Haiti

The Land of Spirit
and Strength

Flag of Haiti

Haiti, located on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean, is known for its vibrant culture, resilient spirit, and stunning mountainous landscapes. Its capital, Port-au-Prince, is a center for Haitian art, with colorful murals, bustling markets, and historic sites. Haiti’s natural beauty includes rugged mountains, picturesque beaches, and hidden waterfalls.

The culture blends African, French, and indigenous Taíno influences, seen in its music, dance, and unique art forms like vodou art and ironwork. Haitian cuisine is flavorful and hearty, with dishes like griot (fried pork) and diri ak djon djon (rice with mushrooms). Haiti offers a rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Travel Documents

Documents

Toll

Driving

Currency

Laws

Legal

Safety

Flights

Travel Documents

Travel Documents: What You Need to Know

Passport Requirements

  • Non-EU/EEA/Swiss citizens: A valid passport is generally required for entry into Haiti.
  • Passport validity: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned stay in Haiti.

Visa Requirements

  • Visa-exempt countries: Citizens from these nations can enter Haiti with a valid passport and stay for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without a visa (e.g., USA, UK, Canada, most EU countries).
  • Visa-required countries: Travelers from these nations must possess a valid passport and obtain a visa prior to entering Haiti (e.g., India, China – check specific requirements).

Special Entry Provisions

  • Holders of valid, multiple-entry Schengen visas (previously used in a Schengen state) do not automatically qualify for entry without a visa unless their nationality is exempt.
  • Citizens with valid, multiple-entry US or UK visas (previously used in the issuing country) can enter without a Haitian visa if from visa-exempt countries; otherwise, a visa is required.
  • Holders of valid residence permits from Schengen states, the US, or the UK can enter without a visa if from visa-exempt countries; check specific exemptions.

ID Card Entry

  • The following citizens can enter Haiti using only a valid national ID card:
    • None; a passport is required for all entrants (no regional ID agreements apply).

Visa Types

  • Type "C" Visa: Allows entry and stay for 90 days within 180 days. Can be single, double, or multiple entry, with validity up to 5 years.
  • Type "D" Visa: For stays longer than 90 days within 180 days. Valid for one year with a 90-day stay period, allowing application for a residence permit.

Important Links

Additional Considerations

  • Length of stay: Visa-free stays are typically limited to 90 days within a 180-day period (no extensions commonly granted).
  • Purpose of visit: Different rules may apply for work, study, or long-term stays (e.g., work/residency permits).
  • COVID-19 measures: Always check for current health-related entry requirements or restrictions.
Toll

Driving in Haiti

Current Toll Roads
As of 2025, Haiti does not have well-established toll roads due to limited infrastructure. The main route often cited is:

  • Route Nationale 1 (RN1): Connecting Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien (no formal tolls currently, though informal fees may apply in some areas).

Toll Rates and Payment

  • Toll rates are not officially standardized as of 2025. For updates on potential future toll roads, visit the official Haitian Road Authority website: https://www.mtptc.gouv.ht/ (information may be limited).
  • Payment Methods:
    • Cash: Haitian Gourde (HTG) or U.S. Dollar (USD) may be accepted at informal checkpoints; no formal toll booths exist widely.
    • Credit/Debit Cards: Not applicable for tolls yet.
    • Electronic Toll Collection: No e-toll system is currently implemented. Check https://www.mtptc.gouv.ht/ for updates.

Driving in Haiti

  • Drive on the right side of the road.
  • Seat belts are mandatory for all vehicle occupants (enforcement is lax).
  • Speed limits:
    • Urban areas: 40 km/h
    • Rural roads: 80 km/h
    • Highways: 100 km/h (rarely enforced due to road conditions)
  • Road conditions vary; exercise extreme caution, especially on rural roads or during rainy seasons due to poor maintenance and potholes.
  • International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended alongside your national driver’s license; foreign licenses are technically valid for up to 90 days, but an IDP is advised due to local enforcement practices.

Important Considerations

  • Vignette System: Haiti is considering implementing a vignette system for road use, though infrastructure challenges persist. Check https://www.mtptc.gouv.ht/ for the latest information.
  • Road Safety: Haiti has limited road safety measures; remain vigilant at all times, especially at night or in areas with security concerns.
  • GPS and Maps: GPS is unreliable due to poor infrastructure; keep an updated physical map as a backup, especially in rural areas like the Central Plateau.
  • Emergency Number: Dial 114 for emergencies (police); service may be unreliable.

Useful Links

Haiti Currency

The official currency of Haiti is the Haitian Gourde (HTG).

Key Information

  • Banknotes: 10, 20, 50, 100, 250, 500, 1000 HTG
  • Coins: 5, 10, 20, 50 centimes; 1, 5 HTG
  • Symbol: G (sometimes written as HTG)

Currency Exchange

  • Exchange services available at banks, airports, and major hotels. U.S. dollars (USD) are widely accepted, often preferred in tourist areas.
  • ATMs are scarce and unreliable, especially outside Port-au-Prince; bring cash to exchange.

Payment Methods

  • Cash (HTG or USD) is preferred, especially in rural areas and small businesses.
  • Credit/debit cards accepted in some cities, hotels, and larger establishments; usage is limited due to infrastructure constraints.

Travel Tips

  • Inform your bank of travel plans.
  • Carry ample cash (USD preferred) for small purchases and rural areas; small denominations are useful due to limited change.
  • Check for currency conversion fees when using cards (rarely applicable).
  • For current exchange rates, visit the Bank of the Republic of Haiti website: https://www.brh.ht/
Laws

Legal Essentials for Traveling in Haiti

Understanding local laws and regulations is crucial for a safe and compliant visit. Below are key legal considerations for travellers in Haiti, updated as of 2025.

Local Laws & Restrictions

  • Drugs: Strict penalties for possession or trafficking, including lengthy prison sentences. Even small quantities can lead to criminal charges.
  • Alcohol & Smoking:
    • Public intoxication is frowned upon.
    • Smoking banned in indoor public spaces (enforcement is inconsistent).
  • Cultural Sensitivities: Avoid discussing political instability, gang violence, or Haitian-Dominican relations casually.
  • LGBTIQ+ Rights: Same-sex relationships are legal, but same-sex marriage is not recognized. Public displays of affection may attract unwanted attention, especially outside tourist areas.
  • Photography: Restricted near military sites or critical infrastructure (e.g., ports, government buildings). Always ask permission for portraits of locals, particularly in rural or sensitive areas.

Duty-Free Limits

  • Alcohol: 1L spirits | Tobacco: 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars.
  • Cash: Declare amounts over USD 10,000 (or equivalent).

Prohibited Items

  • Narcotics, weapons, endangered species products (e.g., turtle items).
  • Counterfeit goods (may face fines or confiscation).

Luggage Issues

  • Report lost/damaged luggage within 21 days via a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) at the airport (service may be limited).

Complaints

  • Submit grievances to the Haitian Ministry of Tourism or local police (response may be slow due to resource constraints).

Beach Access

  • Public beaches must allow free access within 2.5 meters of the shoreline. Wheelchair access is legally mandated in tourist areas like Labadee (enforcement is rare).

Key Resources

Haiti Travel Safety

Haiti has safety challenges for travellers due to ongoing instability, with high crime rates in some areas but a reputation for resilience and culture. Travellers should remain highly aware of health precautions, road safety, and emergency protocols.

Safety Overview

  • Crime: Petty theft (e.g., pickpocketing) is possible in crowded areas like markets or public transport in Port-au-Prince. Violent crime against tourists is uncommon in secured tourist zones (e.g., Labadee) but a risk in urban and rural areas; exercise extreme caution.
  • Solo/Female Travelers: Haiti can be safe in controlled tourist areas with precautions; locals may be helpful, but avoid isolated areas at all times, especially at night.
  • Road Safety:
    • Driving is challenging due to aggressive drivers, poor road conditions, and lack of signage.
    • Avoid night driving in mountainous or rural areas like the Massif de la Hotte.
    • Seat belts and helmets (for motorbikes) are mandatory (enforcement is minimal).

Health Risks

  • Food/Water Safety:
    • Avoid tap water; drink bottled water.
    • Practice safe eating habits to prevent travellers’ diarrhea.
  • Vaccinations:
    • Recommended: Hepatitis A, tetanus, COVID-19, and rabies (for long-term stays).
    • Yellow Fever: Required only if arriving from a risk country.
  • Insect-Borne Diseases:
    • Use insect repellent to guard against dengue, Zika, or malaria in coastal and rural areas.
  • Altitude Sickness:
    • Risk exists in areas above 2,500 meters (e.g., Pic la Selle at 2,680 meters). Ascend gradually and stay hydrated.

Medical Facilities

  • Hospitals: Private facilities like Hôpital Bernard Mevs in Port-au-Prince offer basic care for foreigners; advanced care is limited island-wide.
  • Pharmacies: Available in cities but carry limited medications; bring essentials.
  • Insurance: Ensure coverage includes medical evacuation (highly recommended due to limited healthcare).

Emergency Contacts

  • General Emergency: 114 (police); 116 (ambulance); 118 (fire) – service may be unreliable.
  • Ambulance: 116 | Fire: 118 | Police: 114.
  • Tourist Police (Port-au-Prince): +509 3838 1111 (limited availability).

Travel Tips

  • Roads: Rent a 4x4 for rural/mountainous areas like Jacmel. Check insurance coverage for rentals (availability limited).
  • Hiking: Use local guides for remote trails (e.g., Citadelle Laferrière).
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Avoid discussing political unrest or poverty.
  • Air Quality: Pollution can be moderate in Port-au-Prince; monitor via the World Air Quality Index.

Key Links

Flying to Haiti

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