Haiti offers a unique Caribbean experience with stunning mountain fortresses, pristine beaches, and vibrant Creole culture. From the UNESCO World Heritage Citadelle Laferrière to the beautiful shores of Île-à-Vache, Haiti showcases resilience, natural beauty, and rich African-influenced traditions.
Haiti currently faces serious security challenges including gang violence, kidnapping, and civil unrest, particularly in Port-au-Prince metro area. The US, UK, Canada, and most governments have Level 3 or 4 travel advisories in place. Travel is possible with thorough preparation, experienced operators, and strict security protocols, but requires realistic assessment of risks.
Current safety advisory
High
US State Department Level 4 (Do Not Travel) for most of Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare. Some areas rated Level 3 Exercise Increased Caution. Check for current advisories before travel.
Last updated: 2025-01
Official advisories
Guidance from national travel-advisory services.
Level 4 - Do Not Travel
Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and limited healthcare. Gang violence and kidnapping particularly severe in Port-au-Prince metropolitan area.
Level 3 - Avoid Non-Essential Travel
Avoid all but essential travel to Haiti due to instability and security situation. Check FCDO advice for specific regions.
Essential safety tips
Practical advice that applies everywhere.
Avoid travel to Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas after dark
Use only registered taxis and pre-arranged transportation from your hotel
Keep valuables concealed and avoid wearing expensive jewelry or watches
Stay informed about local conditions through your embassy and monitor travel advisories daily
Travel with a reputable tour operator familiar with current security conditions
Register with your home country's embassy before arriving in Haiti
Avoid demonstrations, political rallies, and large gatherings which can turn volatile
Keep copies of all important documents in a separate location from originals
Carry basic medical supplies including water purification tablets and rehydration salts
Drink only bottled or purified water — tap water is not safe for consumption
Obtain comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical evacuation before departure
Share your itinerary with someone you trust and check in regularly
Common scams to avoid
Recognise and sidestep tourist-targeted scams.
Unofficial taxi overcharging
Unlicensed drivers at airports and tourist areas who quote inflated prices and may not deliver you safely to your destination.
How to avoid: Only use hotel-arranged transportation. Agree on price before entering any vehicle and confirm driver identity with your hotel.
Fake guides at Citadelle
Individuals at the Milot base who claim to be official guides but are not licensed, offering lower prices and providing poor or misleading tours.
How to avoid: Hire guides through licensed operators or your hotel. Official guides wear identification at the Citadelle national park entrance.
Charity/donation solicitation scams
Individuals claiming to represent orphanages or NGOs soliciting cash donations, with funds rarely reaching legitimate organizations.
How to avoid: Never give cash to street solicitors. Research organizations thoroughly before donating. Work with established reputable NGOs only.
Currency exchange manipulation
Street money changers offering seemingly excellent rates but using sleight of hand or false counting to shortchange tourists.
How to avoid: Exchange money only at banks, licensed exchange bureaus, or your hotel. Never exchange money on the street.
Health considerations
Staying healthy on your trip.
- Vaccinations
- Recommended vaccines: Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid, Tetanus-diphtheria, MMR, Rabies (if animal contact possible). Malaria prophylaxis recommended for some regions. Zika virus present — pregnant women should avoid travel. Consult travel clinic 4-6 weeks before departure.
- Water
- Tap water is NOT safe to drink under any circumstances. Use sealed bottled water for drinking and brushing teeth. Avoid ice unless confirmed from bottled water. Water purification tablets as emergency backup.
- Food
- Eat at established restaurants and hotels rather than street vendors where possible. Avoid raw vegetables unless peeled or cooked. Fresh fruit should be peeled. Cooked food served hot is generally safe. Be cautious with seafood in non-coastal areas.
- Facilities
- Medical facilities are extremely limited and do not meet international standards. The Bernard Mevs Hospital (Port-au-Prince) is the best option for emergencies but resources are constrained. Medical evacuation insurance is essential — evacuation to Miami or Santo Domingo may be necessary for serious conditions.
Safety for specific travellers
Tailored advice for different groups.
Solo travellers
Solo travel in Haiti is extremely challenging and strongly discouraged due to current security conditions, including high kidnapping risk and gang activity in Port-au-Prince. If visiting, travel with an organized tour, hire a reputable private guide/driver, stay in secure hotels, limit movement to daytime, always have hotel contact information, and register with your embassy. Never walk alone, even in Pétionville.
Female travellers
Female travelers face the same general security risks as all visitors plus the additional risk of sexual harassment and assault. Travel with organized groups or trusted male companions in public spaces. Never accept drinks from strangers. Dress conservatively outside resort areas. Book airport pickups in advance. The Pétionville neighborhood is the most manageable area for female travelers but vigilance is always required.
Families
Haiti is extremely challenging for family travel. Recommended only for families with older children (12+) who are resilient, flexible, and comfortable with serious security constraints. Stay at secured beach resorts (Moulin Sur Mer, Kaliko Beach Club, Côte des Arcadins) for the safest family experience. Children should never be left unsupervised. Medical evacuation insurance with pediatric coverage essential.
LGBTQ+ travellers
Homosexuality is legal in Haiti but same-sex relationships have no legal recognition and public displays of affection between same-sex couples can attract hostility. LGBTQ+ travelers should exercise discretion in public and be aware that many Haitian communities hold conservative religious views. The NGO community and certain Pétionville social circles are more accepting. Discreet travel is recommended.
Emergency contacts
Numbers to know before you go.
- Police
- 114 (Haitian National Police)
- Medical
- 116 (ambulance), Bernard Mevs Hospital: +509 3701-3344
- Embassy
- US Embassy Port-au-Prince: +509 2229-8000 (emergency after hours). UK nationals: +1-202-588-7800 (London Embassy duty officer). Canadian Embassy: +509 2812-9801
- Tourist Police
- Contact through main police number 114; hotel security desks can also arrange police assistance