a state of emergency last week.

While neither the warnings nor violence are entirely new – Haiti has been a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination in State Department travel advisories since before the 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse – a spate of recent high-profile attacks, including an attempt by armed gangs to seize control of the country’s main international airport, has sparked renewed urgency. 

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the U.S. Embassy in Haiti said in a security alert issued Sunday. “We are aware that there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them. The U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens is severely limited.”

The U.S. military stepped in to airlift American personnel “into and out of the Embassy” to augment security, U.S. Southern Command said Sunday in a statement to USA TODAY. The embassy is also coordinating assisted departure flights "through non-commercial means" for U.S. citizens, according to its website .

Helicopter rides from U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic are available, and the country also "indicated they will allow U.S. citizens to enter" through a land border with a valid passport, according to a State Department advisory . The airport in Cap-Haitien has "limited commercial flight activity" as well, the advisory said.

Learn more: Best travel insurance

Americans in Haiti can fill out crisis intake forms and enroll in the State Department’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program program for updates. 

Here’s what airlines and cruise lines are doing about trips to Haiti:

Haiti violence: Military airlifts American personnel out of embassy as Haiti spirals into violence

Are there direct flights to Haiti?

Three U.S. airlines typically operate direct flights to Haiti: American, JetBlue and Spirit. However, all three have temporarily suspended service and issued travel waivers for the Caribbean destination.

◾ American Airlines customers with flights scheduled to, through, or from Port-au-Prince (PAP) through April 1 may modify flights without paying change fees. Changes must be made by April 1 with the same origin and destination cities as the original booking.

◾ JetBlue Airways is waiving change and cancellation fees for travelers with flights scheduled to and from Port-au-Prince through April 15. Changes can be made through April 30.

◾ Spirit Airlines is waiving change fees and fare differences on travel to, from, or through Cap Haitien (CAP) and Port-au-Prince through April 15. Travelers should rebook by April 30. After that, the airline said change fees would still be waived, but fare differences may apply.

Is Royal Caribbean still going to Haiti?

Royal Caribbean and its sister line Celebrity Cruises normally sail to Labadee, Haiti , a private destination roughly six hours away from Port-au-Prince by car. However Royal Caribbean is skipping several previously scheduled stops, in coming days.

The following sailings will not go to Labadee.

• Adventure of the Seas: 3/15 sailing 
• Mariner of the Seas: 3/16 sailing
• Explorer of the Seas: 3/17 sailing 
• Oasis of the Seas: 3/17, 3/24, 3/31, 4/7 and 4/14 sailings
• Symphony of the Seas: 3/17, 3/23, 3/31, 4/6, 4/14, 4/20 and 4/28 sailings
• Grandeur of the Seas: 3/18 sailing 
• Independence of the Seas: 4/4, 4/8, 4/18 and 4/22 sailings

"The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson said in a statement to USA TODAY. "Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution, we are temporarily making adjustments to sailings visiting Labadee. We will continue to monitor and reassess calls as needed, and will communicate updates with guests directly."

As recently as March 11, the cruise line had not canceled any sailings to Labadee, but was keeping a close on the situation while noting that it had private security in the area, which was closed to the public.

It doesn’t look like any Celebrity cruises are scheduled there until fall.

Contributing: Nathan Diller, USA TODAY

Eve Chen is a travel reporter  for USA TODAY based in Atlanta. You can reach her at [email protected].

Is It Safe to Visit Haiti on a Cruise?

Alyce Meserve

31 March 2024

If you cruise with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity , your ship might include a stop in Labadee, Haiti.

But is it safe?

Cruises depend on guests having a great time for repeat business. No one has a good time if they feel unsafe.

On the ship, safety comes above all else.

As a result, safety determines where the ship goes in bad weather, what guests can and cannot do on board, how food is cooked (no open flame), and what to do in an emergency.

In fact, ships want you to feel so safe you never even notice policies that ensure safety.

Here’s how that relates to safety in Haiti.

There were riots and protests because the Prime Minister of Haiti raised fuel costs to increase revenue. Haitians were outraged with this decision, so rioters blocked roads and burned tires.

As a result, the US State Department ’s issued a travel advisory updated on July 27, 2023 advising travelers “do not travel to Haiti” citing civil unrest, crime, kidnapping and poor health care infrastructure..

So, yes, there is a serious safety situation in Haiti.

Labadee a private resort on the north shore of Haiti that is completely insulated from mainland Haiti.  Royal Caribbean leases the property and only Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise ships use the resort.

First, this port is tourist-oriented and guarded by a private security force.

Second, Labadee has its own dock and private, secured beaches and activities. The entire area is staffed by Royal Caribbean employees. Most work on the ship, while some live in company-provided housing on the property. In addition, a ll the food for that day is provided by the cruise ship.

Third, visitors at Labadee cannot leave the property on their own. They can only take Royal Caribbean sponsored excursions.  Haitians cannot enter the property unless they’ve been previously screened by Royal Caribbean and granted security access.

Fourth, there are a few local Haitian shops in Labadee, but overall, it’s almost as if Labadee is on an entirely different island. While it’s geographically Haiti, it’s not culturally Haiti.

Ultimately, you can rest assured. If the cruise line or ship captain felt there were any level of safety concerns, the ship would not go there.

Haiti unrest in 2024

In July 2023, the US State Department issued a level 4 “do not travel” advisory for Haiti.

However, Royal Caribbean continued to service Labadee, Haiti port until March 2024. Then, they suspended visiting the country until further notice .

Cruise itineraries with Labadee ports of call will be changed to another port or a sea day.

You should feel secure

If you still feel uneasy about a port your ship visits, not to worry.

When you get off the ship, just stay in the secured port area. Most ports have plenty of shopping, food and entertainment offerings without leaving the security gate.

On the other hand, you’re safe on the ship. Instead of disembarking in port, you could spend the day the ship and enjoy crowd-free amenities like the pool, adults-only area, lunch buffet and many other venues.

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Haiti Safety 2024: Is Haiti Safe to Visit?

Haiti is nestled on the second-largest Caribbean island, Hispaniola, and shares its stunning scenery with the Dominican Republic .

There’s a lot to love about Haiti—the untouched rainforest of Macaya National Park , the mesmerizing Saut Mathurine waterfall, the enchanting island Île à Rat , the grand Sans Souci Palace , the hidden gem of Grotte Marie Jeanne underground cave, and the tropical haven of Cotes des Arcadins .

Unfortunately, beyond the scenic beauty, Haiti’s turbulent sociopolitical scene makes it a highly dangerous destination —political turmoil, criminal activity, civil unrest, and the highest travel advisory warning against visiting this country. Stay with us to uncover more about Haiti.

Is Haiti Safe?

No, Haiti is not a safe destination for travelers. In imperialist times, Haiti was the most profitable colony globally due to its sugar and coffee trade. But, as usual, colonialism has taken its toll. Today, Haiti ranks among the world’s poorest countries .

Additionally, Haiti is still grappling with the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake , which claimed over 300,000 lives and rendered 1.5 million people homeless.

Drive from Port-au-Prince’s international airport to the city center, and you’ll pass through slums where goats and pigs scavenge through piles of trash. Teens clean car windows in halted traffic, and hotels are guarded by armed personnel.

Why the armed guards? Well, there’s virtually no safe haven in this country. The threat of violent crime is very real and present everywhere. As a result, Haiti earned one of the lowest ranks in the 2023 Global Peace Safety Index , coming in at 129 out of 163 countries.

• International travel advisories: Level 4 (Do Not Travel); violent crime and shortage of basic necessities are widespread
• Crime rating: High, 77.88
• Most dangerous areas: Artibonite Central, Bas-Delmas, Bel Air, Carrefour, Carrefour, Drouillard, Champs-de-Mars, Cité Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, Downtown Port-au-Prince, Fontamara, Jalousie, Laboule 12, Martissant, Portail Léogane, Road to the airport, Santo, Tabarre, Torcelle, and Toussant Brave
• Public transportation safety: Passengers often fall victim to assault, abductions, and theft; official taxis are rare, buses are few, and minibusses lack safety features
• Safety walking alone during the day: Low
• Safety walking alone during the night: Very low
• Road safety: Roads lack proper markings, some are closed, and others have large potholes
• Beach safety: The safest beaches are located at the Labadee Resort ; take notice of the warning flags and keep an eye on your belongings
• Tap water: Unsafe to drink
• Common natural disasters: Earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis
• Carbon monoxide poisoning: Possible, a portable carbon monoxide detector is advised if you plan to travel
• Police presence: Severely understaffed and may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents
• Medical care quality: Hospitals and clinics lack qualified doctors, basic equipment, and resources for treating patients

Travel Advisory for Haiti

Every international travel advisory echoes the same stark warning for Haiti—Do Not Travel.

The United States , the United Kingdom , Canada , Australia , and New Zealand travel advisories all place Haiti in the highest risk category— Level Four —and strongly discourage travelers from visiting due to:

• Violent Crime: Travelers are at risk of being followed and violently attacked especially after leaving the Port-au-Prince International Airport. Criminals target vehicles stuck in heavy traffic.
• Civil unrest: Ongoing political instability leads to violent demonstrations, roadblocks, and attacks by criminal organizations, impacting areas like Route Nationale 2 from Martissant to Miragoane.
• Lack of police protection: Local police often lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents, particularly in Artibonite Central, Bas-Delmas, Bel Air, Carrefour, Carrefour, Drouillard, Champs-de-Mars, Cité Soleil, Croix-des-Bouquets, Downtown Port-au-Prince, Fontamara, Jalousie, Laboule 12, Martissant, Portail Léogane, Road to the airport, Santo, Tabarre, Torcelle, and Toussant Brave.
• Poor healthcare infrastructure: Medical clinics and hospitals lack qualified staff, basic equipment, and resources. Life-threatening emergencies may require evacuation at the patient’s expense.
• Severe shortages of basic necessities: Frequent power outages, as well as water and fuel shortages, are common. Tap water is generally unsafe to drink.
• Natural disasters: Cyclones, hurricanes, tropical storms, floods, and earthquakes continue to pose a significant risk, with limited government capacity to respond effectively.

Given these substantial risks, it is strongly advised to avoid traveling to Haiti.

A Comprehensive Look at Haiti Crime Rates

Haiti has a high crime rating of 77.88.

Data from the Haitian National Police and the UN reveal a dire situation in the first quarter of 2023 —over 1,600 reported incidents. This is a staggering rise, as the number nearly tripled from 692 incidents during the same period of the previous year (Q1 2022).

The capital Port-au-Prince and its metropolitan region face the cruelty of approximately 150 criminal groups , many affiliated with the G-Pèp and the G9 alliance . Cité Soleil has served as the main battleground for rival disputes between the G9 and the G-Pèp alliance.

With violence surging in Haiti, people are witnessing a full-blown humanitarian crisis . In 2023 , nearly 200,000 people have been displaced, around 70,000 individuals are living in makeshift settlements, 31,000 live out in the open, and another 34,000 are crammed into classrooms.

The situation demands urgent attention from authorities, and a wake-up call for you, tourists, to reserve this destination for better days.

Source : Numbeo , 2024 data, based on 50 contributors

Police Presence in Haiti

The Haitian National Police force is severely understaffed and lacks the necessary equipment to tackle the country’s widespread violence and criminality. The force is pressed rather thin , with personnel dropping from 14,772 to around 13,200 in 2023.

If you happen to visit Haiti for whatever reason—despite the warnings of the authorities—know that police protection in Haiti is not guaranteed. If you believe that you are being followed in Haiti, be it after leaving the airport or anyplace else, prioritize your safety and go to the nearest police station immediately.

Public Transportation Safety in Haiti

Public transportation in Haiti comes with a host of challenges, and safety is a major concern.

Official taxis are a rarity, buses are few and far between, and the shared “tap-tap” minibusses, although commonly used, should be avoided as they lack safety features, the drivers drive recklessly, and are often overcrowded. Reports of armed robberies and abductions associated with public transportation raise serious red flags. Adding to the list of reasons to avoid public transport, bus stations are often chaotic hotspots for pickpocketing and scams.

Road Safety in Haiti

Driving in Haiti is not safe. Many roads lack proper markings, others are closed, and a great majority have large potholes caused by massive earthquakes.

If this weren’t enough, Haiti’s roads are shared spaces with animals that are rather oblivious to the concept of cars. In urban areas, encounters with smaller animals like pigs, dogs, and goats are common, while rural roads may lead to encounters with larger animals such as cows and donkeys.

Medical Care Quality in Haiti

Healthcare in Haiti is limited and inadequate.

Fontaine Hospital Center , situated in the heart of Cité Soleil—the most densely populated and violent area of the capital—stands as one of the last bastions for medical treatment. Ambulance services are limited, and they might not be well-equipped with essential medical supplies, so effective emergency response is also not guaranteed.

When seeking medical attention, visitors should be prepared for immediate cash payments, even if they have valid travel health insurance. Pharmacies might stock expired medications, and some crucial medications may not be available.

In life-threatening situations, be aware that Haiti may not be able to provide you with sufficient medical treatment. In such cases, evacuation might be necessary, and it often comes at the patient’s own expense.

Is It Safe to Travel Solo in Haiti?

Travel advisories strongly discourage solo visits to Haiti due to a multitude of safety concerns, civil unrest, and limited healthcare facilities.

Solo travelers, in particular, are viewed as easy targets and might find themselves more susceptible to harassment and assault. Public transportation adds another layer of risk, as it’s both unreliable and unsafe, especially after nightfall. Until travel advisories change, it’s best to avoid solo trips to Haiti.

Perils of Nature: The Risk of Natural Disasters in Haiti

Haiti is at risk of a few natural disasters: hurricanes, earthquakes, and tsunamis.

Haiti lies in the Atlantic hurricane belt, making it susceptible to hurricanes and tropical storms during the hurricane season, which is from June 1 to November 30 . On average, about five such events occur each year , with the most affected regions being southeast, south, and northwest.

The latest hurricane , Franklin , reached tropical storm hurricane status with winds up to 57 mph (93 km/h) on August 24, 2023, near Dérac. The most devastating hurricane season , however, happened back in 2008 when storms Fay, Gustav, Hanna, and Ike caused widespread destruction.

In case of a hurricane or severe storm:

• Be aware of potential travel disruptions
• Flights may be delayed or suspended
• Adequate shelter might be limited
• Port access could be impacted

If a hurricane is imminent:

• Identify local shelters
• Follow the advice from local authorities
• Stay informed with updates from the US National Hurricane Center

Earthquakes

Haiti, located along the boundary of the Caribbean and North American tectonic plates, is susceptible to seismic activity. 

One of the most devastating earthquakes occurred in 2010 , registering 7.0 on the Richter scale. Lasting 35 seconds, it resulted in 220,000 dead, 300,000 injured, and 1.5 million homeless.

Tragically, that wasn’t the strongest one, nor the last one to devastate the nation. The strongest earthquake in Haiti occurred in 2021 , with a magnitude of 7.2 on the Richter Scale. It claimed 2,248 lives and triggered a tsunami warning.

To this day, earthquake-damaged infrastructure, including health services, roads, telecommunications, and utilities, remains a challenge. Water and sewerage system damages have contributed to increased disease outbreaks in Haiti.

In the event of an earthquake hit in Haiti:

• Drop to the ground, take cover under something sturdy, and hold on until the shaking stops
• If outdoors, find a clear spot away from buildings and trees, and remember to drop, cover, and hold on

Tsunamis are colossal tidal waves triggered by earthquakes or seismic eruptions beneath ocean surfaces.

The most destructive tsunami in Haiti’s history occurred in 1842 , reaching a towering height of 16 feet (5m) and claiming 300 lives. The 7.0 earthquake in 2010 also generated a tsunami with 3.2-meter waves , resulting in three fatalities. In 2021, following the 7.2 earthquake, tsunami warnings were issued for some Haitian coasts, though fortunately, an official tsunami did not occur .

If you’re near the Haiti coast and experience a strong or prolonged earthquake, notice sea-level changes, or hear unusual oceanic noises, promptly move to higher ground as advised by local authorities.

Tsunamis can strike within minutes of seismic activity, but if you register on the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System , you’ll receive a timely alert if a tsunami is approaching. Don’t wait for official alarms, act swiftly. Once in a safe location, stay informed through local media.

Beware the Silent Threat: Carbon Monoxide Poisoning in Haiti

Hotels and motels face a genuine threat from carbon monoxide poisoning. In Mexico City , three AirBnB guests lost their lives to carbon monoxide, and another group faced a similar fate at a Sandals Resort in the Bahamas .

Haiti hasn’t experienced such incidents with tourists yet, but it doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible and odorless toxic gas. For instance, if your hotel has a malfunctioning appliance, like a stove, water heater, or heating system, the gas can leak into your room, slowly poisoning you.

Many hotels use CO detectors to keep guests safe from dangerous gas—but not all of them. It’s best to purchase a portable CO detector , especially if the hotel doesn’t have one or it’s broken.

Remember, if you get headaches, throw up, or feel sick, that could be CO poisoning. Get medical care immediately. Longer exposure to CO may have tragic effects, like paralysis, brain damage, or fatal consequences.

Serenity by the Shore: The Safety of Haiti Beaches

Considering the widespread violence in Haiti, some might think twice about visiting any of its beaches. However, if you decide to ignore the serious warnings, the safest beach to visit would be Labadee.

Labadee is a private beach resort on Haiti’s northern coast, owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and exclusively accessible to cruise ship passengers. The resort is well-protected, with trained security personnel ensuring the safety of tourists.

When hitting the beach, it’s a good idea to pay attention to warning flags:

• Red Flag: High surf, life-threatening currents – Don’t swim
• Yellow Flag: Potential high surf or risky currents – Swim with caution
• Green Flag: Safe to swim
• Purple Flag: Presence of dangerous marine life like sharks, jellyfish, or sea urchins – Swim with extreme caution
• Blue Flag: The beach is recognized for excellent water quality, environmental care, and safety

Not all beaches have these flags, so it’s advisable to talk to locals or resort staff about the safety situation before heading out for a swim. Once there, remember the basics: wear sunscreen and keep an eye on your stuff.

Haiti Weather Patterns: What to Expect

Haiti has a hot tropical climate year-round. The average temperatures range from the high 70s°F (about 25°C) in winter to the mid-80s°F (about 30°C) in summer.

The specific temperatures vary based on the elevation, with slightly higher temperatures in inland plains and on south-facing coasts, and slightly lower temperatures along north-facing coasts.

The sunny and dry season in Haiti starts in December and lasts until April. January is the sunniest month, with clear skies about 79% of the time and very little rain, averaging 0.4 inches (about 1 cm).

The cloudy and wet season spans from May to November. September is the cloudiest month, with overcast or mostly cloudy skies about 74% of the time. The wettest days occur in May, averaging 5.1 days with 2.1 inches of rainfall (about 13 cm).

Haiti gets quite windy from the end of June to mid-August, with average speeds exceeding 5.7 mph (about 9.2 km/h). June is the windiest month, with an average hourly speed of 6.4 mph (about 10.3 km/h). This aligns with the hurricane season from June to November, increasing the likelihood of hurricanes during the windy months.

Conversely, the calmer wind period spans 9.2 months, from the end of August to May. October is the calmest month, with an average hourly wind speed of 4.9 mph (about 7.9 km/h).

The water is warmest from July to November, with an average temperature above 84°F (about 28.9°C). September has the warmest water, with an average temperature of 85°F (about 29.4°C), while February sees the coolest water, averaging 81°F (about 27.2°C).

Monthly Average Temperatures in Haiti

Source : WeatherSpark , 2024 data

When Is the Best Time to Visit Haiti?

Currently, there’s no good time to book a trip to Haiti. However, if the safety situation improves, crime levels drop, and international travel advisories give it the green light, you might want to plan your trip during the dry season, from December to April .

The dry season has several perks: escape from the snow or cold of the northern hemisphere, balmy weather perfect for beach time, and calm seas that are great for activities like surfing, snorkeling, diving, and trekking.

However, there’s one downside: December to April is also peak tourist season, making it a bit tricky and sometimes expensive to find flights. The busiest months are December and January, with Haitians living abroad returning for end-of-year celebrations with friends and family.

If you do visit during peak tourist season, book well in advance and do a little digging to find the best hotel deal.

How to Stay Safe in Haiti

By now, it should be clear that traveling to Haiti involves serious risks. If you choose to travel there anyway, make sure to follow these safety guidelines :

• Sign up for the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program . It’s a free service that provides real-time security information and maintains a connection between you and your government.
• Consider booking a hotel room at the private beach resort Labadee . The resort is well-protected by trained security personnel.
• Get all recommended vaccinations (for diphtheria, tetanus, polio, hep A., typhoid, cholera) at least one month before your departure.
• Stay up-to-date on natural disasters . Monitor hurricanes at the National Hurricane Center , earthquakes on VolcanoDiscovery , and tsunamis on the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System .
• Have someone meet you at the airport or pre-book an airport transfer. Never use public transport.
• If you must drive, keep your fuel tank at least half-full , as the gas stations may often have limited supplies.
• Dress modestly and avoid flashy displays of wealth , as you don’t want any additional attention.
• Make and carry copies of important documents , such as your passport and driver’s license, in case of theft.
• People may not appreciate being photographed in poor or urban areas , so seek permission before taking pictures.
• Purchase a Digicel Haiti SIM card for reliable internet and cell service —you don’t want to be unable to contact emergency services (or your family abroad) while in Haiti.
• Exercise extreme caution when using banks . Use ATMs only in secure locations like malls or markets and never in public spaces.
• Avoid going out after sunset . If you’re hungry, consider using a food delivery app like Uber Eats , which operates in major cities in Haiti.
• Violent crimes are common . Be extremely vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times. If someone tries to steal from you, don’t resist. Criminals are often armed, and resistance may lead to fatal injuries.
• Seek immediate medical help if you’re a victim of violent crime .

Emergency Numbers

• Ambulance: 116/ 3685-0717
• Police: 114/ 3805-8888/ 3838-1111
• Civil Protection: 4448-6571/ 3623-0303/ 4896-0564
• Electricity: 2212-2212
• Water Supply and Sanitation Directorate: 5959
• Fire department: 2945-1111

Leave Your Haiti Vacation for Better & Safer Times

Who would have guessed that such a stunning country could be so risky? Unfortunately, life-threatening dangers make visiting Haiti a rather bad idea at present.

So until the situation improves, we strongly recommend heeding international travel advisories and not visiting this country.

If you decide to go despite the warnings, take maximum precautions. Upon arrival, ensure that no one is following you, as criminals have been known to observe people arriving at the airport and then following them with malicious intent.

Stick to the secure resort areas, arrange organized transport, never venture into high-crime zones, and stay safely locked in at night.

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Is it really safe to travel to Haiti?

Boats at Ile-a-Vache, Haiti

Photo: Verdy Verna

One of America’s closest neighbours, Haiti has long been a source of fascination. American celebrities turned Haiti into one of the popular Caribbean holiday destinations in the 1960s and 70s, but this changed as Haiti suffered increasingly inept rule in the 70s and 80s. Decades of poverty, political instability and plain bad luck followed.

Is it safe to travel to Haiti?

Finally, after a decade of relatively peaceful democratic government, a tourism bounce-back has begun, and a new generation of tourists are discovering what makes Haiti so special. Haiti is becoming a sought-after experience for adventure-driven travelers, the culturally curious, and Millennials who’ve visited the Caribbean already and are seeking something different.

Since the 2010 earthquake, Haiti has been on the road to reconstruction. For several years, national icons lay in rubble and whole city squares cordoned off for repair, but the Caribbean nation is now recovering well. With tourism vital for continued prosperity, keeping visitors safe and satisfied is a priority for locals and government policy reflects this.

In fact, the 2019 Global Peace Index ranks Haiti at #87 out of the 163 countries on the list. According to the list, Haiti is more peaceful than many popular tourist destinations like Morocco, Brazil, Thailand, Kenya, the Philippines, Mexico, India and - interestingly - USA (#128).

Americans, Canadians and most Europeans can visit Haiti without a visa at all, making it a great alternative to Cuba . The Travel and Tourism Competitiveness Index ranks Haiti very well when it comes to openness and value-for-money. Over the last ten years, tourism has doubled.

If you’re considering travel to Haiti, you probably still have some questions, so here are a few answers to help you before a first-time visit to the Caribbean island nation:

The current generation has grown up with images of Haiti suffering the effects of the 2010 earthquake , but the last decade has actually seen less political unrest, inequality and crime. Haiti remains poor, but it’s perfectly safe for visitors to walk around the cities on foot or travel across the country to see the many cultural icons and natural wonders , either alone or with a local guide.

As in any large city in the US, people visiting should take sensible precautions when in Port au Prince or Haiti’s other cities. But there’s no significant security threat, and it’s easy to find the parts of town safe for travellers to wander. It’s very common to see foreigners walking around unaccompanied in the streets of Port-au-Prince .

While political unrest can be a cause for worry, it should be noted that most of these events affect very specific politically active groups, not individual people going about their daily life, and certainly not foreigners.

Boat painter in Dame Marie

Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

How to stay safe

Traffic in Haiti is fairly unregulated, so it serves to look both ways, twice , before crossing any street. As in any big city in the world, pickpockets are out there, so make sure that you keep your belongings close and out of your pockets – preferably in a small bag or pouch you can carry in your hand, or across your chest.

Current travel advisories: The US consulate currently has a Level 3 travel advisory for Haiti (issued 11 June 2019), and recommends that travellers stay safe by changing currency in advance (so you can avoid banks and ATMs), avoiding demonstrations, not attempting to go through roadblocks, and booking official, professional transport from the airport to your accommodation.

School girls, Corail

Photo: Franck Fontain

How to stay healthy

From a medical point of view, Haiti is generally safe as long as you're reasonably careful about what you eat and drink. Although tap water is considered generally safe for locals and long-term expats to drink, visitors who are in Haiti for only a short while are advised to avoid the risk of short-term stomach upsets by drinking bottled water. It’s cheap in the cities and not always available in small towns and on the road, so stock up before you venture out.

For more on what to eat, check out our guide to the delicious and distinctive street food of Haiti .

Get vaccinated before you go: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A and Tetanus shots are all recommended, but depending on your level of risk your doctor may recommend a few more.

Woman in Abricot

Photo: Kolektif 2 Dimansyon

Should you hire a local guide?

Yes. Your journey to all sights worth seeing - whether cultural icons like the World Heritage listed Citadelle , or natural wonders like Bassin Zim , or adventure destinations like Pic La Selle - will be improved if you go with a guide. Guides will ensure your safety, help you find the best routes, keep hawkers and hustlers at a distance and explain the local significance of the sights.

Even if you’re planning to stay in the city, it’s well worth a guided tour at the start to help you get your bearings and put you in a better position to enjoy the rest of your stay solo, without worrying about the local dos and don’ts.

Keep in mind that the two common languages in Haiti are Creole and French - if you don’t speak French, a tour guide is even more invaluable for helping you find your way around.

Is there internet?

Yes. Wifi is widely available in accommodation and restaurants.

Are there hotels up to an American standard?

One of the best things about Haiti as a travel destination is that it’s relatively free of juggernaut five-star resorts that dominate the landscape in other more well-trodden Caribbean destinations. In Haiti, you can ditch the noisy crowds and find much more down-to-earth experiences of beachside paradise.

That’s not to say you can't find luxury - there are several resorts and mid-size hotels dotted around the cities and exclusive beachfront destinations along the coast. Within the cities, there’s a good selection of boutique hotels to suit your budget and style.

Airbnb is gaining popularity too, with dozens of offerings across Haiti’s major cities from art-filled family homes to free-standing villas where you can sip rum sours in your own infinity pool.

What are the travel restrictions for visiting Haiti?

Americans, Canadians and most Europeans can visit Haiti without a visa at all, as long as you plan to stay for less than three months.

Upon your arrival to the island, you’ll be required to pay a USD $10 tourist fee, before you get in line to go through Customs.

Visa requirements:

The list of countries of which Haiti requires a Visa is very short: Syria, Libya, Iran, Vietnam, Yemen, and Chechnya. If you are visiting from the Dominican Republic , Panama, or Columbia, just make sure that you have a valid US, Canadian, or Schengen visa in your passport.

Haiti allows foreigners to stay for up to three months, after which they need to regularize their status. If you are planning to stay in Haiti for a long stretch of time, make sure that you keep this in mind and book your travel arrangements accordingly.

People relaxing, Pestel

Why visit Haiti?

Haiti is home to stunning beaches, unique Creole language and cuisine, a proud heritage of hard-won freedom and independence , and inspiring historical attractions.

Haiti is also home to the Caribbean’s premiere art scene, with an abundance of galleries and artist-owned initiatives showcasing distinctive Haitian styles. You’ll find thriving artist colonies in Grand Rue , Jacmel and Noailles.

Haiti’s most iconic historic site, the Citadelle fortress outside Cap Haïtien , houses the world’s biggest collection of 19th-century cannons and artillery. The island’s compelling past is expertly displayed at some of the Caribbean’s best museums, including the Museum of the Haitian National Pantheon on Champ-des-Mars .

The culturally curious can catch the Thursday-night Vodou rock show in downtown Port-au-Prince, or witness the whirlwind of costumes, music and performance during one of the many annual festivals.

Throughout a history of amazing achievements and heartbreaking disasters, the people of Haiti have demonstrated incredible resilience, creativity and determination.

Don’t miss your chance to soak up some of this spirit and sample what this unique culture has to offer. Visit Haiti.  

Written by  Kelly Paulemon .

Published November 2018

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Travel Advisory July 27, 2023

Haiti - level 4: do not travel.

Last Update: Updated to reflect the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members for Embassy Port-au-Prince.

Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure. On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees. U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.

Country Summary : Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victim’s families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.

Violent crime, often involving the use of firearms, such as  armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Mob killings against presumed criminals have been on the rise since late April. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport.

Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti – assistance on site is available only from local authorities (Haitian National Police and ambulance services). Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies continue throughout much of Haiti. Public and private medical clinics and hospitals often lack qualified medical staff and even basic medical equipment and resources.

U.S. government personnel are limited only to the confined area around the Embassy and are prohibited from walking in Port-au-Prince. U.S. government personnel in Haiti are prohibited from:

• Using any kind of public transportation or taxis
• Visiting banks and using ATMs
• Driving at night
• Traveling anywhere between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Traveling without prior approval and special security measures in place.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Haiti.

The Haitian Ministry of Health and Population (MSPP) has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the country.  

If you decide to travel to Haiti:

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks.
• Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival.
• Do not provide personal information to unauthorized individuals (e.g. people without official uniforms or credentials) located in the immigration, customs, or other areas inside or near any airports.
• If you are being followed as you leave the airport, drive to the nearest police station immediately.
• Travel by vehicle to minimize walking in public.
• Travel in groups of at least two people.
• Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving.
• Exercise caution and alertness, especially when driving through markets and other traffic congested areas.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Purchase travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance ahead of time.
• Review information on  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  on Haiti.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

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Yes, for stays over 90 days. Foreign passport holders visiting Haiti must pay a tourist fee of $10.00 at the airport

None; however, review current COVID testing and vaccination guidance

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince

Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre Port-au-Prince, Haiti Telephone:  +(509) 2229-8000 / 2229-8900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(509) 2229-8000 Fax:  +(509) 2229-8027 Email:  [email protected]

American Citizen Services Unit office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most routine services require an appointment; visit our Embassy webpage . The Embassy is closed on U.S. and local holidays.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Government of Haiti requires all non-Haiti citizens age 12 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to present a negative COVID test.   No COVID test or vaccination is required for travelers under the age of 5 .  

Requirement for Entry: Passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival. Visit the Embassy of Haiti website for the most current visa information.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Haiti.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime:  Embassy employees are prohibited from using public transportation and visiting certain areas of Port-au-Prince due to high crime. Political violence and violent crimes are common in Haiti, including murders, kidnappings, robberies, assaults, vehicle break-ins, and home invasions. Travelers are often targeted, followed, and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. For this reason, Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling in personal vehicles to and from the airport. Also, the Embassy has procedures in place to detect surveillance and deter attacks on its employees.

Labadee, a port near Cap Haitien in the north - only accessible by cruise ship passengers - has private security and lower rates of reported crime. Travelers should exercise heightened  precautions,however, due to increasing insecurity nationwide.

Safety Precautions:

• Be careful about providing your destination address in Haiti. Do not provide personal information to unauthorized individuals located in the immigration, customs, or other areas inside or near any airports in Haiti.
• As you leave the airport, make sure you are not being followed. If you notice you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station immediately.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as jewelry or watches.
• Embassy employees are prohibited from visiting banks and using ATMs. U.S. citizens are often followed, attacked and robbed soon after withdrawing money. If you must use an ATM, select one that is out of sight from the general public (such as inside your hotel), and be cautious at all times.
• Do not resist a robbery or car-jacking attempt. Criminals may kill those who resist. 
• If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Be aware: drug traffickers have duped travelers into transporting narcotics aboard on commercial flights.
• Be aware: crime rates tend to go up during holidays, particularly in crowded street festivities.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault:  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Police investigations may not meet U.S. standards and forensic medical services are very basic. While rape kits exist in Haiti, there is generally no capacity to collect or utilize samples for police investigation. Report crimes to the local police at (+509) 3838-1111 or (+509) 3733-3640, then call the U.S. Embassy at (+509) 2229-8000.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends if we receive your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a  list of attorneys in Haiti
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States  
• In cases of destitution, provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support
• Help you find hotel accommodations and arrange a flight home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level in most locations.  With the exception of Labadee, tourists are participating in activities at their own risk.  Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage

Hurricanes:  Hurricane season runs from June 1 – November 30 in the Atlantic. Roads and bridges may become impassible. Poor rescue services and weak infrastructure hamper the government’s ability to respond to storms.

For information on how to prepare and respond to storms and hurricanes:

• https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
• Haiti Météo website
• Local media broadcasts in Creole or French
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

Earthquakes:  Haiti is prone to earthquakes. For information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, visit  https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Prolonged pre-trial detention is common and prison conditions do not meet U.S. standards. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Real Estate Investments:  Be highly cautious. Property rights are irregularly enforced. Clear title to land is difficult or impossible to obtain. Consult an attorney before signing documents or closing on any real estate transactions. Undeveloped land is vulnerable to legal and physical takeover. Absentee owners may be assaulted by squatters when trying to reclaim their property. Litigation and eviction proceedings can take years. U.S. citizens involved in business/property disputes are sometimes arrested without charge and can spend months or years in pre-trial detention, waiting for their cases to be heard. The Embassy does not attend property dispute hearings but, as above, can assist U.S. citizens who have been arrested.

Firearms and Other Weapons:  Possession of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weaponry is strictly prohibited to any person, unless the individual has a Haitian license or has been specifically authorized by Haitian authorities.  In order to bring a firearm into Haiti, an owner must obtain written permission in advance from the Director-General of the Haitian National Police (HNP).  Contact the “Centre de Renseignement de la police”/Information Center (CRO) at [email protected] or by telephones at 509-3838-1111 /509-3837-1111/509-3839-1111 for additional information.  Travelers caught entering Haiti with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, will likely face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Haiti.  Visit the Department’s  Traveling Abroad with Firearms webpage .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Anti-LGBTQI+ sentiment exists. While no laws criminalize sexual orientation or consensual same-sex conduct between adults, persons identified as LGBTQI+ may be targeted for harassment, discrimination, or physical attacks. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Haiti prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the law is not enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States, however.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.  Businesses rarely accommodate persons with disabilities and Haitian authorities do not enforce laws mandating public access for the disabled. Sidewalks, when present, are frequently congested by sidewalk commerce and parked cars.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   Domestic violence and sexual assault are unfortunately common and not always investigated or prosecuted consistently or vigorously. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

The Government of Haiti requires all non-Haiti citizens age 12 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to present a negative COVID test. 

Medical facilities, including ambulance services, are scarce and generally sub-standard, especially outside the capital. Life-threatening emergencies often require evacuation to a point outside of Haiti by air ambulance at the patient's expense.  Lists of doctors, hospitals, and air ambulance services  are available at the Embassy website.

There is no functional national emergency services line in Haiti. The Embassy maintains a list of emergency telephone contacts.

Ambulance services may not be reliable in an emergency. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Ambulance services are:

• Not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Often not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the Haitian Ministry of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Haiti.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Health facilities in general:

• Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.

Water Quality

In most areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

General Health Language

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• There are shortages of food, water, medicine, medical supplies, etc. throughout Haiti.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Haiti. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Traffic is extremely chaotic throughout the country and is frequently congested in urban areas. Lanes are not marked, and signs indicating the flow of traffic seldom exist. Roads are generally unmarked, and detailed, accurate maps are not widely available. GPS-based systems do usually work accurately, but the lack of road signage makes it hard to determine the indicated route. There are only a handful of stoplights in the country. Pedestrians regularly walk on the side of the road, and animals often dart into traffic. Even though driving is on the right side of the road, large potholes and flooding may cause drivers to swerve unpredictably and dangerously into the opposite lane of traffic. Speeding, aggressive driving, lack of traffic lights and signs, lack of right of way, unlit vehicles, and poor maintenance are the cause of many fatal traffic accidents in Haiti, as are overloaded vehicles on winding, mountainous and degraded roads. Motorcycles weave through traffic at high speeds. Driving under the influence is common at night. Traffic accidents are a major cause of death and injury, and extreme caution should be exercised. Those lacking knowledge of Haitian roads and traffic customs should hire a driver through a tour company or hotel. Heavy rains can cause mudslides and flooding that can quickly make conditions perilous. The Haitian government lacks adequate resources to assist drivers in distress or to clear the road of accidents or broken-down vehicles. If you are involved in an accident, do not expect medical or law enforcement assistance.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation consists of “tap-taps” (collective buses), private motorcycles for hire, and public buses and taxis in some cities or inter-city routes. Embassy personnel are prohibited from using any public transportation, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid doing so due to the risk of crime. There is a significant risk of ejection in any accident, or even rough driving, due to lack of seat belts.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Haiti’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Haiti’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Haiti should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Haiti . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report. 

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Labadee, Haiti Cruise Port: All You Need to Know

Going to Haiti on cruise?  We have all you need to know about this popular cruise destination so you can be prepared when you visit this beautiful port of call.

If you’re cruising aboard a Royal Caribbean cruise ship around its namesake sea (the Caribbean!), it is very likely that you will make a stop in Labadee, Haiti, during your voyage.

Serving as a private cruise port for Royal Caribbean, Labadee is a stunningly beautiful beachfront resort with crystal clear waters, a range of water and land activities, and breathtaking views.

Celebrity Cruises, which is owned by Royal Caribbean Group, will also stop at this little paradise.

Here, situated on a peninsula on the northern coast of Haiti, visitors can zip line, kayak, snorkel, or simply lounge on one of the peninsula’s white sandy beaches. The resort also features several shops, restaurants, and bars, making it an all-inclusive destination.

However, with so much to do at the resort (and typically only one day to explore it), cruisers should arrive prepared. In this article we will discuss all the things you need to know before your ship docks on Labadee’s shores.

Related: Best things to do in Labadee, Haiti

Arriving at Labadee Cruise Port

Passengers visiting Labadee might be struck by its unique location—situated on a peninsula, Labadee is unlike many other private cruise destinations which are on cruise lines’ own private islands. Regardless of its proximity to the mainland, Labadee is tucked into Haiti’s lush green hills, and feels just as secluded as other privately owned cruise destinations.

One of the advantages of visiting Labadee is its accessibility—even the largest of Royal Caribbean’s fleet can dock at its pier, saving passengers from having to take tenders to reach the shore. Once travelers arrive, paved trails make it easy to navigate the resort by foot or by wheelchair.

There is also a complimentary tram that travels around the private destination, with stops at many of the resort’s hubs of activity. If you’re not quite sure where to start, taking a ride on the tram upon arrival is a great way to survey your options for the day!

Dining & Shopping

Labadee features a range of dining and shopping options for visitors to enjoy, ranging from casual beachside dining to more formal restaurants. All of the food and drink on Labadee is prepared onboard your cruise ship and transported ashore, ensuring consistency and quality.

Lunch is complimentary and served at the Dragon’s Café (located near the pier), Café Labadee (located at Adrenaline Beach), and Columbus Cove Café (located at Columbus Cove). Each venue offers a buffet of barbecue, as well as a selection of fruits and vegetables.

There are five bars located around the resort. Dragon’s Breath pub is near the pier, and the Floating and Schooner Bars are on Adrenaline Beach. Nellie’s Tavern and Columbus Cove Bar are at Nellie’s Beach and Columbus Cove, respectively. Each bar serves a signature cocktails, virgin mocktails, beers, and sodas.

Any drink package benefits you purchased for onboard use will work at Labadee as well. Whether you bought the Deluxe Beverage package for unlimited alcoholic beverages or the Royal Refreshment package for unlimited soda, don’t forget to take advantage of this! Simply hand your SeaPass card to any waiter or bartender and you can receive the same benefits as you did on board.

Bear in mind, however, that the island’s drink selection may be more limited than the ship, and that drinks served in souvenir cups are not included (although you can get a discount!).

Labadee also features many shops selling souvenirs, jewelry, and other items. Visitors browsing the shops to purchase unique items to take home as a memento of their trip would be well advised to explore the Artisan Market. Here, local vendors sell colorful and often homemade wares.

However, beware of pushy peddlers who pester you for a purchase! This is a known practice on Labadee, and it is perfectly fine to decline their offers if you are not interested.

Activities & Excursions

One of the main attractions of Labadee is its range of activities and excursions. Visitors to the port can choose from a variety of land and water-based activities, including zip lining, kayaking, snorkeling, and beach lounging.

When you arrive at the port, you will see the Trading Post at the end of the pier; here, you can book tours, rides, and excursions (if you did not do so in advance).

Zip-lining is one of the most popular activities at Labadee—with over 2,800 feet of line, the resort features what was once the longest zipline over water in the world. The Dragon’s Breath zip-line starts 450 feet atop a hill and takes visitors on a thrilling ride over the water, providing breathtaking views of the surrounding area.

While this is a pricey excursion (coming in around $89), it is Labadee’s “claim to fame,” and, for adrenaline lovers, is well worth the cost. If you like thrills, be sure to also check out Dragon’s Tail roller coaster (this alpine coaster is a bit cheaper at $22 for one rider with a second rider free).

For those who prefer water-based activities, Labadee offers a range of options, including kayaking and snorkeling. Visitors can rent kayaks and explore the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea or take a guided snorkeling tour and see the vibrant marine life that inhabits the area.

There are also nature trails scattered throughout the resort that provide amazing views of the peninsula and surrounding sea.

Cruises are required to stay within the secure fenced-in area of the resort, so there are no excursions that explore the rest of the island. Regardless, Labadee offers some amazing excursion experiences, such as:

• Luxury sailboat cruises that take you out to sea for a short swim and some sightseeing with a small group of 20 or less. The sailboat will take you out to Amiga Island where you can hop in the water for a swim. The excursion will provide floating ‘noodles’ to swim with, but snorkeling gear is not provided. There is no food on the boat, and many cruises return after the island’s buffet has ended, so be sure to eat before you get on board. Additionally, locals might approach the boat to sell souvenirs, so be prepared with cash if you’re interested.
• Sport fishing charters where you can reel in ‘big ones’ with experienced captains. On this excursion, you will take a scenic boat ride atop a 25-foot fishing vessel and learn how to catch a variety of trophy fish (if you get lucky and they bite). Guests prone to sea sickness will want to opt out of this adventure.
• Snorkeling excursions offer visitors to Labadee the chance to explore some of Haiti’s gorgeous coral reefs a bit further away from the peninsula, where there is more wildlife. This is a great option for guests who are not planning on bringing or purchasing their own snorkeling gear, as there is none available to rent on the island. If you do bring or buy your own gear, the best places to snorkel are at Adrenaline or Nellie’s Beach.
• A Haitian village cultural experience takes guests via boat to a separate cove to learn more about the local lifestyle. Upon arrival, you will wade through some water to reach the village, so be sure to pack comfortable water shoes. The cultural experiences include seeing how baskets, peanut butter, and bread are made on the island, as well as listening to local music and seeing traditional dances. If you choose to bring back a memento, be forewarned that souvenirs in the village are typically more expensive than similar items sold at the pier.

Beaches on Labadee

Beach lounging is also a popular activity at Labadee, and visitors can relax on the beautiful white sand beaches that line the peninsula. The resort features four beaches—Adrenaline Beach, Columbus Cove, Nellie’s Beach, and Barefoot Beach—each offering its own character and distinct experience.

For a relaxing beach day this port is a popular spot for cabana rental.

On every beach, you will find complimentary beach chairs and hammocks available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

• Adrenaline Beach is a popular spot for thrill-seekers visiting Labadee. The beach features a range of adrenaline-pumping activities, including a wave jet roller coaster, where visitors can ride over the waves of the Caribbean Sea on a motorized surfboard. The beach also offers a rock climbing wall, zip lining, and a beach volleyball court for visitors to enjoy.

For those looking to cool off, Adrenaline Beach features a swim-up bar that floats just off the shore in the Caribbean. Adrenaline Beach is a great spot for adventure and excitement, and visitors can challenge themselves to try out the many activities available while taking in the beauty and relaxation of the Caribbean Sea.

• Home to the Arawak Water Park, Columbus Cove is the furthest of the beaches from the pier. Named after Christopher Columbus, who is believed to have landed in the area during his explorations of the Caribbean, the cove features crystal-clear waters and pristine white sand, making it a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.

Visitors to the local beach of Columbus Cove can also enjoy a variety of amenities, including loungers, rentable cabanas, and umbrellas. A buffet lunch is served to guests, and there are beachside bars that offer beers and the peninsula’s signature cocktail, the “Labaduzee.” The cove is accessible by foot, tender, or via the resort’s tram system, and visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding hills and the Caribbean Sea.

• One of the quieter options on Labadee, Nellie’s Beach is another great choice within the Haitian resort. This beach offers stunning views of the Caribbean Sea.

Visitors to Nellie’s Beach can enjoy a range of activities, including water sports like kayaking and paddleboarding, as well as lounging on the pristine white sand. The beach also features a floating aqua park, where visitors can jump, slide and bounce on a variety of inflatable structures.

Nellie’s Beach is a great spot for relaxation and adventure, and cruise-goers can take in the natural beauty of the area while enjoying the amenities offered by the resort.

• If you have a Grand Suite or better while on your cruise, Barefoot Beach is available to you. It is highly recommended that you take advantage of this—the quiet beauty of this beach is unmatched on Labadee. The most private of the four beaches, Barefoot Beach offers the option to rent a cabana; however, these rentals do go fast, so it is recommended to book these ahead of your cruise by contacting your cruise concierge.

What to Pack for a Day at Labadee

Before you disembark from the ship, you’ll want to be sure you have all the things you need for the day to save any inconvenient treks back to the boat. As you pack your bag, be sure to remember:

• Cash for tips and souvenirs: Chairs are complimentary on all of Labadee’s beaches, but there are locals who will help you set them up, and it is customary to tip them for this help. Additionally, local vendors selling Haitian souvenirs only accept cash, so if you plan to bring back some goodies, don’t forget your wallet!
• SeaPass Card: You will need your SeaPass card to disembark the ship and for most transactions on the island, including refreshment purchases and excursions. All-inclusive drink packages are applicable on the island, so don’t forget to take advantage of this.
• Water shoes : If you plan to swim, be prepared for a rocky experience, and pack your water shoes. While there is plenty of white sand at Labadee’s beaches, the ocean floor can be treacherous and the beaches themselves can heat up in the afternoon sun. To avoid a stubbed toe or a burnt foot, pack water shoes and wear them when entering and exiting the water.
• Towels : There are no towel stations on Labadee, so be sure to take your own beach towel ashore.
• Water bottle : There are water refill stations available at each buffet, so you can stay hydrated all day if you bring your own insulated cup.

Other Tips for Visiting Labadee

• Lockers are available to rent near the Dragon’s Breath Zipline for around $10/locker. These are available for the entire day and can be useful for storing your items while exploring the peninsula.
• The best months to visit Labadee are between December and April, when it is not too hot in Haiti.
• To avoid the lines at popular attractions such as the Dragon Zipline and Dragon’s Tail Coaster, head there as soon as you arrive.

There are many Haitians who work at the cruise port and some sell locally made products.  You can’t use your cruise card for buying crafts and goods at these market places so have some cash on hand.

From stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters to adrenaline-pumping activities, there is something for everyone to enjoy at Labadee. Whether you choose to explore the market, sample delicious Haitian cuisine, or simply relax on the beach and take in the breathtaking scenery, you are sure to enjoy your time ashore.

Here are a few ways to experience Labadee:

• Cruise with Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Cruises: Labadee is only accessible to Royal Caribbean and Celebrity cruise guests. Royal Caribbean offers a variety of cruises that include a stop at Labadee on a Western Caribbean itinerary, ranging from short weekend cruises to longer voyages.
• Book a shore excursion:   Royal Caribbean offers a variety of shore excursions, including ziplining, parasailing, and watersports.
• Visit Artisan’s Village: Artisan’s Village is a great place to shop for souvenirs and learn about Haitian culture. Local artisans sell a variety of goods, including wood carvings, paintings, and jewelry.
• Relax on the beach: If you’re looking for a relaxing beach day, Labadee is the perfect place. There are five stretches of stunning shoreline to choose from, each with its own unique atmosphere. You can rent a beach chair and umbrella, or simply spread out your towel on the sand.
• Take a free tram ride: Labadee is a large peninsula, so it can be helpful to take the free tram ride to get around. The tram stops at all of the major attractions, including the beach, Artisan’s Village, and the Dragon’s Splash Waterslide.
• Try a Labadoozie: A Labadoozie is a frozen cocktail that is only available at Labadee. It’s a delicious and refreshing way to cool off on a hot day.

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Is Haiti Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

• Haiti : Safety by City
• Port-au-Prince

Haiti is a Caribbean country located on the western third of the Caribbean island of Hispaniola.

One of the dominating beauties of this country is that its north exits to the North Atlantic Ocean, while its southern parts boast the Caribbean Sea coastline.

And even though Haiti has had difficult years in the past and problematic history, its tourism industry has started improving since the 80s after its dramatic descent that occurred in the 60s.

This Caribbean country is slowly gaining the reputation of a tourist hot spot, with new resorts and luxurious facilities emerging quickly.

If you’re traveling to Haiti, you should bear in mind that this nation, although beautiful as it is, it is extremely poor.

If you’re a sucker for adventure and a revolutionary spirit with an open mind and a thirst for exploring, Haiti is perfect for you.

However, if you’re searching for a destination to visit with your family, you should probably stick to resorts and richer areas like Pétion-Ville

• Warnings & Dangers in Haiti

OVERALL RISK: HIGH

Generally speaking, Haiti is not a safe place to visit. Keep in mind that many people have reported that there are no safe places in Haiti. If you do visit, stick to maximum precaution measures.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH

Transport is definitely not safe in Haiti. Upon arriving, make sure that no one is following you, as criminals have been known to watch people arriving and then following them and attacking them. The same thing applies to people withdrawing money from banks or ATMs. Apart from this, public transport has been known to be the site of many criminal actions, stabbings, murders, robberies and kidnappings, so avoid using public transportation, including “tap-taps” by all means.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

The poverty in Haiti is present everywhere so it is, of course, highly advised against walking around looking like you have money. The situation in Haiti is crushing so it’s no wonder that people will try and steal from you if you look like a target with money. Apply maximum precaution measures in order to minimize the chances of getting stolen from.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

In the past, there have been numerous natural disasters hitting Haiti, such as cyclones, hurricanes, tropical storms, torrential rains, floods and earthquakes. The hurricane season is between June and November.

MUGGING RISK: HIGH

The chances of getting mugged or kidnapped are high in Haiti. By all means, avoid walking around Port au Prince alone, particularly at night, and if you do, stay away from the insanely high crime level slum areas Carrefour, Martissant, Cite Soleil, the Delmas road area, and Petionville.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Even though there haven't been any terrorist attacks in Haiti’s recent history, they shouldn't be ruled out. Tourists are advised to remain aware of their surroundings at all times.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

As you would expect in a country ridden with crime like Haiti, people will probably try to scam you. Be wary of anyone using tactics in order to distract you. Double check your change and negotiate everything in advance. Be careful when entering any taxi vehicles and agree on the price in advance.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH

Haiti is not a safe place for women to travel to. Do not go anywhere unaccompanied, and under no circumstances leave your accommodation without company after dark. Women are easier targets and there have been many reports of sexual attacks, rapes and robberies.

• So... How Safe Is Haiti Really?

The level of crime in Haiti is so seriously high that many tourists refer to it as “beyond horrific”.

There are virtually no safe areas in this country, and you shouldn’t relax anywhere in Haiti – the risk of violent crime is very real everywhere, and this refers to assaults, armed robberies, murders, kidnappings, rapes and any combination of the above.

When it comes to kidnapping, its rates remain “incredibly high” though it’s been said that it declined since 2006.

People are still being kidnapped in Haiti on a regular basis, while at work, traveling, off the streets, at home – whatever the situation, you are not safe from ending up in this situation.

Many people that ended up kidnapped had applied precaution measures, but they weren’t enough.

What’s worse, many of the kidnapped people reported being tortured or sexually assaulted before being let go.

The main motivation behind kidnapping people is money and ransom.

What you should watch out for are gangs in Haiti, as criminals usually tend to work in groups of two to four.

These are also incredibly dangerous, and they practice robberies and home invasions, seriously hurting or even killing people along the way, believing that it lessens the target’s opportunity to resist.

Be very, very careful.

Just handing over everything you have – in case of a robbery or mugging – might not be enough to get out of the situation unharmed.

These people might try to hurt you just because they can.

• How Does Haiti Compare?
• Useful Information

Most countries do not need a visa to enter Haiti. Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months past the date of your return from Haiti. If you are not sure about your visa status, visit www.doyouneedvisa.com which will let you know whether or not you need visa based on your nationality and the country you want to visit.

Haitian gourde is the official currency in Haiti. Most major cities have ATMs, but keep in mind that they often run out of money or stop working. Credit cards are usually accepted in most establishments in the capital but rarely elsewhere.

Haiti’s climate is generally tropical, characterized by hot and humid weather. Fog and drizzle brought by the north winds interrupt Haiti's dry season from November to January, and from February to May, the weather is very wet, making it a wet season.

Toussaint Louverture International Airport is the busiest airport in Haiti. It is located in Tabarre, a commune of Port-au-Prince in Haiti.

Travel Insurance

Just like anywhere else, we advise getting travel insurance when traveling to Haiti, because it would cover not only medical problems, but also theft and loss of valuables.

Haiti Weather Averages (Temperatures)

• Average High/Low Temperature

Haiti - Safety by City

Explore haiti.

• 10 Most Dangerous Cities in Haiti
• 6 Safest Cities & Beaches in Haiti
• Top 6 Airbnbs for Adventurers in Haiti
• Where to Next?

40 Reviews on Haiti

Haiti is very safe with a tour, resort or royal caribbean labadee.

Haiti is very safe if you go with a tour, a resort such as Royal Decameron or the Royal Caribbean Cruise line that stops at Labadee, Haiti. If it is your first time in Haiti, it is suggested to do one of the latter. In addition, the gorvernment of Haiti a few years ago invested in a tourism police force.

Excellent point and the truth.

I have been to haiti, and none of this is true. Haiti is a little unstable, but is a totally fine nation to visit. in haiti, they speak Haitian Creole, not French. I went to A-no, which is a very kind lovely village, but not the best town to visit. If you are looking for an amazing trip to a nation, go to haiti. Research the nation before you go. It is currently unstable now, but go to haiti this summer!

I have been to Haiti many times, it’s not as bad as they make it seems. This is negative publicity for the country. I am currently planning on going back.

I agree with you. I don’t know why media always spread lie on Haiti. What is their problem?

Haiti is wonderful. Just don't flaunt your wealth.

I agree. I’ve made over 40 trips to Haiti. I’ve never had a problem. I’ve spent a night in Cite Soleil with my rental car being fine. I purchased my house from a guy that lives in the La Saline. I’ve visited Vil de Dye. No problem. I have a house, a school, and a tiki hut on the beach in Leogane. The people of Haiti are wonderful.

Eh bien que ça vous chante ou pas d’aller en Haïti à cause de cet article cela vous concerne mais il y a plein d’endroits en Haïti qui n’ont rien moi même j’irai au Cap-Haitien la semaine prochaine qui est une ville historique et très sécurisée si bien que les touristes s’y rendent jusqu’à présent et n’ont rien senti de tel. D’ailleurs lorsque ma famille ou mes amis de l’étranger vont en Haïti ils passent par là. Il y a plein de vidéos sur le net des touristes qui se rendent au Cap-Haitien et qui se sont senti en sécurité parce qu’évidemment c’est sécurisé.

The first I like Haiti country Really I love and I will hope to travelled

Exaggeration

This report is completely dramatized and exaggerated.

It Definitely is. I travelled at night with another person, but did not have an issue. Personally I didn’t like Cap Haitien, but had a great time in Port au prince. I will be going back soon

Was the other person you travelled with Sean Penn?

Exactly! love your response.

I just came back from Haiti on March 4th and it is the truth. I said the same thing that the news was exaggerated. It does depend on where what time and when? I have been going to Haiti every year same time for over twenty years on mission trip and OMG this is the worse I have ever seen Haiti. Shame on all of those responsible. Haitian are resilient people and I am praying that they will survive.

why waste your time like this? they are only resilient due to fools wanting to “help” them

Why is it foolish to want to help people?

Good review

I totally agree with the report you have here, thanks for posting this, now I know what I have experienced in Haiti makes sense and it’s not something that just happened to me.

This just happened to you this whole thing is false I go to Haiti all the time

Applies to some not all

I’ll just say it and be the bad person. Some of these apply to ALL tourists and some of these apply to tourists who stand out. It’s a majority Black Country. Not saying crime can’t happen to Black tourists but this is extremely exaggerated for a certain group of people. I’m going to Haiti in March and can’t wait!

I’m a black Haitian who is living in the USA and who go back home once in a while.

Due to misery most of the people there are desperate, therefore if you want to visit Haiti, be careful.

The Haitian people for the majority of them are friendly, hard-working and helpful, themselves have to be careful as well in their own country because they can be victimized just like the visiting foreigners.

So Haitians are human, but as animals, when they are hungry, they can be very dangerous, so that is the case for the miserable Haitians who represent more than 80%of the population.

A country with more than 70% of unemployed people, with no income what so ever, The hospitals are inadequate, only 30% of the schools are public, most of the people are undernourished, so if such situation existed in the USA, people would not have been able to walk in the streets of the US cities.

At least in Haiti, you can walk around safely during day time.

Felix Hi : what tempted me to see Haiti detail- and safety assessment : Your Presidents assasination. I was trying to assess the possibility of visit to Haiti. I found all thru the year -weather is excellent and country is beautiful . I believe with so many interested people and beauty natural Haiti must engage more in promotion of Tourism with safety. For Eg: We have in India – Goa. Goa is one of the richest safe places to travel with nice beaches, and was a Portuguese colony till 1960. And most of its wealth is by Tourism. Haiti can lead like this for small population of 11 million ! Goa itself will 20 million ! I saw rich and poor differences hi lighted on Google – but people look to me very beautiful and nice. Hope you overcome the current situation and reach safety and success soon with firm guidance of Politics .

Keep on praying for Haiti. Hoping for a better Haiti.

I have been traveling to Haiti on mission trips every February for over twenty years. Upon returning on March 4th 2020, this is what I have to say. Accompany with my two daughters we were in different part of the country each one of us had a different experience. We found that Jacmel and St Marc was the best. Port-au-Prince (capital) the worse. The place looked worse than after the earthquake. It was fitly, scary and people looked horrible. I have no idea how these poor people are able to tolerate such horrible life. Lord please send rescue to all. People are dying of starvation. I really wish that I can do more, but unfortunately with a corrupted government it is very difficult. Haitian are resilient people and I know they will survive this. I vision a better Haiti in the future. Please don’t give up hope keep on praying. I will go back next year. Hopefully it will be better and safer.

There is no lord. How can you see this suffering and still believe such fairy tales.

You took your daughters there. YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!! Let me take my daughters there so they can run the risk of being raped or worse.

You are wrong. You have to constantly look over your shoulder. Looking for the white car (kidnaping car) Please if you have not been a victim do not talk and give other people false information. You don’t know stay in the don’t know.

Haiti is very dangerous don’t go!!!!!!!!! kidnaping terrorist attacks never my mom says never ur all stupid!!!!!!!!

Haïti IS not dangerous evrywhere !!!

Tres Belle .

Haiti is beautiful. But staying safe should be a priority. 1..Dont flash money or valuables in the streets. 2..Stick with legit Taxi companies. 3..Avoid walking at night or into deserted areas, if possible find a trustworthy guide to show you around. 4..The police can be corrupt and if your a victim of crime ,it can be a slow process . 5..Learn some French.

So basically the same as New York

If you’re white (blanc) don’t go. You’ll be in danger. Period.

you would need you’re head examined to go to Haiti even if you’re getting paid to go, let them rot down there as they are hopeless as a nation

Is Haiti dangerous? Of course it is but do NOT call them hopeless! And let them rot? You’ve clearly never met a haitian before… because they are wonderful hard working, family oriented people who don’t deserve to live like this. The countries who’ve claimed to “help” Haiti have actually hurt them the most. Bottom line: Haiti is the first free black republic and they are STILL paying for that freedom, sadly.

-an Italian lady who won’t let you talk down about Haiti or its people

In Port – Au Prince is not the whole country. Have you heard of Mole. Look it up?

Haiti is a lawless country-Its ravaged with crime and corruption-It would take a miracle to turn things around—Foreign investment will never come if potential tourists and visiting businessmen are not safe—It’s sad stuff.

We made a small stop here while traveling to Jacmel, my wife was impressed with how colorful the city was. I was stricken by the extreme poverty. Yes, if you’re in a resort and have very little contact with the outside world you might not be very aware but the city is in shambles.

I love Haiti so muchhhhhhhh

I love Haiti. No one can describe my love for this country Haiti. I love it bad ass history and culture. It’s just the best. I will love Haiti forever🇭🇹🇭🇹Mw rinminw anpil ayiti Cherie!!!

im in love with Haitian girl and we love each other we planned to visit her country next year 2023 march .anyone has idea for this

Yess . Visit Cap Haitian

Haitian are strong, they're survivors

Haiti is no more dangerous than Jamaica, Mexico or even parts of USA eg Camden, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Chicago or Parts of California where it’s gang infested. However, somehow because Haiti is a country of mainly black people it always gets represented in the media negatively. This propaganda has been going on for decades. The media always shows the negative side never anything good. Haiti 🇭🇹 has beautiful beaches, roaring hills, gorgeous waterfalls, an unmatched culture & history & the most hospitable people around. Now anyone with half a brain knows that No country is all good or all bad. Unfortunately Haiti is experiencing a very difficult time now due to a lot of foreign interference & corrupt government but Haitians are survivors they will not only survive but will thrive in the future.

If at first you don't succeed...

This article is so true. My first time in Haiti I was mugged, shot at, almost run over four times and my luggage stolen. The second time I went back it cost me £thousands as they kidnapped my wife and she was only released after I may several payments to the, each one increasing each time. I was also robbed and my passport stolen. The third time I went back, no kidnapping, but I was seriously beaten in a mugging and hospitalised. By the time I got out and returned to my hotel resort, all my belongings were stolen. The fourth time I went back was a bit better as it was just the taxi driver trying to scam me by attempting to take me to a secluded road and then demanding extra money from me to let me go. I paid him half of what he wanted and promised the rest at my destination, but I ran off before he could catch me. The fifth time I went back, robbed, mugged, money stolen at ATM, held at gunpoint in taxi, scammed at 2 shops with my credit card being copied. I am planning my next trip next month and this time I am really going to be cautious. These business trips are really taking it out of me.

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Article Contents

• Overall Risk
• Transport & Taxis Risk
• Pickpockets Risk
• Natural Disasters Risk
• Mugging Risk
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Royal Caribbean Monitoring Haiti Violence

Photo: Shutterstock / Darryl Brooks

Amidst warnings from the U.S. government advising against travel to Haiti and the recent evacuation of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and diplimatic family members, it's business as usual at Royal Caribbean's private Haitian port, Labadee. 

"We haven’t made any changes or cancelations to our calls to Labadee," a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told Travel Market Report. 

The U.S. State Department has had Haiti at a Level 4 – Do Not Travel level since December 2022 (most recently re-issued in May 2023).

According to the State Department's warning, "Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens."

And, according to a report from the Miami Herald , the FBI's Miami office is reporting a "marked increase in the number of kidnappings reported to the agency, with a 300% increase for the first three months of this year compared to the same period last year."

Labadee is located on a peninsula far from the violence in Port-au-Prince. Nevertheless, Royal Caribbean has been keeping an eye on the situation.

"Our Global Security teams continue to monitor the situation in the region and are working closely with authorities to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests and crew, which remains our highest priority," a spokesperson told TMR in April. "We are communicating directly with our guests and will advise them if any schedule changes become necessary.

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At least two sailings on the Danube River have been canceled due to unusually high waters.

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How to travel to Haiti (2024)

By Joan Torres 12 Comments Last updated on May 8, 2024

I traveled independently through Haiti for 10 days, from Cap-Haïtien to Port-au-Prince and a few places in between, always using local transportation or hitchhiking, as well as a short domestic flight.

It was a fantastic trip, and I recommend visiting Haiti to anyone looking for an unrivalled offbeat adventure in the Americas. 

This updated and comprehensive travel guide to Haiti will show you everything you need to know on safety, top experiences, getting there and more.

In this Haiti travel guide, you will find

Table of Contents

• Haiti today
• Is it safe?
• Travel Insurance
• When to travel
• Top Experiences
• How to get into?
• How to travel around
• How to deal with extreme poverty
• People & Religion
• Taking photos
• More information

our recommended travel insurance for Haiti

IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Haiti.

😍 Why travel to Haiti?

Haiti is a Caribbean country that occupies one third of La Española (Hispaniola), an island it shares with the Dominican Republic.

Everyone knows about Dominican Republic and its dreamy beaches, yet few have heard about traveling in Haiti.

The first thing you need to know is that Haiti was the first country to ever be liberated by slaves , in 1803.

At that time, Haiti was ruled by the French, who had spent the previous decades importing hundreds of slaves from West Africa – mainly from Mali and Benin – to work on their sugar plantations.

The peculiarity about Haiti is that when it achieved its independence, many of those slaves had been born in Africa but became Caribbean overnight, and this is the number one reason for visiting Haiti: a purely Caribbean country that still keeps its African culture, traditions and essence .

Traveling in Haiti truly feels like traveling in West Africa, with all that default chaos intrepid travelers feel attracted to, but also in terms of their art, music and religion.

Add to this the world-class Caribbean beaches and landscapes, and the result is, perhaps, the most gorgeous and fascinating off-the-beaten-track destination in the American continent.

The problems with cruising in Haiti

Not many people travel to Haiti, but the majority of those that do make it there tend to do so on one of those massive cruise ships sailing across the Caribbean, hopping on and off at the major resorts on the main islands.

In Haiti, near Cap-Haïtien, there’s one place in the area of Labadee where cruise ships stop. Anyone not on a cruise – and that includes foreigners too – is banned from entering that tourist bubble, while those on the cruise ships are told that everywhere outside of the bubble is extremely dangerous, meaning you won’t see any of them in the surrounding areas.

I have often wondered whether those cruise tourists even know they’re in a country named Haiti.

🇭🇹 Visiting Haiti: what’s the current situation

Economically-speaking, Haiti has always struggled, but today it is also experiencing some pretty dark periods of extreme violence.

When I first visited Haiti in January 2023, the country was on the front pages and in the headlines of all reputable international newspapers.

But what had happened?

Well, Haiti had been going through an episode of real anarchy ever since Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was murdered in 2021.

Since then, various different gangs had taken the streets of Port-au-Prince, the capital of Haiti, with violence escalating to unprecedented levels.

Kidnappings, murders and street shootings happen every single day, in a conflict that has already created more than 200,000 internally displaced people.

At the time of writing, the travel situation in Haiti basically remains the same and such is the gravity that many governments are already referring to Haiti as a failed state – a pretty harsh term typically used for countries like Yemen or Libya – while asking for foreign intervention as well.

The earthquake from 2010 In 2010, a 7.0 earthquake shook the capital of Haiti for 35 seconds, killing thousands of people and leaving 1/3 of Port-au-Prince’s population completely homeless. By that time, Haiti was already one of the poorest countries in the world, so you can imagine how devastating this natural disaster was for Haitians. In fact, they say that the country has never recovered from it and, what with all its current social and political issues, the result is one of the most fragile countries on the planet.

⚠️ Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now?

Let me put things into perspective.

I have backpacked solo in Afghanistan , Iraq , Syria , and Somaliland , just to name a few.

I rarely worry when traveling in these areas, mainly because I have a lot of contacts in these countries, but also because I have solid experience of traveling in such regions.

My visit to Haiti, however, was a different story:

• It was my first time traveling in the Caribbean
• I didn’t have any contacts
• All I knew about Haiti was what I had seen in the news
• I didn’t know of any travelers who had visited Haiti during these anarchic times

Additionally, the FCDO travel advice for Haiti wasn’t very positive either, firmly advising against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation.

I had all the odds against me, but that made me feel particularly excited; plus if there’s one thing I’ve learnt during my travels, it is that things on the ground look very different from what you see in the news.

Yes, that extreme violence is actually happening but the truth is that this conflict is exclusively focused on Port-au-Prince.

In fact, it’s focused on certain areas of Port-au-Prince: the areas controlled by the different gangs.

Is Cap-Haïtien safe?

Outside of those areas, Haiti is OK to travel, especially in Cap-Haïtien and its surroundings. 

Things I did around Cap-Haïtien:

• Hitchhiking around the area
• Walking through a slum on my way (on foot) to Labadee
• Walking around in the dark, in the middle of the night

All I can say is that this part of Haiti was extremely peaceful.

Is Port-au-Prince safe?

Port-au-Prince, however, is a different story. You can still travel there though, as long as you have the right contacts and stay in the right area, e.g., in Pétionville.

In Pétionville, you can still wander and walk around alone at night, no problem.

As for the dangerous parts of Port-au-Prince, I did venture downtown and even to Cité de Soleil, the largest and poorest slum in the Americas – and one of the main violence hubs in the city.

Nevertheless, I went there with a local fixer who is specialized in taking journalists into conflict areas.

That man knew what he was doing, plus he was a personal, old acquaintance of the gangs.

Nevertheless, heading into that area of Port-au-Prince doesn’t come without risk, especially from direct bullets, but that’s a risk travelers choose to assume. Definitely not an adventure for everyone.

Important: I won’t be sharing the fixer’s contact details, so don’t bother asking me for them. As mentioned, this activity is not without risk and if travelers start venturing into such areas, someone will eventually get shot and I don’t want to be part of that.

🪪 How to get a visa for Haiti

You don’t need a visa to visit Haiti, instead you just get a free stamp on arrival in the country.

This rule applies to both airport and land borders.

🚑 Travel Insurance for Haiti

Get travel insurance for travel in Haiti.

Reason why I recommend IATI:

• Many different plans for all types of travelers
• Avaiability of low, basic plans
• Covers senior citizens too
• Readers of this blog can get an exclusive 5% discount .

⛅ When to travel to Haiti

Traveling in Haiti is highly seasonal.

Best season to travel to Haiti

The best time to travel in Haiti is between November and March – that’s the dry season.

In February, you might catch the world-famous Carnival of Jacmel but you’ll have to be lucky, since the carnival is locally organized and dates always change, although it tends to always be celebrated between the end of February and beginning of March.

Worst season to travel in Haiti

The worst time to visit Haiti is from August to October, which is the rainy season, with  potential hurricanes.

🛖 Top 5 Experiences in Haiti

1 – hiking up to citadelle laferrière.

This is one of the best forts I have ever seen, and the views from there are gorgeous.

2 – Backpacking independently

No other country in the Americas feels as raw, chaotic and authentic.

Traveling in Haiti doesn’t differ much from the rough backpacking you can do in Mali or Benin.

3 – Attending a voodoo ceremony

Voodoo ceremonies, a clear West African heritage, are performed every week.

4 – The art scene in Pétionville

There’s a lot going on in Port-au-Prince, and the art scene in the refined district of Pétionville is a must-see.

5 – The coast around Labadee

Haiti has the most beautiful coastline on the island, and Labadee has the cleanest shores and water.

🛫 How to get to Haiti

How to travel to haiti by air.

The easiest way to fly to Port-a-Prince is from Miami (MIA) or Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and also New York City (JFK).

Which airlines fly to Haiti?

Jet Blue Airways and American Airlines have daily flights into Port-au-Prince.

How to get to Haiti from Dominican Republic – By land, best choice

I personally believe that traveling to Haiti from Dominican Republic is a much better option, for 3 reasons:

• Flights to Santo Domingo or Punta Cana are much cheaper, plus there are endless connections to many cities around the world.
• If you haven’t visited Dominican Republic before, you can combine both countries in one single trip.
• Traveling in Haiti is actually pretty rough so after a few days of tough backpacking, traveling in Dominican Republic can be a very pleasant and rewarding experience.

To reach Haiti from Dominican Republic, you can take one of the daily buses connecting Santo Domingo with either Port au Prince or Cap-Haïtien.

The company running such trips is called Caribe Tours , and it departs from this terminal .

I strongly recommend going to the terminal at least 1 day in advance to book your tickets, since the tickets commonly sell out.

The bus departs between 7am and 8:30am but do confirm the departure time upon booking your tickets.

A one-way ticket costs around 30-35 USD.

Additionally, you will have to pay 37 USD for exit/border fees. This amount is usually paid before boarding the bus, not when booking your ticket.

The whole ride from Santo Domingo to either Cap-Haïtien or Port-au-Prince can take from 8 to 12 hours. The bus has unreliable Wi-Fi, and they provide a truly awful, meat-based meal on board.

The border crossing is pretty chaotic, but there will be an attendant on the bus to assist you with all the procedures.

My experience entering and exiting Haiti I took the bus from Santo Domingo to Cap-Haïtien but on the way back, I traveled from Port au Prince independently, meaning that instead of taking a direct bus, I took different minibuses and tap-taps to the border, then crossed on foot into Dominican Republic. Once in Dominican Republic, you can find transportation to several other cities. This is a slower but more adventurous option, perfect for those wanting to explore beyond the main cities. If going to Cap-Haïtien, you cross at Dajabon. If going to Port-au-Prince, you cross at Comendador.

🛺 How to travel around Haiti

Moving around haiti by tap tap.

The official, local transportation is the tap-tap , an ornately decorated pick-up truck that won’t leave until full of passengers, who can get off at any point during the ride.

Traveling in Haiti by tap tap is ridiculously cheap, and you can use them to get to nearby sights and villages.

Travel around Haiti by minibus

For longer distances, Haitians travel by minibus .

Traveling around Haiti by air

Haiti is a tiny country but small domestic planes run between major cities.

The local airline is Sunrise Airways .

I did take a 25-minute flight from Cap-Haïtien to Port-au-Prince and the reason was that everyone in Cap-Haïtien told me it wasn’t possible to travel there by bus, claiming that the road section close to Port-au-Prince was overrun by gangs.

Upon arrival at the capital, I discovered that this wasn’t true and that buses were simply taking a different, longer route, so for the return journey I did take the bus.

In any case, taking a Sunrise Airways flight was a lot of fun, since they use those small, 20-seat planes where there’s no door between the passengers and the pilots.

Moreover, Cap-Haïtien airport was so small that you could literally get to the airport 15 minutes before departure and still make it on time to catch your flight.

A one-way ticket from Cap Haïtien to Port-au-Prince cost me 125 USD.

💰 Money and budget when traveling in Haiti

In Haiti, they use the Haitian Gourde and, approximately:

1 USD = 132.90 HTG

Exchanging money in Haiti

Certain banks do exchange currency but I exchanged mine at the hotel in Cap-Haïtien, Habitation des Lauriers .

They prefer US dollars but I believe Euros can be exchanged too.

Card payment and ATMs in Haiti

Unlike countries such as Syria or Iran , Haiti is not a country under sanctions, so you can easily withdraw money from certain ATMs and even pay your hotel by card.

For the rest, Haiti is pretty much a cash economy.

How much does it cost to travel in Haiti?

Haiti is actually quite expensive, much more than Dominican Republic.

How much does accommodation cost in Haiti?

Accommodation isn’t great in Haiti and you can expect to pay a minimum of 50 to 70 USD for a basic room.

Rooms are basic but the hotels are relatively decent, meaning that they provide services, speak English and are used to dealing with foreigners.

However, you might be paying 60 USD for a very basic room with no AC and where water and electricity issues are common.

I heard that some travelers were staying in hotels cheaper than that, where local Haitians stay, but expect their facilities to be beyond basic.

How much does food cost in Haiti?

Food in Haiti can be pretty expensive too.

A meal in a restaurant will cost around 10 USD, and up to 20 USD in fancier restaurants.

Local street food is obviously much, much cheaper – maybe 1 USD for a meal – but it’s not great.

How much does transportation cost in Haiti?

Local transportation is particularly cheap, like you can expect in any country of this kind.

A tap tap ride will rarely exceed more than 50 cents and a minibus between cities will cost a couple of USD.

Backpacking budget for Haiti From 85USD a day

How to deal with extreme poverty when visiting Haiti

Haiti is the poorest country in the American continent and within the 25 poorest nations in the world, according to all rankings .

The extreme poverty and lack of proper infrastructure can be seen everywhere in Haiti, including in areas of Port-au-Prince which are supposed to be good.

There are absolutely humungous piles of burning trash at every corner, no electricity at night and so many people looking poor and miserable.

Foreign travelers stand out a lot, so do expect to be stared at by everyone.

As with all the countries I have been to, most people you meet in Haiti are nice and pleasant, but I also found some beggars to be particularly intense and aggressive, so be mentally prepared to handle such situations.

Getting ripped-off when traveling in Haiti

Getting ripped-off isn’t the general norm but once in a while, some people may try to overcharge you.

This happened to me several times when taking a tap tap , and in local bars too. A bottle of Prestige – the Haitian beer – should never be more than 1 USD in a bar of that kind, but I often paid almost 3 USD. Entirely my fault for not asking their price first.

Haiti: people and religion

Today, Haiti is a Caribbean country where the vast majority of people are descendants of former black African slaves.

Note that the Taíno were the indigenous people to the island but Columbus and his Spanish crew exterminated them in a matter of years.

Some former French colonists also left their descendants by having children with their slaves, leading to lighter-skinned Haitians called mulattos. Nowadays , mulattos form the majority of Haiti’s elite, political and economic class.

The few other Haitians are mainly of Arab descent, from Lebanon and Syria , and you might see them hanging out in the wealthiest areas of Port-au-Prince.

Religion in Haiti

Haiti is a very religious country and such is the influence of their West African ancestors that Vodou is recognised as the official religion of the state, along with Catholicism.

Churches are always packed on Sunday but Haitian Vodou also plays a significant role and attending a ceremony is one of the highlights of backpacking in Haiti. However you will need to be lucky to catch one.

Unfortunately, I wasn’t able to attend one but I did visit a Vodou temple, a workshop where they sold Vodou-related artifacts and also a market.

Haitian Vodou revolves around spirits known as Iwa and here you can read more about it .

These 2 pieces of Vodou art can be found in Atis Rezistans , a workshop that creates art out of garbage. This was one of the most interesting places I visited during my trip to Haiti.

📸 Taking photos of people when traveling in Haiti

I think Haitians are the most camera-shy people I have ever met on my travels.

They are so shy that you might even be yelled at for just taking a picture of a street, without pointing your camera at anyone’s face in particular.

They just don’t like it so when wandering around markets, for example, always ask for permission – but believe me when I say you’ll rarely be granted it unless you’ve been interacting with them prior to asking.

💬 Language in Haiti

Both Creole and French are the official languages in Haiti.

French is the language used by the Administration and Haiti’s elite.

Creole is used by everyone else, and it’s a peculiar mix of French, Spanish, English and even Taíno, they claim.

However, French-speaking people won’t be able to understand Creole, and typically, lower-educated people don’t speak French either.

English is also rarely spoken in the streets.

🍲 Haitian cuisine

I will never be a fan of Caribbean food.

I find it bland and boring, but it can be eaten.

Typically, all restaurants will serve a portion of protein alongside fried plantain and rice mixed with black beans.

Protein can be anything from grilled fish (pwason poukannen) to pork (griot), chicken and even lobster, if you go to the right places.

Except for just one or two days, I ate combinations of the above at absolutely every meal.

🍻 Alcohol in Haiti

The national beer is called Prestige. They sell it everywhere and Haitians drink it at any time of day.

Haitians are also very proud of their locally produced rum, the best brand being Barbancourt.

💻 Internet in Haiti

Generally-speaking, Wi-Fi is pretty awful across Haiti, so I strongly recommend getting a SIM card, which works relatively well.

eSIM for browsing, calling and traveling in Haiti

Basically, an eSIM is a regular SIM card with a digital format that works like a normal physical SIM card, with the added benefit that you can buy it from home before the beginning of your trip, hence avoiding the hassle of buying it at your destination. 

With Holafly , you can get a SIM Card for a wide range of destinations, including Haiti . 

Moreover, you can benefit from a 5% discount with the following code:  AGAINSTTHECOMPASS

Get a VPN for traveling in Haiti

You should always use a VPN when you travel, especially when you connect to public Wi-Fi networks.

Your connection will be much safer. 

Moreover, you will be able to access content which is typically censored in Kazakhstan. 

I recommend ExpressVPN – Extremely easy to use, fast and cheap. 

If you want to learn more about VPN, check: Why you need a VPN for traveling .

❗ More information

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Haiti destination

• Haiti Itinerary

Check travel tips to the following offbeat countries:

• Afghanistan

Other Related Travel Guide Articles:

• How to visit Angel Falls
• How to visit Los Llanos
• Venezuela Travel Guide

12 comments

Wow! Thank you for this comprehensive guide. I am travelling From London to Haiti in December ’23, and I plan to stay for a month. The plan is to fly direct from Heathrow to the Dominican Republic and take another flight from there to Cap Haitian. It’s quite expensive as altogether the cost of flight alone is nearly £2000.00. After that, I have to pay for Hotels and from what I am reading from your write-up, for one month stay, the cost will go through the roof. I set. aside a budget of £5000.00 so I hope the is enough because anything more than that and I will be forced to cancel my trip.

Hi Henry! I think you can save a lot by taking the bus from Santo Domingo to Cap Haitien

Thank you so much for the swift response. The airline costs are not a problem so I don’t mind flying from the Dominican Republic to Cap Haitian. What I am worried about is the price of accommodation which you said is somewhere around $60 per day for a basic room? This means a Hotel (which is where I plan to stay) will cost 3x as much per day. This is my main concern.

Do you know of any good but cheap Hotels to recommend?

Utter stupidity to do all this

This is a really informative guide, and I’m glad that some parts are relatively safe. One thing I will say however is, don’t completely write off Caribbean food. That is a pretty bold claim considering this was your first time in the region and there are countless other Caribbean countries with different cuisines and cooking methods. I implore you to try them all, including the non-islands like Belize, Guyana, and Suriname. Keep up the great work!

Thanks Neron, I’ll give it another try one day!

Thanks for your up-to-date information regarding Cap-Haitien to Santo Domingo by Calibre Tour bus. I will be travelling these cities in April 2024, but up until now, had trouble obtaining reliable information for bus travel.

Amazing, let us know how it goes!

I notice pretty affordable car hire in CAP, which I figured may be a good way to see the surrounds, such as Citadelle Laferrière. Is it safe (& necessary) to drive a rental car?

Whilst I understand that ATM are available, would you recommend taking along sufficient amounts of USD? I plan to book accomodation (& car if required) online, which I expect to make payment up-front. Thanks again.

Hi, it should be safe to rent a car around CAP but not strictly necessary. I traveled all around and didn’t hire any.

You can withdraw money from ATMs, doesn’t matter whether you take sufficient USD or not, up to you.

In Haiti in 2024, armed conflict continues to be stronger than before. I wonder if it is safe to travel to Haiti under these circumstances. Would it be okay to avoid Port-au-Prince and travel to Cap-Haitien?

Hi David, if things are escalating too much, and you don’t have a strong contact in PaP, I’d stick with Cap-Haitien

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U.S. travel alert: Do not travel to this Caribbean nation, popular spot for cruise ship stops

• Updated: Mar. 11, 2024, 11:28 p.m. |
• Published: Mar. 11, 2024, 8:39 a.m.

A demonstrator holds up a Haitian flag during protests demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Ariel Henry in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Friday, March 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph) AP

• Leada Gore | [email protected]

The State Department is warning travelers not to go to the Caribbean nation of Haiti even as American military forces are being brought in to shore up security at the U.S. Embassy in Port-Au-Prince.

The Travel Advisory for Haiti remains at level four, meaning all travel to the country is discouraged. Other level 4 countries include Russia, Syria and Burkina Faso.

“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. We are aware that there are few or non-commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. As they become available, we urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of them,” the US Embassy said in a statement issued this week.

Travelers who are in Haiti are advised to avoid crowds and being outside after dark, keep a low profile and be aware of their surroundings.

Haiti is located on the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic sharing the island to the east. The Dominican Republic is under a level 2 advisory with visitors urged to exercise increased caution.

READ MORE: US issues travel warning for mega-popular spring break tourist spots

The U.S. military presence will protect the embassy and allow non-essential American personnel to leave the area, which has been taken over by violent street gangs, the AP reported.

A do-not-travel alert for Haiti was issued in July 2023 for what the State Department described as “kidnapping, crime, civil unrest and poor health care infrastructure.” Later that month, the U.S. ordered all family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency personnel to leave the country. American government personnel have been limited to only confined areas around the Embassy and are not allowed to walk in Port-au-Prince, use any public transportation, visit banks or ATMs, drive at night or travel between 1 a.m. and 5 a.m.

Despite the security issues, which included a mass prison break last week, cruise ship lines continue to stop in the country.

Royal Caribbean ships continue to call on Labadee, the cruise company’s property located on a peninsula about six hours drive away from Port-au-Prince, CNN reported. The area is only available to ship guests and visitors do not leave the resort. No security issues have been reported at the resort.

The company said it is monitoring the situation in Haiti.

“The safety of our guests and crew is our top priority. Our global security teams are closely monitoring the situation in the area. At all times, we remind guests to remain aware of their surroundings while ashore and follow all State Department guidelines. Should any changes be required, guests will be notified directly,” a Royal Caribbean spokesperson told CNN.

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Following new Caribbean travel alert, cruise line cancels visits to popular resort until fall

• Published: Jun. 01, 2024, 2:43 p.m.

A bus set on fire by gang members at the Portail neighborhood of Port-au-Prince, Haiti. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph) AP

• Leada Gore | [email protected]

A cruise line has canceled more visits to its private resort due to violence in the country and a new U.S. travel alert.

Royal Caribbean first suspended stops at its private resort in Labadee, Haiti in March. The suspension will now last through at least fall, the cruise line confirmed to USA Today.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority,” a spokesperson for the cruise line told USA Today. “Our Global Security and Intel Team is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Haiti, and in an abundance of caution we have suspended all visits to Labadee fleetwide through September 2024.”

Royal Caribbean will continue to “monitor and reassess calls as needed,” the spokesperson said.

Haiti is currently under a Level 4 “Do Not Visit” advisory, the highest warning from the U.S. State Department, due to gang violence and riots. According to the United Nations, more than 2,500 people were killed or injured as a result of gang violence in Haiti in the first quarter of the year. Earlier this month, Dave and Natalie Lloyd, missionaries from Missouri who were working with youth in the country, were attacked and fatally shot by gang members as they were leaving a church service.

In its latest alert, the State Department said the security situation is Haiti is “unpredictable and dangerous” and any travel there should be “conducted at your own risk.”

“The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders or during any onward travel” the alert said. “You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.”

Among the risks cited were violent crimes, including kidnapping for ransom.

If you purchase a product or register for an account through a link on our site, we may receive compensation. By using this site, you consent to our User Agreement and agree that your clicks, interactions, and personal information may be collected, recorded, and/or stored by us and social media and other third-party partners in accordance with our Privacy Policy.

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23 Things That You Should Never Do on a Cruise

Cheapism / Kirk Fisher/istockphoto / Giacomo Augugliaro/Getty Images / georgealmanza/istockphoto

Cruising for Trouble

From the peril of reckless selfies to the nuances of interacting with staff, and the absolute necessity of not missing the muster drill, cruise ship etiquette extends far beyond the buffet line. Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned sailor, being aware of these lesser-known guidelines and things to never do on a cruise is crucial so your dream vacation isn’t turned into a nautical nightmare.

1. Shoot Reckless Selfies

Just because you’ve booked a cruise of a lifetime does not mean you have the license to endanger yourself for a TikTok. Royal Caribbean's  rules get right to the point: “Sitting, standing, jumping, laying or climbing on, over or across any exterior or interior railings or other protective barriers is strictly prohibited” and they enforce it as well ; they’ve banned a woman caught posing on her balcony railing in her swimwear.

2. Hook Up With a Member of Staff

Every cruise line has strict and explicit guidelines on interactions between crew and passengers. Royal Caribbean  even goes so far as to say: “Please do not misinterpret their friendliness. Crew members are prohibited from engaging in physical relationships with guests.” Staff are not permitted in staterooms except to perform their shipboard duties, and similarly, passengers are not allowed to enter restricted or crew areas of the ship.

3. Forget Your Passport

Yes, you can go on a cruise without your passport  but you need to make sure you have the right paperwork, and IF you get stranded in a foreign port of call and have to fly back, it could get tricky. So pack your passport and government ID on you, and leave it in your checked bag or you might end up being refused boarding.

4. Throw Anything Overboard, Including Yourself

Whether it’s a fork, a lounge chair, or even yourself, don’t throw anything overboard. It may sound like an obvious one, but as we know, common sense isn’t always so common. Cruise staff take this offense very seriously and passengers have not only faced fines but been asked to disembark, or even banned for life like this man  who leaped from a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Related: The Worst Cruise Ship Horror Stories

5. Skip the Muster Drill

A muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise that familiarizes passengers with emergency procedures such as using life vests and locating escape routes. Now that you can usually access the drills from your stateroom TV or via an app on your phone (applicable only to some cruise lines), you don’t have any excuse not to complete them. If you miss the 24-hour deadline to participate in one, find out how/when you can attend a makeup drill.

And if you think you can skip it altogether, according to Cruise Hive  you can be forced to exit the ship at its next port of call. At the very least your cabin number and name will be broadcast ship-wide, so don’t be that person.

For more travel tips, please sign up for our free newsletters .

6. Fly a Drone

You can pack it but may not be able to use it, and it might be temporarily confiscated until the end of your voyage. Carnival and Royal Caribbean sailing are currently the only cruise lines that allow drones but there are conditions, Carnival only allows camera drones, Royal Caribbean won’t allow you to use the drone on the ship or even inside the port, and also their private destinations of CocoCay, Bahamas or Labadee, Haiti.

Related: Tips and Tricks for Smooth Sailing on Your Next Cruise

7. Hide a Communicable Illness

With so many passengers in an enclosed space, ships take any form of infectious disease (flu, coronavirus, norovirus) very seriously. According to Royal Caribbean, even if mild symptoms show up, you’re expected to return to your stateroom and report to the ship’s medical personnel by calling the medical facility onboard or risk a fine.

8. Bring Drugs, Even CBD Gummies

Don’t bring drugs. Not even cannabis even if it may be legal in your state. They’re not allowed on cruise ships, especially those calling into ports that have a hard stance on drugs. Try to sneak some in (even if it’s just some CBD gummies) and you risk getting arrested or even banned for life — even if you have a medical marijuana card.

9. Just Eat at the Buffet

Variety is nice but the ship’s buffet is often the most crowded and chaotic part of the ship. Take the time to browse the rest of the dining options (don’t just leave specialty dining to the last day) or order off the menu at the main dining room for a more peaceful dining experience.

Related: 14 People Who Should Never Take a Cruise

10. Be the Last One to Board

It doesn’t matter if it’s 20 minutes  or two hours, cruise ships are on a tight schedule and they leave on time. If you think you can rock up at the tail end of boarding, don’t wing it because you might run late and get there just in time to see the ship sail out of port. But what about excursions, surely they won’t leave without you right? Nope. Just ask this woman who came back late and had to catch a plane  to her next port of call.

11. Be the First to Disembark

Cruise staff can be pretty pushy when it's time to disembark, but you don't want to shortchange yourself. Some people don't even get coffee in their race to get off the boat, but the main buffet and main dining room are usually both open on disembarkation day, though possibly with a limited menu. Definitely grab some coffee at the very least.

12. Forget to Pack a Day Bag for Embarkation Day

Cruise ships are basically moving hotels. Just because you checked in your luggage early does not mean it’ll be waiting in your cabin as soon as you board. So if you have essential medications, or need something specific for your first day of cruising, it's best to keep it handy with you.

13. Think You Won’t Get Sea Sick

Even if you’re out on the water regularly, having sea legs on a large cruise ship is another thing altogether. There are wristbands and patches but you can pop a seasick pill every evening to keep you even-keeled.

14. Sneak Alcohol Onto a Cruise

Mouthwash bags, rum runner flasks, fake shampoo bottles: cruise staff are onto just about every method or product used to smuggle in booze — thanks TikTok  for spoiling it for the rest of us — so just don’t do it or you may be asked to disembark at the next port.

Royal Caribbean’s alcohol policy explicitly states, “Guests who violate any alcohol policies, (over consume, provide alcohol to people under the legal drinking age, demonstrate irresponsible behavior, or attempt to conceal alcoholic items at security and or luggage check points or any other time), may be disembarked or not allowed to board, at their own expense.”

Most cruise lines will allow each 21-year-old and above adult to carry one 750 milliliter bottle of wine or Champagne onboard, which can be enjoyed for a corkage fee at bars, dining rooms, and specialty restaurants.

15. Pack the Surge Protector

You’ll need a power strip but make sure it does not have surge protection. According to Anker : “Surge protectors are not allowed on cruise ships because they increase fire risk. The reason this danger exists is that a normal surge protector only breaks the circuit on the “live” electrical wire, whereas both the “live” and “neutral” wires carry current on a cruise ship.”

16. Buy a Piece of Art at Sea

The onboard art auctions may be fun but they’re not the best place to buy a piece of art unless you’ve already done your due diligence — look up Park West Gallery which handles most art auctions on cruise ships — to make sure you’re paying the “right” price for it. The lack of Wi-Fi makes it difficult to do on-the-go research on an art piece’s provenance, there’s been controversy over authenticity, and while it’ll come with a COA (Certificate of Authenticity) it’s only as good as who issued it unless the artist signed it.

Related: Things You Should Never Buy on a Cruise

17. Assume You Can Freely Vape in Your Room

Vaping is generally not allowed in a ship’s indoor spaces, though restrictions vary by cruise line. Seabourn and Oceania allow vaping in guest suites while most other cruise lines allow vaping in outdoor spaces, but some only in specific outdoor areas.

18. Be a Chair Hog

Everyone wants a chair by the pool so be a good sport and reserve it only if you’re going to be using it. If you think you can reserve a pool chair by placing a towel on it and then walking away for a few hours, you might come back to get your towel (and belongings) removed by a pool attendant or an irate fellow cruiser — and you’ll be the one in the wrong.

19. Go Shopping Too Early

Do go window shopping early in the cruise to curate a few things that you might want but leave it to the last couple of days to pull the trigger on your purchase. Why? Because you might find the same thing cheaper on a shore excursion, or more likely, it’ll be on sale on the last day of your cruise.

20. Dress Inappropriately

Going shirtless in Croatia, traipsing in heels when visiting the Acropolis, or wearing camouflage clothing in certain Caribbean hotspots (Bahamas, Dominica, Barbados, Jamaica) are some of the lesser-known clothing rules. So before you pack, make sure you take note of what’s accepted or not, usually a cruise line will clue you in.

Royal Caribbean’s website states, “Please note camouflage print clothing and accessories, as well as military-style clothing, is illegal in Antigua, Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago. This style of clothing is reserved only for members of the military at these destinations.”

And yes, this even extends to backpacks, just ask this cruise passenger  who got escorted back to the ship in Barbados for his camo backpack.

21. Overpay for Drinks

That Drink Package may look excessive when booking but it’s one way to not overpay for drinks if you’re likely to be drinking more than a couple of glasses a day. Other savvy ways to keep your drink bill reasonable include checking for daily drink specials and happy hour, attending the captain cocktail parties, and if you’re going to be playing at the casino, enjoying some complimentary libations.

22. Expect to Drink Bottles of Liquor Purchased on Board

If you buy bottles of liquor or beer in port or the ones they're hawking on the ship, you won't be able to drink it while on board, much to the chagrin of many. That bottle of tequila from Mexico will be taken by the staff as you board, as will any liquor you buy on the ship, and then delivered to your room on the final morning for disembarkation. Some cruise lines make an exception for fine wines, but only after you pay a corkage fee.

23. Buy the Wi-Fi Package

Using the internet on board a cruise ship is expensive, like really  expensive. Some lines charge $20 per hour , and that's usually restricted to things like browsing email and social media sites only. On top of the price, the service is usually very slow, so you're not going to be able to get a lot done in those 60 minutes. Instead, plan to disconnect and enjoy your vacation, or do as most people do and mob the Starbucks in port and use its free Wi-Fi instead.

The Nassau Cruise Port: Travel Tips and Things To Do

T he Bahamas is an extremely popular travel destination in the West Atlantic Ocean. The relatively small tropical paradise borders Haiti, Cuba, the United States and Turks and Caicos. The capital city of the Bahamas, Nassau is located on New Providence Island and is a tourism hub. Nassau has established itself as a thriving cultural center and well known cruise ship stop. The destination is popular for its gorgeous white sand beaches and overall naturally beautiful landscape, which is perfect for water sports and waterside relaxation. The pristine coral reef and the possibility of exciting close encounters with marine life are some of the reasons Nassau is a great place to visit. 

Due to Nassau’s highly frequented dock, visitors may be under a time limit if they travel by boat or have to deal with crowds during port days. While many tourists only get to enjoy Nassau’s unique offerings during short periods of time, there are ways to best utilize time in the capital city. So, we have compiled some insightful information about the destination and how travelers can make the most of their trip, whether they are cruisers or looking to have a long term stay near the Nassau Cruise Port (NCP) . 

Is the Nassau Cruise Port Popular?

Nassau’s cruise port is one of the most popular ports in the world. Each year it attracts nearly 4 million cruise passengers . The port even recently (the first phase opened to the public in 2023) underwent a redevelopment, which has contributed to its popularity and overall appeal. These improvements include the construction of many new buildings which have been strategically planned and placed to improve the flow of traffic.

The taxi dispatch center and optimized shopping strip are just some of the upgrades that lead into downtown Nassau. Ports with the latest accommodations and high quality attractions certainly reap the benefits of modernization, since more tourists consider the site to be much more welcoming and safe. 

What Cruise Lines Dock at Nassau’s Cruise Port?

The cruise port has the capacity to accommodate six cruise ships a day. This includes three oasis class or icon class vessels. The larger icon class ships hold more passengers (and are usually taller and longer) while oasis class ships are typically wider with more features. The increased tourist capacity is due to the ports’ expanded waterfront, which was completed through a $300 million dollar project.

Travelers have plenty of options since there is an array of cruise lines that dock at this Nassau port. The Carnival, Celebrity, Disney, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Virgin Voyages, Norwegian, Regent Seven Seas, Oceania, MSC, Holland America, Azamara and Fred Olsen cruise lines stop in Nassau. 

Things To Do in Nassau, Bahamas

There are plenty of things to do near the popular Nassau Cruise Port. Some of the most popular tours include rum tasting experiences, sunset cruises and jet skiing. Both sunset cruises and jet skiing offer visitors of the Bahamas stellar views of the crystal clear waters. Rum tasting is a popular tour in Nassau due to the historical and cultural information that travelers can learn by sampling authentic Bahamian rum and learning from locals.

Other travelers that prefer self-led exploration may enjoy the Pirates of Nassau Museum, Ardastra Gardens & Wildlife Conservation Centre or National Art Gallery of the Bahamas. These sites highlight the environmental, cultural and historical significance of Nassau and are top attractions of the area. 

There are a few outdoor attractions that are considered top experiences in Nassau. Travelers can swim with island pigs, which has become a very adorable and picturesque experience. The crystal clear waters of the Bahamas adds to the tranquil and playful nature of the cute pigs that roam the island. Jaw’s Beach is one of the highest rated waterside sites for snorkeling and soaking in the sun. This beach is less crowded and visitors may even be lucky enough to witness marine life like the sea turtle and manta ray. 

Transportation 

Lynden Pindling International Airport (LPIA) is only a few miles away from the port. Even travelers that are unfamiliar with the island should not have trouble flying in and getting a ride to their accomodation. Taxis are the most common mode of transportation for the tourist friendly city.

Since many visitors come from cruises that are docked there, many visiting travelers use taxis to get around the port. There is high traffic near the port, so there are many taxis available in the area. The taxi rates are set, so although travelers may notice prices vary by their particular destination they are unlikely to run into drivers that overcharge. For cruise passengers, it may be more affordable to secure transportation with the company that any tours are booked with. This ensures that they will not have to deal with additional stress and can simply sit back and relax.

There are also buses that are locally known as jitneys and are a popular form of public transportation. But riding the bus to and from excursions means that travelers will have to depend on the bus stop schedule and routes. For some, this lack of autonomy may be less than appealing so travelers should be sure that their itinerary can handle standardized traveling times and differing rates depending on the destination. 

President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden attend the D-Day Anniversary International Ceremony in France.

Around 25 passengers fall ill on United Airlines flight, most from same cruise

HOUSTON, Texas (WKRC) - Around two dozen passengers fell ill on a United Airlines flight Friday, with most of those individuals having been on the same cruise prior.

According to USA Today , citing officials from the Houston Fire Department, approximately 25 passengers fell ill on United Flight 1528. Per the outlet, those individuals had been part of a group of 75.

“Several passengers who had been on the same cruise and did not feel well were on United Flight 1528 from Vancouver to Houston Friday night,” a representative for United Airlines told USA Today.

The Houston Fire Department evaluated three of those individuals after the plane arrived at George Bush Intercontinental Airport, but none of those individuals were taken to the hospital. The representative for United did not mention the cruise line or the ship the group had traveled on prior to the flight.

“United Airlines is actively coordinating with health authorities to address the situation. As a precautionary measure, the aircraft will be removed from service and go through a deep cleaning before returning to service. Ensuring the health and safety of our passengers and crew remains our top priority," a statement from the company read, per USA Today .