Travel Facts
US State Dept Travel Advisory
The US Department of State currently recommends US citizens DO NOT TRAVEL to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure. On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees. U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe. Consult its website via the link below for updates to travel advisories and statements on safety, security, local laws, and special circumstances in this country.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories.html
Passport/Visa Requirements
US citizens should make sure their passport will not expire for at least 6 months after they enter the country even if they do not intend to stay that long. They should also make sure they have at least 1 blank page in their passport for any entry stamp that will be required. A visa is not required as long as the stay is less than 90 days.
US Embassy/Consulate
+(509) 2229-8000 / 2229-8900; US Embassy Port-au-Prince, Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince, Haiti; acspap@state.gov; https://ht.usembassy.gov/
LGBTQIA+ Travelers
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual (LGBTQIA+) travelers can face unique challenges when traveling abroad. Laws and attitudes in some countries may affect safety and ease of travel. Legal protections vary from country to country. Many countries do not legally recognize same-sex marriage. Approximately seventy countries consider consensual same-sex sexual relations a crime, sometimes carrying severe punishment.
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/before-you-go/travelers-with-special-considerations/lgbtqi.html
Telephone Code
509
Local Emergency Phone
Ambulance: 118; Police: 114
Vaccinations
See WHO recommendations
http://www.who.int/
Climate
Tropical; semiarid where mountains in east cut off trade winds
Currency (Code)
Gourdes (HTG)
Electricity/Voltage/Plug Type(s)
110 V / 60 Hz / plug types(s): A, B
Major Languages
French, Creole
Major Religions
Protestant/Methodist/Adventist/Jehovah's Witness 51.8%, Roman Catholic 35.4%, Vodou 1.7%
Time Difference
UTC-5 (same time as Washington, DC, during Standard Time); daylight saving time: +1hr, begins second Sunday in March; ends first Sunday in November
Potable Water
Opt for bottled water
International Driving Permit
Suggested; additionally, if you plan to drive in Haiti, you will need an Inter-American Driving Permit issued by the AAA
Road Driving Side
Right
Tourist Destinations
National History Park (includes Sans-Souci Palace, Citadelle Laferriere, Ramiers); Bassin Bleu; Île-à-Rat; Musée du Panthéon National; Promenade du Bord de Mer
Major Sports
Soccer, basketball
Cultural Practices
Traditional Haitian values, hospitality, friendly and expressive nature, obedience of elders, respect for family, embracing Haitian culture.
Tipping Guidelines
Restaurant staff should be tipped around 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers can be given a discretionary tip if they are helpful and efficient.
Souvenirs
Straw hats, metalwork sculptures, papier-mache items, woodcrafts, voodoo items
Traditional Cuisine
Griot (or Griyo) — pork shoulder marinated in citrus, which is braised and then fried; often served with diri ak pwa wouj (red beans and rice)
Please visit the following links to find further information about your desired destination.
World Health Organization (WHO) - To learn what vaccines and health precautions to take while visiting your destination.
US State Dept Travel Information - Overall information about foreign travel for US citizens.
To obtain an international driving permit (IDP). Only two organizations in the US issue IDPs:
American Automobile Association (AAA) and American Automobile Touring Alliance (AATA)
How to get help in an emergency?
Contact the nearest US embassy or consulate, or call one of these numbers:
from the US or Canada - 1-888-407-4747 or from Overseas - +1 202-501-4444
Page last updated: Wednesday, September 06, 2023
