Risk level(s)

Safety and security

Neighbourhoods of Martissant, Carrefour, Bel Air and Cité Soleil, in the Port-au-Prince area (see Advisory)

These areas continue to be dangerous due to criminal activity and the local authorities' lack of capacity to ensure order. Personal safety and a police presence are not guaranteed. The police are unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance in these areas. It is strongly advised to avoid going out after nightfall.

It is imperative that Canadians who must travel to these areas take appropriate security precautions. Ensure that family members, friends, colleagues, local business representatives or organizations know when to expect you so they can meet you as soon as you arrive at the airport or border, and can guide you in your travels. The use of public transport of any kind is not recommended. As the security situation can change at any moment, check with the organizations, institutes or hosts that are taking care of you to receive the latest updates on the region to which you are travelling.

Crime

Crime rates are high and the security situation is unpredictable. Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country. Criminal activity is especially prevalent in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs continue to operate. There have been reports of murders, kidnappings, armed robbery, burglary and carjacking, even in daylight hours. Never walk alone and avoid travelling after nightfall.

Avoid showing visible signs of affluence, such as expensive-looking jewellery or electronic equipment. Foreigners, including Canadians, are viewed as wealthy. Remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship or hospitality.

Be cautious when claiming your luggage upon arrival at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince as thieves try to distract foreigners in order to steal their passports. Keep your valuables and identification on your person (in a pouch under your clothing, for example).

Armed robbers sometimes target travellers, particularly foreigners of Haitian origin, after they have arrived at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport. In most cases, the victims’ vehicles are followed by criminals on motorcycles. To minimize the risk of violence, you should have your local contacts arrange for your pick-up from the airport, carry only small amounts of cash and not resist if you are threatened by robbers. Be extremely vigilant when leaving the airport.

A large number of gang leaders and offenders detained at the Croix-des-Bouquets civil penitentiary (east of Port-au-Prince) escaped in 2014 and are still at large.

Exercise a high degree of caution when travelling near the border area with the Dominican Republic due to high levels of criminal activity.

Members of the general Haitian population, regardless of rank or social class, are at risk of being kidnapped. Although rare, there have been kidnappings involving Canadians and other foreign nationals, including missionaries, aid workers and children. Most victims have been released upon the payment of a 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 only pre-authorized visitors whose identities have been verified into your home. Keep all visitors under close scrutiny.

Keep windows closed and doors locked when travelling by car. There have been several recent reports of violent incidents along Route Nationale 2, between the area of Petit‑Goâve (Ouest Department) and Miragoane (Nippes Department). Criminal gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks. If you have to travel through this area, remain extremely vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.

Be cautious when using automated banking machines, and do so only during business hours inside a bank. It is advisable to deal directly with a teller. Avoid carrying large sums of money and be vigilant when entering or leaving a bank, as criminals could be watching and could attempt to rob you as you leave.

Avoid photographing individuals without first obtaining their permission. Be cautious when photographing scenes in poor or urban areas, where people may feel exploited or insulted by being subjects of such activities.

Demonstrations and political unrest

Demonstrations, political rallies and roadblocks occur regularly and have sometimes led to incidents of violence, particularly in Port-au-Prince and on main highways such as Route Nationale 2 in the vicinity of Petit-Goave (Ouest Department). Movement may be restricted and local transportation services may be disrupted.

Political tensions remain elevated since the November 20, 2016 presidential elections, and have led to demonstrations and incidents of violence throughout the country. Remain vigilant at all times and avoid large crowds and demonstrations as they may turn violent with little to no warning. Monitor local media to stay informed of the latest developments. Assistance to individuals from Haitian authorities is often unavailable.

Road travel

Roads are narrow and poorly maintained. Most vehicles are in poor condition. The few traffic lights that are operational are mostly in urban centres. Traffic signs are rare. Driving at night or in bad weather should be avoided, even in the city. Streets are rarely lit, and vehicles being driven with their lights off are common. Vehicles are often abandoned on or beside the road. Many people drive while intoxicated and do not follow the rules of the road.

Since there are frequent disruptions of fuel supplies, fuel tanks should always be kept at least half full.

Because of a lack of police and roadside assistance services, you should carry a cell phone and a list of emergency contact numbers. However, cell phone coverage is intermittent in some rural areas.

Public transportation

Avoid all public transportation, especially shared taxis (“tap-taps”) and buses. Drivers do not always follow the rules of the road and their vehicles are sometimes in poor condition or overloaded, which often leads to serious accidents involving injuries and sometimes death.

Marine transportation

Ferry accidents sometimes occur due to overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Air travel

The Government of Canada does not assess foreign domestic airlines’ compliance with international aviation safety standards. See Foreign domestic airlines for more information.

Entry/exit requirements

It is the sole prerogative of every country or territory to determine who is allowed to enter or exit. Canadian consular officials cannot intervene on your behalf if you do not meet entry or exit requirements. The following information has been obtained from the Haitian authorities and is subject to change at any time. The country- or territory-specific entry/exit requirements are provided on this page for information purposes only. While every effort is made to provide accurate information, information contained here is provided on an "as is" basis without warranty of any kind, express or implied. The Government of Canada assumes no responsibility, and shall not be liable for any damages in connection to the information provided. It is your responsibility to check with the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti or one of its consulates for up-to-date information.

Official (special and diplomatic) passport holders must consult the Official Travel page, as they may be subject to different entry requirements.

Passport

Canadians must present a valid passport to visit Haiti. Before you leave, ask your transportation company about its requirements related to passport validity, which may be more stringent than the country's entry rules.

Temporary passport holders may be subject to different entry requirements. Check with diplomatic representatives for up-to-date information.

Visas

Tourist visa: not applicable (for stays of less than 90 days)
Business visa: not applicable
Work permit: required
Residency permit ("permis de séjour"): required for stays of more than 90 days
Student visa: required

Visitors planning to extend their stay beyond 90 days must apply to the Haitian Immigration Service before the 90 days have expired. Do not wait until the last minute. Canadians of non-Haitian origin who have been in the country for more than 90 days and did not apply for an extension of stay must obtain an exit visa from the Haitian Immigration Service before leaving the country.

We strongly recommend that Canadian investors, exporters/importers and workers register with the Embassy of Canada in Port-au-Prince and contact the trade section at prnce.td@international.gc.ca. They may also contact the Haitian-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and Industry for information and advice. For stays of more than six months, they must apply to the Haitian Immigration authorities for a residency permit ("permis de séjour") through their employer This document must be obtained before leaving Canada.

Entry fees

All visitors with foreign passports are required to pay a CAN$10, US$10 or €10 fee on arrival at the Toussaint Louverture International Airport.

The following are exempted from paying the fee:

• children between 0 and 5 years of age;
• official’s passport or diplomatic passport holders;
• foreigners with a valid residence card;
• officials and agents with a United Nations passport
• anyone born in Haiti and holding a foreign passport.

Visitors entering Haiti at a land crossing from the Dominican Republic are required to pay a US$10 fee (cash only).

Children and travel

Children need special documentation to visit certain countries. See Children for more information.

Yellow fever

See Health to obtain information on this country’s vaccination requirements.

Health

Medical services and facilities

Medical services throughout the country are extremely limited and easily overwhelmed. Emergency response is not guaranteed as there are not enough ambulances to provide adequate service. Life-threatening emergencies may require costly evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense to an adequate facility outside the country. Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment and medical evacuation, if required. Contact your insurance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Physicians and hospitals generally expect immediate cash payment for care.

Medications sold in Haiti may be of inferior quality to those available in Canada, and pharmacies may carry expired medications.

Keep in Mind...

The decision to travel is the sole responsibility of the traveller. The traveller is also responsible for his or her own personal safety.

Be prepared. Do not expect medical services to be the same as in Canada. Pack a travel health kit, especially if you will be travelling away from major city centres.

Laws & culture

You are subject to local laws. See Arrest and detention for more information.

Illegal drugs

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in lengthy legal proceedings, heavy jail sentences and fines. Canadians have been arrested for drug trafficking after agreeing to check in bags for new acquaintances.

Laws

A Haitian driver's permit is required for vehicle operators staying more than three months A permit may be obtained on presentation of a valid provincial driver's licence or an International Driving Permit (IDP). For stays under three months, an IDP is recommended.

Legal fees can be very high and judicial procedures are slow. Some Canadians have experienced a lengthy detention period (in some cases, over a year) before being sent to trial. Prison conditions in Haiti are extremely difficult. Penal facilities are overcrowded, unsanitary and under-resourced.

Individual Canadians or Canadian organizations wishing to donate clothing, new or used material goods, personal care products or medications should contact the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti or one of its consulates before sending goods to Haiti. Donations entering the country are subject to import rules and could be seized and taxed in accordance with local legislation.

Dual citizenship

Dual citizenship is legally recognized in Haiti. However, Canadian officials may be limited in their ability to provide you with consular services if local authorities consider you a Haitian citizen. You should always travel using your valid Canadian passport and present yourself as Canadian to foreign authorities at all times to minimize this risk. You may also need to carry and present a Haitian passport for legal reasons, for example to enter and exit the country (see Entry/exit requirements to determine passport requirements). Citizenship is determined solely by national laws, and the decision to recognize dual citizenship rests completely with the country in which you are located when seeking consular assistance. See Travelling as a dual citizen for more information.

Money

The currency is the gourde (HTG), but prices are often quoted in Haitian dollars (fixed rate of five gourdes to one Haitian dollar) or in US dollars.

Most leading hotels accept major credit cards. American and Canadian travellers’ cheques are rarely accepted, and Canadian currency is never accepted. Canadian bank cards may be used to access funds from some automated banking machines (ABMs), but the withdrawal limit is much lower than in Canada. Haitian ABMs have been reported as unreliable in the past. They should not be depended upon in emergency situations. Be extremely vigilant when using ABMs in Haiti as there is a high risk of robbery.

Natural disasters & climate

Hurricane Season

The hurricane season extends from June to the end of November. The National Hurricane Center provides additional information on weather conditions. Stay informed of regional weather forecasts, and follow the advice and instructions of local authorities.

Hurricane Matthew

Hurricane Matthew recently passed through Haiti. Transportation routes, power and telecommunications systems have been affected in some coastal areas of Haiti, particularly the community of Les Cayes in the Sud department and the city of Jérémie in the Grand'Anse department. Other services that may be affected in these areas include emergency and medical care, as well as water and food supplies.

If you reside in or are travelling to the affected area, you should monitor local news and weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. Contact your travel agent or tour operator to determine whether the situation will disrupt travel arrangements. Canadians seeking emergency consular assistance in the area should contact the Embassy of Canada in Port-au-Prince or the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa.

Earthquakes

Haiti is located in a seismic zone. Earthquakes can occur. On January 12, 2010, Haiti was struck by a massive earthquake measuring 7.0 on the Richter scale.

Assistance

Local services

Consular assistance

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Port-au-Prince and follow the instructions. Callers may occasionally experience difficulties reaching the Embassy by telephone or facsimile due to problems with local infrastructure. In such cases, Canadians can contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613‑996‑8885 or via email at sos@international.gc.ca.