Do not travel to Haiti due to widespread kidnapping, rampant crime, ongoing civil unrest, and severely limited healthcare options. The U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Travel for Haiti, the highest advisory level, reflecting extremely dangerous conditions. This advisory underscores the significant risks to safety and security throughout the country.
Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency, grappling with a severe security crisis. Firearms are frequently used in criminal activities, making Haiti an exceptionally dangerous environment. Robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings are commonplace. Kidnapping, in particular, is pervasive and poses a critical threat to anyone in Haiti, including U.S. citizens who have tragically been victims, suffering harm or even death.
Kidnapping incidents are not isolated; they can be meticulously planned or occur randomly, catching individuals off guard at any time. Even convoys are targeted and attacked by kidnappers. Ransom demands are a common element in these cases, with families often forced to pay substantial sums, sometimes thousands of dollars, to secure the release of their loved ones.
Civil unrest is a constant factor in Haiti. Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks erupt frequently and without warning. These events often result in damage to infrastructure, and can quickly escalate into violence. Disturbingly, instances of mob killings and assaults by the public have been on the rise, targeting individuals suspected of crimes, further contributing to the climate of fear and lawlessness.
The airport in Port-au-Prince, a critical point of entry and exit, is also a hotspot for armed criminal activity. Armed robberies are frequent, and carjackers prey on vehicles, especially those slowed or stopped in traffic. Lone drivers, particularly women, are often targeted. The severity of this risk necessitates strict security protocols for U.S. Embassy personnel, who are required to use official transportation to and from the airport to mitigate these dangers.
Land border crossings between Haiti and the Dominican Republic are strictly advised against due to the imminent threats of kidnapping and violence. These dangers are present on roads leading to the border from major Haitian cities. It’s crucial to understand that the U.S. Embassy cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens attempting to enter the Dominican Republic through unofficial means by air, land, or sea. Furthermore, U.S. citizens who do cross into the Dominican Republic at unofficial crossings may face significant immigration fines if they attempt to depart. The U.S. Coast Guard also has serious security concerns regarding Haitian ports, advising mariners and passengers to exercise extreme caution when traveling through them.
The capacity of the U.S. government to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Haiti is severely limited. Local law enforcement and emergency services often lack the necessary resources to effectively respond to emergencies or serious crimes. Basic necessities like gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies are frequently in short supply throughout Haiti. Medical facilities, both public and private, often suffer from shortages of trained staff and essential resources, and typically require upfront cash payments for services.
Reflecting the extreme risk, U.S. government personnel in Haiti are under a strict nightly curfew and are forbidden from walking in Port-au-Prince. Their movements are restricted throughout the country, and they are prohibited from using public transportation or taxis, visiting banks or ATMs, driving at night, traveling anywhere after dark, or traveling without prior approval and stringent security measures.
If you are considering disregarding this strong “Do Not Travel” advisory and choosing to travel to Haiti despite these extreme risks, consider the following crucial advice:
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Never attempt to drive through roadblocks.
- Pre-arrange airport transfers and accommodation. Ensure your hotel and transportation are secured before arrival, or have a trusted host meet you immediately at the airport.
- Be extremely cautious about sharing personal information. Do not disclose personal details to unauthorized individuals, including those not in uniform or lacking official credentials, especially at the airport where individuals with malicious intent may be present.
- If you suspect you are being followed after leaving the airport, drive directly to the nearest police station immediately.
- Minimize exposure in public by traveling by vehicle. Reduce walking in public spaces as much as possible.
- Travel in groups. Avoid traveling alone under any circumstances.
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed at all times when driving.
- Maintain heightened vigilance and alertness, especially when driving through markets and other crowded areas.
- Do not resist during a robbery. Fighting back significantly increases the risk of violence and injury.
- Acquire comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage before your trip.
- Review resources for travel to high-risk areas provided by the Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies.
- Stay updated by following the Department of State on social media for the latest information.
- Thoroughly review the Country Security Report on Haiti.
Before any potential travel, develop a detailed contingency plan for emergency situations and carefully review the Traveler’s Checklist. However, given the extraordinarily dangerous conditions, the strongest recommendation remains: Do Not Travel to Haiti.
