Security and Health Alert: U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti (October 03, 2022)
Location: Haiti
Events:
The Haitian government made a public announcement regarding an outbreak of cholera. According to the Ministry of Health and Population (MSPP), one case is confirmed in Savanne Pistache/Decayette commune of Port-au-Prince and additional cases are suspected in the Brooklyn neighborhood of Cite Soleil. Up to eight deaths have been confirmed. The MSPP recommends that individuals adopt public health safety measures, including hand washing and drinking potable, treated or bottled water.
The U.S. government remains extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti, and is unable to provide shuttle or transportation services. Food and water insecurity is an increasing concern. U.S. Embassy 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. Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to requests for assistance. U.S. citizens should carefully consider the risks of traveling to (or remaining in) Haiti in light of the deteriorating security situation, infrastructure challenges and cholera outbreak. These issues may limit access to essential services in an emergency, including access to banks, 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.
- If you are in Haiti, wash your hands with soap and water frequently;
- Ensure drinking water has been treated
- Use extreme caution while traveling in the country;
Assistance:
- U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre
Emergencies: +509-2229-8000
Non-emergency inquiries: acspap@state.gov
Website: https://ht.usembassy.gov/
- Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
1-202-501-4444 from other countries
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates