Medical emergencies
Call 113.
We have increased our level of advice:
Reconsider your need to travel to Haiti due to the high rate of violent crime.
Call 113.
Reconsider your need to travel to Haiti.
Reconsider your need to travel to Haiti due to the high rate of violent crime. See Safety
Violent crime is common in Haiti, including murder, armed robbery, kidnapping, assault, sexual assault and carjacking. The risk increases at night and in isolated areas. Be alert to your surroundings. Don't go out after dark.
Public transport is unsafe. Avoid taxis, tap taps (vans with a covered tray area) and motorcycle taxis.
Ask permission before taking photos, especially in remote areas. Travellers have been assaulted for taking photos.
Demonstrations, protests and strikes happen often. These can turn violent. Avoid crowds. Carry ID and documents for your vehicle, in case you pass a security checkpoint.
Full travel advice: Safety
The rate of HIV/AIDS infection is high. Take precautions if you're engaging in high-risk activities.
Insect-borne illnesses include malaria, dengue and Zika virus. Ensure your accommodation is insect-proof. Use insect repellent. If you're pregnant, talk to your doctor about Zika virus before you travel.
Haiti has had an ongoing cholera outbreak since 2010. Other common foodborne and waterborne diseases include hepatitis and typhoid. Drink boiled or bottled water with intact seals. Avoid raw or undercooked food.
Disease outbreaks are common and medical facilities are scarce. If you become seriously ill or injured, you'll need medical evacuation to the US. Get comprehensive travel insurance.
Full travel advice: Health
Don't use or carry illegal drugs. Penalties for drug offences are severe and include long prison sentences. Conditions in Haitian prisons are very poor.
LGBTI traveller's rights aren't legally restricted. But there's significant social stigma. LGBTI travellers may face discrimination, harassment or violence. Avoid being affectionate in public.
Full travel advice: Local laws
Travel requirements can change at short notice. Contact your nearest embassy or the Consulate of Haiti for the latest updates.
Be aware of entry fees. Foreign visitors must pay an arrival fee at the airport. Visitors crossing by land from the Dominican Republic must pay a tourist fee.
If you're planning to do volunteer work, arrange a placement before you go. You're unlikely to find one when you arrive.
If you’re travelling to Haiti via the US, you must also meet US entry or transit requirements. Contact your nearest US embassy or consulate for advice.
You may need a valid yellow fever vaccination certificate if you're travelling to Haiti from a country with a risk of yellow fever. Get vaccinated before you travel.
The local currency is the Haitian Gourde (HTG). US dollars are also widely accepted. Change foreign currency and traveller's cheques at established banks. Don't exchange money on the street.
Road travel is dangerous. If you're driving, keep your fuel tank at least half-full. Fuel supply is often disrupted.
Be careful if driving to the Dominican Republic. Vehicles have been carjacked on the Dominican side of the border. Queues at the border crossings are long. Make sure you and any passengers have the correct vehicle and travel documents.
Full travel advice: Travel
The Consular Services Charter tells you 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.
Full travel advice: Local contacts
Violent crime is common, including against tourists and expats. Incidents include:
murder
carjacking
Your risk increases at night and in isolated areas.
Police have very limited resources to respond and help.
Hotspots for violent crime include:
Port-au-Prince
outside Toussaint Louverture International Airport
Route Nationale 2, between Petit-Goave in Ouest and Miragoane in Nippes
Bel Air
Carrefour
Cité Soleil
Martissant
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.
Foreign-aid workers have been targets of kidnapping for ransom and other violent crimes.
Some kidnapping victims have disappeared or been killed.
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:
taxis
tap taps (vans with a covered tray area)
moto-taxis (motorcycle taxis)
Ask your host or hotel to arrange private transport for you.
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.
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:
limit your movements as much as possible
avoid demonstrations and crowds
monitor the local media for new security threats
use authorised taxi centres to pre-book taxis
review your departure options
stock up on essential supplies when it's safe
More information:
Haiti experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:
hurricanes and tropical storms
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:
monitor local media and other sources
keep your passport in a safe, waterproof location
follow the advice of local authorities
keep in contact with your friends and family
contact your tour operator, hotel or airline
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:
you may get stuck in the area
flights could be delayed or suspended
available flights may fill quickly
adequate shelter may not be available
port access might be affected
Severe weather may also affect:
If a hurricane is approaching:
identify your local shelter
know the evacuation plan for your hotel or cruise ship
keep in touch with family and friends
follow the advice of local authorities
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:
health services
roads
telecommunications
other utilities
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. 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:
what activities and care your policy covers
that your insurance covers you for the whole time you’ll be away
Consider your physical and mental health before you travel, especially if you have an existing medical condition.
See your doctor or travel clinic to:
have a basic health check-up
ask if your travel plans may affect your health
plan any vaccinations you need
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:
what the medication is
how much you'll take
that it's for personal use
More information:
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:
discuss travel plans with your doctor
consider deferring non-essential travel to affected areas
To protect yourself from disease:
consider taking medicine to prevent malaria
make sure your accommodation is insect-proof
use insect repellent
wear long, loose, light-coloured clothing
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:
drink boiled water or bottled water with sealed lids
avoid ice cubes
avoid raw or undercooked foods, such as salads
avoid contact with dogs and other mammals
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:
medicine and medical resources are hard to find
public sanitation is not fixed and causes disease outbreaks
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:
discrimination
harassment
physical attacks
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:
Entry and exit conditions can change at short notice. Contact your nearest embassy or the Consulate of Haiti for details about visas, currency, customs and quarantine rules.
You'll need to pay an arrival fee at Toussaint Louverture International Airport.
Some people don't have to pay the fee:
child aged under 5 years
official or diplomatic passport holder
foreigner with a valid residence card
official or agent on a United Nations laissez-passer
a person born in Haiti who holds a foreign passport
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:
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:
aggressive driving
drivers not following traffic laws
poorly maintained vehicles
unlit roads
cars, trucks and motorcycles driving without lights on after dark
pedestrians on roads
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:
family and friends
travel agent
insurance provider
employer
airline
Always get a police report when you report a crime.
Your insurer should have a 24-hour emergency number.
Call 113.
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.