Security Alert: Department of State’s Travel Advisory for Haiti (July 9, 2018)

The Department of State has released a new Travel Advisory rating for Haiti, which is now Level 4 (Do Not Travel):

Do not travel to Haiti due to civil unrest and crime.

There is currently widespread civil unrest and violent demonstrations in Haiti. Protests, tire burning, and road blockages are frequent and unpredictable. Right now, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens. The Department will review this guidance as soon as the current security situation is resolved.

Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents or emergencies.

Even under normal circumstances, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in some areas of Haiti. U.S. Embassy personnel must receive permission from the Embassy security officer to travel to some areas of Port-au-Prince. Embassy employees are discouraged, and in some instances prohibited, from walking in city neighborhoods, including Pétion Ville. After dark, Embassy personnel are prohibited from visiting establishments without secure, on-site parking. Travel outside of Port-au-Prince is prohibited after dark. Embassy employees are under a curfew from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. The use of public banks and ATMs by Embassy employees is prohibited at all times. Embassy personnel are prohibited from using any kind of public transportation throughout the country.

Read the Safety and Security section on the country information page.

If you decide to travel to Haiti:

* Avoid demonstrations and roadblocks.
* Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival.
* Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
* Visit our website for 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 Crime and Safety Report for Haiti.
* U.S. citizens who travel abroad should always have a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist
Assistance:

* Monitor our Haiti page on travel.state.gov for the latest information.

* State Department – Consular Affairs: 888-407-4747 international or 202-501-4444from the United States or Canada.

* Haiti Country Information 

* Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates.

* Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

* U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, 011-509-2229-8000, acspap@state.gov