Haiti has a striking landscape of hills, mountains and deep valleys, and is culturally distinct 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 that have been 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, as 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.
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 from or transiting through an 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), but US dollars are widely accepted. Travellers can use credit cards at major hotels and some shops, though there is a risk of credit card cloning and theft. 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 tourist travel to Port-au-Prince (especially the
slum areas of the city), as 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 that 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 Laferriere 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 70F to 80F (23C to 32C) and nights are cooler at 60F to 70F (15C to 27C). In the summer months, it is significantly hotter. Partly due to its problem with deforestation, Haiti can experience extremes of weather, particularly in the form of flooding but occasionally through 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
Visitors should take malaria medication, and protect themselves as far as possible from mosquito bites with insect repellent and mosquito nets. Chikungunya and dengue fever also occur in the region.
A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for those arriving from a country where there is a risk of infection, and hepatitis A and B, typhoid, polio, and MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccinations are recommended. Travellers who could expose themselves to animal bites should consider a rabies vaccination.
Visitors should only drink boiled or bottled water and avoid ice in drinks, as cholera is present across the country. Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince are of poor quality, and are virtually non-existent elsewhere in Haiti, so travel health 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 medications are for and why they are needed.
Safety Notes when travelling to Haiti
Most tourists choose not to venture beyond the safe resort area of Labadee, where the port has been enclosed to protect visitors. The security situation is unpredictable throughout the rest of the destination, and violent crime is common. Tourists and expats will need to consider the threat of armed robbery, carjacking, assault and kidnapping, and the risk increases after dark and in isolated areas. Visitors should be alert to their surroundings and think carefully about security at their hotel. They should also travel with someone who speaks the local creole, avoid showing signs of wealth and have someone meet them at the airport when they land. Haiti suffers sporadic, unpredictable and sometimes violent protests, roadblocks and demonstrations.
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 into Haiti is 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 1kg of tobacco, 1 litre of spirits, a small quantity of perfume and new goods for personal use up to a value of 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
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 from or transiting through an 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.
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:
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:
Embassy of Haiti in South Africa: +27 12 342 0192; +27 12 432 0980
Foreign Embassies in Haiti
American Embassy
United States Embassy, Port-au-Prince: +509 2229 8000.
Canadian Embassy
Canadian Embassy, Port-au-Prince: +509 2812 9000
British Embassy
British Embassy, Port-au-Prince: + 509 2812 9191
Australian Embassy
Australian High Commission, Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago (also responsible for Haiti): +1 868 822 5450
South African Embassy
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
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.
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.
Note: Zika is a risk in Haiti. Zika infection during pregnancy can cause serious birth defects. Therefore, pregnant women should not travel to Haiti. Partners of pregnant women and couples planning pregnancy should know the possible risks to pregnancy and take preventive steps (more information).
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.
Eat and drink safely
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
For information traffic safety and road conditions in Haiti, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Haiti.
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.
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 CaribbeanNovember 14, 2017Beginning 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.
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.
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), but US dollars are widely accepted. Travellers can use credit cards at major hotels and some shops, though there is a risk of credit card cloning and theft. 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 to them.
Car rental: Car rental companies are located in the airport area. The main companies represented are Avis, Europcar, and Hertz.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities: The airport has 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 tourist travel to Port-au-Prince (especially the
slum areas of the city), as 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 that 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 Laferriere 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 Laferriere
The Citadelle Laferriere was built in the first part of the 19th century after the country won its independence from France. Located near Cap-Haitien, 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, including Cuba if viewing conditions are clear.
Website: http://www.citadellelaferriere.com
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. Labadee is a cordoned off peninsula that provides a safe and secure base for cruise passengers to disembark.
Jacmel and Bassin Bleu
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.
A new wave of gang violence is wreaking havoc on the streets of Haiti. Thousands of residents have been forced to flee Port-au-Prince, police stations have been set ablaze, and there is widespread call for the resignation of de facto leader Prime Minister Ariel
Several countries are advising their citizens against travelling to Haiti, including the US, UK, Ireland and Canada as gangs continue to take hold of the country. Earlier this month, gangs attempted to take Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport, located in Port-Au-Prince, the country’s capital and broke into a nearby port services terminal. Armed men have also stormed police stations in
As of now, RCCL has cancelled all stops to Labadee due to the current unrest in Haiti. Michael Bayley, RCCL CEO, stated on Facebook “We have suspended calls into Labadee, Haiti for the next 7 days and will continue suspension on a rolling basis with 3 days advance notification to our guests sailing on itineraries impacted and changed as we monitor and evaluate the situation in Haiti
Haiti is a beautiful country that boasts miles of white sandy beaches and a host of culturally and historically rich attractions. In fact the beaches in Haiti are so beautiful that Royal Caribbean continues to sail to Labadee: A private dock on Haiti’s northern coast where visitors can sunbathe
A recent surge in violence and the abduction of an American couple in Haiti last month is causing concern for American government officials. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has issued a travel warning for American citizens to avoid travel to the country
After striking Haiti and impacting other Caribbean islands this week as a tropical storm, Category 1 Hurricane Grace hit the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico on Thursday morning
Contrary to popular belief, there’s more to the island of Haiti than its well-documented struggles. Tranquil beaches, roaring waterfalls, and breathtaking landscapes are just some of the beauty features that many overlook when it comes to the Caribbean gem. Add to that a rich history and culture that dates all the way back to January 1, 1804 when Jean-Jacques Dessalines
It’s been seven years since an earthquake brought this culturally rich but economically impoverished Caribbean nation to its knees. Still wearing the scars from that disaster, the country is now picking itself up from another. But after a year of political paralysis as elections stalled and an interim government was drafted, new President Jovenel Moïse, is finally in place. Amongst the government’s top priorities? Developing a thriving tourism industry
The carrier revealed plans to add non-stop service from its Orlando focus city to Haiti’s capital of Port-au-Prince. JetBlue says the route would launch in December, pending regulatory approvals, and would be flown with 100-seat Embraer E190 jets
Hurricane Matthew is already bringing torrential rains to the Caribbean, sending hundreds of people in Jamaica and Haiti to emergency shelters over the weekend
