Haiti

Safety and security

Emergency phone numbers

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes and providing emergency services.

• Dial 114 for police.
• Dial 116 for ambulance.

Terrorism

Terrorist violence, including attacks on citizens and other violent gang activity, happens frequently in Haiti. Some Haitian gangs are designated by the U.S. Department of State as terrorist organizations. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Terrorists may target:

• Large public events (sporting contests, political rallies, demonstrations, holiday events, celebratory gatherings, etc.)
• Popular hotels, clubs, and restaurants
• Places of worship
• Schools
• Parks
• Shopping malls and markets
• Public transportation (subways, buses, trains, and commercial flights)

Demonstrations

Demonstrations are common. They may take place in response to political or economic issues. They may also occur on significant holidays and during large events.

• Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks can be unpredictable. Avoid areas around protests and other demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
• Armed vigilante groups have attacked and killed people—including U.S. citizens—suspected of gang membership, often based on rumors or false information.
• Neighborhood watch groups have built improvised barricades and gates to control the flow of traffic in certain areas. Watch groups often harass or detain people who are not known to be residents of their neighborhoods.

Crime

Violent crime is high in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince. The expansion of gang, organized crime, and terrorist activity has led to violence and the risk of being struck by stray bullets.

• Crimes may involve firearms and include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom. Do not resist a robbery or car-jacking attempt. Criminals may kill those who resist.
• Kidnappers target and attack vehicles, including commercial buses. They can even attack convoys. U.S. citizen kidnapping victims have been hurt or killed. Ransom demands have ranged from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Be aware of your surroundings, keep a low profile, and do not display signs of wealth, such as jewelry or watches.
• Crime rates tend to go up during holidays, particularly in crowded street festivities.
• Local law enforcement has an extremely limited ability to respond to serious crimes, particularly outside Port-au-Prince and Cap Haitien.

Scams

Follow the Department of State guidelines to protect yourself from scams.

If you are a victim of a scam, learn how the FBI can help. 

Internet romance scams are common in Haiti. Be careful of anyone asking for money, especially those who start a “romantic” relationship online or claim local authorities want money. Scams often begin through online posts, emails, or letters. Scammers pretend to be U.S. citizens in need of help.

Common scams include:

• People claiming to be U.S. military personnel
• People claiming to be detained or hospitalized abroad
• Romance and online dating
• Money transfers
• Grandparent and relative targeting
• Work permits and job offers

If using dating apps or websites in Haiti:

• Criminals may use dating apps to target potential victims for robbery or assault.
• Let your friends and family know where you are and consider sharing your location on your phone.
• Meet in a popular public place.
• Tell your family or friends all the details about the person you are meeting and how you met them (which app).
• Set up and talk using a video call before agreeing to meet in person.
• Avoid locations where you can be isolated, like hotel rooms, private apartments or houses.
• Never leave food or drinks unattended at a bar or restaurant.
• Observe the preparation of your food or drink order when possible.
• Refuse offers of food or drinks from strangers.
• Have a communication plan with friends or family. Send updates to them on an agreed schedule.

Victims of crime

Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Police investigations may not meet U.S. standards and forensic medical services are very basic.

You may report crimes to the local police at +509-3838-1111 or +509-3733-3640, then call the U.S. Embassy at +509-2229-8000.

Review our information for Victims of Crime. 

The U.S. embassy in Port-au-Prince has very limited ability to assist U.S. citizens. The U.S. embassy can:

• Replace a stolen or lost passport.
• Help you find medical care. 
• Assist you in how to report a crime to the police.
• Contact relatives or friends with your written consent.
• Provide general information regarding the criminal justice system. 
• Provide a list of local attorneys. We do not endorse or recommend any specific attorneys.
• Provide information on victim’s compensation programs in the United States.
• Provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States or limited medical support in cases of need.
• Help you find accommodation and options to travel home.

Sexual assault and domestic violence

U.S. citizen victims of sexual assault are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy and local law enforcement for assistance. While rape kits exist in Haiti, there is generally no capacity to collect or use samples for police investigation.

U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the U.S. embassy for assistance.

Technology use abroad

Mobile devices are vulnerable to compromise, theft, and damage anywhere in the world. Follow these safe practices:

• Update all software (operating system and apps) before leaving the United States.
• Use reputable, U.S.-based VPN or VoIP applications. 
• Don’t connect to public Wi-Fi networks.
• Research the safety of routes recommended by GPS. The fastest route is not always the safest.
• Be cautious using apps abroad to schedule dates or social meetings with people you have never met. Scammers often target U.S. citizens.
• Drone usage is highly discouraged. The country has no legal, established framework for drone regulation. 

Tourism safety

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place:

• Tourists participate in activities at their own risk.
• Emergency response, search and rescue, and medical treatment are not available.
• U.S. citizens are highly encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance prior to arrival in Haiti. Medical evacuations can be very expensive.
• Review our information on Travel Insurance. 

Local laws and customs

Criminal penalties

• U.S. citizens must follow local laws.
• If you break local laws, even by mistake, you could be deported, arrested, or imprisoned.
  
• Travelers who accidentally break local laws have been detained. Sometimes, this can be for a long time. They may also face criminal charges and even be convicted of a crime.
• You may be prosecuted in the United States for crimes committed abroad regardless of the local law. Review the information provided by the U.S. Department of Justice about crimes against minors abroad.
• Before you start a business or a profession in Haiti seek information from the local authorities about what permits or licenses are required.

Weapons and firearms

Possession of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weaponry is strictly prohibited, unless you have a Haitian license or have specifically been authorized by Haitian authorities.

• To bring a firearm into Haiti, you must obtain written permission in advance from the Director-General of the Haitian National Police (HNP). 
• Contact the “Centre de Renseignement de la police” or Information Center (CRO) at [email protected] or by phone at 509-3838-1111; 509-3837-1111 or 509-3839-1111. 
• If you are caught entering Haiti with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, you will likely face severe penalties, including prison time.
• U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Haiti.
• Visit the Department’s Traveling Abroad with Firearms webpage.

Real estate

Property rights are irregularly enforced.

• Clear titles to land are difficult or impossible to obtain. Consult an attorney before signing documents or closing on any real estate transactions.
• Undeveloped land is vulnerable to legal and physical takeover. Absentee owners may be assaulted by squatters when trying to reclaim their property. Litigation and eviction proceedings can take years.
• U.S. citizens involved in business or property disputes are sometimes arrested without charge and can spend months or years in pre-trial detention, waiting for their cases to be heard.

Arrest notification

• If you are arrested or detained, ask officials to notify the U.S. embassy immediately.

Detention conditions

• Prolonged pre-trial detention is common in Haiti
• Haitian prison conditions do not meet U.S. standards.
• A detention facility may not provide you with essential medications or medical care.

Counterfeit and pirated goods

Counterfeit and pirated goods are common in many destinations.

• They may be illegal according to local laws. 
• Counterfeit and pirated goods may pose significant risks to consumer health and safety. 
• You may be subject to fines or have to surrender counterfeit and pirated goods to authorities if you bring them back to the United States.

Learn more about U.S. restrictions on counterfeit and pirated goods:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• U.S. Department of Justice  

Faith-based travelers

Faith based travel includes pilgrimages, service projects, and mission work. Faith-based travelers to Haiti in recent years have been assaulted, robbed, kidnapped for ransom, and killed. Prepare for your travel using these resources: 

• Faith-Based Travel
• Volunteering Abroad
• International Religious Freedom Reports

Gay and lesbian travelers

• There are no legal restrictions on consensual same-sex sexual relations, the provision of information or services to persons on the basis of real or perceived sexual orientation, or the organization of events focused on sexual orientation in Haiti.
• Anti-gay and lesbian sentiment exists. People identified as lesbian or gay may be targeted for harassment, discrimination, or physical attacks.
• Review our information for Gay and Lesbian Travelers.

Travelers with accessibility needs

• The law in Haiti prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. The law is not enforced.
• Accessibility in public transportation, parking, lodging, businesses, communication, and general infrastructure is limited.
• Sidewalks, when present, are broken and frequently congested by sidewalk commerce and parked cars.
• Social acceptance of persons with disabilities is not as prevalent as in the United States.
• Review our information on Accessibility Needs.

Students

• Review our information on Studying Abroad.

Women travelers 

Domestic violence and sexual assault are common and are not investigated or prosecuted consistently or vigorously.

• Review our information for Women Travelers.
• Review our information on Marriage.
• Review our information for Victims of Crime.

Human rights

Significant human rights issues in Haiti include the following:

• Arbitrary or unlawful killings
• Torture or cruel, inhuman, or degrading treatment or punishment
• Arbitrary arrest or detention
• Serious abuses in a conflict
• Serious restrictions on freedom of expression and media freedom. Review our information on journalists traveling abroad.
• Trafficking in persons
• Significant presence of child labor
• Review the Department of State’s Human Rights Report for your destination prior to traveling.

Health

Health resources

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Haiti Travelers Information Page provides destination specific information on prevalent diseases and vaccination recommendations.
• CDC Medical Tourism information
• World Health Organization
• Medicine and Health
• Travel Insurance

Common diseases

Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.

Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.

Common diseases:

• Dengue
• Chikungunya
• Malaria
• Cholera
• Zika

Emergency phone numbers

• There is no functional national emergency services line in Haiti.

Ambulance services

Ambulance service is not widely available. Training and response time of emergency responders may be poor.

• Ambulances are not equipped with advanced medical equipment or staffed reliably with trained paramedics.
• Injured or very ill travelers might prefer to take a taxi or their own car to the nearest major hospital. This option can be faster than waiting for an ambulance.

Medical payments and insurance

Make sure you know if your health insurance plan covers any medical expenses abroad. Most U.S. plans do not.

• The U.S. government does not pay medical bills.
• U.S. Medicare and Medicaid do not cover expenses or bills abroad.
• Most hospitals and doctors abroad do not accept U.S. health insurance.
• Medical care is not free in Haiti. If you require medical attention, you will incur expenses, even if you are treated in a public healthcare facility.
• Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.
• Credit card payment is not always available.
• Hospitals and doctors often need payment up front or proof of good insurance before providing treatment or admitting a patient.
• Make sure you know if your health insurance plan provides coverage abroad or reimbursement of payments. The CDC provides more information on types of insurance.
• We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.
• If you purchase supplemental insurance, you are responsible for seeking reimbursement from the insurance provider. Follow their instructions for filing claims.

Vaccinations

Stay up to date with the vaccines recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

• CDC Travelers’ Health
• World Health Organization Travel Advice

Healthcare facilities

Health facilities are available throughout Port-Au-Prince. However, public medical clinics lack basic resources and supplies.

• Medical facilities, including ambulance services, are scarce and generally sub-standard, especially outside the capital. Life-threatening emergencies often require evacuation to a point outside of Haiti by air ambulance at the patient’s expense.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment upfront prior to service or admission.
• Patients must cover all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in larger cities.
• The U.S. Embassy maintains a list of doctors and hospitals. We do not endorse or recommend any specific medical provider or clinic.

Prescription medications

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.

• Exercise caution when purchasing medication abroad. Pharmaceuticals are usually easy to buy with few controls.
• Counterfeit medication is common and may not work, have the wrong strength, or have dangerous ingredients. You should buy medication with the help of a medical professional and from trusted places.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) have rules for bringing medication back into the United States. If you buy medications abroad, the medications must meet CBP’s and the FDA’s requirements to bring them back legally.

The medications must also be for personal use and approved for use in the United States.

For more information:

• U.S. Customs and Border Protection
• Food and Drug Administration

Non-traditional medicine

Non-traditional medicine and healers are a deep part of Haitian culture. It is practiced by the local community.

• U.S. citizens have had serious complications or died while getting care from non-traditional “healers” and practitioners in Haiti. We strongly recommend against participating in non-traditional medicine.
• Licensed emergency medical facilities, even if they are accessible to you, may not be able to treat injuries caused by non-traditional medicine.

Assisted Reproductive Technology (ART) and Surrogacy

If you are considering traveling to Haiti to have a child through use of assisted reproductive technology (ART) or surrogacy, please review our information on ART and Surrogacy Abroad.

• Surrogacy is largely unregulated in Haiti with no clear legal protections for foreign intended parents. Surrogacy agreements may not be enforced by Haitian courts.
• If you decide to pursue parenthood in Haiti via ART with a surrogate, consider hiring a reputable local attorney and be prepared for long and unexpected delays with local authorities while documenting your child’s birth or citizenship status. Be aware that individuals who attempt to circumvent local law risk legal consequences.

Water quality and food safety

• Tap water is not safe to drink.
• In some locations, tap water is not available every day.
• Bottled water and commercially packaged beverages are generally safe. Use major brands and ensure the seal is intact.
• Always request bottled water at restaurants and hotels.
• You may want to request no ice in your drinks since it may be made using tap water.
• Eating uncooked vegetables and fruits can make you sick.
• Make water safe by filtering, boiling, disinfecting, or distilling.
• Impure water can cause diseases like typhoid, cholera, hepatitis, and dysentery.

Air quality

Air pollution can be a significant problem in many destinations abroad.

• Check NASA’s Air Quality Forecast. It uses Artificial Intelligence (AI), historical data, and global pollution modeling to generate a 3-day forecast of expected air quality in Haiti.
• For information about common air pollutants, check the CDC’s Air Quality page.
• For information about the U.S. Air Quality Index and health guidance, check out the EPA’s AirNow.
• For general health information, visit the Medicine and Health page.

Transportation

The Government of Haiti lacks adequate resources to help drivers in distress or to clear the road of accidents or broken-down vehicles. If you are involved in an accident, do not expect medical or law enforcement help.

Road conditions and safety

Traffic is extremely chaotic throughout the country and is frequently congested in urban areas.

• Roads are generally unmarked. Detailed, accurate maps are not widely available. GPS-based systems do usually work well, but the lack of road signs makes it hard to determine the indicated route.
• Even though driving is on the right side of the road, large potholes and flooding may cause drivers to swerve unpredictably and dangerously into the opposite lane of traffic.
• Speeding, aggressive driving, lack of traffic lights and signs, lack of right of way, unlit vehicles, and poor maintenance are the cause of many fatal traffic accidents in Haiti. Vehicles are often overloaded on winding, mountainous, and degraded roads.
• Motorcycles weave through traffic at high speeds.
• Driving under the influence is common at night. Traffic accidents are a major cause of death and injury. Stay alert.
• If you do not have knowledge of Haitian roads and traffic customs, you should hire a driver through a tour company or hotel.
• Heavy rains can cause mudslides and flooding that can quickly make conditions perilous.

Traffic laws 

You need a valid U.S. driver’s license and a valid International Driving Permit to drive a car in Haiti.

• Lanes are not marked. Signs indicating the flow of traffic rarely exist.
• There are few stoplights in the country. Pedestrians regularly walk on the side of the road. Animals often cross into traffic.

Taxis and ride-shares

Taxis are not regulated. Do not hail taxis on the street or at the airport due to safety concerns.

• Trusted hotels can book car services to many destinations.
• Ride shares are not available in Haiti.
• U.S. embassy employees are prohibited from using any public transportation or taxis. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid doing so due to the risk of crime.

Public and commercial transportation

Public transportation consists of “tap-taps” (collective buses), private motorcycles for hire, and public buses and taxis in some cities or inter-city routes.

• U.S. embassy employees are prohibited from using any public transportation. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid doing so due to the risk of crime.
• Review our information on Driving and Transportation Safety Abroad.

Aviation safety oversight

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has not assessed Haiti’s Civil Aviation Authority for compliance with international standards for aviation safety oversight. FAA's website includes more information on its assessment program. 

U.S. commercial flights are not currently operating to or from Port-au-Prince. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that prohibits U.S. air carrier flights to Port-au-Prince due to ongoing instability.

• For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions, and Notices.

Maritime travel

Mariners and passengers planning travel to Haiti should check the following: 

• U.S. Maritime Advisories
• U.S. Maritime Alerts
• Maritime Safety Office Navigational Warnings
• U.S. Coast Guard Maritime Commons

The U.S. Coast Guard has concerns about the security practices in the ports of Haiti. Mariners and passengers in Haitian ports should be careful and use stronger security measures.

Weather and natural disasters

Helpful resources

• Ready.gov
• Haiti Météo website
• Civil Defense Haiti Accueil | Protection Civile HT
• Check local media broadcasts in Creole or French.
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

Earthquakes

• Haiti is prone to earthquakes. For information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, review information from Ready.gov.  

Hurricanes

Hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30 in the Atlantic.

• Roads and bridges may get blocked.
• Poor rescue services and weak infrastructure limit the government’s ability to respond to storms.

U.S. citizens living abroad

Living abroad resources

If you live outside the United States for a long time, you or your family may experience various life events, wish to exercise U.S. citizenship rights, or need to meet U.S. legal obligations while abroad.

• Learn how to prepare for voting in U.S. elections, the birth of a child, or getting married.
• Ensure you have a plan for healthcare and medical insurance abroad.
• Even abroad, you still have certain obligations such as paying your U.S. taxes or registering for military selective service.
• Review information on federal benefits, such as Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits.

Embassies and consulates