Haiti Travel Safety

Road safety

Roads are narrow and poorly maintained. The few traffic lights that are operational are mostly in urban centres. Since there are frequent disruptions of fuel supplies, fuel tanks should always be kept at least half full. 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. Most vehicles are in poor condition. Vehicles are often abandoned on or beside the road. Many people drive while intoxicated and do not follow the rules of the road. 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.

Marine transportation

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

Public transportation

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. Avoid all public transportation, especially shared taxis ("tap-taps") and buses.

Women's safety

Based on the crime situation of the Haiti, incidents of attacks and sexual assault against foreign women, including rape and murder might occur. Be extremely vigilant at isolated places and while dealing with strangers. Female visitors and residents should take care when walking or travelling alone even during daylight hours. Exercise a very high degree of precaution during travel.

Crime

Violent crime is common and criminals (including organized gangs) target foreigners due to their perceived wealth. 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. Target locations include bars, parks areas near major hotels, public transportation, including stations, currency exchange booths, shopping centers and markets. The capacity of police to respond to crimes and other incidents is limited. To minimize the risk of becoming a victim of crime do not walk or travel alone, especially at night be vigilant and keep your personal belongings, including passports and other documents, secure don't show signs of affluence avoid carrying large sums of money. Tactics used by criminals Men posing as police (in uniform) have committed robberies. If you're approached by a man in a police uniform, ask to see his police credentials. Men posing as "meet and greet" airport facilitators lure unsuspecting foreigners into cars and demand money. Make prior arrangements with your contacts and ask for identification upon arrival. Don't leave the airport with anyone who does not show you their identification. Bars and night clubs foreign men are targets for theft in bars, nightclubs and other drinking establishments. You may be approached by one or more women who want to go to your hotel room or apartment. The woman will then seek to provide access to your accommodation to men she is working with. In these situations, you could be robbed, physically assaulted and possibly blackmailed. To minimize safety risks at night, call a reputable taxi service in advance before leaving popular restaurants and places of recreation. Foreigners on foot, travelling alone or in small groups at night have been followed and robbed. Spiked food and drinks Never leave your food or drinks unattended or in the care of strangers. Be wary of accepting snacks, beverages, gum or cigarettes from new acquaintances, as the items may contain drugs that could put you at risk of sexual assault and robbery. Fraud Credit card, Internet and ATM fraud is common. Pay careful attention when your cards are being handled by others, use ATMs located in well-lit public areas or inside a bank or business avoids using card readers with an irregular or unusual feature cover the keypad with one hand when entering your PIN, check for any unauthorized transactions on your account statements.

LGBT

In Haiti, same-sex sexual activity is legal. However, the attitude of many Haitians to the LGBT community is hostile. LGBT travellers should be mindful of local attitudes and be aware that public displays of affection may attract unwanted and negative attention. Public displays of affection (such as hand-holding or kissing) between opposite or same-sex couples are uncommon.

Illegal drugs

Possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs can result in lengthy legal proceedings, heavy jail sentences and fines. Don't become involved with illegal drugs of any kind. Convicted offenders can expect lengthy legal proceedings, heavy jail sentences and fines. If you're caught in possession of drugs or suspected of drug trafficking, you may be arrested and jailed for weeks or months before appearing before a magistrate. Prison conditions in Haiti are very poor.

Driving

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