The U.S. Department of State issues a Level 4 travel warning for Haiti amid rising violence and political instability.
At a Glance
- Haiti is under a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory involving kidnappings and armed robberies.
- The country has been under a State of Emergency since March 2024.
- Kidnapping incidents include U.S. citizens among the victims.
- The U.S. government has limited ability to assist U.S. citizens in Haiti.
- Severe shortages of essential resources exacerbate the crisis.
Level 4 Travel Advisory Due to Rising Crime
The U.S. Department of State has issued a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” warning for Haiti due to escalating incidents of kidnappings, armed robberies, and assaults. These threats pose significant risks even to U.S. citizens. The advisory highlights the prevalence of crimes involving firearms, including robbery, carjackings, and sexual assaults.
The Department of State has emphasized the need for travelers to avoid demonstrations, arrange airport transfers in advance, and refrain from sharing personal information with unauthorized individuals during their stay. The advisory underscores the likelihood of encountering protests, demonstrations, and roadblocks, which can rapidly turn violent. The U.S. embassy mandates its staff to use only authorized transportation to and from the airport to mitigate such risks.
Haiti: We are monitoring localized outbreaks of gang-led violence in Port-au-Prince and surrounding areas. Gang-led violence, including occasionally intense gunfire, can occur in any area of Haiti and can involve risks of being struck by stray bullets. In the coming days, we… pic.twitter.com/KkIGllEd9R
— Travel – State Dept (@TravelGov) July 31, 2024
Sustained State of Emergency and Limited Assistance
Haiti has been operating under a State of Emergency since March 2024. Crimes involving firearms and kidnappings for ransom are commonplace. Despite the presence of interim officials, Edgard Gardy Leblanc Fils and Fritz Belizaire, Haiti struggles with political instability following the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse in 2021. The situation remains volatile, and the international community’s intervention has yielded minimal improvement.
The U.S. government has few resources to assist its citizens within Haiti. Thus, travelers are advised to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) and continuously follow updates from the Department of State on social media. Additionally, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince can be contacted for assistance, although their capabilities are constrained.
Shortages and Restrictions Intensify the Crisis
The crisis in Haiti includes acute shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies. The public infrastructure continues to deteriorate, complicating the already dire situation. The U.S. government personnel in Haiti are subjected to a nightly curfew and restricted movement to ensure their safety. They are prohibited from using public transportation, visiting banks, driving at night, and traveling without prior approval.
Travelers to Haiti are urged to purchase travel insurance that includes medical evacuation coverage, thoroughly review the Country Security Report, and prepare a contingency plan for emergencies. Amidst the severe violence, instability, and approaching famine, the Biden administration’s call to redesignate Haiti for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) highlights the depth of the humanitarian crisis, urging deportations to cease to prevent further human suffering.
