travel requirements to haiti

Security Alert May 17, 2024

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Haiti Travel Advisory

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 .

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Haiti Entry Requirements

Updated December 1, 2022

• Testing:    The Government of Haiti has announced that beginning on April 18, 2022, any passenger over 12 years old bound for Haiti will need a vaccination card proving that they have been completely vaccinated against COVID-19 OR a negative COVID tests prior to boarding flights into Haiti.   Passengers between 5 and 11 years old will only need a negative COVID-19 test.  These tests must have been taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding and may be Antigen or PCR type. Instead of a negative test, passengers who have had COVID previously may present a positive test together with documentation from their attending physician evidencing their recovery.
• Documentation: Customers must complete a Health Declaration Form.
• Health Screening: Customers may be required to do a health screening upon arrival.

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COVID-19: travel health notice for all travellers

Haiti travel advice

Latest updates: The Need help? section was updated.

Last updated: June 5, 2024 13:33 ET

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Safety and security, entry and exit requirements, laws and culture, natural disasters and climate, haiti - avoid all travel.

The security situation remains volatile in Haiti. You should consider leaving the country by commercial means if you can do so safely.

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Security situation in Haiti

The security situation remains extremely volatile in Haiti.

On March 3, 2024, the government of Haiti declared a state of emergency in Ouest Department, including in Port-au-Prince, in response to gang violence and the deteriorating security situation.

Demonstrations are prohibited in the Ouest Department. There are frequent clashes between gangs and security forces. Kidnappings, robberies, and violent crime are increasing.

While the state of emergency is in effect:

• follow the instructions of local authorities
• always cooperate with police officers
• carry valid ID at all times and be prepared for various checkpoints
• monitor local news to stay informed on the current situation

A nightly curfew is in effect in Ouest Department from 10 pm to 5 am. You must stay indoors while the curfew is in effect. There are exceptions for certain professions, including medical personnel and journalists carrying official identification.

Your personal safety is at risk if you are currently in Haiti. You should consider leaving the country by commercial means if you can do so safely.

There are two international airports in the country which can be difficult to access due to the highly volatile security situation. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport has reopened although with limited operations. The Cap Haitian International Airport is operational.

We strongly advise against any road travel from Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haitien, given the presence of gangs and a highly volatile security situation.

Avoid all travel to Haiti. If you are in Haiti despite this advisory:

• shelter in a safe place until the situation has stabilized
• consider leaving the country if there's a safe means to do so
• ensure that you have essential supplies, including food, water and fuel
• ensure that your passport and other travel documents are up-to-date and secure at all times
• limit your movements, if you are unable to shelter in place
• avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended
• allow extra time to reach your destination
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• maintain a low profile when going outside
• don't show signs of affluence
• register or update your personal information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Haiti to do so

Canadian citizens in Haiti must register with Global Affairs Canada and contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre if they require consular assistance.

Declaration of the state of emergency – Ministry of Communication of Haiti (in French)

Border closure with the Dominican Republic

On March 5, 2024, the Government of the Dominican Republic closed its air border with Haiti. Land and sea borders between the two countries remain closed to travellers.

The Embassy of Canada to Haiti, in Port-au-Prince, cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.

Crime rates are high in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs operate, as well as near the border with the Dominican Republic.

The number of violent incidents has been increasing since 2020, especially kidnappings in and around Port-au-Prince.

There has also been an increase in home invasions. These incidents generally occur in middle-class neighbourhoods, but have increased in number in affluent neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince and outside Pétion-Ville.

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, also occurs.

Criminality increases in the periods leading up to the holiday season in December, Carnival in February or March and the beginning of the school year in late August or early September.

Foreigners are viewed as wealthy and may arouse envy. To avoid becoming a target:

• don’t show signs of affluence
• avoid using your smartphone or camera in public
• be aware of your surroundings
• ensure that your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, are secure at all times
• remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship or hospitality
• never walk alone and avoid travelling after nightfall

Greater Port-au-Prince area

Several areas in greater Port-au-Prince continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity and kidnappings. Local authorities may have difficulties assisting during an emergency in these areas:

• Artibonite Central
• Carrefour Drouillard
• Champs-de-Mars
• Cité Soleil
• Croix-des-Bouquets
• Downtown Port-au-Prince
• Portail Léogane
• Road to the airport
• Toussant Brave

Police presence is not guaranteed in these areas and your personal safety might be at risk. Due to the local environment, security forces may not be able to provide emergency assistance in due time.

If you must travel to these areas, it’s imperative that you take appropriate security precautions:

• be vigilant at all times when moving about the city, towns and country
• ensure that your local contacts know when to expect you and your travel plans within these areas
• ask your local contacts to guide you in your travels
• keep windows closed and doors locked when travelling by car
• never use public transport of any kind
• ask the organizations, institutes or hosts that are taking care of you about the latest updates on the region to which you are travelling, since the security situation can change at any moment
• avoid going out after nightfall
• follow the advice of local authorities

Pétion-Ville

Armed robberies occur regularly in Pétion-Ville. In most cases, armed thieves on motorcycles attack their victims in broad daylight. Attacks have been increasing, particularly against motorists. They usually occur in traffic jams during peak hours.

• Be vigilant at all times while travelling
• Keep windows closed and doors locked when travelling by car

Main highways and roads

Armed gangs have set up roadblocks to commit robberies and demand payments along Route Nationale 2 from Martissant to Miragoane.

Armed gangs are fighting to control the main highways connecting Port-au-Prince to northern departments.

If you must drive:

• limit your movements

Toussaint Louverture International Airport

Thieves try to distract foreigners to steal their passports at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

• Be cautious when claiming your luggage upon arrival
• Keep your valuables and identification on you
• Have your local contacts arrange for your pick-up from the airport
• Carry only small amounts of cash

Several shooting incidents have also occurred along the road to the airport. Gangs have committed armed robberies, particularly between Delmas 33 and the airport.

• Don’t resist if you’re threatened by robbers
• Be extremely vigilant when leaving the airport

Border with the Dominican Republic

The security environment is highly volatile at the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

Criminal activities are widespread near the border with the Dominican Republic. Armed gangs operate along the border controlling many of the roads leading to the border.

Border areas with the Dominican Republic are subject to gang operations, including the following areas:

• Ouanaminthe

Robberies in bank areas

Some criminals wait near banks, watching clients, and attempt to rob them when they leave.

There is also a higher risk of robbery from individuals using bank ATMs.

• Be extremely vigilant when entering or leaving a bank
• Only use ATMs inside a hotel or supermarket
• Deal directly with a teller if you are at a bank
• Avoid carrying large sums of money

Kidnappings are common in Haiti.

Kidnappers target both local people and foreigners, including dual citizens who live or travel in Haiti, regardless of rank or social class. Since September 2020, hundreds of Canadians and other foreign nationals have been abducted. Missionaries, aid workers and children can become victims. Most of the victims are released in exchange for ransom. In some exceptional cases, however, victims have disappeared or have been killed.

• Remain alert to small groups of loiterers, especially near your residence
• Keep doors and windows secure at all times
• Instruct domestic staff to permit into your home only pre-authorized visitors whose identities have been verified
• Keep all visitors under close scrutiny
• Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country

Demonstrations

Demonstrations and civil unrest take place frequently.

Due to ongoing political instability, some demonstrations have turned violent. Protesters have set up roadblocks across the country and blocked the access to the airport. In those circumstances, water, food and fuel shortages could occur.

Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.

• Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
• Follow the instructions of local authorities
• Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Mass gatherings (large-scale events)

Women’s safety

Crimes committed against women frequently occur in Haiti. Reports of rape and assault against women and children have increased. Attackers sometimes act in groups.

Advice for women travellers

Service outages and supply shortages

Power outages are frequent, and shortages of essential supplies such as water and fuel occur.

Ensure that you plan adequately in case of outages and supply shortages.

Road safety

Road conditions and road safety are poor throughout the country due to:

• narrow and poorly maintained roads
• insufficient traffic signs, traffic lights and road markings
• high rates of driving while impaired, with the vehicle’s lights off
• poor vehicle maintenance
• inadequate street lighting

Heavy rains can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable and bridges damaged.

If you need to travel within Haiti, consider hiring a driver through a reputable agency or hotel. If you must drive:

• always keep your fuel tanks at least half full, as disruptions of fuel supplies are frequent
• always carry a cell phone and a list of emergency contact numbers with you, as roadside assistance services are deficient
• keep in mind that cell phone coverage may be intermittent in some rural areas
• avoid driving at night or in bad weather, even in the city
• be cautious about abandoned vehicle beside the road
• watch out for pedestrians and stray animals on the road

Public transportation

Public transportation is unsafe and unreliable. Drivers don’t always respect traffic laws. Vehicles are often in poor condition or overloaded, which leads to serious accidents involving injuries and sometimes death.

You should avoid all public transportation in Haiti, but most specifically trucks converted into buses, known as “tap taps.”

Ferry accidents occur and are often caused by poor safety practices or extreme weather conditions.

You should avoid ferry travel. If you choose to travel by ferry:

• make sure the vessel you are boarding is carrying appropriate safety equipment
• make sure that life jackets are provided for all passengers and accessible at all times
• avoid boarding vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy
• verify the safety standards of ferries with your tour operator

We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

Information about foreign domestic airlines

Every country or territory decides who can enter or exit through its borders. The Government of Canada cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet your destination’s entry or exit requirements.

We have obtained the information on this page from the Haitian authorities. It can, however, change at any time.

Verify this information with the  Foreign Representatives in Canada .

Entry requirements vary depending on the type of passport you use for travel.

Before you travel, check with your transportation company about passport requirements. Its rules on passport validity may be more stringent than the country’s entry rules.

Regular Canadian passport

Your passport must be valid for the expected duration of your stay in Haiti.

Passport for official travel

Different entry rules may apply.

Official travel

Passport with “X” gender identifier

While the Government of Canada issues passports with an “X” gender identifier, it cannot guarantee your entry or transit through other countries. You might face entry restrictions in countries that do not recognize the “X” gender identifier. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Other travel documents

Different entry rules may apply when travelling with a temporary passport or an emergency travel document. Before you leave, check with the closest foreign representative for your destination.

Useful links

• Foreign Representatives in Canada
• Canadian passports

Tourist visa: not required for stays up to 90 days Business visa: not required Student visa: required Work permit: required

Residency permit

You must obtain a residency permit if you intend to stay for 90 days or more. This requirement doesn’t apply to Canadians of Haitian origin.

If you plan to extend your stay beyond 90 days and are a Canadian of non-Haitian origin, you must apply to the Haitian Immigration Service before the 90 days have expired. If you fail to do so, you will need an exit visa to leave the country.

Canadian investors, exporters/importers and workers must apply to the Haitian Immigration Service for a residency permit through their employer for stays of 6 months or more. You must obtain this document before leaving Canada.

How to obtain a visa - Embassy of Haiti in Canada (in French)

Other entry requirements

Customs officials may ask you to show them a return or onward ticket and proof of sufficient funds to cover your stay.

• Children and travel

Learn more about travelling with children .

Yellow fever

Learn about potential entry requirements related to yellow fever (vaccines section).

Relevant Travel Health Notices

• Global Measles Notice - 13 March, 2024
• Zika virus: Advice for travellers - 31 August, 2023
• COVID-19 and International Travel - 13 March, 2024

This section contains information on possible health risks and restrictions regularly found or ongoing in the destination. Follow this advice to lower your risk of becoming ill while travelling. Not all risks are listed below.

Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic preferably 6 weeks before you travel to get personalized health advice and recommendations.

Routine vaccines

Be sure that your  routine vaccinations , as per your province or territory , are up-to-date before travelling, regardless of your destination.

Some of these vaccinations include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), diphtheria, tetanus, pertussis, polio, varicella (chickenpox), influenza and others.

Pre-travel vaccines and medications

You may be at risk for preventable diseases while travelling in this destination. Talk to a travel health professional about which medications or vaccines may be right for you, based on your destination and itinerary. 

Yellow fever   is a disease caused by a flavivirus from the bite of an infected mosquito.

Travellers get vaccinated either because it is required to enter a country or because it is recommended for their protection.

• There is no risk of yellow fever in this country.

Country Entry Requirement*

• Proof of vaccination is required if you are coming from a country   where yellow fever occurs.

Recommendation

• Vaccination is not recommended.
• Discuss travel plans, activities, and destinations with a health care professional.
• Contact a designated  Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre  well in advance of your trip to arrange for vaccination.

About Yellow Fever

Yellow Fever Vaccination Centre

* It is important to note that  country entry requirements  may not reflect your risk of yellow fever at your destination. It is recommended that you contact the nearest  diplomatic or consular office  of the destination(s) you will be visiting to verify any additional entry requirements.

There is a risk of hepatitis A in this destination. It is a disease of the liver. People can get hepatitis A if they ingest contaminated food or water, eat foods prepared by an infectious person, or if they have close physical contact (such as oral-anal sex) with an infectious person, although casual contact among people does not spread the virus.

Practise  safe food and water precautions and wash your hands often. Vaccination is recommended for all travellers to areas where hepatitis A is present.

Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. It can spread quickly from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

Anyone who is not protected against measles is at risk of being infected with it when travelling internationally.

Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are fully protected against measles.

  Hepatitis B is a risk in every destination. It is a viral liver disease that is easily transmitted from one person to another through exposure to blood and body fluids containing the hepatitis B virus.  Travellers who may be exposed to blood or other bodily fluids (e.g., through sexual contact, medical treatment, sharing needles, tattooing, acupuncture or occupational exposure) are at higher risk of getting hepatitis B.

Hepatitis B vaccination is recommended for all travellers. Prevent hepatitis B infection by practicing safe sex, only using new and sterile drug equipment, and only getting tattoos and piercings in settings that follow public health regulations and standards.

Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious viral disease. It can spread from person to person by direct contact and through droplets in the air.

It is recommended that all eligible travellers complete a COVID-19 vaccine series along with any additional recommended doses in Canada before travelling. Evidence shows that vaccines are very effective at preventing severe illness, hospitalization and death from COVID-19. While vaccination provides better protection against serious illness, you may still be at risk of infection from the virus that causes COVID-19. Anyone who has not completed a vaccine series is at increased risk of being infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 and is at greater risk for severe disease when travelling internationally.

Before travelling, verify your destination’s COVID-19 vaccination entry/exit requirements. Regardless of where you are going, talk to a health care professional before travelling to make sure you are adequately protected against COVID-19.

 The best way to protect yourself from seasonal influenza (flu) is to get vaccinated every year. Get the flu shot at least 2 weeks before travelling.  

 The flu occurs worldwide. 

•  In the Northern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs from November to   April.
•  In the Southern Hemisphere, the flu season usually runs between April and   October.
•  In the tropics, there is flu activity year round. 

The flu vaccine available in one hemisphere may only offer partial protection against the flu in the other hemisphere.

The flu virus spreads from person to person when they cough or sneeze or by touching objects and surfaces that have been contaminated with the virus. Clean your hands often and wear a mask if you have a fever or respiratory symptoms.

Malaria is a serious and sometimes fatal disease that is caused by parasites spread through the bites of mosquitoes.

Malaria is a risk to travellers to this destination.   Antimalarial medication is recommended for most travellers to this destination and should be taken as recommended. Consult a health care professional or visit a travel health clinic before travelling to discuss your options. It is recommended to do this 6 weeks before travel, however, it is still a good idea any time before leaving.    Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times: 

• Cover your skin and use an approved insect repellent on uncovered skin.
• Exclude mosquitoes from your living area with screening and/or closed, well-sealed doors and windows.
• Use insecticide-treated bed nets if mosquitoes cannot be excluded from your living area.
• Wear permethrin-treated clothing. 

 If you develop symptoms similar to malaria when you are travelling or up to a year after you return home, see a health care professional immediately. Tell them where you have been travelling or living. 

In this destination, rabies is commonly carried by dogs and some wildlife, including bats. Rabies is a deadly disease that spreads to humans primarily through bites or scratches from an infected animal. While travelling, take precautions , including keeping your distance from animals (including free-roaming dogs), and closely supervising children.

If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other animal while travelling, immediately wash the wound with soap and clean water and see a health care professional. In this destination, rabies treatment may be limited or may not be available, therefore you may need to return to Canada for treatment.  

Before travel, discuss rabies vaccination with a health care professional. It may be recommended for travellers who are at high risk of exposure (e.g., occupational risk such as veterinarians and wildlife workers, children, adventure travellers and spelunkers, and others in close contact with animals). 

Safe food and water precautions

Many illnesses can be caused by eating food or drinking beverages contaminated by bacteria, parasites, toxins, or viruses, or by swimming or bathing in contaminated water.

• Learn more about food and water precautions to take to avoid getting sick by visiting our eat and drink safely abroad page. Remember: Boil it, cook it, peel it, or leave it!
• Avoid getting water into your eyes, mouth or nose when swimming or participating in activities in freshwater (streams, canals, lakes), particularly after flooding or heavy rain. Water may look clean but could still be polluted or contaminated.
• Avoid inhaling or swallowing water while bathing, showering, or swimming in pools or hot tubs. 

Cholera is a risk in parts of this country. Most travellers are at very low risk.

To protect against cholera, all travellers should practise safe food and water precautions .

Travellers at higher risk of getting cholera include those:

• visiting, working or living in areas with limited access to safe food, water and proper sanitation
• visiting areas where outbreaks are occurring

Vaccination may be recommended for high-risk travellers, and should be discussed with a health care professional.

Travellers' diarrhea is the most common illness affecting travellers. It is spread from eating or drinking contaminated food or water.

Risk of developing travellers' diarrhea increases when travelling in regions with poor standards of hygiene and sanitation. Practise safe food and water precautions.

The most important treatment for travellers' diarrhea is rehydration (drinking lots of fluids). Carry oral rehydration salts when travelling.

Typhoid   is a bacterial infection spread by contaminated food or water. Risk is higher among children, travellers going to rural areas, travellers visiting friends and relatives or those travelling for a long period of time.

Travellers visiting regions with a risk of typhoid, especially those exposed to places with poor sanitation, should speak to a health care professional about vaccination.  

Insect bite prevention

Many diseases are spread by the bites of infected insects such as mosquitoes, ticks, fleas or flies. When travelling to areas where infected insects may be present:

• Use insect repellent (bug spray) on exposed skin
• Cover up with light-coloured, loose clothes made of tightly woven materials such as nylon or polyester
• Minimize exposure to insects
• Use mosquito netting when sleeping outdoors or in buildings that are not fully enclosed

To learn more about how you can reduce your risk of infection and disease caused by bites, both at home and abroad, visit our insect bite prevention page.

Find out what types of insects are present where you’re travelling, when they’re most active, and the symptoms of the diseases they spread.

There is a risk of chikungunya in this country.  The risk may vary between regions of a country.  Chikungunya is a virus spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. Chikungunya can cause a viral disease that typically causes fever and pain in the joints. In some cases, the joint pain can be severe and last for months or years.

Protect yourself from mosquito bites at all times. There is no vaccine available for chikungunya.

• In this country,   dengue  is a risk to travellers. It is a viral disease spread to humans by mosquito bites.
• Dengue can cause flu-like symptoms. In some cases, it can lead to severe dengue, which can be fatal.
• The level of risk of dengue changes seasonally, and varies from year to year. The level of risk also varies between regions in a country and can depend on the elevation in the region.
• Mosquitoes carrying dengue typically bite during the daytime, particularly around sunrise and sunset.
• Protect yourself from mosquito bites . There is no vaccine or medication that protects against dengue.

Zika virus is a risk in this country. 

Zika virus is primarily spread through the bite of an infected mosquito. It can also be sexually transmitted. Zika virus can cause serious birth defects.

During your trip:

• Prevent mosquito bites at all times.
• Use condoms correctly or avoid sexual contact, particularly if you are pregnant.

If you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, you should discuss the potential risks of travelling to this destination with your health care provider. You may choose to avoid or postpone travel. 

For more information, see Zika virus: Pregnant or planning a pregnancy.

Animal precautions

Some infections, such as rabies and influenza, can be shared between humans and animals. Certain types of activities may increase your chance of contact with animals, such as travelling in rural or forested areas, camping, hiking, and visiting wet markets (places where live animals are slaughtered and sold) or caves.

Travellers are cautioned to avoid contact with animals, including dogs, livestock (pigs, cows), monkeys, snakes, rodents, birds, and bats, and to avoid eating undercooked wild game.

Closely supervise children, as they are more likely to come in contact with animals.

Person-to-person infections

Stay home if you’re sick and practise proper cough and sneeze etiquette , which includes coughing or sneezing into a tissue or the bend of your arm, not your hand. Reduce your risk of colds, the flu and other illnesses by:

•   washing your hands often
• avoiding or limiting the amount of time spent in closed spaces, crowded places, or at large-scale events (concerts, sporting events, rallies)
• avoiding close physical contact with people who may be showing symptoms of illness 

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) , HIV , and mpox are spread through blood and bodily fluids; use condoms, practise safe sex, and limit your number of sexual partners. Check with your local public health authority pre-travel to determine your eligibility for mpox vaccine.  

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria and usually affects the lungs.

For most travellers the risk of tuberculosis is low.

Travellers who may be at high risk while travelling in regions with risk of tuberculosis should discuss pre- and post-travel options with a health care professional.

High-risk travellers include those visiting or working in prisons, refugee camps, homeless shelters, or hospitals, or travellers visiting friends and relatives.

HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus)   is a virus that attacks and impairs the immune system, resulting in a chronic, progressive illness known as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome). 

High risk activities include anything which puts you in contact with blood or body fluids, such as unprotected sex and exposure to unsterilized needles for medications or other substances (for example, steroids and drugs), tattooing, body-piercing or acupuncture.

Medical services and facilities

Health care is inadequate throughout the country. There are few hospitals, and many are closed. Clinics and hospitals that are open are easily overwhelmed. Hospital services can be disrupted by gang violence

Ambulances are also limited and may not have the basic required medical supplies onboard. As a result, emergency response is not guaranteed.

Physicians and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment for care even if you have proof of valid travel health insurance. You will have to pay the full amount of the bill before your departure.

Medications sold in Haiti may be of inferior quality to those available in Canada. Pharmacies may carry expired medications while some medications may simply not be available.

Bring a sufficient supply of medications for the duration of your stay.

Medical evacuation can be very expensive and you may need it in case of serious illness or injury.

Make sure you get travel insurance that includes coverage for medical evacuation and hospital stays.

Travel health and safety

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a   travel health kit , especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

You must abide by local laws.

Learn about what you should do and how we can help if you are arrested or detained abroad .

Legal fees can be very high and judicial procedures are slow. Some Canadians have experienced an over a year detention period before being sent to trial. Prison conditions are extremely difficult. Penal facilities are overcrowded, unsanitary and under-resourced.

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy legal proceedings, heavy jail sentences and fines.

Drugs, alcohol and travel

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Haiti.

If you are a Canadian citizen, but also a citizen of Haiti, our ability to offer you consular services may be limited while you're there. You may also be subject to different entry/exit requirements .

Travellers with dual citizenship

International Child Abduction

The Hague Convention on the Civil Aspects of International Child Abduction is an international treaty. It can help parents with the return of children who have been removed to or retained in certain countries in violation of custody rights. It does not apply between Canada and Haiti.

If your child was wrongfully taken to, or is being held in Haiti by an abducting parent:

• act as quickly as you can
• consult a lawyer in Canada and in Haiti to explore all the legal options for the return of your child
• report the situation to the nearest Canadian government office abroad or to the Vulnerable Children's Consular Unit at Global Affairs Canada by calling the Emergency Watch and Response Centre

If your child was removed from a country other than Canada, consult a lawyer to determine if The Hague Convention applies.

Be aware that Canadian consular officials cannot interfere in private legal matters or in another country's judicial affairs.

• International Child Abductions: A guide for affected parents
• Canadian embassies and consulates by destination
• Request emergency assistance

2SLGBTQI+ travellers

Haitian law does not prohibit sexual acts between individuals of the same sex.

However, 2SLGBTQI+ travellers could be discriminated against based on their sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression or sex characteristics.

Travel and your sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression and sex characteristics

In order to fight insecurity, local authorities have temporarily forbidden to drive vehicles with tinted windows throughout the country.

You may use your Canadian driver’s licence to drive in Haiti for up to 3 months. For stays of 3 months or more, you will require a Haitian driver’s permit.

You should carry an international driving permit.

International Driving Permit

Photography

People may feel exploited or insulted by being subjects of photography in poor or urban areas.

Obtain permission before photographing individuals.

Donations entering the country are subject to import rules. They could be seized and taxed in accordance with local legislation. This includes:

• new or used material goods
• personal care products
• medications

Contact the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti or one of its consulates before sending goods to Haiti.

The currency in Haiti is the Haitian gourde (HTG).

Although all prices should be in gourde since March 2018, they are still often quoted in Haitian dollars (5 gourdes = 1 Haitian dollar) or in U.S. dollars.

Canadian currency is not accepted. Most leading hotels accept major credit cards. You can also use your Canadian bank cards to access funds from some ATMs, but the withdrawal limit is much lower than in Canada. Haitian ATMs are unreliable and you should not depend upon them in emergency situations.

Make sure to have sufficient cash in case you’re unable to access an ATM or use your credit card.

Hurricane season

Hurricanes usually occur from mid-May to the end of November. During this period, even small tropical storms can quickly develop into major hurricanes.

These severe storms can put you at risk and hamper the provision of essential services.

If you decide to travel to Haiti during the hurricane season:

• know that you expose yourself to serious safety risks
• be prepared to change your travel plans on short notice, including cutting short or cancelling your trip
• stay informed of the latest regional weather forecasts
• carry emergency contact information for your airline or tour operator
• follow the advice and instructions of local authorities
• Tornadoes, cyclones, hurricanes, typhoons and monsoons
• Large-scale emergencies abroad
• Active storm tracking and hurricane watches and warnings  - United States National Hurricane Center

Rainy season  

The rainy season extends from April to June and from October to November. It can lead to severe flooding.

Seasonal flooding can hamper overland travel and reduce the provision of essential services. Roads may become impassable due to mudslides and landslides. Bridges, buildings, and infrastructure may be damaged. 

• Monitor local media for the latest updates, including those on road conditions 
• Stay away from flooded areas 
• Monitor weather reports 
• Follow the instructions of local authorities, including evacuation orders 

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Haiti is located in an active seismic zone. Earthquakes occur. Tsunamis can also affect coastal areas.

A tsunami can occur within minutes of a nearby earthquake. However, the risk of tsunami can remain for several hours following the first tremor. If you’re staying on the coast, familiarize yourself with the region’s evacuation plans in the event of a tsunami warning.

In the event of an earthquake:

• monitor local media for the latest information
• Earthquakes - What to Do?
• Tsunami alerts  - U.S. Tsunami Warning System
• Latest earthquakes  - U.S. Geological Survey

Local services

In case of emergency, dial 114.

Consular assistance

For emergency consular assistance, call the Embassy of Canada to Haiti, in Port-au-Prince, and follow the instructions. At any time, you may also call the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

The decision to travel is your choice and you are responsible for your personal safety abroad. We take the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously and provide credible and timely information in our Travel Advice to enable you to make well-informed decisions regarding your travel abroad.

The content on this page is provided for information only. While we make every effort to give you correct information, it is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, expressed or implied. The Government of Canada does not assume responsibility and will not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided.

If you need consular assistance while abroad, we will make every effort to help you. However, there may be constraints that will limit the ability of the Government of Canada to provide services.

Learn more about consular services .

Risk Levels

  take normal security precautions.

Take similar precautions to those you would take in Canada.

  Exercise a high degree of caution

There are certain safety and security concerns or the situation could change quickly. Be very cautious at all times, monitor local media and follow the instructions of local authorities.

IMPORTANT: The two levels below are official Government of Canada Travel Advisories and are issued when the safety and security of Canadians travelling or living in the country or region may be at risk.

  Avoid non-essential travel

Your safety and security could be at risk. You should think about your need to travel to this country, territory or region based on family or business requirements, knowledge of or familiarity with the region, and other factors. If you are already there, think about whether you really need to be there. If you do not need to be there, you should think about leaving.

  Avoid all travel

You should not travel to this country, territory or region. Your personal safety and security are at great risk. If you are already there, you should think about leaving if it is safe to do so.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti  

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.

British nationals may get consular services assistance at our diplomatic mission in the Dominican Republic .    

If you choose to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.

State of Emergency

There is a State of Emergency in Port-au-Prince until 8 June, which can include a curfew between 10pm-5am.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications  when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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Choose your language

Questions, concerns or doubts? We’re here to put your mind at ease. When's the cheapest time to fly? Do I need a visa? How much should I tip? Should I have  pat é or spaghetti for breakfast? This is where we answer your most frequently asked questions.

Basketball players, Jacmel

Photo: Mikkel Ulriksen

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 from art-filled family homes to free-standing villas where you can sip rum sours in your own infinity pool.

If you're staying in Port-au-Prince , we recommend Kinam Hotel , Hôtel Montana , the Marriott Hotel , NH Haiti El Rancho , the Royal Oasis Hotel and La Réserve Hôtel .

In Jacmel , head to Hotel Florita or  Hotel Cyvadier Plage .

In Cap Haïtien , we love Habitation des Lauriers and Hôtel Roi Christophe . Check this guide for the best hotels in Cap-Haïtien.

In Montrouis , wash the sand off your feet at Moulin Sur Mer , Decameron Indigo Beach Resort or the Wahoo Bay Beach Hotel .

Looking for a true introduction to Haitian cuisine ? Port-au-Prince houses the best names in the business, such as La Coquille, La Réserve, and Presse Café in Pétion-Ville, Gingerbread in Pacot, or Le Plaza in downtown Port-au-Prince. These restaurants are great places to sample typical Haitian cuisine. For a special treat, Le Florville in Kenscoff has a popular Sunday brunch. It’s a great way to enjoy a relaxed Haitian dining experience.

For some of Haiti’s famous seafood, head to Océane and Coin des Artistes in Pétion-Ville. Their produce is almost entirely locally sourced, and it’s great to know you’re supporting local fishermen.

In Jacmel, head to  Hotel Florita, Hotel Cyvadier or Alliance Française.

Most local Haitians prefer to stay on the safe side by drinking bottled water. If you’re on the move, you can purchase smaller bottles of water from supermarkets and kiosks.

If you are staying with a host or in an Airbnb, your best bet is to buy a refillable 5-gallon bottle of water. Major supermarkets in Port-au-Prince sell treated water refills at a very affordable price. In most neighborhoods, you'll also find water refill stations where you can refill your 5-gallon bottles for 15-50 Haitian Gourdes. You won't find them on Google maps, but you can ask around for the nearest "Station d'eau".

Bottled water is cheap in the cities and not always available in small towns and on the road, so stock up before you venture out.

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

It's 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 Jacmel,  Grand Rue in Port-au-Prince and Noailles in Croix-des-Bouquets.

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.

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.

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.

Almost a decade on, 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.

The current generation has grown up with images of Haiti suffering the effects of the 2010 earthquake, but the last decade has actually seen a decrease in 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.

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 (ranked #128).

As in any large city in the US, people visiting should take sensible precautions when in Port au Prince or Haiti’s other cities. While some parts of town are safer than others, it is 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, or foreigners.

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.

Haiti’s currency is the Haitian gourde. You’ll often see it abbreviated as HTG or GDES – both mean the same thing. You should see prices displayed in HTG most places you go, as the Haitian government made it law in March of 2018 that all prices in all businesses in Haiti should be reflected in HTG. This is a sign that the local economy is regaining ground, and that more and more travellers from around the world are seeking out these warmer climes.

If you do have US bills - small ones - keep some of them with you too as you can still use them in many places with a high volume of visiting customers.

The best place to change US dollars or any other currency to Haitian gourdes is at a bank. If you are caught in a bind, some supermarkets can change US dollars.

The confusing "Haitian Dollar"

Sometimes, while bargaining for artwork, or while shopping in farmers’ markets, you will hear prices discussed in "Haitian dollars" or simply "dollars." Usually, this doesn't mean American dollars. Confused? Not to worry!

One Haitian dollar is equal to 5 Haitian gourdes. So 20 Haitian dollars for a pile of oranges is actually 100 HTG, 10 Haitian dollars for a motorcycle ride in Pétion-Ville is actually 50 HTG, and so on.

For a 5-day short trip to Haiti, you can budget around USD $400, excluding flights. This estimate includes:

• - 4 nights in a highly-rated boutique hotel (with breakfast)
• - Delicious creole street food for lunch
• - Beachfront fine dining experience for dinner
• - Entry to galleries, museums, live music nights and national parks
• - Cold water and sodas from street merchants
• - A couple of taxi rides for those late nights in Pétion-Ville
• - Plus a little spending money, so you can bring some art home with you

On a budget ? Savvy travellers can make USD $400 last for a whole two weeks.

The cost of flying varies depending on season as well as location. Return flights from New York during spring, for example, start at USD $400 return. You can read more about how to find the cheapest flights to Haiti here .

Most Haitians tip at major restaurants. In tourist areas, anything extra is graciously accepted, no matter where you're eating, sleeping or shopping.

In the heart of the Caribbean, Haiti is warm all year round - around 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit. Select a wardrobe that will be comfortable in warm weather, and able to keep you cool if you plan on going on hikes and other adventures.

Haitians like to dress smartly, so pack something a little fancy for restaurants and events. If you'll be here in time for Carnival, that's a whole different story!

To enjoy a smooth-sailing Caribbean escape, check out our packing essentials guide .

Haiti’s dry season officially runs from November to March.  With lower humidity and little rain, the dry season also provides the best conditions for surfing, snorkeling, diving and trekking. This is when the seas are at their calmest (and most photogenic).

The downside of visiting Haiti during the dry season is that everyone else wants to, making it a little bit tricky, and sometimes expensive to secure a flight to get there. Particularly during December and January, tourism peaks and Haitians living abroad tend to come back to Haiti for end-of-year celebrations with their friends and family.

In the summer months from June to August, the weather is warm and the beaches are beautiful. With fewer tourists, you’ll find destinations quieter and locals will have more time for you.

For travellers who want to explore the island’s landscapes, culture, history and art at their own pace, and don’t mind getting caught in the rain on the way to their pina coladas, the summer season will repay you with the cheapest flights and accommodation.

To find key calendar dates to help you book your trip, read our article on how to choose the best time to visit Haiti .

Airlines such as American Airlines , Air Europa , Air France , British Airways , Delta Airlines and JetBlue Airways offer flights at reasonable prices from all over the world to Port-au-Prince.

If you're travelling on a shoestring or want to reduce your air-miles, consider finding overland transport to Florida. Return flights from Florida to Haiti start around USD$250.

Haiti’s inter-country infrastructure is reasonably well-developed, with most towns and tourist destinations connected via a network of roads to the major cities of Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and Cap-Haitien. Within the cities, you can get around using buses, tap-taps and motos .

With so many ways to get around, public transport in Haiti can be daunting, but we’ve got you covered.

As long as you have a credit card, yes. You can easily hire a car through a recognised international chain in Port-au-Prince or Cap Haitien. You can hire everything from SUVs to luxury cars, with rates starting at USD$45 a day.

Make sure you keep your identification and hire papers on you at all times, so that you can be quickly on your way if you happen to get pulled over by traffic authorities.

Some car hire companies offer guides or drivers. While your GPS will work fine, the traffic can be chaotic and the roads heading away from the cities toward Haiti's hidden wonders can be tough for travellers not used to offroad driving.

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. You can find the full list here .

After three months, you'll need to regularize your 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.

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 more.

Purchase medical insurance in advance and keep in mind that emergency response services, including ambulances, are very limited in Haiti.

The usuals: live animals, weapons, pornography and drugs. You can bring in 1L of liquor, 200 cigarettes and 50 cigars (good to know if you're heading to Haiti via another Caribbean destination!).

Yes. Wifi is widely available in accommodation and restaurants.

If you bring a smartphone, you can buy a SIM card for less than USD$5, then add internet data for less than USD$20, allowing you to use Google maps and other handy apps when outside of wireless range.

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• COVID-19 travel restrictions: Haiti
• < Travel restrictions

Travel restrictions

By Kiwi.com June 17, 2022

By Kiwi.com | June 17, 2022

This article was published on June 17, 2022, and all the information in the article is correct as of this time. Before you book your trip, we highly recommend that you also check official sources for the most up-to-date travel requirements, as they are subject to constant change.

Can I enter Haiti?

Haiti is open for tourism to travelers from all countries. Nevertheless, please note that several COVID-19 restrictions are in place now.

Can I enter Haiti if I am vaccinated? 

You can enter Haiti if you are vaccinated. You are considered fully vaccinated at least 14 days after the second dose of a two-dose vaccine, or at least 21 days after the administration of a single-dose vaccine. 

As of April 2022, the following vaccine drugs are approved in Haiti:

• Pfizer / BioNTech
• Moderna / Spikevax
• Janssen / Johnson & Johnson

Travel documents if you are vaccinated

• A vaccination certificate

Can I enter Haiti if I am unvaccinated? 

You can enter Haiti if you are unvaccinated. 

Travel documents if you are unvaccinated

Please present one of the following documents:

• The negative result of a PCR taken no more than 72 hours before departure
• Proof of recovery from COVID-19 in the last 90 days

Can I leave Haiti?

There are no COVID-19 restrictions when it comes to leaving Haiti. Please ensure that you are aware of the entry requirements at your destination country. Certain countries demand that travelers take pre-departure tests regardless of their vaccination status.

Can I leave Haiti if I am vaccinated?

Vaccinated travelers can leave Haiti.

• A COVID-19 vaccination certificate

Can I leave Haiti if I am unvaccinated?

There are no restrictions for unvaccinated travelers when it comes to leaving Haiti.

Unvaccinated travelers have to present one of the following documents: 

• Documentation of recovery from COVID-19, stating that the visitor was infected no longer ago than 180 days before the day of crossing the border of a particular country
• A negative COVID-19 test result (the relevant period and kind of test may vary, please check the requirements of your destination country )

COVID-19 situation in Haiti currently

Presently, the COVID-19 situation in Haiti is safe.

Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now?

International travel to Haiti is relatively safe now. Presently, some basic COVID-19 measures are still in place:

• Wearing a mask is mandatory in indoor public spaces
• Hand-washing stations are mandatory at state and private institutions

Is Port-au-Prince open for travel?

Port-au-Prince is open to all tourists now. Please make sure to abide by basic COVID-19 rules in order to experience the capital safely.

Do I have to go into quarantine if I go to Haiti?

As of April 2022, international travelers do not have to self-isolate upon arrival in Haiti if they do not have any symptoms of COVID-19.

How do I get a health pass to travel to Haiti?

At present, no health pass is required in Haiti.

Useful links:

• Haiti COVID-19 information

Visit our   Travel Restrictions section at Kiwi.com Stories   to read   more travel restrictions articles

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What are the latest Haiti travel requirements?

April 22, 2021 • 1 min read

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Here's the latest travel information for visiting Haiti. This update includes the latest information from government agencies, including the US Embassies, and addresses if travel is allowed, if quarantine is required, if testing is required, and if vaccines are required.

Can you currently travel to Haiti?

To keep this post as current as possible, see below chart for the latest information. You can also check the last updated date as well, and a link to the source for further reference.

How else can I find out about Haiti travel requirements?

As the global travel situation continues to evolve, information can change on a daily or weekly basis. Specifically for Haiti, we recommend checking with the US Embassy in Haiti on entry and exit requirements, especially for returning to the US. A link to the most up-to-date source for Haiti travel is in the above chart.

What else should I know about the latest travel requirements to Haiti?

While checking requirements related to quarantine, testing, and vaccinations, don't forget to check your other documents, such as ensuring your passport is valid for at least another 6 months. We typically suggest you try to have at least a year of validity on your passport, given passport renewal times, and most countries require at least 6 months to enter. You can get help with your passport renewal with our door-to-door passport renewal service .

In addition, if you're not enrolled in TSA PreCheck, it's the best way to skip the security line at US airports while keeping your bags packed and shoes on. You can pre-enroll on our Skip app, available in the App Store or Google Play . The app also gives you reminders and alerts about expiring documents and travel changes.

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Latest update

Do not travel to Haiti overall due to  the dangerous security situation, threat of violent crime, kidnapping and severe shortages of basic necessities including fuel, water and food.

Haiti (PDF 692.55 KB)

Americas (PDF 3.25 MB)

Local emergency contacts

Medical emergencies, advice levels.

Do not travel to Haiti.

Do not travel to Haiti  due to  the dangerous security situation, threat of violent crime, kidnapping and severe shortages of basic necessities including fuel, water and food.

• The security situation is volatile. Demonstrations, protests and strikes happen often and can turn violent. Avoid crowds. Carry ID and documents for your vehicle in case you pass a security checkpoint.
• A State of Emergency is in place in Port-au-Prince until 8 June 2024. Nightly curfews are in place from 10pm to 5am.
• Violent crime is common in Haiti, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, sexual assault and carjacking. The risk increases at night and in isolated areas. Gang violence is concentrated in certain areas. It is escalating in the capital, Port-au-Prince and extends to the Artibonite region. Gangs are increasingly attacking residential neighbourhoods and kidnapping groups of people. Armed gangs control most of Port-au-Prince. Since April 2023, vigilante groups have attacked and killed alleged gang members in some Port-au-Prince neighbourhoods and the provinces. Be alert to your surroundings. Don't go out after dark.
• Kidnappings are common in Haiti. Since September 2020, hundreds of foreign nationals have been abducted. Victims have included missionaries, aid workers and children. Most of the victims have been released in exchange for ransom. In some cases, victims have disappeared or been killed. Be extremely vigilant at all times. 
• Power outages are frequent. Shortages of essential supplies such as fuel, water and food occur frequently.

Full travel advice: Safety

• Cholera is an ongoing risk in parts of Haiti. Other common foodborne and waterborne diseases include hepatitis and typhoid. Drink boiled or bottled water with intact seals. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
• The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take precautions if you're engaging in high-risk activities.
• Insect-borne illnesses include malaria, dengue and zika virus. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor about zika virus before you travel.
• Disease outbreaks are common, and medical facilities are scarce. You may need a medical evacuation to the US if you become seriously ill or injured. Get comprehensive travel insurance. 

Full travel advice: Health

• Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences. Conditions in Haitian prisons are very poor.
• LGBTI people's rights aren't legally restricted. But there's significant social stigma. LGBTI people may face discrimination, harassment or violence. Avoid being affectionate in public.

Full travel advice: Local laws

• You must pay an arrival fee at the airport. Visitors crossing by land from the Dominican Republic must pay a tourist fee.

Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. You should contact the nearest embassy or consulate of Haiti for the latest details.

• Road travel is dangerous. If you're driving, keep your fuel tank at least half-full. Fuel supply is often disrupted. Make sure you and any passengers have the correct vehicle and travel documents.
• Air, land and sea borders between the Dominican Republic and Haiti are closed.

Full travel advice: Travel

Local contacts

• The  Consular Services Charter  tells you what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
• Australia doesn't have an embassy in Haiti. The  Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince  provides consular help for Australians under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement. 
• Passport services are provided by the  Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago . You can also get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.
• To stay up to date with local information, follow the High Commission's social media accounts.

Full travel advice: Local contacts

Full advice

Violent crime is common, including against tourists and expats. Incidents include:

• armed robbery

Your risk increases at night and in isolated areas.

Police have very limited resources to respond and help.

Gang violence is concentrated in certain areas. It is escalating in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and extends to the Artibonite region. Gangs are increasingly attacking residential neighbourhoods and kidnapping groups of people. Armed gangs control most of Port-au-Prince.

Hotspots for violent crime include:

• Artibonite Central
• Carrefour Drouillard
• Champs-de-Mars
• Cité Soleil
• Croix-des-Bouquets
• Downtown Port-au-Prince
• Portail Léogane
• Road to the airport
• Toussant Brave

Thieves target travellers who've just arrived in the country. They may try to distract you to steal your passport and valuables.

Criminal gangs have roadblocked areas around Port-au-Prince and on national highways to steal from car passengers.

To protect yourself from crime:

• be alert to your surroundings and extremely cautious
• think carefully about your security at your hotel and getting around.
• consider organising tailored security arrangements and preparing contingency plans.
• don't go out after dark
• travel with someone who speaks Kreyòl
• avoid showing signs of wealth
• have someone meet you at the airport or pre-book your airport transfers
• be careful sharing your travel plans
• keep your vehicle windows up and doors locked, even when moving

If you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Criminals are often armed, and you can be seriously injured or killed.

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault, get immediate medical help. The risk of HIV/AIDS infection is high.

Other crime

People leaving banks are targets for thieves on motorcycles. Avoid withdrawing or carrying large amounts of money.

Public transport is unsafe. Avoid:

• tap taps (vans with a covered tray area)
• moto-taxis (motorcycle taxis)

Be careful dealing with strangers or people you've just met. Be wary of people hanging around near your hotel.

• Photography can look suspicious, especially in remote areas. Some travellers have been assaulted for taking photos. Ask for permission before you take someone's photograph.

Cyber security

You may be at risk of cyber-based threats during overseas travel to any country. Digital identity theft is a growing concern. Your devices and personal data can be compromised, especially if you're connecting to Wi-Fi, using or connecting to shared or public computers or to Bluetooth.

Social media can also be risky in destinations where there are social or political tensions, or laws that may seem unreasonable by Australian standards. Travellers have been arrested for things they have said on social media. Don't comment on local or political events on your social media.

More information:

• Cyber security when travelling overseas

Civil unrest and political tension

Demonstrations and protests.

The political situation is very unstable. There's a constant risk of violence and social unrest. 

Limit your movements. Monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities.

There are ongoing violent protests, roadblocks, and food and fuel shortages.

Local authorities, including the police, may be unable to control the developing situation or to help you.

Carry your proof of identity and documents for your vehicle in case you pass a security checkpoint.

Roadblocks are common, particularly in Port-au-Prince and on major highways.

To protect yourself during periods of unrest:

• limit your movements as much as possible
• avoid demonstrations and crowds
• monitor the local media for new security threats
• review your departure options
• stock up on essential supplies when it's safe
• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Kidnapping occurs across the world with political, ideological, and criminal motives. Foreigners, including Australians, have been kidnapped overseas whilst travelling. Kidnaps can happen anywhere, anytime, including in destinations that are typically at lower risk. 

Kidnappings are common in Haiti. We continue to advise that you do not travel to Haiti due to the very high levels of kidnapping. Haiti has one of the highest per capita kidnap rates globally. 

Hundreds of foreign nationals have been abducted. Victims have included missionaries, aid workers and children and are often selected based on perceived wealth. Most of the victims have been released in exchange for ransom. In some cases, victims have disappeared or been killed. Locals and foreign nationals have been targets of mass kidnappings in public transport including buses. Continuing conflicts between criminal groups will drive kidnap-for-ransom incidents in Port-au-Prince in the next year. Express kidnapping is a problem in urban areas. 

Be careful in the waters around Haiti. You risk piracy and assault in these areas.

If, despite our advice, you travel to an area with a high risk of kidnapping, our ability to provide consular assistance in these destinations will be limited. 

To reduce the risk of kidnapping: 

• always be alert to your personal security and surroundings 
• get professional security advice for travel in locations with a heightened kidnap risk 
• check your accommodation has appropriate security measures 
• avoid isolated locations, particularly when travelling alone 
• notify family or friends of planned travel and share your location 
• avoid talking about your money or business affairs 
• use ATMs in public places and during daylight hours 
• avoid giving personal details to strangers online or over the phone 

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn't make payments or concessions to kidnappers. 

Ransom payments to kidnappers have funded further terrorist attacks and criminal activity. Paying a ransom to terrorist groups will likely break Australian counter-terrorism financing laws. 

More information:  

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

Climate and natural disasters

Haiti experiences natural disasters and  severe weather , such as:

• hurricanes  and tropical storms
• earthquakes

Emergency services can't deal with major disasters. Be ready to leave at short notice. Keep your travel documents current.

To protect yourself if a natural disaster is approaching:

• monitor local media and other sources
• keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
• follow the advice of local authorities
• stay in contact with your friends and family
• contact your tour operator, hotel or airline
• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency
• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Hurricanes and severe weather

The hurricane season is from June to November. Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen any time of year.

Heavy rainfalls can cause flooding, landslides and mudslides, disrupting essential services and infrastructure.

If you're travelling during hurricane season, ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination have been affected. Check for updates from the  US National Hurricane Center . The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.

If there's a hurricane or severe storm:

• you may get stuck in the area
• flights could be delayed or suspended
• available flights may fill quickly
• adequate shelter may not be available
• port access might be affected

Severe weather may also affect:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as water, electricity and communication systems

If a hurricane is approaching:

• identify your local shelter
• know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
• keep in touch with family and friends
• Severe weather incidents

Earthquakes and tsunamis

Haiti is in an earthquake zone.  Earthquakes  may happen. Get information from the  United States Geological Survey .

Infrastructure from a 2010 earthquake is still damaged, including:

• health services
• telecommunications
• other utilities

Damaged water and sewerage systems have increased disease outbreaks.

Tsunamis may occur in Haiti. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a tremor or earthquake. Be alert to warnings.

Register with the  Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System  to receive tsunami alerts.

If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea
• Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media.

Travel insurance

Get comprehensive  travel insurance  before you leave.

Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won't pay for these costs.

If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.

If you're not insured, you may have to pay many thousands of dollars up-front for medical care.

• what activities and care your policy covers
• that your insurance covers you for the whole time you'll be away

Physical and mental health

Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. 

See your doctor or travel clinic to:

• have a basic health check-up
• ask if your travel plans may affect your health
• plan any vaccinations you need

Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.

If you have immediate concerns for your welfare or the welfare of another Australian, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on +61 2 6261 3305 or contact your  nearest Australian Embassy, High Commission or Consulate  to discuss counselling hotlines and services available in your location.

• General health advice
• Healthy holiday tips  (Healthdirect Australia)

Medications

Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Haiti. Take enough legal medication for your trip.

Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:

• what the medication is
• your required dosage
• that it's for personal use

Health risks

The rate of  HIV/AIDS  infection is high. Use protection if you participate in activities that put you at risk of infection.

Insect-borne diseases

Illnesses spread by insects are common, especially during the wet season from June to December.

Disease risks include:

• chikungunya

Zika virus is widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:

• discuss travel plans with your doctor
• consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas

To protect yourself from disease:

• consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
• make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
• use insect repellent
• wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing

Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or bad headache.

• Infectious diseases

Cholera and other infectious diseases

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• leptospirosis

Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.

Cholera is an ongoing risk in parts of Haiti. Cholera causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be fatal if left untreated.

To protect yourself from illness:

• drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
• avoid ice cubes
• avoid raw or undercooked foods, such as salads
• avoid contact with dogs and other mammals

If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help immediately.

Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.

Medical care

An earthquake in 2010 severely damaged hospitals and continues to put a strain on medical facilities. As a result:

• medicine and medical resources are hard to find
• public sanitation is not fixed and causes disease outbreaks

Medical facilities are scarce and well below Australian standards.

Private medical care can be expensive. Doctors and hospitals will ask you to pay cash before treating you.

If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter . But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include fines and long prison sentences in local jails. Prison conditions in Haiti are very poor.

Carrying or using drugs

LGBTQIA+ laws

Same-sex relationships are legal. No laws restrict the rights of LGBTQIA+ people or groups, but anti-LGBTQIA+ attitudes exist.

LGBTQIA+ travellers may face:

• discrimination
• physical attacks

Advice for LGBTQIA+ travellers

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

Staying within the law and respecting customs

Dual citizenship

Advice for dual nationals

Visas and border measures

Every country or territory decides who can enter or leave through its borders. For specific information about the evidence you'll need to enter a foreign destination, check with the nearest embassy, consulate or immigration department of the destination you're entering. 

You'll need to pay an arrival fee at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

You won't have to pay the fee if you're:

• a child aged under 5 years
• an official or diplomatic passport holder
• a foreigner with a valid residence card
• an official or agent on a United Nations laissez-passer
• a person born in Haiti who holds a foreign passport

If you plan to do  volunteer  work in Haiti, arrange a placement before you arrive. You'll be unlikely to find a placement when you get there.

Travel via the United States

If you're travelling to Haiti through the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements.

Check your visa requirements with a US  embassy  or  consulate  before travelling.

• Travel advice for the US

Yellow fever vaccination

You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Haiti. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.

Find out about returning to Australia  after exposure to yellow fever .

More information

• Consulate of Haiti

Some countries won't let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you're just transiting or stopping over.

Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.

You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.

The Australian Government doesn't set these rules. Check your passport's expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting  a new passport .

Lost or stolen passport

Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.

Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.

If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:

In Australia, contact the  Australian Passport Information Service .

If you're overseas, contact the nearest  Australian embassy or consulate .

Passport with X gender identifier 

Although Australian passports comply with international standards for sex and gender, we can't guarantee that a passport showing 'X' in the sex field will be accepted for entry or transit by another country. Contact the  nearest  embassy, high commission or consulate of your destination  before you arrive at the border to confirm if authorities will accept passports with 'X' gender markers.

• LGBTQIA+ traveller

The basic currency is the Gourde (HTG). US dollars are also widely accepted.

Exchange US dollars or traveller's cheques at established banks. Some banks accept other foreign currencies.

Don't change money on the street.

Local travel

Driving permit.

You can drive in Haiti with your:

• valid Australian driver's licence
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
• car registration
• liability insurance documents
• travel documents

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

Road travel is dangerous in Haiti.

Hazards include:

• aggressive driving
• drivers not following traffic laws
• poorly maintained vehicles
• unlit roads
• cars, trucks and motorcycles driving without lights on after dark
• pedestrians on roads

Avoid taking public transport or driving after dark. You may be forced to make a detour into a dangerous area.

Avoid driving during bad weather, even in the city.

Keep your fuel tank at least half full. Fuel supply is often disrupted.

Carry a mobile phone and emergency contact numbers with you. Roadside assistance services are lacking. Mobile phone coverage is patchy in rural areas.

On 5 March 2024 the Government of the Dominican Republic closed its air border with Haiti. Land borders between the Dominican Republic and Haiti remain closed.

Sometimes, criminals dressed as police officers carjack vehicles close to the border on Dominican roads. See  Safety

• Driving or riding

If you take the ferry, keep an eye on your belongings.

Don't board a vessel that looks overloaded or unsafe.

• Travelling by boat

DFAT doesn't provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.

Check  Haiti's air safety profile  with the Aviation Safety Network.

Emergencies

Depending on what you need, contact your:

• family and friends
• travel agent
• insurance provider

Always get a police report when you report a crime.

Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.

Consular contacts

Check the  Consular Services Charter  for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.

Australia doesn’t have an embassy in Haiti. The Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince provides consular help for Australians under the Canada-Australia Consular Services Sharing Agreement. 

Passport services are provided by the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago . You can also get consular help from the Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago.

Canadian Embassy, Port-au-Prince

Delmas between Delmas 75 and 71 Port-au-Prince Haiti

Phone: (+11 509) 2812 9000 Email:  [email protected] Website:  www.canadainternational.gc.ca/haiti

Check the Canadian High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

Australian High Commission, Port of Spain

18 Herbert Street, St Clair Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago Phone: +1 868 235 7950 Email:  [email protected] Website:  trinidadandtobago.highcommission.gov.au

Facebook:    AusHighComTT

Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:

• +61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
• 1300 555 135 in Australia

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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

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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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State department issues new travel warning for Caribbean country

• Published: May. 30, 2024, 2:04 p.m.

People walk past a shrouded body lying on a street in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, Monday, May 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Odelyn Joseph) AP

• Chris Mautner | [email protected]

The U.S. State Department issued a new security alert for the country of Haiti last week, following months of gang violence and riots in that Caribbean country.

The department’s travel advisory for the country is currently at Level 4, “Do Not Travel,” which is the department’s highest warning.

“The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk,” the alert says. “The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel.”

“Violent crime, including kidnapping for ransom, occurs regularly along many roadways in Haiti and U.S. citizens should assess their own safety and security when deciding whether to travel by road,” 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.”

The Toussaint-Louverture airport in Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital, has resumed operations the State Department said, but the number of flights remains limited and is subject to decisions made by commercial carriers.

Travelers should confirm the status and availability of their flight through their carrier’s official website or customer service agent.

The airports in Cap-Haitien and Les Cayes are also open for departing flights, the alert said, although flight availability might be limited.

If you are in Haiti, the State Department recommends the following:

• Avoid crowds.
• Follow local media for updates and avoid areas where violence or disruptions are happening.
• Keep a low profile.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Be prepared to shelter in place for an extended time.
• Stay inside after dark.
• Stay alert in areas frequented by foreign visitors.
• Review your personal security plans.
• Have travel documents up-to-date and easily accessible.
• Carry proper identification.

The local director of a mission group in Haiti and a missionary couple from the U.S. were attacked and fatally shot by gang members after leaving a youth group activity at a church earlier this month.

Stories by Chris Mautner

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Crisis in Haiti: Measures for Canadian citizens and permanent residents

Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are affected by the crisis in Haiti are eligible for a fee exemption when applying for

• 1-year limited validity passports
• temporary passports
• emergency travel documents
• a Canadian citizenship certificate
• a permanent resident travel document

Deadline to apply: September 1, 2024

On this page:

Apply for a canadian travel document.

• Apply for a Canadian citizenship certificate

Apply for a permanent resident travel document

How to contact us.

If you’re a Canadian citizen who is affected by the crisis in Haiti and you need passport services to travel, you can apply for any of the following documents for free:

• 1-year limited validity passport
• temporary passport
• emergency travel document

If you want to apply for a regular passport with full validity (either 5 or 10 years), you need to pay the normal processing fees.

How to apply

• Complete an application for a Canadian passport (opens in a new tab)   .
• Write and sign a letter that explains how you’re affected by the crisis in Haiti and how you qualify for these special measures. Your letter must include the keyword “ HTI2024 .”
• Include the letter with your application.
• Submit your letter and application by following the instructions for your situation.

If you have questions about applying for your travel document, contact the closest government of Canada office abroad .

Apply for a citizenship certificate

You’re eligible for a fee exemption when you apply for a citizenship certificate if

• you’re a Canadian citizen who is affected by the crisis in Haiti
• you need to replace your Canadian citizenship certificate
• you need to confirm your Canadian citizenship to get a Canadian passport or travel document
• If you’re not able to apply online, you can apply on paper .
• If you don’t already have an IRCC secure account, you need to create one.
• If you choose to get a paper citizenship certificate, it’s important to know that mailing times will impact the time it takes to get your certificate. A delay may impact the type of passport or travel document you receive.
• Write and sign a letter that explains how you’re affected by the crisis in Haiti and how you qualify for these special measures. Upload this letter under Client Information in the “ Supporting Documents ” section.

How to get the fee exemption

Before you submit your application, you must pay the fee in your online account. Our system won’t let you submit without paying.

After you apply, we’ll refund your fees

• if your application includes the signed letter that explains how you’re affected by the crisis in Haiti
• once we process the application

You don’t have to contact us to get the refund.

If you’re replacing a citizenship card

We no longer issue new citizenship cards. If we approve your application, we’ll replace your card with an electronic citizenship certificate (recommended) or a paper certificate.

How to apply on paper for a citizenship certificate

If you need help downloading, saving and opening a form

Visit our Help Centre  (opens in a new tab)   .

If you can’t apply online, follow these steps to apply on paper:

• Complete the paper application for a citizenship certificate (opens in a new tab)   .
• Write and sign a letter that explains how you’re affected by the crisis in Haiti and how you qualify for these special measures. Include this letter with your application.
• Don’t pay the fee or include a receipt.
• You can choose the electronic citizenship certificate or a paper citizenship certificate. If we approve your electronic citizenship certificate application, we’ll send instructions to the most recent email address you gave us on how to download your certificate.
• Write “ HTI2024 ” on the envelope and on the first page of your application or covering document.
• dropping it off (walk-in appointments are not available)
• using a third-party courier (you can’t send your application by regular mail)

How to submit your paper application

If you’re applying from Canada or the US

Mail your application to the appropriate address below.

Case Processing Centre - Sydney - Proofs P.O. Box 10,000 Sydney, NS B1P 7C1

IRCC Digitization Centre - Proofs 3050 Wilson Ave New Waterford, NS B1H 5V8

If you’re applying from a country that’s not Canada or the US

Submit your application to a Government of Canada office by

• using a third party courier (you can’t send your application by regular mail)

If you don’t have a valid permanent resident card, you can apply for a permanent resident travel document for free if

• you’re a permanent resident of Canada who is affected by the crisis in Haiti
• you need a permanent resident travel document to travel

You can apply online or on paper

How to apply online

• Sign in to the Permanent Residence Portal .
• If your request is urgent, select “ Yes, my request is urgent. ” In the “ Reason ” box, select the reason that most closely fits your situation. Upload a document that explains your situation (for example, a written letter with details of the situation).
• If you don’t have a valid passport or valid travel document, upload a letter explaining why you don’t have it in the “ Supporting documents ” section.
• In the “ Proof of payment ” section, upload a document that includes the phrase “I am exempt from paying fees under the Haiti special measures.” Include “ HTI2024 ” at the top of the letter.
• Submit your application.

If you apply on paper

• Complete the application for a permanent resident travel document (opens in a new tab)   .
• Write and sign a letter that explains how you‘re affected by the crisis in Haiti and how you qualify for these special measures. Include this letter with your application.
• If you don’t have a valid passport or valid travel document, include a letter explaining why you don’t have it.
• Submit your application to the visa application centre (VAC) nearest you.

If you need to update your contact information or if you have questions, fill out the web form (opens in a new tab)   and:

• Complete all required fields.
• Include “ HTI2024 ” in the text box.

If you need emergency consular assistance, contact the

• closest Government of Canada office or
• Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre

Page details

Royal Caribbean expands Haiti trip suspension — and adds new replacement stops

A s gang violence continues in Haiti, Royal Caribbean has extended the suspension of its port calls to a private day resort it operates in the island nation’s northern tip.

Fourteen sailings that were scheduled to stop at Labadee will be rerouted through the end of April, the cruise line said Monday.

“The safety and security of our guests, crew, and communities we visit are our top priority,” Royal Caribbean said in a prepared statement. “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.”

International news reports state that violence and killings continue in and around the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince. Flights into and out of the city’s airport remain suspended, and gangs have overrun the nation’s main port, hindering entry of food and medicine.

Related Articles

• Travel | Royal Caribbean shuts down trips to Haiti. Here’s where its cruise ships are going instead.
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Royal Caribbean has been leasing the 260-acre Labadee attraction, built on a peninsula accessible only to the cruise line’s guests and employees, since the 1980s. It is located 130 miles north of Port-au-Prince and has remained unscathed during other periods of unrest.

The suspension will affect itineraries of three ships: Oasis of the Seas and Independence of the Seas, traveling from Port Miami, and Symphony of the Seas, leaving from Port Everglades.

Alternative destinations that were not announced during the first week of reroutings in mid-March include George Town, Grand Cayman; Bimini, Bahamas; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Labadee stops on some sailings will be replaced by an extra day at sea or a stop at one of Royal Caribbean’s other private resorts, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Here are the affected sailing dates and alternative port calls:

Symphony of the Seas:

March 23 sailing — Replaced with Falmouth, Jamaica, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 31 sailing — Replaced with Perfect Day at CocoCay on Day 2 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Scheduled stop at Falmouth, Jamaica, will now be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 6 and April 20 sailings — Replaced with Falmouth, Jamaica, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 14 sailing — Replaced with Perfect Day at CocoCay on Day 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica is now on Day 3.

April 28 sailing — Replaced with a day at sea. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica will now be from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Independence of the Seas:

April 4 and April 18 sailings — Replaced with stop at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 8 sailing — Replaced with George Town, Grand Cayman, from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. New call time for stop in Nassau, Bahamas, is 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 22 sailing — Replaced with Bimini, Bahamas, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nassau, Bahamas is now on Day 4 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Perfect Day at CocoCay has been added to the itinerary on Day 5, from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Oasis of the Seas:

March 24 sailing — Replaced with Falmouth, Jamaica, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Perfect Day at CocoCay will now stop from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

March 31 sailing — Replaced with an extra day at Perfect Day at CocoCay on Day 4 from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica will now run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

April 7 sailing — Replaced with Philipsburg, St. Maarten on Day 4, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

April 14 sailing — Replaced with a day at sea. New call time in Perfect Day at CocoCay will be 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Stop in Falmouth, Jamaica, will now be from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ron Hurtibise covers business and consumer issues for the South Florida Sun Sentinel. He can be reached by phone at 954-356-4071, on Twitter @ronhurtibise or by email at [email protected] .

©2024 South Florida Sun-Sentinel. Visit sun-sentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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When are Kenyan cops arriving in Haiti? Here’s what you need to know about the mission

Kenyan President William Ruto , back in Nairobi following his recent three-day state visit to the United States, is voicing confidence that a security mission to Haiti that his East African nation will lead will go ahead.

Ruto made the assertion in a post on X, following what he described as “a comprehensive” briefing from his team of security experts that visited Port-au-Prince last month to assess the ongoing preparations for the deployment of Kenyan police officers tasked with leading a 2,500-member multinational security support mission to the volatile Caribbean nation.

The highly anticipated mission, first approved by the United Nations Security Council in October , has been delayed by financial constraints and court challenges. Meantime, Haiti has been hit by some of the deadliest violence in recent years. More than 2,500 Haitians have been killed or injured since January, according to the U.N., and an additional 90,000 people in a gang-controlled Port-au-Prince have been forced from their homes, bringing the number of displaced Haitians to over 360,000 over the last three years.

The country’s main seaport and international airport were shuttered, although both have recently resumed operations , which will allow the first contingent of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission to arrive. When that will be, however, remains a mystery.

Many questions remain about the mission, which faces another legal challenge in Nairobi and continues to lack financial and logistics support from the international community. There is confusion about whether the foreign cops being deployed to Haiti will be involved in combating gangs, or tasked solely with protecting key government infrastructures such as the airport, seaport, the presidential palace and main roads. Ruto and other Kenyan officials have refrained from providing specifics.

While Haitian police have said they want the Kenyans’ help in dismantling the roughly 300 armed gangs running around the country, sources tell the Miami Herald that the idea of having the Kenyans protect infrastructure — what is being referred to as a “static” force — rather than battle gangs hand in hand with Haitian cops, is back on the table.

The reason appears to be the ongoing surge in violence that erupted on Feb. 29 after armed gangs united in an effort to oust Henry and topple his embattled government. The chaos and lawlessness led some countries and police to rethink their involvement in the crisis.

At the time the united attacks began, Henry had just finalized an agreement for Kenya to lead the security mission, a deal both Ruto and U.S. officials say remains in effect despite Henry’s forced resignation by Washington and the installation of a presidential transitional council . The council tapped a longtime United Nations civil servant, Garry Conille, to head Haiti’s next government.

On Monday, Conille was given his official papers, which now allows him to begin forming a cabinet and working to restore order. The day before he toured the center of downtown where gangs have looted and burned dozens of pharmacies, forced the closure of the largest public hospital and brought Haiti to the brink of a humanitarian catastrophe.

So where things stand in Haiti and with the Multinational Security Support mission, known as the MSS?

Here is the latest.

Why Kenya is taking the lead

In October, the U.N. Security Council passed a resolution authorizing the deployment of the mission to Haiti. The resolution provides the framework for the deployment. Though sanctioned by the U.N., the force is not a U.N. peacekeeping mission. It is a lot smaller, and the funding will come from voluntary donations as opposed to assessed contributions from U.N. member states.

Critics of the international intervention have raised concerns that Kenya, a former British colony and English-speaking nation in East Africa, is leading a deployment to Haiti, a French- and Haitian-Creole speaking-nation 12,000 miles away.

Prior to Kenya volunteering in July to assist Haiti, the U.S. and Henry reached out to several nations asking for help to put down the escalating violence. Kenya was the only one that raised its hand after other countries, including Canada and Brazil, declined.

Ruto has said Kenya has a moral obligation to assist Haiti. He offered to lead the mission after getting together with Henry in Paris and then meeting with a U.S. delegation in Nairobi led by Todd Robinson, U.S. assistant secretary for the Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs. But Ruto had conditions: his security team needed to make an assessment of the security situation, the operation needed to be green-lighted by the U.N. Security Council and the Kenyan parliament had to agree to the deployment.

Parliament’s approval came with its own caveat: the mission needs to be funded by the international community.

Other countries involved

In addition to Kenya, seven other countries have now officially notified the U.N. that they will provided personnel: The Bahamas, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belize, Benin, Chad and Jamaica.

The Biden administration made clear that U.S. forces will not part of the mission. “It just raises all kinds of questions that can be easily misrepresented by what we’re trying to do, and be able to be used by those who disagree with us and against the interest of Haiti and the United States,” President Biden recently said.

Arrival of the force

It was announced that the first contingent of Kenyan cops would arrive in Haiti around the time of Ruto’s May 23 visit with President Biden at the White House. That didn’t happen. The Kenyan security team visiting Haiti around the same time found critical shortages of equipment that led to a delay in deployment, including communication gear and a helicopter to evacuate casualties. The Kenyans also want their own armored vehicles and do not want to have to share with Haitian cops.

Prior to leaving Washington, Ruto told the British Broadcasting Corp . that he expects the Kenyan force to arrive in Haiti in about three weeks. That was about two weeks ago. So far, there no definitive date has been given.

The initial deployment

No one involved in the deployment has provided specifics. Numbers for the first contingent have ranged from 120 to 200, including support staff. During an interview with Citizen TV Kenya, Kenya Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi declined to confirm any numbers.

“This is an operational issue,” he said, stressing that “this is a multinational security support mission. It’s not a singular mission of Kenya, so there’s a lot of consultations” going on.

“The deployment will be strategic... and we are sure that with time, the experts on security deployment will be able to have enough boots on the ground to deal with the crisis,” the minister added.

Paying for the mission

The U.S. is the main donor for the mission, but the Biden administration is having a hard time getting skeptical Republicans in Congress onboard. Of the $300 million the administration has pledged, $200 million is from the Defense Department; the other $100 million is supposed to come from the State Department.

U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, R-Idaho, ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and U.S. Representative Michael McCaul, R-Texas, chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, have raised issues about the mission and blocked $40 million in funds the administration seeks. The lawmakers question the plan and have accused the administration of not being transparent. The administration has responded it has provided dozens of briefings, and that the situation on the ground in Haiti changes by the day.

A trust fund managed by the U.N. for the security mission has only raised $21 million. Experts fear that if the initial forces cannot be quickly bolstered once deployed to Haiti, the security situation will further deteriorate and gangs may grow even more powerful. The gangs currently control more than 80% of the capital and are responsible for the recent deaths of two young American missionaries.

Base of operations

The Kenyan force will operate out of a base currently under construction by the Pentagon. U.S. officials have been tight-lipped about the space including whether members of the mission will actually be housed on the site, or just be headquartered there.

Despite attempts to keep images of the base out of the public view due to security concerns, the public got its first glimpse last week when a member of the presidential transitional council, Leslie Voltaire, visited with a camera.

KONSÈY PREZIDANSYÈL LA VIZITE TRAVAY KONSTRIKSYON BAZ FÒS MILTINASYONAL LA…. Manm Konsey prezidansyèl yo te vizite, mèkredi 29 me 2024 la, travay konstriksyon baz Fòs miltinasyonal la nan zòn èpòt la. Konseye yo te vle wè epi evalye eta avansman travay kap fet nan espas la… pic.twitter.com/feUT3EoDLD — Conseil Présidentiel de Transition Haïti (@cpthaiti) May 29, 2024

Voltaire “visited the dormitory, medical center, cafeteria and many other spaces that will serve the foreign soldiers,” the council posted on X, showing Voltaire shaking hands with some of the civilian contractors on the site, located on part of what was once occupied by U.N. peacekeepers.

To get the base ready the base and prepare for the forces’ arrival, the Doral-based U.S. Southern Command has coordinated the landing so far of 84 military flights at Toussaint Louverture International Airport with construction materials.

Legal roadblocks

From the beginning the Kenya-led mission has faced legal roadblocks in Nairobi, where opposition forces have sought to block the deployment. In January, after months of refusing to allow the police to deploy, the High Court in Nairobi ruled that deployment is unconstitutional because there was no reciprocal security agreement between Haiti and Kenya.

After such an agreement was signed in late February, and the deployment was once more back on, a new lawsuit was filed against the Ruto government. This time, opposition groups are accusing the government of “blatant disregard” for the January court order. They want the government held in contempt and the deployment stopped.

Ruto’s government previously said the new lawsuit has no bearing on deployment plans. A court hearing has been scheduled for June 12.

The makeup of the force

All members of the force must be vetted by the United States for, among other things, previous accusations of human-rights violations. As of April, there were approximately 400 Kenyans who had been vetted and approved for the mission, along with about 250 Jamaicans. Jamaica is the Caribbean Community’s lead for the force. The Kenyan officers, meanwhile, are being drawn from several law enforcement units, including those with experience in counterterrorism operations. The mission is supposed to be headed by a force commander, a chief of operations and a special civilian representative from contributing countries.

The human-rights issue

The poor human-rights record of Kenyan police has come under scrutiny ever since the country pledged to help, but it’s not just the Kenyans critics are worried about.

In a statement issued last week, Human Rights Watch said “a key question is whether the countries involved are taking sufficient steps to ensure the MSS respects human rights.”

There were human-rights abuses in past international responses in Haiti: U.N. troops were accused of sexual violence and introducing cholera after the country’s devastating 2010 earthquake. Human Rights Watch said members of the U.N. Security Council should demand that troop-contributing countries “implement a robust human rights due diligence policy, including an independent oversight mechanism, involving Haitian civil society, to monitor and report on the conduct of the Haitian National Police and MSS personnel.”

In light of Kenya’s lead role in the UN Security Council mandated Multinational Security support Mission(MSS) to Haiti, I have received a comprehensive brief from the team that undertook an assessment mission to ascertain the state of preparedness for the deployment of our… pic.twitter.com/WCHtOIc2jr — William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) May 31, 2024

The chain of command

There has been confusion about who the mission will report to.

Kenyan officials have sought to clarify the confusion in recent interviews, dismissing reports that the Haitian police will oversee the operation and that a yet to be established National Security Council will supervise and define the mission’s assistance.

“It’s a security support mission and the framework upon which they will work is [being] negotiated,” Mudavadi, the Kenyan foreign minister, said. “There’s a framework that is agreed upon, a framework that is going to be followed to make sure that the deployment is in accordance with the expectations of the people of Haiti and with the United Nations.”

Lack of clarity

Recent comments out of Haiti and Kenya have led to more confusion.

Voltaire, one of the more outspoken members of the presidential council, said the foreign police officers will train and equip the Haitian police and will not directly fight the gangs.

But the Kenyans and others have made conflicting comments. Mudavadi, for example, has dismissed reports that 2,000 Haitian police officers will be trained by the Kenyans.

“This is not a mission where the deployed people are going for what you might call straight-on combat. It is a security support mission,” he said. “Definitely there could be encounters that may arise along the way. But the responses must be in accordance with the guidance provided within the deployment framework and within the guidance of the United Nations.”

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Haiti’s new prime minister arrives in his country on flight from Miami

Garry Conille, the longtime United Nations civil servant tapped to lead Haiti’s latest political transition, finally made his way back to his country on Saturday.

One of five finalists for Haiti’s interim prime minister, Conille had led his campaign for the top job while outside of Haiti. His selection came shortly after he met with six of the seven voting members of the country’s new transitional presidential council via videoconference on Tuesday.

On Saturday, he flew out of Miami International Airport, where he boarded a Sunrise Airways flight around 10:30 a.m., said Joubert Pascal, who works with protocol services at the Haitian consulate in Miami.

Following his selection, Conille, 58, told the Miami Herald that he is “deeply honored and humbled to accept the role of prime minister during this critical time” in Haiti’s history.

“Haiti faces significant challenges, but I am confident that together we can overcome them,” he said.

Conille will take over from Michel Patrick Boisvert, the country’s finance minister, who was appointed interim prime minister after Ariel Henry was forced to step down by Washington and Caribbean leaders charged with helping Haitians broker the March 11 deal that led to the new political transition.

Henry, a neurosurgeon who led Haiti after the July 2021 assassination of President Jovenel Moïse, lost U.S. support amid heightened tensions in the country and as armed gangs launched a united front in late February to topple his government while he was in Kenya finalizing an agreement for an international force to help Haiti.

Conille’s selection comes amid ongoing gang violence, and controversy after the council attempted to name a former sports minister as prime minister in violation of its own rules.

In congratulating the council on naming Conille, Washington urged both the council and the new prime minister “to work collaboratively and to engage all stakeholders in support of the Haitian people, who continue to suffer the brutality of horrific gang violence.”

State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller said the U.S. is encouraging the council and Conille “to act swiftly to nominate a credible, accountable, and inclusive government and Provisional Electoral Council to enable free and fair elections, and the provision of security and basic services for all Haitians.”

Conille, no stranger to the challenges facing Haiti — he served as prime minister from October 2011 to February 2012 and was until recently the Latin America regional director for UNICEF, the U.N.’s child welfare agency — has a monumental task before him.

Armed gangs control over 80% of Port-au-Prince, and their increasing power amid the political void and paralysis following Moïse’s assassination has taken the country to the brink of humanitarian and economic disaster.

Requests for hundreds of millions of dollars to fund a Kenya-led international force and a humanitarian appeal by the United Nations have not raised much money. Schools, hospitals and pharmacies have been destroyed during the nearly three-month gang insurgency that also forced a suspension of all commercial flights into the country. People’s livelihoods have evaporated and more than 360,000 Haitians are estimated to be displaced by gangs that continue to attack neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, more than 4,000 inmates remain at large after the country’s two largest prisons were raided in early March, before gangs targeted the seaport and airport, and the violence has led to the deaths or injuries of more than 2,500 Haitians, according to the U.N.

Though humanitarian aid agencies continue to provide assistance, the situation remains grim.

About 5 million Haitians, or nearly half of the population, face acute hunger, with 1.64 million on the verge of starvation, the World Food Program has said, adding that this is the worst it has been since the country’s devastating 2010 earthquake. After the earthquake Conille assisted as chief of staff to the U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti at the time, former President Bill Clinton.

Welcoming Conille’s selection on behalf U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres, spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told journalists in New York on Friday that the U.N.’s humanitarian response plan for Haiti remains largely underfunded. Of $674 million the U.N. is asking for, only 21% of the request is funded with only $142 million in the bank.

Dujarric also cited a new report by UNICEF, Conille’s former employer, that said between 30% to 50% of gang members are children.

“These children are subject to coercion, abuse and exploitation stemming from persistent social, economic and political fragility caused by the ongoing violence that has spiraled parts of the country into chaos,” Dujarric said.

Like the U.S., Guterres has also issued a call for an inclusive political transition in Haiti and for Haitians to work together to ensure progress in the transition and to restore democratic elections.

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“It remains critical that progress in the political transition be accompanied by urgently needed security gains,” Dujarric said.

Conille’s arrival in Port-au-Prince will be the first time many get to meet him. Like Henry, Conille, a gynecologist, is a Haitian-trained physician, although he has spent most of his career with the U.N.

Conille will have nine presidents to deal with — the seven voting members of the presidential transition council and two nonvoting observers, who since their April swearing-in have struggled to find their way forward.

Conille’s first leadership test will be to choose a chief of staff and put a government together. With political parties vying to get an edge in the upcoming elections, how much leeway he gets in making appointments to key government posts that parties will want to control will help set the tone on the political front.

The new government and the presidential council will then need to ready the country for the deployment of the Kenya-led Multinational Security Support mission and then appoint a nine-member provisional electoral council to begin working on organizing elections.

The new prime minister will need to navigate all of this while managing the perception that he was imposed on Haitians by the U.S., whose role in the selection process has been the subject of speculation and political discussions since Tuesday’s quick selection of Conille.

Though Washington has been trying to let Haitians figure out their own solution to the ongoing crisis, it remains involved in the process, from the construction of the base for the new international security mission to implementing sanctions against those accused of supporting gangs and fanning instability.