Haiti - Level 4: Do Not Travel

There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated to reflect changes to U.S. embassy operations.

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

Advisory summary

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.

Crime

Violent crime is rampant in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince. There has been an increase in gangs, organized crime, and terrorist activities.

• Crimes involving firearms are common.
• Crimes include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom.
• The escalation of fighting between armed groups has led to a rise in random gunfire incidents. There is risk of being struck by stray bullets, even for people not directly involved in the violence.
• Local law enforcement has an extremely limited ability to respond to serious crimes, particularly outside Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien.

Kidnapping

Kidnapping is widespread. U.S. citizen victims of kidnapping have been hurt or killed.

• Kidnappers often demand ransoms. Ransom demands are typically in the tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.
• Kidnappers target and attack vehicles, including commercial busses. They can also attack convoys.

Terrorism

Terrorist violence, including attacks on citizens and other violent gang activity, happens frequently in Haiti. Some Haitian gangs are designated by the U.S. Department of State as terrorist organizations. Visit the U.S. Department of State’s country reports on terrorism to learn more.

Unrest

Protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks are common and unpredictable. Protesters and demonstrators sometimes damage or destroy infrastructure and can become violent.

• Armed, anti-gang vigilante groups attack and, in many cases, kill U.S. citizens. This is when they suspect someone of being a gang member based only on rumors or incorrect information.
• Neighborhood watch groups have built improvised barricades and gates to control the flow of traffic in certain areas.
• “Watch groups” often harass or detain people who are not known to be residents of their neighborhoods.

Health

• Hospitals and clinics in Haiti have limited trained staff and lack basic resources. 
• Medical providers almost always require payment in cash before treatment.
• Most medical providers speak little or no English.

For U.S. citizens in Haiti:

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to get important updates and alerts from the U.S. embassy or consulate. Enrolling helps the U.S. embassy or consulate contact you or your emergency contact in an emergency.
• Review the Country Security Report for Haiti.
• Choose one family member to serve as the point of contact. If you are kidnapped or taken hostage, that person can communicate with kidnappers or hostage-takers, media, U.S. or foreign government agencies, and members of Congress.
• Establish a proof of life protocol with your loved ones. If you are kidnapped, your loved ones will know specific questions (and answers) to ask the kidnappers to confirm that you are being held captive and are alive.
• Review our information on Terrorism, Travel to High-Risk Areas, U.S. Citizens Missing Abroad, Crime Abroad, and for Victims of Crime.
• Keep your travel documents up to date and easy to access.
• Develop a communication plan with your family, employer, or host organization. Plan together how and when you'll confirm you are safe (text or call).
• Prepare a will. Designate appropriate insurance beneficiaries or prepare a power of attorney.
• Refer to our list of medical providers.
• Have a plan to leave in an emergency that does not depend on U.S. government help. Review our information on Crisis and Evacuations.
• We highly recommend that you buy travel insurance before you travel. Check with your travel insurance provider about evacuation assistance, medical insurance, and trip cancelation coverage.
• Make sure your insurance includes medical evacuation coverage. Medical evacuation from Haiti is very expensive and the U.S. government may not be able to assist should you need emergency medical care.
• Monitor local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Use caution when walking or driving at night.
• Keep a low profile.
• Stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not display signs of wealth, like expensive watches or jewelry.
• Stay alert when visiting banks or ATMs.