Haïti

1. Is it safe to travel to Haiti right now?
As of March 2025, the U.S. State Department has issued a Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory for Haiti due to risks of kidnapping, crime, and civil unrest, particularly in Port-au-Prince. However, some tourist areas like Labadee and Cap-Haïtien can be safer if you stick to guided tours, avoid protests, and follow local advice. Always check the latest travel advisories and have a contingency plan.

2. What are the top tourist attractions in Haiti?
Top attractions include the Citadelle Laferrière, a UNESCO World Heritage site in the north, and the nearby Sans-Souci Palace. Bassin Bleu in Jacmel offers stunning waterfalls, while Labadee provides beautiful beaches for cruise visitors. Port-au-Prince’s Iron Market and the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien (MUPANAH) are great for cultural immersion.

3. Do I need a visa to visit Haiti?
Most travelers, including U.S., Canadian, and EU citizens, can visit Haiti visa-free for up to 90 days with a valid passport. However, citizens of some countries like Colombia, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic need a visa unless they hold a valid U.S., Canadian, or Schengen visa/residence permit. Always confirm requirements with the Haitian Embassy before traveling.

4. What is the best time to visit Haiti?
The best time to visit Haiti is during the dry season, from November to March, when temperatures range from 66°F to 82°F (19°C to 28°C) and there’s less rainfall. The hurricane season, from June to November, brings heavy rains and potential storms, so it’s riskier for travel.

5. What are traditional Haitian foods to try?
Try griot (fried pork) with pikliz (spicy pickled vegetables), diri ak djon djon (black mushroom rice), and soup joumou (pumpkin soup), a dish tied to Haiti’s independence. For snacks, enjoy pate (savory pastries) and akasan (a cornmeal drink). Don’t miss Haitian rum like Barbancourt or a cup of local coffee.

6. What are the best cultural experiences in Haiti?
Experience a Vodou ceremony to understand Haiti’s spiritual traditions, visit during Carnival in Port-au-Prince or Jacmel (February) for vibrant parades, and explore the art scene in Jacmel’s galleries. The Rara music festivals, especially around Easter, offer a unique glimpse into Haitian street celebrations.

7. What languages are spoken in Haiti?
Haiti’s official languages are Haitian Creole and French. Creole is spoken by nearly all Haitians, while French is used in formal settings, education, and by about 42% of the population. English is limited, mostly spoken in tourist areas like Labadee, and Spanish may be heard near the Dominican border.

8. How can I travel around Haiti?
Public transport includes tap-taps (colorful shared taxis) and moto-taxis, costing $1–$5 for short trips, but they can be crowded. Renting a car with a driver is safer and costs $50–$100 per day. Domestic flights connect Port-au-Prince to Cap-Haïtien, though schedules can be unreliable. Walking in tourist areas is fine, but avoid isolated spots.

9. What are the best beaches in Haiti?
Labadee, a private resort area for cruise passengers, offers pristine beaches and water activities. Port-Salut in the south has calm, palm-lined shores like Pointe Sable. Jacmel’s Raymond Les Bains beach is popular for its colonial charm, and Île-à-Vache’s beaches, like Plage des Amoureux, are more secluded.

10. What should I know about Haiti’s history before visiting?
Haiti was the first Black-led republic, gaining independence from France in 1804 after a successful slave revolt led by Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines. The Citadelle Laferrière was built post-independence to defend against French return. Understanding this history, along with Haiti’s Taíno roots and Vodou traditions, enriches your visit.