Haiti Travel Risk

Do not travel to Haiti due to the risk of crime, kidnapping, terrorism, unrest, and limited health care. Read the entire Travel Advisory.

Haiti has been under a national state of emergency since March 2024. This state of emergency remains in effect.

U.S. government employee travel restrictions

U.S. government employees working in Haiti are not allowed to travel away from the U.S. embassy for non-essential reasons due to safety risks. The U.S. government has an extremely limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti because of security-related travel restrictions.

Due to safety risks, family members cannot join U.S. government employees who work in Haiti.

Air Travel

U.S. commercial flights are not currently operating to or from Port-au-Prince. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued a Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that prohibits U.S. air carrier flights to Port-au-Prince due to ongoing instability. For more information, U.S. citizens should consult the Federal Aviation Administration’s Prohibitions, Restrictions and Notices.

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.

British nationals may get consular services assistance at our diplomatic mission in the Dominican Republic.

If you choose to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance. Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

Terrorism

There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

UK Counter Terrorism Policing has information and advice on staying safe and what to do in the event of a terrorist attack. Find out how to reduce your risk from terrorism while abroad.

Terrorism in Haiti

Although there’s no recent history of terrorism in Haiti, attacks cannot be ruled out.

Haiti-Dominican Republic border closure

The border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic is closed to travellers. The status of the border remains subject to change at short notice. Monitor local media for updates.

Political situation

There are sometimes violent demonstrations, protests and roadblocks. Stay away from political rallies and crowds. Public transport is often disrupted because of blocked roads and security incidents, which can lead to fuel and food shortages.

Risk level

HAITI - AVOID ALL TRAVEL

Avoid all travel to Haiti due to the threat posed by kidnappings, gang violence and the potential for civil unrest throughout the country.

If you are in Haiti, register or update your personal information through the Registration of Canadians Abroad service and encourage other Canadian citizens in Haiti to do so.

Make sure your travel documents and those of your eligible family members are up to date and secure at all times.

Ongoing violence and state of emergency

A state of emergency is in effect in the departments of Ouest, Artibonite and Centre due to the ongoing security crisis gang violence.

More information on states of emergency

Border closure with the Dominican Republic

On May 30, 2026, the Government of the Dominican Republic reopened its air border with Haiti. Land and sea borders between the two countries remain closed to travellers.

The Embassy of Canada to Haiti, in Port-au-Prince, cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.

Crime

Overview

The security situation remains extremely volatile in Haiti. Gang violence is high in Port-au-Prince and in Artibonite Department. There are frequent clashes between gangs and security forces. Armed gangs control most of Port-au-Prince. Vigilante groups violently attack and kill alleged gang members.

Police have very limited resources to respond and help. If you are currently in Haiti, your personal safety is at risk. If you can do so safely, consider leaving the country by commercial means.

If you are in Haiti:

• shelter in a safe place until the situation has stabilized
• ensure that you have essential supplies, including food, water and fuel
• ensure that your passport and other travel documents are up-to-date and secure at all times
• limit your movements, if you are unable to shelter in place
• avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended
• maintain a low profile when going outside
• always exercise extreme caution

Violent crime

Violent crime is common, including:

• kidnappings
• gender-based violence
• murders
• armed robberies
• car jackings

Home invasions are frequent. These incidents generally occur in middle-class neighbourhoods and in affluent neighbourhoods in Port-au-Prince and outside Pétion-Ville.

Criminality often occurs in certain periods such as:

• the holiday season in December
• carnival in February or March
• the beginning of the school year in late August or early September

Foreigners are viewed as wealthy and may arouse envy. To avoid becoming a target:

• don’t show signs of affluence
• be aware of your surroundings at all times
• keep your personal belongings, including your passport and other travel documents, in a secure place
• remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship or hospitality
• never walk alone and avoid travelling after dark

Kidnappings

Kidnappings are common.

Kidnappers target both local people and foreigners, including dual citizens who live or travel in Haiti, regardless of rank or social class. Missionaries, aid workers and children can become victims. Most of the victims are released in exchange for ransom. In some exceptional cases, however, victims have disappeared or have been killed.

• Remain alert to small groups of loiterers, especially near your residence
• Keep doors and windows secure at all times
• Instruct domestic staff to permit into your home only pre-authorized visitors whose identities have been verified
• Keep all visitors under close scrutiny
• Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country

Robberies in bank areas

Some criminals wait near banks, watching clients, and attempt to rob them when they leave.

There is also a higher risk of robbery from individuals using bank ATMs.

• Be extremely vigilant when entering or leaving a bank
• Only use ATMs inside a hotel or supermarket
• Deal directly with a teller if you are at a bank
• Avoid carrying large sums of money

Petty crime

Petty crime, such as pickpocketing and purse snatching, occurs frequently.

海地风险等级为红色（极高风险）。

外交部提醒中国公民近期暂勿前往海地，已在当地的人员和机构尽快撤离或转移至相对安全地区。如遇紧急情况，请及时报警并与中国海地贸易发展办事处取得联系。

外交部和驻外使领馆将继续密切关注海外安全形势变化，动态调整有关风险评估，并实时在中国领事服务网等平台发布、更新相应安全提醒，请持续关注。