Haiti

Violent crime is common, including against tourists and expats. Incidents include:

• murder

• armed robbery

• kidnapping

• assault

• 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:

• be alert to your surroundings and extremely cautious
• don't go out after dark
• travel with someone who speaks Kreyòl
• avoid showing signs of wealth
• have someone meet you at the airport, or pre-book your airport transfers
• be careful sharing your travel plans
• keep your vehicle windows up and doors locked, even when moving
• if you're attacked or robbed, don't resist. Criminals are often armed and you can be seriously injured or killed.

If you're a victim of violent crime, especially sexual assault, get immediate medical help. The risk of HIV/AIDS infection is high.

Kidnapping

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:

• Kidnapping

Other crime

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.

Demonstrations and protests

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:

• Demonstrations and civil unrest

Terrorism is a threat worldwide.

More information:

• Terrorism

Haiti experiences natural disasters and severe weather, such as:

• hurricanes and tropical storms

• earthquakes

• tsunamis

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:

• Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency

• Global Disaster Alert and Coordination System

Hurricanes and severe weather

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:

• access to ports
• road travel
• essential services, such as water, electricity and communication systems

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:

• Caribbean hurricane season

Earthquakes and tsunamis

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

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:

• feel a strong earthquake that makes it hard to stand up
• feel a weak, rolling earthquake that lasts a minute or more
• see a sudden rise or fall in sea level
• hear loud and unusual noises from the sea

Don't wait for official warnings such as alarms or sirens. Once on high ground, monitor local media

More information:

• Pacific Tsunami Warning Center

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:

• General health advice

• International travel and health

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:

• Medication

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.

Insect-borne diseases

Illnesses spread by insects are common, especially during the wet season from June to December.

Disease risks include:

• malaria

• dengue

• chikungunya

• filariasis

• Zika virus

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:

• Infectious diseases

Cholera and other infectious diseases

Waterborne, foodborne and other infectious diseases are common. These include:

• hepatitis

• typhoid

• rabies

• leptospirosis

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.

Medical care

Medical facilities

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.

Drugs

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:

• Carrying or using drugs

LGBTI laws

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:

• Advice for LGBTI people

Australian laws

Some Australian criminal laws still apply when you’re overseas. If you break these laws, you may face prosecution in Australia.

More information:

• Staying within the law and respecting customs

More information:

• Advice for dual nationals

Visa requirements

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.

Other requirements

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.

Travel via the United States

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:

• Travel advice for the US

Yellow fever vaccination

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:

• Countries with a risk of yellow fever (PDF 74KB)

Validity

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.

Lost or stolen 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.

Driving permit

You can drive in Haiti with your:

• valid Australian driver's licence
• International Driving Permit (IDP)
• car registration
• liability insurance documents
• travel documents

You must get your IDP before leaving Australia.

Road travel

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:

• Driving or riding

Sea travel

If you take the ferry, keep an eye on your belongings.

Don't board a vessel that looks overloaded or unsafe.

More information:

• Travelling by boat

Air travel

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:

• Air travel

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.

Medical emergencies

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.

Australian High Commission, 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.

Canadian Embassy, Port-au-Prince

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

24-hour Consular Emergency Centre

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