Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Port au Prince, Haiti

Location: Throughout Port-au-Prince, particularly the neighborhoods of Croix-des-Missions, Santo, and Clercine, and Croix des Bouquets Communes and National Routes 1 and 3

Event: Given the recent armed clashes between rival gangs in Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince reminds U.S. citizens that Haiti has the highest Travel Advisory level (Level 4: DO NOT TRAVEL) for kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.  The most recent violent clashes have particularly affected the neighborhoods of Croix-des-Missions, Santo, Clercine and Croix des Bouquets communes and blocked roads on National Routes 1 and 3. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti. Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents.  U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of traveling to or remaining in Haiti in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges.  These issues may limit access to essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, grocery stores, money transfers, urgent medical care, internet and telecommunications, and public and private transportation options.  Please see information on What the Department of State Can and Can’t Do in a Crisis.

If you are visiting or living in Haiti and have not yet enrolled in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), we strongly encourage you to do so.  STEP is a free service that allows U.S. citizens and nationals traveling and living abroad to enroll their trip with the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate so that we can provide important security and other information to the U.S. citizen community in Haiti.

Actions to take:

  • Do not travel to Haiti;
  • U.S. citizens in Haiti should strongly consider returning to the U.S.;
  • Use extreme caution while traveling in the country
  • Avoid demonstrations and large gatherings of people
  • If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and get to a safe area;
  • Make and practice contingency plans for sheltering in place and/or accessing airports;

Assistance: