Published: March 17, 2025
This report is intended to supplement the U.S. Department of State Haiti Travel Advisory and Haiti Country Information Page.
Embassy Contact Information
U.S. Embassy: Tabarre #41, Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince
Tel: +509-222-8000; After-hours Emergencies: +509-2229-8122
Hours: Monday-Friday, 0700-1530.
OSAC Country Chapter(s)
Contact OSAC’s Americas team with any questions.
Haiti Travel Advisory
The current U.S. Department of State Travel Advisory at the date of this report’s publication indicates that travelers should not travel to Haiti due to crime, unrest, poor health care infrastructure, and kidnapping.
Crime
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port-au-Prince as being a CRITICAL-threat location for crime directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Crime “C” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Haiti, indicating that there may be widespread violent crime and/or organized crime present in the country, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond to serious crimes.
Violent crime is rampant in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince, where the expansion of gang activity has led to widespread violence, kidnappings, and gender-based violence. Gangs often move into new neighborhoods, displacing local residents or fighting rival gangs with high levels of incidental violence. Gangs also control significant roads throughout the city, charging "tolls" for drivers, especially targeting delivery vehicles and fuel transportation. The United Nations estimates gangs control roughly 90% of Port-au-Prince.
Outside of Port-au-Prince, high levels of crime remain a concern, but gangs control less territory. U.S. travelers to Cap Haitien Jacmel, and elsewhere should still exercise increased caution about kidnapping, armed robbery, extortion, and crimes of opportunity.
Traditional tourist-oriented crimes (e.g., pickpocketing, purse snatching) are reported less frequently in Haiti than elsewhere in the region. This is due to a relative lack of tourism as well as underreporting. The most frequently reported crimes against U.S. nationals in Port-au-Prince are aggravated assaults and robberies that result in lost or stolen travel documents. Reports of robberies involving U.S. nationals increase around the holiday season, a time that correlates with an overall increase in visitor traffic.
Armed robberies against motorists and pedestrians continue to increase. The Department of State’s travel advisory also warns of robberies of travelers arriving from the airport Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport (PAP), or while entering or leaving hotels. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. Those leaving the airport or banks are vulnerable to robbery by motorcycle-mounted assailants who follow their victims a short distance to rob them in a less public area. Shootings during these incidents are common.
Residential theft (e.g., burglary, home invasion) trends over the past few years suggest a decline in traditional criminal burglary and a rise in home invasion, especially in the more affluent areas of upper Port-au-Prince. Assailants have little fear of resistance from residents, and do not appear to consider whether a resident is home. Criminals are not reluctant to use violence, and the vast majority will brandish a firearm, fire it randomly in the air, tie up their victim(s), and abscond with currency or a vehicle. Criminals do not seem overly concerned with police response, as they know none will dispatch quickly.
Vehicle break-ins and theft from occupied vehicles occur frequently. Unattended vehicles with visible valuables are especially targeted. There are also reports of pedestrians opening unlocked doors of idling vehicles and snatching valuables. When driving through market areas, traffic congestion provides multiple opportunities for criminals to approach vehicles on foot.
Port-au-Prince gangs have expanded operations outside of Port-au-Prince, leading to increased crime on major routes of travel. Smaller groups of criminals take advantage of social unrest and create barricades across roadways to extort anyone trying to pass. The Haitian National Police (HNP) and Kenyan led Multi-National Force have a limited ability to respond to this widespread phenomenon.
Homicides continue to be a major concern. In 2024, there were 5600 reported homicides (a 83% increase from 2023), with the vast majority occurring in West Department, which includes Port-au-Prince.
Kidnapping Threat
The U.S. Department of State has included a Kidnapping “K” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Haiti, indicating that criminal or terrorist individuals or groups have threatened to and/or have seized or detained and threatened to kill, injure, or continue to detain individuals to compel a third party (including a governmental organization) to do or abstain from doing something as a condition of release.
According to a report by the United Nations, the number of kidnappings in Haiti rose from 2400 reported in 2023, to 1500 reported in 2024 – representing a significant decrease, likely due to the presence of Kenyan forces.
There are very few discernable patterns in these kidnappings with regards to timing, location, or potential target. Kidnappings have occurred during the day and night, victimizing U.S., Haitian, and third-country citizens alike. The primary motivation for kidnapping in Haiti is ransom.
While there is no reason to believe that U.S. citizens are specific targets, perceived affluence is always a risk factor in criminal targeting. KFR in Haiti appears to be largely based on opportunity; anyone can be a target if they are in the wrong place at the wrong time. Organizations operating in Haiti should take extra precautions to lower their profile and protect their personnel by considering the anti-kidnapping precautions detailed below.
Terrorism
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port-au-Prince as being a LOW-threat location for terrorism directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Terrorism “T” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Haiti.
There is no general threat from terrorism in Haiti.
Political Violence and Civil Unrest
The U.S. Department of State has assessed Port-au-Prince as being a CRITICAL-threat location for political violence directed at or affecting official U.S. government interests.
The U.S. Department of State has included a Civil Unrest “U” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Haiti, indicating that demonstrations, protests, and/or strikes occur frequently, and/or that local law enforcement may have limited ability to respond adequately. Civil unrest can develop quickly without prior notice, often interrupting logistics and services. Avoid demonstration activity, as even those planned to remain peaceful have the potential to turn violent.
Elections/Political Stability
Following the assassination of President Moïse and the assumption of power by Prime Minister Ariel Henry in 2021, the Citizen Conference for a Haitian Solution to the Crisis (widely known as the Montana Group) proposed a two-year interim government which would be led by a president and a prime minister, with oversight committees, to restore order, administer elections, and create a truth and justice commission to address past human rights violations.
While Prime Minister Henry initially agreed to the terms of the Montana Group, he negotiated a longer term and served until his resignation in April 2024. Following his resignation, the interim government did not appoint a replacement until November 2024 when Alix Didier Fils-Aimé was appointed, promising to restore order and combat gang violence.
Protests & Demonstrations
Anti-government political demonstrations continued to pose a security threat. In the past, protesters have barricaded streets with burning tires, stoned the windows of passing vehicles, and shot at police trying to dismantle barricades. Because of prevalent street violence, protests downtown have decreased in rate and intensity.
Civil unrest, either motivated by political or socio-economic issues, occurs frequently in downtown Port-au-Prince around the National Palace, the Champ de Mars, and the State University campuses, along with sporadic incidents scattered throughout the city. More protest activity occurred in other cities across Haiti, as well as along primary roads. There is a potential for spontaneous protests and public demonstrations. Any demonstration can turn violent, and bystanders can easily find themselves in a clash between demonstrators and the HNP including rock throwing, tire burning, or roadblocks.
In August 2024, protestors demanding action against criminals in Port-au-Prince were confronted by police, resulting in violent clashes that injured more than 200.
Avoid all demonstrations and be prepared to seek alternate routes should you encounter one.
Anti-U.S./Anti-Western Sentiment
Overall, there is little anti-U.S./Western sentiment, but there has been a slight uptick in anti-imperial rhetoric related to U.S support for Ariel Henry. In 2020, the U.S. Embassy experienced 17 demonstrations targeting the Embassy, the majority of which involved demonstrators protesting Haitian President Moïse and perceived U.S. support for his administration. Crowds ranged between 25 and 300, and a few protests resulted in HNP dispersing the crowds with tear gas. In mid-March 2021, the use of #FreeHaiti emerged on social media criticizing U.S. and western policy toward Haiti. The use of the hashtag has diminished, but commentary on U.S. Embassy social media tends to skew negative. Recent commentary criticizing the U.S. has focused on insecurity in Port-au-Prince and the lack of U.S. efforts to improve the security situation.
There have been no recent instances of anti-U.S. protests, and U.S. support for the multinational policing force has resulted in greater support from Haitian nationals.
Law Enforcement
The Haitian National Police, an autonomous civilian institution led by a Director General under the authority of the Minister of Justice and Public Security, is responsible for maintaining public security. The Haitian National Police includes police, corrections, fire, emergency response, airport security, port security, and coast guard functions. The Ministry of Justice and Public Security, through its minister and the secretary of state for public security, provides oversight to the Haitian National Police. The Superior Council of the National Police, chaired by the prime minister, provides strategic guidance. The Superior Council includes the director general and the chief inspector general of the Haitian National Police, the minister of the interior, and the minister of justice and public security. Civilian authorities at times did not maintain effective control over the security forces. There were reports members of the security forces committed abuses.
In 2024, over 1000 foreign security personnel were deployed to augment the HNP in anti-gang operations. However, reports show the Kenyan force has been ineffective in making significant gains against organized criminal elements.
Haiti’s security forces are frequently overwhelmed by the large amounts of gang violence. Security forces reported a lack of resources provided to law enforcement resulted in the killing of 2 HNP officers in September 2024 and a Kenyan officer in February 2025.
Police Response
Approximately two-thirds of HNP officers serve in the greater Port-au-Prince metropolitan area (home to just over one-quarter of the country). As a result, some communities do not have reliable means to report crimes. The HNP has a limited response capability, which hinders the deterrent effect on criminals, who operate without fear of the uniformed or traffic police. Lack of resources frequently limits investigations.
Haitians, particularly outside of Port-au-Prince, lack basic policing services. Many residents do not report crime. Underreporting or inaccurate reporting of crime appears to be an issue, partly due to the decentralized nature of the HNP commissariats and the perception that judicial or investigative follow-up is ineffective. The HNP enjoys a higher level of trust from the general population than other government agencies. Recent HNP progress in skill building is noteworthy. However, investigative capacities are overtaxed and remain mostly centralized in Port-au-Prince. The judiciary system has struggled for decades to demonstrate strength and reliability. Be respectful and comply with local police authority.
Travelers with Special Considerations
For specific traveler concerns in Haiti, review the local laws and circumstances on the Department of State’s Country Information Page.
Rule of Law, Arbitrary Detention, Official Harassment, Corruption, & Transparency
The U.S. Department of State has not included a Risk of Wrongful Detention “D” Indicator on the Travel Advisory for Haiti.
Haitian law prohibits arbitrary arrest and detention but does not provide for the right of any person to challenge in court the lawfulness of his or her arrest or detention. The constitution stipulates that authorities may arrest a person only if the person is apprehended during the commission of a crime, or if the arrest is based on a warrant issued by a competent official such as a justice of the peace or a magistrate. Authorities must bring the detainee before a judge within 48 hours of arrest. By routinely holding prisoners in prolonged pretrial detention, authorities often fail to comply with these requirements. Local human rights groups report detainees are often held in detention after completing their sentences due to difficulty obtaining release orders from the prosecutor’s office.
Haiti’s legal system often presents challenges for those seeking to resolve legal disputes. There are persistent allegations that some Haitian officials use their public office to influence commercial dispute outcomes for personal gain. However, with international assistance, the Haitian government is actively working to increase the credibility of the judiciary and the capacity of the HNP.
Haitian law, applicable to individuals and financial institutions, criminalizes corruption and money laundering. Bribes or attempted bribes toward a public official are a criminal act and are punishable by the criminal code for one to three years of imprisonment. The law also contains provisions for the forfeiture and seizure of assets. In practice, however, it has been reported that the law has rarely been applied.
Corruption, including bribery, raises the costs and risks of doing business in Haiti. U.S. firms have complained that corruption is a major obstacle to effective business operation in Haiti. They frequently point to requests for payment by customs officials to clear import shipments as examples of solicitation for bribes.
Cybersecurity
Haiti struggles with low internet connectivity rates and weak cyber infrastructure. Many foreign entities use satellite-based internet solutions while in Haiti.
Import/Export Restrictions
To import weapons, waste, drugs, and agricultural products into Haiti, the importer must have authorization from the Haitian government. Items prohibited for import into Haiti include materials of a pornographic nature; military equipment, including tanks, armored vehicles and parts, warships and lifeboats; arms and ammunition not intended for government use; narcotics; and equipment to be used to manufacture or print counterfeit currency or securities. It is illegal to import used shoes and used clothing; nonetheless, used clothing imports constitute a lucrative business in Haiti, particularly from the United States and the Dominican Republic.
Prescription pharmaceutical drugs are in short supply in Haiti, so travelers should carry ample supplies of personal medication. Medication should be transported in its original packaging. The government of Haiti does not have export controls for any items which are not otherwise illegal to possess or trade.
A country-specific listing of items/goods prohibited from being exported to the country or that are otherwise restricted is available from the U.S. International Trade Agency website.
Additional resources and reports can be found in the OSAC Traveler Toolkit.
