Overview of Haiti
Travellers will notice a striking landscape of hills, mountains and deep valleys as they descend into Port-au-Prince. Culturally, they will appreciate how distinct Haiti is from the Dominican Republic, even though the two countries share the island of Hispaniola. The overwhelming majority of Haitians are of Afro-Caribbean ancestry, while the Dominican Republic is far more diverse demographically. Haitians have also developed a number of unique cultural and linguistic trends, highly influenced by the nation's African heritage. Indeed, some say Haiti is really a West African country located in the Caribbean.
Known as 'the pearl of the Caribbean', Haiti was once among France's richest colonies. Today, it endures widespread crime, poverty and civil disturbance. What's more, a catastrophic earthquake struck the country in January 2010, killing nearly 300,000 people and devastating local infrastructure. It destroyed many major landmarks in Port-au-Prince, including the Presidential Palace, Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the National Assembly building. Hospitals, transport facilities and communication systems remain inadequate.
The fact that dozens of sleek cruise liners still visit a corner of Haiti is a beacon of hope for future tourism. The glittering white liners head out from Miami and deliver passengers to the cordoned off port of Labadee. The destination lies adjacent to Haiti's colourful city of Cap-Haitien. Visitors are safe to shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine and generally enjoy themselves on Haiti's lovely northern coastline. Cap-Haitien is arguably preferable to Port-au-Prince as a tourist destination because it suffered little damage in 2010.
Though most governments discourage travel to Haiti, intrepid visitors will find surviving natural beauty and many exciting volunteer opportunities. Foreign aid and local ingenuity are steadily improving conditions, but travellers will struggle to explore the country if they aren't on a cruise or part of a volunteer programme. On the plus side, visitors are often surprised by Haitians' friendly and hospitable nature.

Key Facts
- Language:
- The two official languages of Haiti are Haitian Creole and French. English is largely spoken in the capital and at Labadee cruise port.
- Passport/Visa:
-
All foreign passengers to Haiti require a valid passport, onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. People of Haitian origin do not require a visa. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Haiti within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. Yellow fever vaccination certificate exemptions apply to those who did not leave the airport/aircraft when transiting through the infected area.
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
-
The official currency is the Haitian Gourde (HTG), divided into 100 centimes, but US Dollars and the Dominican Peso are also widely accepted. Credit cards are welcome nearly everywhere, but ATMs are scarce outside of Port-au-Prince.
- Electricity:
- 110 volts, 60HZ. The plugs in use are the eastern type with two flat, parallel prongs or with two flat, parallel prongs and a third round pin below (Type A and B).
Travel to Haiti
Overview
Although Haiti is bogged down by a history of violence and natural disaster, it is still a beautiful country with a tropical climate, white-sand beaches, and lush jungle vegetation. It also has an interesting history. Thousands of cruise passengers enjoy the safe tourist haven of Labadee, and visitors who are able to venture beyond this affluent enclave can expect to encounter a few wonderful attractions.
Labadee definitely tops the list of what to see and do in Haiti, though the picturesque resort has come under some fire recently for exploiting the country's natural assets and tourism potential with little benefit to the local community beyond its high fences. For many, however, this little piece of Haitian heaven is a safe and lovely stop-off point and a chance to enjoy the colourful craft markets in the village of Labadee.
Many governments still advise against touristic travel to Port-au-Prince (especially the slum areas of the city) because the capital is unfortunately the epicentre of crime and violence in the country. Fairly close to the sprawling Port-au-Prince is the far smaller port city of Jacmel, a historic and charming place to visit. In Jacmel tourists will find a community struggling to recover from the 2010 earthquake, but also captivating 19th-century architecture, white-sand beaches, and a proud cultural scene which celebrates local music and art. The glorious turquoise pools and waterfalls at Bassin Bleu, close to Jacmel, delight visitors, and the imposing, UNESCO-certified Citadelle Laferrière is an amazing excursion.
Haiti is not an easy country to get around as the infrastructure is poor, but there are rewards awaiting those who do.
Climate in Haiti
Haiti enjoys a tropical climate and the weather is generally hot and humid, with sultry, warm nights. Rainfall is variable between regions and the rainy season is from April to November. There are often severe storms during the hurricane season, between June and October, when there is the risk of flooding, landslides and hurricanes.
The seasons are not particularly distinct but the best time to travel to Haiti is between November and March to avoid the rainy periods. Between November and March, which is technically winter in Haiti, daytime temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F (23°C to 32°C) and nights are cooler at 60°F to 70°F (15°C to 27°C). In the summer months, it is significantly hotter. Partly due to its problem with deforestation, Haiti can experience extremes of weather, particularly battling with flooding but occasionally with severe droughts as well.
Haiti is mountainous and weather varies according to altitude, with the hilly regions always a bit cooler than the coast. As the mountains can get cold at night, travellers should have warm clothes no matter what time of year they explore these areas.
Health Notes when travelling to Haiti
Malaria and dengue fever occur in Haiti. Doctors recommend that travellers take malaria medication and protect themselves as far as possible from mosquito bites with insect repellent and mosquito nets. Chikungunya fever is also common in the region.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas, and hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations are recommended. Travellers who could expose themselves to a risk of animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination.
Visitors should only drink boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks. It is recommended that travellers avoid street food. If they do buy from street vendors, they should try to only eat hot food and avoid fruit and vegetables unless they wash the purchases themselves.
Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince are of poor quality, and are virtually non-existent elsewhere in the country, so medical insurance with evacuation cover is essential. It is advisable to bring all required medications from home. If visitors are travelling with prescribed medications, they should be sure to carry a prescription and doctor's note detailing what the medication is for and why they need it.
Safety Notes when travelling to Haiti
Haiti has a bad reputation for the safety and security of visitors because of a high crime rate and civil unrest. Both the British and United States governments advise against all but essential travel to the country.
Since the 2010 earthquake, there has been little policing, and criminal activities such as looting, robbery, and assault are at their highest recorded levels. Travellers are urged to refrain from walking in the cities without a guide and to exercise extreme caution when using public transport of any kind. The country has suffered sporadic, unpredictable and sometimes violent protests, roadblocks and demonstrations since July 2018.
Most tourists choose not to venture beyond the safe resort area of Labadee, where the port has been enclosed to protect visitors.
Customs in Haiti
A smile goes a long way in Haiti, and while people might think Haitians are solemn at first glance, most quickly warm up to visitors. Haitians are proud people despite their poor circumstances and appreciate being treated with respect. It is advisable to show willingness to learn a few basic Creole phrases, and to ask permission before taking pictures of locals. In rural areas it is considered indecent for women to have bare legs or shoulders, and modesty is encouraged when it comes to clothing in general.
Duty Free in Haiti
The duty free allowance for goods brought in to Haiti is 1kg of tobacco products, one litre of spirits, and other foods under HTG 2,500.
Doing Business in Haiti
As Haiti is economically depressed and one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, few business visitors will have cause to travel there. Those who do should consider hiring a translator to ensure smooth communication. Business hours are generally from 8am to 4pm.
Communication in Haiti
The international dialling code for Haiti is +509. Communications infrastructure is poor, but a mobile network is available.
Tipping in Haiti
Hotel bills generally have a tax of 10 percent added, and a service charge of five percent. Restaurant staff in Haiti should be tipped around 10 percent of the bill. Taxi drivers can be given a discretionary tip if they are helpful and efficient. Most Haitians don't tip, but it is customary to tip in tourist locations and all gratuities are graciously accepted.
Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Haiti require a valid passport, onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. People of Haitian origin do not require a visa. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Haiti within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. Yellow fever vaccination certificate exemptions apply to those who did not leave the airport/aircraft when transiting through the infected area.
It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
-
US citizens must have a passport that is valid for duration of intended stay in Haiti. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for duration of intended stay in Haiti. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
British citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond the duration of intended stay in Haiti. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond period of intended stay in Haiti. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond period of intended stay in Haiti. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond period of intended stay in Haiti. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for six months beyond period of intended stay in Haiti. A visa is not required for stays of up to three months.
Tourist Offices
Haitian Ministry of Tourism, Port-au-Prince, Haiti: + 509 3816 0006 or http://www.tourisme.gouv.ht/pages/home/index.php
Haiti Embassies
- In the United States:
-
Embassy of Haiti, Washington DC, United States: +1 202 332 4090
- In Canada:
-
Embassy of Haiti, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 238 1628/1629
- In the United Kingdom:
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Embassy of Haiti, London, United Kingdom: +44 20 3771 1427
- In Australia:
-
Embassy of Trinidad and Tobago, Sydney, Australia (responsible for Haiti): +61 2 9327 6639
- In South Africa:
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Embassy of Haiti in South Africa: +27 12 342 0192; +27 12 432 0980
Foreign Embassies in Haiti
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Port-au-Prince: +509 2229 8000.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian Embassy, Port-au-Prince: +509 2812 9000
- British Embassy
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British Embassy, Port-au-Prince: + 509 2812 9191
- Australian Embassy
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Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Haiti): +1 868 822 5450
- South African Embassy
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South African High Commission, Kingston, Jamaica (also responsible for Haiti): +1 876 620 4840.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Haiti
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. | |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Haiti, regardless of where you are eating or staying. | |
Malaria | You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Haiti. | |
Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Haiti. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
Cholera | Cholera is a risk in parts of Haiti. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information). | |
Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. | |
Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Haiti, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Haiti
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
| |
Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in Haiti. The government of Haiti requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Haiti. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Haiti, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You will need to take prescription medicine before, during, and after your trip to prevent malaria. Your doctor can help you decide which medicine is right for you, and also talk to you about other steps you can take to prevent malaria. See more detailed information about malaria in Haiti.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Haiti. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
Cholera is a risk in parts of Haiti. CDC recommends this vaccine for adults who are traveling to an area of active cholera transmission. Most people do not travel to areas of active cholera transmission. Avoiding unsafe food and water can also prevent many cholera infections. Cholera is rare in travelers but can be severe. Certain factors may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease (more information).
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Haiti, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Haiti
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Haiti. The government of Haiti requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Haiti. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Take antimalarial meds
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Haiti, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Haiti. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Note: Zika is a risk in Haiti. For more information, see Zika Travel Information.
Hide If your travel plans in Haiti include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Haiti. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Haiti’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in Haiti. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Haiti may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Haiti, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in Haiti, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Haiti.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
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Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Haiti for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Haiti. Learn how to protect yourself.
Alert Level 2, Practice Enhanced Precautions
- Hurricanes Irma and Maria in the Caribbean November 14, 2017 Beginning on September 6, 2017, Hurricane Irma crossed the Caribbean, followed on September 16 by Hurricane Maria. These storms caused severe damage in a number of countries and territories, including Anguilla, Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, the British Virgin Islands, Cuba, Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Martinique, Puerto Rico, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Sint Maarten, Turks and Caicos, and the US Virgin Islands.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
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Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The official currency is the Haitian Gourde (HTG), divided into 100 centimes, but US Dollars and the Dominican Peso are also widely accepted. Credit cards are welcome nearly everywhere, but ATMs are scarce outside of Port-au-Prince.
Haiti International (PAP)
Toussaint Louverture International Airport
Location: The airport is located about three miles (5km) from downtown Port-au-Prince.

Time: GMT -4.
Getting to the city:
Most hotels have shuttle services and private taxis are available, though these are very expensive. Taxis meet every flight, but visitors should satisfy themselves that these are accredited by the ACGH (Association des Chauffeurs Guides d'Haiti) and are reliable. It is wise to settle on a fare before embarking. Travellers should not take shared taxis or other forms of local transportation unless the trip is familiar.
Car rental:
Car rental agents' offices are located in the airport area. The main companies represented are Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
The airport offers a bank, snack bars, a duty-free shop and gift shop.
Parking:
Overview of the Attractions in Haiti
Although Haiti is bogged down by a history of violence and natural disaster, it is still a beautiful country with a tropical climate, white-sand beaches, and lush jungle vegetation. It also has an interesting history. Thousands of cruise passengers enjoy the safe tourist haven of Labadee, and visitors who are able to venture beyond this affluent enclave can expect to encounter a few wonderful attractions.
Labadee definitely tops the list of what to see and do in Haiti, though the picturesque resort has come under some fire recently for exploiting the country's natural assets and tourism potential with little benefit to the local community beyond its high fences. For many, however, this little piece of Haitian heaven is a safe and lovely stop-off point and a chance to enjoy the colourful craft markets in the village of Labadee.
Many governments still advise against touristic travel to Port-au-Prince (especially the slum areas of the city) because the capital is unfortunately the epicentre of crime and violence in the country. Fairly close to the sprawling Port-au-Prince is the far smaller port city of Jacmel, a historic and charming place to visit. In Jacmel tourists will find a community struggling to recover from the 2010 earthquake, but also captivating 19th-century architecture, white-sand beaches, and a proud cultural scene which celebrates local music and art. The glorious turquoise pools and waterfalls at Bassin Bleu, close to Jacmel, delight visitors, and the imposing, UNESCO-certified Citadelle Laferrière is an amazing excursion.
Haiti is not an easy country to get around as the infrastructure is poor, but there are rewards awaiting those who do.
Citadelle Laferrière
Admission: Entrance fee is $5.
The Citadelle Laferrière was built in the first part of the 19th century after the country won its independence from France. Located near Cap-Haïtien, it is perched atop a mountain that lies five miles (8km) from the closest town. Though never fully used and long abandoned, the eerie fortress is fascinating. It has over 300 cannons and many cannonballs, as well as cisterns, dungeons, storehouses and bakery ovens. Visitors will find some signs and information, but the material is not comprehensive. It's best to hire one of the local guides to explain the place's history. The attraction also offers astounding views. Indeed, visitors can see all the way to Cuba on a clear day. Unfortunately, roads leading to the fortress are in very bad shape and the trip from Port-au-Prince is rough. Once visitors reach the little village beneath the fortress, they can either hike or ride horses up the steep hillside.

Telephone: +509 3816 0100
Website: http://www.citadellelaferriere.com
Email Address: info@haititourisme.gouv.ht
Labadee
Cap-Haitien is situated on the north coast of Haiti between the Atlantic Ocean and the Morne du Cap. Its surroundings have a lot to offer including art galleries, museums, and beautiful, pristine beaches. About 20 minutes west of this metropolitan area lies the area called Labadee, a paradise of lush mountains and turquoise-blue Atlantic Ocean. Labadee is bursting with history, bright crafts and colourful people, as well as some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The internationally known beach of Labadee is being operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, but the town of Labadee is a small fishing village. It is an eclectic mix of affluent hill-perched villas and traditional Haitian dwellings. An oasis of pleasure in a troubled land, the resort destination of Labadee is a cordoned off peninsula which provides a safe and secure base for cruise passengers to disembark and be tendered ashore to enjoy the tropical delights of the island of Hispaniola.
The cruise company has picked a beautiful spot as a private holiday playground for those enjoying its Caribbean cruises, and improved upon it. Labadee has five white, powdery beaches, all lapped by crystal clear waters with offshore coral reefs, a water park, restaurants, bars, shops, and markets.
Labadee resort is more than just an extension of the ship and a place to tread on dry land, though, as visitors can take a number of excursions to experience the local culture and get a taste of the island's rich history. The resort was unaffected by the catastrophic earthquake in early 2010 that devastated the rest of the island.
Further west along the coast is the breathtaking Baie d'Acul, which is almost completely closed off to the ocean and resistant to any storm. Christopher Columbus used this bay as a shelter during his first voyage on the Santa Maria. Across the bay, many small islands and reefs complete the vista.

Jacmel and Bassin Bleu
Admission: Free, but local guides will expect a tip.
The southern port city of Jacmel is both historic and picturesque. Tentatively accepted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site despite sustaining extensive damage in the 2010 earthquake, it is known for its elegant 19th century homes and buildings, a vibrant art and music scene, and stunning white-sand beaches. The destination is also considered one of the safest and most interesting cities for tourists exploring Haiti. Travellers should make a point of visiting the waterfalls and deep natural pools of Bassin Bleu. Hiking to the pools is an option, though most choose to drive rather than tackle the long trek. Visitors can expect splendid views along the way. Once they arrive at the village drop-off site, they will need to hike for 15 to 20 minutes to reach the main pools. There are always plenty of eager local guides to show the way and help the less fit along. The pools are a glorious turquoise and the water is cool and refreshing, with some thrilling rock jumps for the
adventurous to attempt. It is best to take along swimsuits and a picnic and spend a day leisurely exploring the area.
