Entry Requirements & Visas
New for 2026: Enhanced Security Screening
Due to ongoing security concerns, all travelers to Haiti must complete an online pre-arrival form and may face additional screening at ports of entry. This free process takes about 15 minutes and helps streamline immigration. Always check your government's travel advisory for the latest updates before booking.
Passport Requirements
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure from Haiti, with multiple blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
Ensure it meets biometric standards if applying for extensions, and carry photocopies in case of loss during travel.
Children under 18 traveling alone or with one parent need additional notarized consent forms to avoid delays at immigration.
Visa-Free Countries
Citizens of the US, Canada, EU countries, UK, Australia, and many Caribbean nations can enter Haiti visa-free for tourism or business stays up to 90 days.
Proof of onward travel, such as a return ticket, is required upon arrival to demonstrate your intent to leave within the allowed period.
Overstaying can result in fines or deportation, so monitor your dates closely during your visit.
Visa Applications
For nationalities requiring a visa, apply at a Haitian embassy or consulate with documents including a passport photo, invitation letter if applicable, proof of accommodation, and financial means (around $50/day).
The fee is typically $25-50, and processing can take 5-15 business days; expedited options may be available for an extra charge.
Business visas require additional company letters, while student visas need enrollment proof from Haitian institutions.
Border Crossings
Most arrivals are via Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, where immigration is straightforward but expect security checks due to regional instability.
Land borders with the Dominican Republic exist but are not recommended for casual travelers due to potential delays, safety risks, and required exit fees of about $20.
Sea arrivals via cruise ports like Labadee require pre-approval and may involve escorted transfers for safety.
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is mandatory and highly recommended, covering medical evacuation (essential given limited healthcare), trip interruptions, and theft, as Haiti faces natural disasters and civil unrest.
Policies should include coverage for adventure activities like hiking in Citadelle Laferrière; costs start at $10/day from international providers.
Verify that your policy covers the entire Caribbean region, including air ambulance services to nearby facilities in the US or Dominican Republic.
Extensions Possible
Visa-free stays can be extended up to 30 additional days by applying at the General Directorate for Immigration in Port-au-Prince before your initial period expires.
Fees range from $10-25, requiring proof of funds and a valid reason like extended tourism or family visits; approvals are not guaranteed.
Plan ahead as processing can take 3-7 days, and multiple extensions may lead to scrutiny upon future entries.
Money, Budget & Costs
Smart Money Management
Haiti uses the Haitian Gourde (HTG), but US Dollars (USD) are widely accepted in tourist areas. For the best exchange rates and lowest fees, use Wise to send money or convert currency - they offer real exchange rates with transparent fees, saving you money compared to traditional banks.
Daily Budget Breakdown
Money-Saving Pro Tips
Book Flights Early
Find the best deals to Port-au-Prince by comparing prices on Trip.com, Expedia, or CheapTickets.
Booking 2-3 months in advance can save you 30-50% on airfare, especially during the dry season when demand peaks.
Consider flights via Miami or Punta Cana for connecting options that often include better safety protocols.
Eat Like a Local
Dine at lakou (family-run eateries) for affordable Creole meals under $5, skipping resort restaurants to save up to 60% on food costs.
Fresh markets in Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien offer fruits, fried plantains, and pikliz at bargain prices for self-catering.
Opt for set lunches (plat du jour) which provide hearty portions of diri ak djon djon for just a few dollars.
Public Transport Passes
Use colorful tap-taps (shared minibuses) for cheap intra-city travel at $0.50-1 per ride, or negotiate moto-taxis for short distances.
For longer trips between cities like Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, group tours or shared vans cost $10-20, far less than private hires.
Avoid peak hours to dodge traffic and potential petty theft in crowded vehicles.
Free Attractions
Explore public beaches like those near Labadee, hike to Sans-Souci Palace ruins, or wander iron markets in Port-au-Prince, all at no cost for authentic cultural immersion.
Community vodou ceremonies or street festivals often welcome visitors without entry fees, offering deep insights into Haitian life.
Many national parks, such as La Visite, have free access points for birdwatching and nature trails.
Card vs Cash
Cash (USD or HTG) is king outside major hotels; ATMs are scarce and often charge high fees, so withdraw larger amounts sparingly.
Credit cards are accepted in upscale spots but carry them in a money belt due to pickpocketing risks in crowded areas.
Exchange USD at banks for better rates than street changers, and always count your change carefully.
Combo Tours & Discounts
Book multi-day cultural packages through local operators for bundled savings on sites like Citadelle Laferrière (entry $15, but tours $30 including transport).
Student or senior discounts apply at historical sites, and group bookings can reduce costs by 20-30%.
Look for eco-tourism initiatives that offer free community stays in exchange for volunteer work, extending your budget further.
Smart Packing for Haiti
Essential Items for Any Season
Clothing Essentials
Pack lightweight, breathable cotton clothes for the tropical heat, including long sleeves and pants for sun protection and mosquito-prone evenings.
Modest attire like knee-length skirts or shirts is respectful for visiting churches, markets, or rural communities; avoid revealing clothing in conservative areas.
Include quick-dry items for sudden rains and a scarf for dust or cultural events.
Electronics
Bring a Type A/B adapter for US-style outlets, a solar charger or power bank due to frequent blackouts, and a waterproof phone case for beach trips.
Download offline maps like Maps.me and translation apps for Haitian Creole; a portable Wi-Fi hotspot helps in areas with spotty coverage.
Pack extra batteries for cameras to capture vibrant street art and landscapes without interruption.
Health & Safety
Carry comprehensive insurance docs, a robust first-aid kit with anti-diarrheal meds, antibiotics, and vaccinations proof for yellow fever and hepatitis.
High-SPF sunscreen, DEET insect repellent, and water purification tablets are crucial against dengue and contaminated sources.
Include a personal alarm or whistle for security, and copies of your passport in a waterproof pouch.
Travel Gear
Opt for a durable daypack with anti-theft features for market explorations, a reusable water bottle with filter, and a lightweight hammock for beach lounging.
Pack small USD bills for tips and transactions, plus a money belt; include a headlamp for power outages in rural guesthouses.
Travel locks and a dry bag protect gear during boat trips to islands like Gonâve.
Footwear Strategy
Choose closed-toe sandals or lightweight hiking shoes for rugged trails to Bassin Bleu waterfalls and dusty roads in the north.
Water shoes are essential for coral reefs and rocky beaches; flip-flops suffice for urban areas but avoid them on hikes.
Pack moisture-wicking socks to combat humidity and prevent blisters from long walks in the heat.
Personal Care
Include travel-sized biodegradable soap, reef-safe shampoo, and moisturizer for dry, salty air; wet wipes are handy without reliable plumbing.
A compact umbrella or poncho handles afternoon showers, and electrolyte packets prevent dehydration in the humid climate.
Feminine hygiene products may be scarce outside cities, so pack extras along with any prescription meds in original packaging.
When to Visit Haiti
Dry Season (December-April)
The best time for travel with sunny days, low humidity, and temperatures of 25-30°C, ideal for exploring Citadelle Laferrière and beaches without rain interruptions.
Fewer mosquitoes mean safer outdoor activities like hiking in national parks; festivals like Carnival in Jacmel draw vibrant crowds but book early.
Accommodations are pricier during peak holidays like New Year's, but the clear weather enhances photography and cultural immersion.
Early Wet Season (May-June)
Warmer waters around 28°C lure divers to reefs near Île-à-Vache, with lush greenery from light rains and fewer tourists for a serene experience.
Temperatures hover at 30-32°C; it's great for waterfall swims but pack rain gear for afternoon showers that rarely last all day.
Lower prices on lodging make it budget-friendly, though monitor weather apps for early hurricane signals.
Late Wet Season (September-November)
Post-hurricane shoulder period offers dramatic landscapes with temperatures of 28-31°C and blooming flora, perfect for eco-tours in the Massif du Nord.
Rainfall tapers off, reducing mud on trails; harvest season brings fresh mangoes and community events with authentic local flavors.
Deals on flights and stays abound, but avoid if prone to seasickness due to choppier waters.
Hurricane Season Peak (July-August)
High humidity and 30-33°C heat with heavy rains make it challenging, but intrepid travelers enjoy empty beaches and discounted adventure sports like kitesurfing.
Stick to inland cultural sites like vodou temples during storms; it's the cheapest time but requires flexible plans and storm tracking.
Rich biodiversity peaks with bird migrations, rewarding nature lovers who brave the wetter conditions.
Important Travel Information
- Currency: Haitian Gourde (HTG); USD widely accepted in tourist areas. ATMs limited; carry small bills as change is scarce.
- Language: Haitian Creole and French are official. English spoken in hotels and by guides, but basic Creole phrases help in rural spots.
- Time Zone: Eastern Standard Time (EST), UTC-5 (no daylight saving)
- Electricity: 110V, 60Hz. Type A/B plugs (same as US/Canada)
- Emergency Number: 110 for police, fire, or medical emergencies; international lines to US embassies also available
- Tipping: Expected at 10-15% in restaurants and for guides/drivers; small tips (1-2 HTG) appreciated for porters
- Water: Not safe to drink from taps; use bottled or purified water to avoid gastrointestinal issues
- Pharmacies: Available in cities like Port-au-Prince; stock up on basics abroad as selections may be limited