23 March 2021
There's a ban on overseas travel from Australia. You can’t leave Australia unless you have an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs, or are travelling to a destination that is exempt from the ban.
Our global travel advice remains at 'Do not travel' due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel. Some destinations were already set at Do Not Travel prior to COVID-19 due to the extreme risk to your safety.
If you’re overseas and wish to return to Australia, be prepared for delays and read our advice on trying to get home.
When you arrive in Australia you must quarantine for 14 days at designated facilities in your port of arrival, unless you have an exemption or are travelling on a quarantine-free flight from a green zone destination. At this time, vaccination against COVID-19 does not change this quarantine requirement. You may be required to pay for the costs of your quarantine. View State and Territory Government COVID-19 information for information about quarantine and domestic borders.
If you're staying overseas, make plans to stay for an extended period. Follow the advice of local authorities and minimise your risk of exposure to COVID-19. Stay in touch with family and friends so they know you're safe.
Our network of embassies and consular posts around the world will provide you with up-to-date local advice and support throughout this difficult period. Be aware consular services may be limited due to local measures.
For the latest information, read and subscribe to our news and travel advice. Also see our COVID-19 information pages.
Do not travel to Haiti.
Do not travel overseas due to the health risks from the COVID-19 pandemic and the significant disruptions to global travel.
Full travel advice: Safety
Full travel advice: Health
Full travel advice: Local laws
Full travel advice: Travel
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Violent crime is common, including against tourists and expats. Incidents include:
Your risk increases at night and in isolated areas.
Police have very limited resources to respond and help.
Hotspots for violent crime include:
Thieves target travellers who have just arrived. They may try to distract you to steal your passport and valuables.
Criminal gangs have roadblocked areas around Port-au-Prince, and on national highways, to steal from car passengers.
To protect yourself from crime:
If you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault, get immediate medical help. The risk of HIV/AIDS infection is high.
Kidnapping is a risk across Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince. Foreign nationals have been abducted. Most kidnapping victims are released in exchange for ransom. Some kidnapping victims have disappeared or been killed. Be aware of your surroundings and maintain vigilance wherever you are in Haiti.
Be careful in the waters around Haiti. You risk piracy and assault in these areas.
The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it doesn’t make payments or concessions to kidnappers.
More information:
People leaving banks are targets for thieves on motorcycles. Avoid withdrawing or carrying large amounts of money.
Public transport is unsafe. Avoid:
Be careful dealing with strangers or people you've just met. Be wary of people hanging around near your hotel.
Photography can look suspicious, especially in remote areas. Some travellers have been assaulted for taking photos. Ask for permission before you take someone's photograph.
On 7 July 2021, the Haitian president was assassinated. Haitian authorities have declared a state of siege in effect through the country for 15 days. During this period, security forces have increased rights to conduct search and seizures, and to detain persons of interest. The security situation is volatile and could worsen quickly. Limit your movements. Monitor local media to stay informed on the evolving situation. Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place. Follow the instructions of local authorities.
Local authorities have closed Toussaint Louverture International Airport for the time being. The border with the Dominican Republic is also closed until further notice.
Since February 2019, there have been violent protests, roadblocks, and food and fuel shortages in Port-au-Prince and other cities.
The political situation is unstable. There's a constant risk of violence and social unrest.
Local authorities, including the police, may be unable to control the developing situation or to help you.
Carry your proof of identity and documents for your vehicle, in case you pass a security checkpoint.
Roadblocks are common, particularly in Port-au-Prince and on major highways.
To protect yourself during periods of unrest:
More information:
Haiti experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:
Emergency services cannot deal with major disasters. Be ready to leave at short notice. Keep your travel documents current.
To protect yourself if a natural disaster is approaching:
More information:
The hurricane season is from June to November. Tropical storms and hurricanes can happen any time of year.
Heavy rainfalls can cause flooding, landslides and mudslides. This can disrupt essential services and ruin infrastructure.
If you're travelling during hurricane season, ask your tour operator if tourist services at your destination have been affected. Check for updates from the US National Hurricane Center. The direction and strength of hurricanes can change suddenly.
If there's a hurricane or severe storm:
Severe weather may also affect:
If a hurricane is approaching:
More information:
Haiti is in an earthquake zone. Earthquakes may happen. Get information from the United States Geological Survey.
Infrastructure from a 2010 earthquake is still damaged, including:
Damaged water and sewerage systems have increased disease outbreaks.
Tsunamis may occur in Haiti. A tsunami can arrive within minutes of a tremor or earthquake. Be alert to warnings.
To receive tsunami alerts, register with the Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System.
If you're near the coast, move immediately to high ground if advised by local authorities, or if you:
Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media
More information:
Get comprehensive travel insurance before you leave. A ban on overseas travel from Australia remains in place. You can’t leave Australia unless you get an exemption from the Department of Home Affairs.
Your policy needs to cover all overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. The Australian Government won’t pay for these costs.
If you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. This applies to everyone, no matter how healthy and fit you are.
If you're not insured, you may have to pay many 1000s of dollars up-front for medical care.
Confirm:
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition. Consider whether you may be in a vulnerable category for COVID-19.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
Do this at least 8 weeks before you leave.
More information:
Not all medication available over the counter or by prescription in Australia is available in other countries. Some may even be considered illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.
If you plan to bring medication, check if it's legal in Haiti. Take enough legal medication for your trip.
Carry a copy of your prescription or a letter from your doctor stating:
More information:
COVID-19 remains a risk in Haiti.
For information on Haiti's COVID−19 vaccination program, refer to the Ministry of Public Health and Population (French). You should consult your local health professional for advice on vaccine options, including assistance that may be available locally. The Australian Government cannot provide advice on the safety, quality and efficacy of vaccines that have been approved for use outside of Australia's regulatory process.
More information:
HIV/AIDS
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Use protection if you take part in activities that put you at risk of infection.
Illnesses spread by insects are common, especially during the wet season from June to December.
Disease risks include:
Zika virus is widespread. If you're pregnant, the Australian Department of Health recommends you:
To protect yourself from disease:
Get medical advice if you have a fever, muscle pain, rash or bad headache.
More information:
Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:
Serious outbreaks sometimes occur.
There's been an ongoing cholera outbreak since 2010. Cholera causes diarrhoea and vomiting. It can be fatal if left untreated.
To protect yourself from illness:
If you're bitten or scratched by an animal, get medical help straight away.
Get medical advice if you have a fever or diarrhoea.
An earthquake in 2010 severely damaged hospitals. This continues to put a strain on medical facilities. As a result:
Medical facilities are scarce and well below Australian standards.
Private medical care can be expensive. Doctors and hospitals will ask you to pay cash before treating you.
If you become seriously ill or injured, you may need to be evacuated to a place with suitable facilities. Medical evacuation can be very expensive.
You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that may appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling.
If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.
Penalties for drug offences are severe. They include fines and long prison sentences in local jails. Prison conditions in Haiti are very poor.
More information:
Same-sex relationships are legal. No laws restrict the rights of LGBTI people or groups, but anti-LGBTI attitudes exist.
LGBTI travellers may face:
More information:
Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.
More information:
More information:
You'll need to pay an arrival fee at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
Some people don't have to pay the fee:
Visitors who cross the land border from the Dominican Republic must pay a tourist fee. You must pay cash in US dollars.
If you plan to do volunteer work in Haiti, arrange a placement before you arrive. You'll be unlikely to find a placement when you get there.
If you’re travelling to Haiti through the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements.
Check your visa requirements with a US embassy or consulate well before you travel.
More information:
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate to enter Haiti. Some airlines may want to see one when you leave.
Find out about returning to Australia after exposure to yellow fever.
More information:
Travellers must provide proof of a negative COVID-19 (PCR or Antigen) test prior to boarding a flight to Haiti, that has been taken no more than 72 hours prior to boarding.
Haiti has measures in place to limit the spread of COVID-19, including a curfew, a requirement to wear a facemask in public places, and quarantine requirements for anyone with symptoms of COVID-19.
If you're in Haiti, follow the advice of local authorities, take care to protect yourself from exposure to COVID-19 and keep in contact with family and friends back home.
Travel restrictions may change at short notice. Monitor the media and follow the advice from local authorities. Contact your nearest embassy or the consulate of Haiti for the latest updates.
More information
Some countries won’t let you enter unless your passport is valid for 6 months after you plan to leave that country. This can apply even if you’re just transiting or stopping over.
Some foreign governments and airlines apply the rule inconsistently. Travellers can receive conflicting advice from different sources.
You can end up stranded if your passport is not valid for more than 6 months.
The Australian Government does not set these rules. Check your passport’s expiry date before you travel. If you're not sure it'll be valid for long enough, consider getting a new passport.
Your passport is a valuable document. It's attractive to people who may try to use your identity to commit crimes.
Some people may try to trick you into giving them your passport. Always keep it in a safe place.
If your passport is lost or stolen, tell the Australian Government as soon as possible:
In Australia, contact the Australian Passport Information Service.
If you’re overseas, contact the nearest Australian embassy or consulate.
The basic currency is the Gourde (HTG). US dollars are also widely accepted.
Exchange US dollars or traveller's cheques at established banks. Some banks accept other foreign currencies.
Don't change money on the street.
You can drive in Haiti with your:
You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.
Road travel is dangerous in Haiti.
Hazards include:
City roads are in good or reasonable condition.
Avoid taking public transport or driving after dark. You may be forced to make a detour into a dangerous area.
Avoid driving during bad weather, even in the city.
Keep your fuel tank at least half-full. Fuel supply is often disrupted.
Carry a mobile phone and emergency contact numbers with you. Roadside assistance services are lacking. Mobile phone coverage is patchy in rural areas.
You can drive between the Dominican Republic and Haiti at 4 crossing points, but the queues are long. Make sure you and any other passengers have the correct vehicle and travel documents.
Sometimes criminals dressed as police officers carjack vehicles close to the border on Dominican roads. See Safety
More information:
If you take the ferry, keep an eye on your belongings.
Don't board a vessel that looks overloaded or unsafe.
More information:
DFAT doesn’t provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths.
Check Haiti's air safety profile with the Aviation Safety Network.
More information:
Depending on what you need, contact your:
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Call 113.
Contact your provider with any complaints about tourist services or products.
Check the Consular Services Charter for what the Australian Government can and can't do to help you overseas.
Australia doesn’t have an embassy in Haiti. The Australian High Commission in Trinidad and Tobago provides consular help for Australians.
You can also get consular help from the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince if you can't get in touch with the High Commission in Port of Spain.
18 Herbert Street, St Clair
Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago
Phone: +1 868 822 5450
Fax: +1 868 822 5490
Email: ahc.portofspain@dfat.gov.au
Website: trinidadandtobago.highcommission.gov.au
Facebook: Australia in the Caribbean
Check the High Commission website for details about opening hours and any temporary closures.
Delmas between Delmas 75 and 71
Port-au-Prince
Haiti
Phone: (+11 509) 2812 9000
Fax: (+11 509) 2249 9920
Email: prnce@international.gc.ca
Website: www.canadainternational.gc.ca/haiti
In a consular emergency, if you can't contact an embassy, call the 24-hour Consular Emergency Centre on:
+61 2 6261 3305 from overseas
1300 555 135 in Australia
Be the first to know official government advice when travelling.
