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

Location:  Port-au-Prince

Events:  Political activists have announced two days of demonstrations for July 7 and 8, 2022.  The planned demonstration is to leave from the Airport Crossroads to follow the Delmas highway then branch off at Delmas 60 to end at the Champ de Mars.

Additionally, we remind U.S. citizens that there continues to be a high threat of violent crime and kidnapping throughout Port-au-Prince, to include the Tabarre neighborhood. 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.

Haiti has the highest (Level 4) Travel Advisory (“Do Not Travel”) for kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest.  The travel advisory for Haiti, available at travel.state.gov, notes that kidnapping is widespread and victims regularly include U.S. citizens.  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.  Those deciding to travel and/or remain in Haiti should carefully consider the information available on travel.state.gov regarding the extremely high risk of the kidnapping threat in Haiti.

Actions to take:

  • Avoid the area;
  • Avoid demonstrations and any large gatherings of people;
  • Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; and
  • If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and get to a safe area.

Assistance: