🏝️ Haiti Travel Guide

Complete travel information for Haiti, the Pearl of the Antilles. All links open in a new window.

⚠️ Travel Advisory – Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. Department of State and other governments advise against all travel to Haiti due to widespread violent crime, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited healthcare. A national state of emergency remains in effect as of 2026. Travelers should defer all non-essential travel to Haiti .

🛂 Entry Requirements & Documents

Passport & Visa

Passport: A valid passport is required. It must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival .
Visa: Citizens of the U.S., Canada, EU, UK, Singapore, and many other countries do not require a visa for tourist stays up to 90 days . A tourist fee of US$10 may be payable at the airport .
Visa Extension: Stays exceeding 90 days require an extension application to the Department of Immigration and Emigration .
COVID-19: The Government of Haiti requires all non-Haiti citizens age 12 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to present a negative COVID test .
HIV/AIDS: The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Haiti .

Additional Documents & Information

International Driver's License: Recommended if you plan to drive.
Travel Insurance: Essential. Ensure coverage includes emergency medical evacuation, as medical evacuation from Haiti is very expensive and the U.S. government may not be able to assist .
Digital Copies: Store digital copies of your passport and other important documents offline.
eRegister: Travelers are encouraged to register with their embassy's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) or equivalent to receive security updates and enable the embassy to contact them in an emergency .

💉 Health, Vaccinations & Insurance

Vaccinations

Mandatory: A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travelers aged 1 year and over arriving from countries at risk for yellow fever transmission or with transit exceeding 12 hours .
Routine Vaccinations: Ensure your routine vaccinations (MMR, TDaP, Polio) are up to date .
Recommended for All Travelers: Hepatitis A, Tetanus, and Typhoid are recommended for all travelers .
Recommended for Some Travelers: Hepatitis B, Rabies, Chikungunya, and Dengue (for those with previous laboratory-confirmed dengue) may be recommended based on individual risk assessment and activities .
Consult a Doctor: Seek professional medical advice at least 4–6 weeks before travel for personalized recommendations .

Health Risks & Precautions

Mosquito-Borne Illnesses: Dengue, Chikungunya, and Zika are present . Practice strict mosquito bite avoidance (DEET repellent, long sleeves/pants, air-conditioned/screened rooms).
Malaria: High risk in Grand'Anse and parts of Sud-Est provinces; moderate risk throughout the rest of the country . Malaria chemoprophylaxis is recommended for high-risk areas; mosquito avoidance is essential everywhere .
Tap Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled or treated water .
Food Hygiene: Be cautious with street food. Wash hands frequently.
Sun Protection: Use high-SPF sunscreen, wear a hat, and stay hydrated.
Medical Care: Medical facilities are very limited and do not meet U.S./European standards . Medical providers almost always require payment in cash before treatment . Serious cases require medical evacuation .

Travel Health Insurance

Essential: Comprehensive travel health insurance covering emergency medical evacuation is strongly recommended .

🛡️ Safety & Travel Advisories

⚠️ Level 4: Do Not Travel

The U.S. Department of State and many other governments advise against all travel to Haiti due to the high risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, civil unrest, and limited healthcare .

Crime & Security

Violent Crime: Violent crime is rampant, especially in Port-au-Prince. Murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, carjacking, and sexual assault are common .
Gang Activity: Armed gangs control large areas of Port-au-Prince and major roads. Gang violence and organized crime have increased significantly .
Airport Security: Travelers are often targeted, followed, and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. U.S. Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling in personal vehicles to and from the airport .
Precautions:
- Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival .
- Be careful about providing your destination address to unauthorized individuals .
- Do not display signs of wealth, such as jewelry or watches .
- Avoid using ATMs; U.S. citizens are often followed, attacked and robbed soon after withdrawing money .
- Do not resist a robbery or car-jacking attempt. Criminals may kill those who resist .
- Avoid all protests, demonstrations, and large gatherings .
Labadee: Royal Caribbean's private port in the north (only accessible by cruise ship) has private security but remains subject to increasing insecurity nationwide. Cruise stops have been suspended through June 2027 .

Regional & Other Risks

State of Emergency: A nationwide state of emergency has been in effect since March 2024 due to escalating gang violence .
Kidnapping: Kidnapping for ransom is widespread, including of U.S. citizens. Ransom demands are typically in the tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars .
Unrest: Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks are common and unpredictable. They can become violent .
Hurricane Season: From June to November, Haiti is in the hurricane zone. Monitor weather updates from the National Hurricane Center .
Earthquakes: Haiti is in a seismic zone; earthquakes are a risk .
Road Safety: Armed carjackings and improvised roadblocks by criminal groups are common. Driving at night should be avoided .

🚨 Emergency & Important Numbers

Police: 112
Ambulance: 116
Fire: 115
Red Cross: 118
U.S. Embassy: +(509) 2229-8000 (After-hours emergencies: +(509) 2229-8000)
Norwegian Embassy (responsible for Haiti): +(53) 7842 7100 (Havana, Cuba)

🏛️ Embassies & Consulates in Haiti

For consular assistance, passport emergencies, or other help, contact the embassy or consulate of your home country. Most diplomatic missions are located in Port-au-Prince. Due to security risks, many embassies have limited operations .

Select Diplomatic Missions in Port-au-Prince

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince
Address: Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Telephone: +(509) 2229-8000 / 2229-8900
Emergency After-Hours: +(509) 2229-8000
Email: Diese E-Mail-Adresse ist vor Spambots geschützt! Zur Anzeige muss JavaScript eingeschaltet sein.
Hours: 7:00 AM – 3:30 PM, Monday–Friday (by appointment)

Embassy of France
Address: 51, Rue Capois (provisional access via Impasse Gardère), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Telephone: (+509) 29 99 90 00
Visa Submission: Monday–Friday 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM (by appointment)

Embassy of Brazil
Address: Immeuble Hexagone 3e étage, angle des rues Clerveaux et Darguin (Pétion-ville), Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Telephone: +509 2817-0891/92/93/94

Search Link for All Diplomatic Missions

For a complete list of foreign embassies and consulates in Haiti, visit:

EmbassyPages.com – Haiti

Note: Addresses and contact details can change. Always confirm via official government sources before your visit.

📜 Background on Country & Society

Official Name: Republic of Haiti
Capital: Port-au-Prince
Area: 27,750 sq km
Population: Approx. 11.4 million
Government: Republic
Official Languages: Haitian Creole, French
Currency: Gourde (HTG)
Economy: Agriculture (coffee, mangoes, sugarcane), tourism, and remittances.
History: Haiti became the first independent nation in Latin America and the first post-colonial independent Black-led nation in the world after a successful slave revolution against France in 1804 .
Culture: Rich cultural heritage with African, French, and Caribbean influences. Vodou is an important cultural and religious practice alongside Christianity.
Official Information: U.S. Department of State – Haiti

🌤️ Climate, Weather & Clothing

Climate: Tropical, with a dry and wet season.
Dry Season (Best Time to Visit): November to March.
Wet Season: April to October (higher risk of hurricanes).
Temperature: Warm year-round (average 26°C/79°F), cooler in mountainous areas.
Clothing: Lightweight, breathable clothing year-round. A light jacket for cooler evenings and high-altitude areas. Rain gear is essential during the wet season. Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential.

🗣️ Language & Communication

Official Languages: Haitian Creole and French .
English: Not widely spoken outside tourist areas.
Useful Phrases:
- Hello: Bonjou (Creole) / Bonjour (French)
- Good evening: Bonswa (Creole) / Bonsoir (French)
- Please: Souple (Creole) / S'il vous plaît (French)
- Thank you: Mèsi (Creole) / Merci (French)
- Do you speak English?: Eske ou pale angle? (Creole) / Parlez-vous anglais? (French)
Mentality: Warm and resilient. A polite and respectful attitude is appreciated.
Religion: Predominantly Christian (Roman Catholic, Protestant). Vodou is widely practiced.
Internet: Wi-Fi is limited to hotels and cafes in Port-au-Prince and major towns. Local prepaid SIM cards are available from providers like Digicel and Natcom.

⚡ Voltage & Plug Types

Voltage: 110/115 V.
Frequency: 60 Hz.
Plug Types: Type A and B (same as the U.S.).
Adapter Needed: Yes, for travelers from Europe (DE/AT/CH).
Voltage Converter: Yes, for devices that only support 220-240 V.

💰 Money & Finances

Currency: Gourde (HTG). U.S. dollars are widely accepted in tourist areas.
Exchange Rate: Approx. 130 HTG = 1 USD (subject to change).
Payment Methods: Cash is widely used. Credit cards are accepted in major hotels and restaurants in Port-au-Prince.
ATMs: Available in Port-au-Prince and major towns, but use caution. U.S. citizens are often followed and robbed after withdrawing money .
Price Level: Moderate.
Tipping: 10-15% is customary in restaurants when a service charge is not included.

🚗 Transport & Arrival

Airports: Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince is the main gateway. U.S. commercial flights are not currently operating to or from Port-au-Prince .
Driving: Drive on the right. A valid driver's license is required. Road conditions can be poor; avoid night driving .
Taxis: Use only official taxis arranged through hotels. Avoid public transportation .
Public Buses: Not recommended for tourists due to safety and security concerns .

🏨 Accommodation & Practical Information

Hotel Types: Limited options. Hotels are concentrated in Port-au-Prince, Pétion-Ville, and Cap-Haïtien. Few resorts exist.
Best Areas: Pétion-Ville (safer area of Port-au-Prince), Cap-Haïtien (north).
Vacation Rentals: Very limited.
Opening Hours: Shops generally open Mon-Sat 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM. Many close on Sunday.
Shopping: Port-au-Prince offers local markets for crafts, art, and souvenirs.
Local Regulations:
- Possession of firearms and ammunition is strictly prohibited without a Haitian license .
- Drug offenses carry severe penalties .
- It is illegal to photograph military or government installations.
- Carry your passport with you at all times .

🍽️ Food, Drink & Cuisine

National Dish: Griot (fried pork) served with pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables) and rice and beans (diri ak pwa).
Other Dishes: Joumou (pumpkin soup – eaten on Independence Day), tassot (fried beef), akra (malanga fritters), and lambi (conch).
Street Food: Fry (fried dough), plantain chips, and fresh fruit.
Water: Tap water is not safe to drink. Use bottled water.
Hygiene Tips: Wash hands frequently. Eat at reputable establishments.
Drinks: Rum (Barbancourt is the most famous brand), fresh fruit juices, and coffee.

🕒 Time Zone & Public Holidays

Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (UTC-5). Daylight Saving Time observed.
Time Difference: 6 hours behind Central European Time (CET) / 5 hours behind during European summer time.
Major National Holidays:
- Independence Day (January 1)
- Heroes' Day (January 2)
- Carnival (February/March – dates vary)
- Good Friday and Easter Sunday
- Labor Day (May 1)
- Flag Day (May 18)
- Assumption (August 15)
- Vertières Day (November 18)
- Christmas Day (December 25)
Festivals: Carnival (February) is the biggest celebration, with parades, music, and dancing. Rara is a popular festival during Easter.
Public Holidays: Many businesses close on national holidays. Check ahead.

🏖️ Attractions & Highlights

Despite current challenges, Haiti offers a unique and authentic Caribbean experience with pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and historical landmarks .

🏛️ Culture & History

Citadelle Laferrière – UNESCO World Heritage Site

Known locally as La Citadelle, this is the largest fortress in the Americas, built between 1805 and 1820 to defend Haiti against French invasion . Rising 130 feet above Pic Laferrière at 3,000 feet elevation, it offers breathtaking views of northern Haiti. The fortress has 130-foot-high walls, 13-foot-thick walls, and housed over 150 cannons and enough provisions to withstand a year-long siege . It is Haiti's most popular historic site and appears on coins and bills .

Sans-Souci Palace

Built by King Henri Christophe, this palace was once a grand royal residence. Though now in ruins, it remains an important historical site and is located near the Citadelle .

Jacmel – Colonial Architecture & Art

A Spanish-founded city with beautiful colonial architecture, known for its vibrant arts scene. Visit the Cathédrale de St. Philippe et St. Jacques and the nearby Bassin Bleu – a series of picturesque waterfalls with turquoise pools .

Port-au-Prince

The capital offers the National Pantheon Museum, the Iron Market (Marché en Fer), and the historic gingerbread houses. The National Palace is a significant landmark .

🌿 Nature & Beaches

Labadee

This private port on the northern coast offers beautiful beaches and water sports. It is only accessible by cruise ship, which have been suspended through June 2027 due to security concerns .

Île-à-Vache

A pristine island paradise with white sand beaches, located off the southern coast .

Bassin Bleu

Natural pools with turquoise waters near Jacmel, surrounded by lush vegetation .

🎉 Nightlife & Events

Nightlife: Limited but vibrant. Bars and clubs in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien, with live music (compas, rara, soca).
Local Scene: Music and dance are central to Haitian culture. Carnival is the biggest celebration.
Major Events:
- Carnival (February): The biggest festival with parades, music, and street parties.
- Rara (Easter): A traditional festival with street processions and music.
- Independence Day (January 1): Celebrated with the traditional soup joumou.
Event Calendars: Check local media for event information.

🔗 Media & Further Links

Official & Government Sites

Local News & Media

YouTube & Video

Maps & Images

Disclaimer: This information was compiled from official and reputable sources but is not exhaustive. Travel regulations, visa requirements, and safety conditions can change. Given the current Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory, travelers are strongly advised to reconsider all travel to Haiti. Please check with official authorities, the respective embassy, or the official tourism website before making any travel plans.

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