Haiti is currently designated as a Level 4: Do Not Travel destination by the U.S. Department of State. This is the highest advisory level, reserved for countries with extreme safety and security risks. If you are considering Travel To Haiti, it is critical to understand the severe dangers present due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare infrastructure. This advisory is updated to reflect the ongoing and escalating dangers in Haiti.
Extreme Risks Await in Haiti
Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency due to the dramatic escalation of violence and instability. Firearms are commonly involved in criminal activities throughout the country, and these incidents can occur anywhere, at any time.
Kidnapping: Kidnapping is rampant across Haiti and poses a significant threat to everyone, including U.S. citizens. Victims have been injured and even killed in kidnapping incidents. Kidnappers operate with varying degrees of planning; some kidnappings are meticulously organized, while others are opportunistic and random. Convoys are not immune and can also be targeted and attacked. Ransom demands are a common element in kidnapping cases, with families frequently paying substantial sums, often thousands of dollars, to secure the release of their loved ones.
Crime: Beyond kidnapping, Haiti experiences high rates of violent crime. Robbery, carjackings, and sexual assault are widespread concerns. The general lack of security makes daily life unpredictable and dangerous.
Civil Unrest: Civil unrest is a constant factor in Haiti. Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks erupt frequently and with little warning. These events often result in damage to public infrastructure, and can quickly turn violent. Disturbingly, incidents of mob killings and public assaults have been on the rise, often targeting individuals merely suspected of crimes, highlighting a breakdown in law and order.
Safety and Security Limitations
The capacity of both local Haitian authorities and the U.S. government to provide assistance to U.S. citizens in Haiti is severely limited.
Limited Law Enforcement and First Responders: Haitian local police and emergency services frequently lack the resources and capacity to effectively respond to emergencies or serious crimes. This means that in a crisis situation, timely assistance may not be available.
Resource Scarcity: Shortages of essential resources are commonplace throughout Haiti. Gasoline, electricity, medicine, and basic medical supplies are often in short supply, impacting daily life and the ability to respond to emergencies.
Healthcare Challenges: Medical facilities in Haiti, both public and private, are significantly under-resourced. They often lack qualified medical staff, essential equipment, and even basic supplies. Furthermore, a common practice is the requirement of upfront cash payment for medical services, which can be a significant barrier to access in emergency situations.
Border and Port Security: Crossing the land border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is particularly dangerous due to the high risk of kidnapping and violence. These dangers are present on routes from major Haitian cities leading to the border. Adding to travel complexities, the U.S. Embassy cannot provide assistance to U.S. citizens attempting to enter the Dominican Republic via air, land, or sea. Furthermore, individuals attempting to leave Haiti via unofficial border crossings into the Dominican Republic may face substantial immigration fines. The U.S. Coast Guard has also raised security concerns regarding Haitian ports, advising mariners and passengers to exercise extreme caution when traveling through them.
Restrictions on U.S. Government Personnel
To underscore the severity of the security situation, the U.S. government imposes significant restrictions on its personnel in Haiti. These restrictions are not merely precautionary; they reflect the very real and substantial dangers present. U.S. government personnel in Haiti are subject to a nightly curfew and are prohibited from walking in Port-au-Prince. Their movement is restricted throughout Haiti, and they are specifically prohibited from:
- Using any form of public transportation or taxis.
- Visiting banks or using ATMs.
- Driving at night.
- Traveling anywhere after dark.
- Traveling without prior approval and stringent security measures in place.
These limitations highlight the extreme caution and security concerns that are deemed necessary even for trained professionals operating in Haiti.
If You Must Travel to Haiti: Essential Precautions
Despite the overwhelming risks, if you determine that travel to Haiti is unavoidable, you must take extreme precautions to mitigate the dangers. The following steps are crucial for your safety:
- Avoid Demonstrations and Crowds: Steer clear of any gatherings, protests, or large crowds, as these can become flashpoints for violence. Never attempt to drive through roadblocks.
- Pre-arrange Transportation and Accommodation: Organize airport transfers and hotel arrangements in advance. If possible, have a trusted host meet you upon arrival to ensure a safer transition from the airport.
- Be Wary of Unofficial Individuals: Do not share personal information with anyone who is not clearly identifiable as an authorized official, especially at the airport. Individuals with malicious intent may operate in airport areas, including immigration and customs zones.
- If Followed, Go to the Police: If you suspect you are being followed after leaving the airport, immediately drive to the nearest police station.
- Minimize Public Exposure: Travel by vehicle as much as possible to reduce the need to walk in public spaces where you are more vulnerable.
- Travel in Groups: Avoid traveling alone. Opt to travel in groups to enhance safety and security.
- Secure Your Vehicle: Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving, regardless of the location.
- Maintain Vigilance: Be constantly cautious and alert to your surroundings, especially when driving through markets and other crowded areas where criminal activity is more likely.
- Do Not Resist Robbery: If you are confronted by robbers, do not fight back. Resistance increases the risk of violence and serious injury. Your safety is paramount.
- Purchase Travel Insurance: Acquire comprehensive travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage before your trip. This is essential in case of medical emergencies or security situations requiring evacuation.
- Review High-Risk Travel Information: Familiarize yourself with resources on traveling to high-risk areas provided by the U.S. Department of State.
- Enroll in STEP: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and enable the U.S. embassy to locate you more easily in an emergency situation.
- Stay Informed: Follow the Department of State on social media platforms like Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) for up-to-date travel advisories and security information.
- Review Country Security Reports: Consult the Country Security Report on Haiti for detailed security information.
- Prepare an Emergency Plan: Develop a comprehensive contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist to ensure you are fully prepared.
In conclusion, the U.S. Department of State strongly advises against travel to Haiti due to the pervasive and extreme risks. The combination of kidnapping, violent crime, civil unrest, and a severely limited infrastructure creates an exceptionally dangerous environment. Careful consideration of these dangers is essential before making any decision to travel to Haiti.
