Haiti Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Haiti.
Healthcare System
Haiti's healthcare system is severely under-resourced and among the weakest in the Western Hemisphere. Most facilities lack basic medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. The majority of the population has limited access to healthcare, and facilities that do exist are concentrated in Port-au-Prince.
Hospitals
Port-au-Prince has a few private hospitals that cater to foreigners, including Hôpital Bernard Mevs and Hôpital Adventiste d'Haïti, but these have limited capabilities. Outside the capital, medical facilities are extremely basic. Many areas have no functioning hospitals. Security concerns may prevent access to facilities even when they exist.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies are available in Port-au-Prince and major towns, but medication availability is inconsistent. Counterfeit medications are a serious concern. Bring all necessary prescription medications with you, along with copies of prescriptions and sufficient supply for your entire trip plus extra in case of delays.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel medical insurance with emergency medical evacuation coverage (minimum $250,000) is absolutely essential. Verify that your policy covers Haiti, as some insurers exclude it. Medical evacuation can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more. Facilities often require cash payment upfront before providing treatment.
Healthcare Tips
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and any medications you might need, including antibiotics if prescribed by your doctor
- Carry sufficient cash (U.S. dollars) to pay for medical care upfront, as credit cards are often not accepted
- Have a medical evacuation plan in place before arrival, including contact information for air ambulance services
- Avoid any non-essential medical procedures while in Haiti
- Ensure tetanus, typhoid, and hepatitis vaccinations are up to date before travel
- Drink only bottled or purified water to avoid waterborne illnesses
- Consider traveling with a medical professional if part of a group or organization
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Kidnapping for ransom is extremely common in Haiti, with hundreds of cases reported annually. Both Haitians and foreigners are targeted, including humanitarian workers, missionaries, and business travelers. Kidnappings can occur anywhere at any time, often at roadblocks or during carjackings.
Armed robberies and carjackings are frequent, often violent, and can occur in broad daylight. Criminals may be heavily armed and operate at illegal roadblocks. Resistance often leads to violence.
Political demonstrations, protests, and civil unrest occur frequently and can turn violent without warning. Protesters may erect roadblocks (barricades), burn tires, and clash with police. These events can shut down entire areas of cities and roads between cities.
Powerful gangs control large areas of Port-au-Prince and other cities, engaging in turf wars, shootings, and other violent crimes. Foreigners can be caught in crossfire or targeted. Gang activity has expanded significantly in recent years.
Pickpocketing, bag snatching, and petty theft are common, particularly in crowded areas, markets, and tourist sites. Thieves may work in groups and can become aggressive.
Road conditions are extremely poor with potholes, lack of signage, and minimal lighting. Driving standards are dangerous, with frequent accidents. Roads can be blocked by protests, debris, or illegal checkpoints. Driving at night is extremely dangerous.
Sexual assault and harassment occur, with women travelers particularly vulnerable. Incidents can occur in various settings including on public transportation, in crowds, and at accommodations.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals set up fake police checkpoints or impersonate police officers to rob travelers. They may demand money, confiscate belongings, or kidnap victims. Distinguishing real from fake checkpoints can be difficult.
Unlicensed taxi drivers at the airport overcharge, take indirect routes to inflate fares, or may be involved in robbery or kidnapping schemes. Some may claim to be official taxis.
Scammers approach foreigners claiming to run orphanages or charities and request donations. Many such operations are fraudulent or do not use funds as claimed. Some orphanages keep children in poor conditions specifically to attract donor sympathy.
Street money changers offer better rates but use sleight of hand, counterfeit bills, or miscounting to cheat customers. Some may work with accomplices who rob the victim after the exchange.
Vendors, drivers, and service providers significantly overcharge foreigners. Without local knowledge, travelers may pay many times the actual price for goods and services.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Before You Go
- Seriously reconsider if your travel is essential; consult current government travel advisories
- Register with your embassy or consulate before arrival
- Obtain comprehensive travel insurance including medical evacuation and kidnap/ransom coverage
- Make copies of passport, visa, and important documents; store separately and digitally
- Share detailed itinerary with family/friends and check in regularly
- Get all recommended vaccinations at least 4-6 weeks before travel
- Arrange secure transportation and accommodation in advance through reputable sources
- Consider hiring professional security services for the duration of your stay
- Learn basic Haitian Creole phrases
- Research current security situation thoroughly and identify safe areas
Accommodation
- Stay only in secure, well-established hotels with security measures (guards, walls, gates)
- Choose accommodation in safer neighborhoods (Pétion-Ville, Juvenat areas in Port-au-Prince)
- Verify security features: 24-hour security, secure perimeter, backup generator, water supply
- Keep your room number private
- Use room safe for valuables and passport
- Know emergency exits and evacuation procedures
- Keep emergency supplies in your room (water, snacks, flashlight, first aid)
- Do not open door without verifying identity of visitors
Transportation
- Never travel after dark under any circumstances
- Use only pre-arranged, vetted transportation with known drivers
- Avoid public transportation (tap-taps, buses) entirely
- Consider hiring security escort for travel between cities
- Keep car doors locked and windows up at all times
- Vary routes and schedules to avoid predictability
- Maintain at least half tank of fuel at all times
- Do not stop for strangers or at informal checkpoints if possible
- Have emergency contact numbers programmed in phone and written down
- Avoid displaying GPS devices or maps that identify you as a foreigner
Personal Security
- Maintain low profile; avoid displaying wealth, expensive jewelry, cameras, or electronics
- Carry minimal cash and only one credit card; leave other valuables in hotel safe
- Keep phone charged and carry portable charger
- Stay in groups; avoid traveling alone
- Be constantly aware of surroundings and trust your instincts
- Avoid crowds, demonstrations, and political gatherings
- Do not resist if confronted by armed criminals
- Memorize emergency contact numbers
- Keep a low-profile bag close to body
- Avoid discussing travel plans or accommodations in public
Health and Hygiene
- Drink only bottled water (check seal is intact); avoid ice
- Eat only thoroughly cooked hot food; avoid street food
- Wash hands frequently with soap or use hand sanitizer (60%+ alcohol)
- Avoid contact with animals including dogs, which may carry rabies
- Use insect repellent containing DEET; wear protective clothing
- Avoid swimming in fresh water due to schistosomiasis risk
- Take malaria prophylaxis as prescribed
- Bring comprehensive first aid kit and all necessary medications
- Avoid medical procedures unless absolutely necessary
- Practice safe sex; HIV prevalence is among highest in Caribbean
Communication
- Purchase local SIM card for mobile phone upon arrival
- Keep embassy contact information readily accessible
- Inform trusted contacts of your location and plans daily
- Monitor local news and social media for security updates
- Follow embassy social media and alerts
- Have offline maps downloaded to phone
- Keep written emergency contacts in case phone is lost
- Consider satellite phone for areas without cellular coverage
- Learn key phrases in Haitian Creole and French
Money and Valuables
- Bring U.S. dollars in cash; ATMs are unreliable and may be targets for robbery
- Carry small bills for daily expenses
- Split money between different secure locations on your person and in luggage
- Use hotel safe for passport and excess cash
- Avoid using ATMs; if necessary, use only those inside banks during business hours with security present
- Credit cards are rarely accepted outside major hotels
- Be discreet when handling money
- Have emergency cash hidden separately from main funds
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face significant safety risks in Haiti including sexual harassment, assault, and gender-based violence. The security challenges that affect all travelers are amplified for women. Solo female travel is strongly discouraged. Women should take extensive precautions and ideally travel with trusted companions or as part of organized groups with security measures.
- Avoid traveling alone at any time; stay with trusted groups or companions
- Dress conservatively to minimize unwanted attention; avoid revealing clothing
- Do not walk anywhere, even short distances; use secure transportation
- Be especially cautious in crowds where groping and harassment can occur
- Avoid eye contact with strangers that could be misinterpreted
- Keep phone charged and emergency contacts readily accessible
- Trust your instincts; remove yourself from uncomfortable situations immediately
- Do not accept drinks from strangers; watch drinks being prepared
- Inform trusted contacts of your location and plans constantly
- Consider traveling with personal safety devices (whistle, alarm)
- Book accommodation with strong security and in safer neighborhoods
- Be aware that reporting sexual assault may be difficult due to limited police resources
- Never travel after dark under any circumstances
- Avoid isolated areas including beaches, parks, and rural locations
- Be cautious of overly friendly strangers who may have ulterior motives
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is legal in Haiti, and there are no specific laws criminalizing same-sex relationships. However, there are no legal protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity.
- Exercise extreme discretion; avoid public displays of affection
- Do not openly discuss sexual orientation or gender identity with strangers
- Be aware that LGBTQ+ venues are very limited and may not be safe
- Research LGBTQ+-friendly accommodations in advance, though options are limited
- Be prepared for potential discrimination or harassment
- Have emergency contacts including embassy information readily available
- Consider whether travel to Haiti is advisable given the challenging environment
- Connect with international LGBTQ+ organizations for current information
- Be cautious on dating apps; meetings with strangers carry significant risks
- Avoid areas known for anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment
- Travel with trusted companions when possible
- Be aware that police may not be helpful or protective in cases of discrimination or violence
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is absolutely essential for travel to Haiti and may be the most important preparation you make. Given the severe security situation, inadequate healthcare system, and high risk of medical emergencies, kidnapping, and evacuation needs, traveling without robust insurance coverage is extremely dangerous. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude Haiti or have significant limitations, so careful policy selection is critical.
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