Navigating the question of safety in Haiti for travel requires a serious and informed approach. As of 2024, the U.S. Department of State has issued a Level 4 Travel Advisory – Do Not Travel – for Haiti, the highest advisory level, due to extremely high risks. This advisory is in place because of significant concerns regarding kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure across the nation. For anyone considering travel to Haiti, understanding the depth and breadth of these risks is crucial.
Since March 2024, Haiti has been under a State of Emergency, reflecting the severity of the ongoing crisis. Firearms-related crimes are rampant throughout the country, encompassing robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and a particularly alarming rate of kidnappings for ransom. It’s important to understand that kidnapping in Haiti isn’t a rare occurrence; it is widespread and indiscriminate. U.S. citizens are among those who have fallen victim, suffering harm and even death in these incidents. Kidnappers operate with varying levels of planning, sometimes meticulously targeting individuals, and at other times striking randomly, making it difficult to predict or prevent. Even organized convoys are not immune to these attacks. Ransom demands are a common element in these kidnappings, often requiring victims’ families to pay substantial sums, sometimes thousands of dollars, for the safe return of their loved ones.
Civil unrest is another major factor contributing to Haiti’s unsafe environment. Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks are frequent and unpredictable events that can erupt with little to no warning. These events often lead to damage to public infrastructure and can quickly escalate into violent confrontations. Adding to the danger, there has been a rise in mob violence, including killings and assaults carried out by the public, often targeting individuals suspected of criminal activity. This form of vigilante justice further destabilizes the already precarious security situation.
The Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, a key point of entry and exit, is also a hotspot for armed criminal activity. Armed robberies are common, and carjackers frequently target vehicles, especially those caught in traffic congestion near the airport. Lone drivers, particularly women, are often seen as easier targets. The severity of this risk is underscored by the U.S. Embassy’s protocol requiring its personnel to use official transportation for all airport transits, highlighting the dangers associated with even basic travel within the capital.
Land border crossings between Haiti and the Dominican Republic are explicitly advised against due to the imminent threat of kidnapping and violence. The roads leading to the border from major Haitian cities are particularly dangerous. It’s critical to note that the U.S. Embassy has limited capacity to assist U.S. citizens attempting to enter the Dominican Republic, whether by air, land, or sea. Furthermore, U.S. citizens who attempt to cross into the Dominican Republic via unofficial routes may face significant immigration penalties if they later try to leave. The U.S. Coast Guard also has expressed security concerns regarding Haitian ports, advising mariners and passengers to exercise extreme caution when traveling through them.
The ability of the U.S. government to provide assistance to its citizens in Haiti is severely constrained by the security situation. Local law enforcement and emergency services often lack the resources to effectively respond to emergencies or serious crimes. Compounding these issues are widespread shortages of essential resources, including gasoline, electricity, medicine, and basic medical supplies, affecting the entire country. Medical facilities, both public and private, frequently suffer from shortages of qualified staff and essential resources, and typically require upfront cash payments for services.
Reflecting the high-risk environment, U.S. government personnel in Haiti are under strict security protocols, including a nightly curfew and a prohibition on walking in Port-au-Prince. Their movements are restricted throughout Haiti, and they are forbidden from using public transportation or taxis, visiting banks or ATMs, driving at night, or traveling anywhere after dark without prior approval and stringent security measures.
For those who may still consider traveling to Haiti despite these warnings, it is essential to acknowledge the significant risks and take extreme precautions. The following are crucial safety measures recommended for anyone who decides to travel to Haiti:
- Avoid Demonstrations and Crowds: Steer clear of any gatherings and under no circumstances attempt to drive through roadblocks.
- Pre-arrange Transportation and Accommodation: Organize airport transfers and hotel arrangements in advance, or ensure a trusted host meets you upon arrival.
- Be Wary of Unofficial Personnel: Do not share personal information with anyone who is not clearly identifiable as an authorized official with proper uniform and credentials, especially at the airport where individuals with malicious intent may operate.
- Emergency Protocol Upon Airport Departure: If you suspect you are being followed after leaving the airport, immediately drive to the nearest police station.
- Minimize Public Exposure: Travel by vehicle whenever possible to reduce time spent walking in public spaces.
- Travel in Groups: Avoid traveling alone; move in groups for increased security.
- Secure Vehicles: Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed while driving.
- Maintain Vigilance: Be constantly cautious and alert, particularly when passing through markets and other crowded areas.
- Do Not Resist Robbery: In the event of a robbery, do not fight back, as resistance increases the risk of violence and injury.
- Acquire Comprehensive Travel Insurance: Purchase travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage well in advance of travel.
- Stay Informed and Enrolled: Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive alerts and facilitate location in emergencies. Follow the Department of State on social media for updates and review the Country Security Report on Haiti for detailed security information.
In conclusion, based on the current security situation, travel to Haiti is strongly discouraged. The risks of kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest are exceptionally high, and the capacity for assistance in emergencies is severely limited. Prospective travelers should carefully consider these factors and prioritize their safety by heeding the Do Not Travel advisory.
