where should i visit in haiti

Things to do in Haiti in a 1-week itinerary

By Joan Torres Leave a comment Last updated on April 11, 2024

Dreamy landscapes and beaches, world-class architectural delights and the most authentic West African culture in the heart of the Caribbean.

Few travelers know about any of the places to visit in Haiti, yet this is truly the most unique destination in the Americas, packed with exciting sites offering thrilling backpacking adventures.

After spending 10 traveling around the country, here’s a comprehensive 7-day , safe itinerary containing the best things to see and do in Haiti.

For all practical information including visas, safety, local culture, etc., check our travel guide to Haiti .

In this Haiti itinerary, you will find:

Table of Contents

• Accommodation
• Day 1 – Traveling from Santo Domingo to Cap-Haïtien
• Day 2 – Exploring Cap-Haïtien
• Day 3 – Day trip to Citadelle la Ferrière
• Day 4 – Hiking to Labadee
• Day 5 – Travel from Cap-Haïtien to Port au Prince
• Day 6 – Port-au-Prince
• Day 7 – Mirelabais and Dominican Republic
• More Information

Remember to get travel insurance for Haiti IATI Insurance is one of the very few that covers travel in Haiti 5% discount if purchasing via this link

🏨 Accommodation: where to stay at the places you visit in Haiti

Where to stay in santo domingo.

Near the station for buses to Haiti: Torres Apart Studio

Although this place is nothing special, it’s relatively well-priced and ideally located next to the bus terminal for buses going to Haiti.

In the Zona Colonial, near tourist sites: La Puerta Roja Guest House

Cheap, and very well located. This beautiful guest house is an excellent place to stay.

Where to stay in Cap-Haïtien: Habitation des Lauriers

This is the best place to stay in Cap-Haïtien. The rooms are basic and a bit expensive, but that’s what you always get in Haiti, and this accommodation offers the added benefit of having staff who speak English. You can also pay by card and exchange money.

The views are amazing too, overlooking Cap-Haïtien.

Where to stay in Port-au-Prince: Allamanda Hotel

Pétionville is the safest area in the capital, and the only place where you should book a hotel.

This one is one of the best choices in town.

🛖 Things to do with Haiti in a 7-day itinerary

Here’s everything you can visit in Haiti in 1 week.

Map of things to do in Haiti

Day 1 – Traveling from Santo Domingo to Cap-Haïtien

I overlanded into Haiti from Dominican Republic and that’s what most travelers do, so our Haiti itinerary will focus on this area.

In any case, remember that both Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien have an international airport with connections to different cities in the USA – especially Miami – but flights tend to be more expensive than any flight into Santo Domingo.

The best way to travel from Dominican Republic to Haiti is by taking the direct bus that runs from Santo Domingo to Cap-Haïtien via Santiago de los Caballeros.

A bus also goes to Port-au-Prince, but this Haiti travel itinerary will instead focus on the other route.

Step 1: Head to the bus terminal at least one day before your intended date of departure

The bus company going to Haiti is called Caribbean Tours , and the terminal is located here .

Buses to Cap-Haïtien depart in the morning, between 7am and 8:30am.

Tickets do sell out, so try to get there at least one day before to book your ticket and find out the actual time of departure.

A one-way ticket costs 30-35 USD. This can be paid in Dominican Pesos too.

Step 2: On the day of departure, go to the terminal to catch the bus and pay the respective border fees

To exit Dominican Republic by land, some border fees apply and you must pay these before boarding the bus.

Border fees cost 37 USD, and must be paid in USD.

If you don’t have US dollars on you, there’s a money exchange office on the first floor of the bus terminal, where they will exchange your Dominican Pesos into USD at a pretty fair rate.

Note that the office will most likely be closed by the time you get there, so make sure to buy your $ the day before.

The bus journey officially takes 7 – 8 hours although it can easily take up to 12. Factors for potential delays include border crossing mishaps, but also bus breakdowns.

The bus has a pretty long stopover in a city called Santiago de los Caballeros.

They do also serve a meal on board consisting of Dominican-style grilled meat and rice, which I found to be particularly awful.

Step 3: Dominican Republic-Haiti border crossing

The border is a bit chaotic but there’s an attendant/tour leader on the bus who will probably guide you through, including paying the mentioned border fees.

On the Haitian side, some locals will offer to help you with filling out the forms – looking for a tip – but just ignore them.

Step 4 – Arriving in Cap-Haïtien

The bus will drop you at this terminal .

I arrived at around 7pm, when it was already dark. Actually, it was really dark, since the street lights weren’t on, which happens pretty much all over Haiti.

At the station, you’ll find plenty of motorbike taxis but the hotel I stayed at, Habitation des Lauriers, is just 1.7km from here, so I decided to walk.

Day 2 – Exploring Cap-Haïtien

Cap Haïtien is the second most important city after Port-au-Prince, housing the top tourist attractions in all Haiti.

Furthermore, from a historical perspective, the area is far more significant than the capital, for the following reasons:

• It was here in Cap-Haïtien – in Bord de Mer de Limonade, just outside of the city – where Colombus built the first settlement ever in the New World.
• The area was the epicentre of the slaves’ revolt against their French overlords.
• Cap Haïtien served as the French headquarters during colonial rule.

From the Habitation des Lauriers hotel, you get the best views of the city’s skyline, so there isn’t a better place to start your day.

Other than that, Cap-Haïtien is a pleasant city to walk around while checking out some pretty cool local markets and old colonial French architecture.

Things to do in Cap-Haïtien

Place d’Armes & Notre Dame Cathedral: the central square with its respective cathedral, colonial buildings and gingerbread houses.

Iron Market: East of Place d’Armes, the Iron Market covers several streets of the city grid. It’s a bustling, fascinating market, something you won’t see anywhere else in the Americas, and very similar to local markets in West Africa.

Around Place de la Résistance: This is a pretty random place that won’t be mentioned in any guidebooks, but at the entrance to the city, just before reaching the bridge, there’s a huge outdoor market, one that tourists never see and the best place in Haiti for people-watching. This market is located almost right on the beach, and it reflects the typical images we see of Haiti on the news: absolutely massive piles of rubbisha being dragged away by the ocean waves.

Half-day trip from Cap-Haïtien: Bois Caïman

Bois Caïman is one of the most important places in Haiti .

On 14th August 1791, a group of black slaves from the sugar plantations of Cap-Haïtien and nearby areas gathered at a site called Bois Caïman to perform a Vodou ceremony, while also planning a mass uprising that quickly turned into the Haitian Revolution which freed the country from its French overlords.

Bois Caïman is located 10km from Cap-Haïtien.

How to visit Bois Caïman

If you want to do it the backpacking – hard – way, first take a tap tap towards Vaudreuil. From there, it’s a 2km walk to the actual village, but you can also catch a taxi motorbike.

In the village, there’s a painting and memorial of the Haitian Revolution and you can visit the actual cave where the Vodou ceremony took place, and where rituals are still held.

Day 3 – Day trip to Citadelle la Ferrière

In my opinion, Citadelle la Ferrière is the most beautiful place to visit in Haiti.

Less than 20km from Cap Haïtien, there’s a place called Milot, a rural town home to an absolutely astonishing fortress built on top of a mountain with superb views of the mountains around the region.

This is the largest fortress in the whole American continent, and a symbol of Haiti’s independence, built by black slaves who had gained their freedom – the first of its kind – and the reason Citadelle la Ferrière is today a UNESCO World Heritage site , and the most famous place to visit in Haiti.

It was built in the 19th century, commissioned by Haitian revolutionary Henri Christophe, and aiming to at thwart potential French invasions.

How to get to Citadelle la Ferrière

1 – Take a tap tap to Milot

The tap tap station for Milot is located here .

It costs around 100 Gourdes per person.

2 – Arriving in Milot and ticket office

Upon arriving in Milot, you will be approached by particularly intense young men on their motorbikes wanting to take you up to the Citadel. They won’t leave you alone.

The ticket office for going up to the fortress is 10-15 minutes away from the tap tap drop-off point.

The guys on the motorbikes will most likely follow you all the way there, insisting on taking you to the top.

The entrance fee to the Citadel is 1000 Gourdes.

3 – Going up to the Citadel.

Going to the top of the Citadel on foot is possible, but it would take a few hours.

Instead, you can hire someone to take you there on a motorbike, and a round-trip ticket should cost no more than 1000 Gourdes but you’ll probably have to bargain a bit.

Motorbikes can’t make it all the way to the top, so the last 1 or 2 kilometres must be done on foot. Lazier travelers can opt to ride a horse too.

Day 4 – Hiking to Labadee

Many travelers agree that Labadee is the most beautiful place to visit in Haiti.

Labadee is the bit of coast west of Cap-Haïtien, on the other side of the small peninsula.

This is the best stretch of coast in the country, not only for its white-sand beaches and crystal-clear waters, but also because it’s impeccably clean and plastic-free, something hard to find in Haiti.

Labadee is in fact a pretty laid back settlement, more notably known for being home to a tourist resort named after the village.

This resort is an essential part of the itinerary for many Caribbean cruises sailing past the islands.

But don’t worry, the resort is a bit far from the village and nobody is allowed to enter unless they are a cruise passenger. Moreover, cruise passengers are either not interested in leaving the resort or they just think it’s too dangerous.

Actually, you won’t even notice there’s a resort here unless you climb one of the hills or come from Cap-Haïtien on foot.

How to visit Labadee

The 10km hike that follows the coast from Cap-Haïtien to Labadee is an excellent day trip, and one of the best things to do in Haiti.

By the way, you can also get there by motorbike taxi, but you’ll be missing a lot of things on the way.

To hike to Labadee, you’ll first have to climb a hill through a slum, so there are no marked streets either, and it’s easy to get lost. In my experience, however, locals were pretty helpful in pointing me in the right direction.

You need to start climbing somewhere around here .

Once you leave the slum, you’ll get to the main road, and then you just need to follow the trail.

Things to do in Labadee

As mentioned, Labadee is a small settlement. There’s a small centre, the commercial area where locals gather and you can get a drink.

From there, local boats depart to different beaches and settlements in the peninsula. A one-way ride costs the equivalent of 1 or 2 USD.

I took the boat to a beach named Belly Beach. There’s a bar here, where you can order drinks and seafood. It wasn’t busy when I was there, and everyone was either wealthy Haitians or crew members from the cruise ship.

Day 5 – Travel from Cap-Haïtien to Port au Prince

I recommend visiting Port-au-Prince only if you have a good local contact, otherwise, I think it’s too dangerous to go.

Everyone in Cap-Haïtien will think that you are crazy wanting to travel to Port-au-Prince.

Maybe they’re right, I don’t know.

They will even say it’s not possible to travel there by land, declaring that road access into the capital is controlled by the gangs.

I actually believed them, so I decided to flew in instead.

Domestic flights are run by a local airline called Sunrise Airways, and the Cap-Haïtien – Port-au-Prince route is a short 30-minute flight.

However, it was after booking my ticket that I learn from my local contact in Port-au-Prince that buses do run regularly between the major cities, although they take a different route.

In any case, remember that the bus journey takes around 9 hours.

Day 6 – Port-au-Prince

Remember that there is basically a civil war going on in Port-au-Prince. Some places like Pétionville are safe but to go further afield, you must go with someone who knows their way.

The capital of Haiti is one of the most chaotic cities I’ve ever been. It is said that the city’s infrastructure can only accommodate a quarter of its total population, and what existing infrastructure there is isn’t great either, built in a city that has been crumbling since the earthquake in 2010 .

Port-au-Prince is dusty and extremely noisy, with piles of rubbish and extreme poverty filling all the streets.

To be completely honest, this isn’t a destination for most travelers although Against the Compass readers may find a certain appeal in its chaos, art scene and particular nightlife.

Port-au-Prince is an unmissable place to see in Haiti, and it’s sure not to disappoint you.

By the way, when visiting Port-au-Prince, you must stay only in Pétionville, the safest area in the city, and the only place where you can walk around freely. A good place to stay is Allamanda Hotel .

Things to do in Port-au-Prince

Pétionville: Originally a residential suburb in the mountains, Pétionville flourished after the 2010 earthquake, becoming the most prominent neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince, housing the best restaurants and hotels. This is a safe area to walk around, and one where you can enjoy a lively market, a beautiful street where they sell pieces of local art, and numerous bars and restaurants.

Atis Rezistants: A workshop where they create art out of trash, mainly Haitian Vodou-related pieces. This was one of the most interesting places to visit in Haiti.

The National Pantheon Museum : Among other things, this museum features the anchor from Santa Maria , the largest boat used during Christopher Columbus’ expedition to the New World, back in 1492. Remember that the first place there ever set foot on was in today’s Haiti.

Check our travel guide for more information.


Cité Soleil: The poorest slum in all of the Americas and one of the largest in the world.

How to visit Cité Soleil

The most infamous place to visit in Haiti is Cité Soleil.

Cité Soleil is perhaps the most dangerous place in the Americas, and far more dangerous that infamous destinations such as Syria , Yemen or Afghanistan . The reason is that today, Cité Soleil is a battlefield for gangs trying to kill each other on an almost daily basis.

Despite the current situation, however, I did visit Cité Soleil with the help of a local fixer who personally knows the gangs controlling the area, and I actually had the chance to meet the sub-chief of G-PEP.

They showed me around the slum, we had a few beers with some gang members then left after 2 hours.

2 things I want to highlight:

Firstly, that I’ve never felt so intimated in my life as, the time I visited Cité Soleil. Upon arriving at the main gang checkpoint to enter the slum, a group of extremely young Haitians came running towards us, but as soon as they saw our fixer, they all calmed down.

It’s important to highlight that unlike checkpoints in Iraq for example, these Haitians do actually use their guns every other day.

Second, kindly note that I won’t be sharing my fixer’s contact details as I don’t want Cité Soleil to become a playground for backpackers since eventually, someone will get shot and I really don’t want to be involved. Street shootings do occur every every day and stray bullets are a thing.

Day 7 – Mirelabais and Dominican Republic

Unless you wish to keep exploring Haiti beyond what is included in this Haiti travel itinerary, on day 7 of the tour, I recommend going back to Dominican Republic.

However, instead of getting a direct bus to Santo Domingo, I recommend doing it the backpacking way through Mirebalais and the Belladères border , so you can to see another, more rural side to the country.

Step 1: Get a bus to Mirelabais.

Buses run all day long, starting early in the morning. The station is located here .

Step 2: Get on a tap tap to Lascahobas.

You can find a taxi to take you to the border, but we couldn’t find a public tap tap .

Step 3: Get a final tap tap to the actual border.

No secrets, you’ll easily find the necessary transportation.

Step 4: Cross the border on foot.

On the Haitian side, you don’t have to pay any exit fees but on the Dominican side, a fee of 10 USD applies. I found this border to be very corrupt, so make sure you pay at the official stall, and get an actual receipt. The police may ask for it later.

Step 5: Bus from Elias Pina to Santo Domingo.

Elias Pina is a 20-minute walk from the border, maybe a bit more. There’s not much to see in this town, but it has a lively market and a very local feel. It’s easy to find transportation to Santo Domingo but you might want to spend the night here, or travel somewhere else instead. One piece of advice, however: I took the last bus to Santo Domingo, departing at 6pm. The ride was long and they dropped me off in the middle of the night at a very, very sketchy area of Santo Domingo, where muggings are not uncommon.

❗More information

📢 In my Travel Resources Page you can find the list of all the sites and services I use to book hotels, tours, travel insurance and more.

All guides and articles for traveling in Haiti destination

• Haiti Travel Guide

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Top 15 Most Beautiful Places to Visit in Haiti

Often overlooked in favor of its more sedate neighbors, Haiti still draws in curious visitors from all around the world. It’s home to extraordinary and interesting sights as well as vibrant and lively culture. This is the Caribbean, but a much rawer version than its luxury resort-dotted neighbour, The Dominican Republic .

You’ll also find plenty of gorgeous scenery as Haiti is home to peaceful beautiful beaches, cascading waterfalls, and towering mountains galore. Here are my favorite places I want to share with you… 

I personally think taking a cruise with Royal Caribbean is worth it just for a visit to Labadee, a peninsula on the scenic northern coast of Haiti leased privately to the cruise company! 

Visitors can enjoy this private paradise’s beautiful scenery on secluded, pristine beaches. Several gorgeous options include sandy shores, free beach chairs, extra amenities, and kayak trips. If you want even more privacy, Labadee is the home base for excursions to remote coves, reefs, and sandbars.

For those looking for more adventure, I suggest seeking out the overwater zipline (the world’s longest), an alpine coaster, a water park, and snorkeling excursions. 

Book A Trip!

We can book your trip hopping around Haiti’s beautiful places through our free, top-rated travel planning service !

2. Amiga Island

Amiga Island is a stunning tropical island just a short boat ride from Labadee and Cap-Haitien. Visitors on private excursions can relax on pure sandy beaches, explore the green island interior, and enjoy the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean.

Coral reefs surround the island (some have dubbed them the best reefs in the country), making for exciting snorkeling and swimming! 

Despite being a remote island, Amiga Island also offers excellent amenities for tourists. All visitors get a complimentary drink to enjoy the strong flavors of Caribbean mixology (my favourite part!)

3. Cathedral Notre-Dame

Although not as famous as the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Port-au-Prince (a site now in ruins and impossible to visit), the Cathedral Notre-Dame in Cap-Haitien is an underrated jewel in Haiti’s crown.

The first building on this site was built in 1670 by the French colonists but has undergone multiple reconstructions since then. It was the site of several important events in Haiti’s history, including the official proclamation liberating enslaved people in Haiti on August 29, 1793.

Visitors today can enjoy the gorgeous colonial facade and sizable nave. The square in front of the cathedral also offers excellent views of the sea and Cap-Haitien, so I suggest visiting there, too! 

4. Bassin Bleu

Located just a few kilometers outside the city of Jacmel, Bassin Bleu is a gem! This natural getaway consists of several waterfalls pouring over Haiti’s rocky terrain, forming three pools with stunning, mineral-rich turquoise waters. Visitors can swim right up to the waterfall for an unforgettable experience.

The natural area has a small parking lot, a 10-minute hike from the pools. Those just looking for a relaxing adventure can swim in the top pool around the waterfall.

Others who are more adventurous can rappel down the boulders into the lower lakes with the help of local guides.

5. Cadras Beach

Cadras Beach is a stunning spot located on the northern coast. Located near Grand Doco and only a short ride away from Labadee, it is a convenient excursion for many visitors to this region. Visitors can enjoy clear blue Caribbean waters and sandy shores.

In my opinion, the hinterlands of Cadras Beach are just as beautiful as the seashore. Gorgeous forests and verdant green areas surround the area.

Cadras Beach is not fancy but offers an excellent opportunity to enjoy the beach as the locals do. Take advantage of activities such as snorkeling and swimming.

6. Jardin Botanique des Cayes

Haiti’s tropical location is home to stunning biodiversity and plant life. One of the best ways to experience that biodiversity is by visiting the Jardin Botanique des Cayes , on the country’s southern peninsula.

A popular venue for weddings and other events among the locals and the site of important scientific research, the botanical garden is also a stunning experience for casual visitors.

Wander the perfectly sculpted hedgerows with a certified tour guide, who offers a tourist or scientific tour. Visitors can also wander the site independently and explore the themed gardens, including the Ethnobotanical Garden, the Arboretum, and more.

7. Kokoye Beach

One of the most stunning beaches in the country, I personally think remote Kokoye Beach is worth the trip! It is near Petit Goave, a small commune in the country’s west.

Visitors can only reach Kokoye Beach by taking an organized boat excursion from the town or hiking up by themselves. Once they reach Kokoye, they realize all the trouble is worth it.

The stunning beach is surrounded by rocky outcrops, which make for excellent snorkeling and cave exploration. In addition to the natural wonders, Kokoye Beach is home to great restaurants that even host live music.

8. Citadelle

The Citadelle (full name: Citadelle Laferrière) is one of the most important sites in Haitian history. The Haitian revolutionary Henri Christophe and thousands of newly emancipated Haitian people built this fortress on the northern coast in 1805 as a defence strategy against a potential French invasion.

Architecturally, the Citadelle is one of the few examples of Afro-colonial architecture in the New World, and it’s worth visiting just for its unique architectural features and awe-inspiring size! 

The fortress, located on top of the Bonnet a l’Eveque mountain, also offers stunning views of Cap-Haitien and the northern coast. Visitors often combine visiting the Citadelle with an excursion to the nearby Sans-Souci Palace.

9. Macaya National Park

Unfortunately, most of Haiti’s primordial wildlife has been cut down over the centuries, starting with French plantation agriculture and moving on to modern development.

Macaya National Park preserves the country’s last primary cloud forest, which modern development has not touched. Nestled in the Massif de la Hotte mountain chain that runs through the southern peninsula, Macaya is well worth the trip out.

Besides the old-growth forest, Macaya National Park is home to many indigenous plants, rare orchids, and animals, including the world’s largest concentration of native amphibians.

Visitors can hike the Macaya and Formon mountains, explore the forest, and photograph the stunning vegetation.

10. Gelee Beach

Gelee Beach, near Les Cayes, is one of Haiti’s most popular beaches for a reason. Locals come here for excursions, and visitors can soak up nature and the lively atmosphere of this country!

Gelee is a gorgeous beach with access to the stunning ocean, but that is true for most of Haiti’s beaches. What sets Gelee apart is the liveliness of the area. The beach is home to many restaurants that offer locally caught seafood and traditional Haitian cuisine.

I would highly recommend trying fritay , the traditional Haitian fried platters of food! At night, the beach turns into an open-air music festival, particularly in August, around the Lady of the Assumption festival, the area’s patron saint.

11. Saut-Mathurine Waterfall

Haiti’s southern region is home to Saut-Mathurine, the country’s largest waterfall. This gem is located off the beaten path and is perfect for nature lovers looking for a destination that has not been touched by development.

Getting there is a bit of a trek, with long drives along back roads, but it is worth the trip.

Visitors can swim in the pool at the waterfall’s base and take in the magnificence of the cascading water. The brave can jump from the top of the waterfall.

12. Anse d’Azur

Anse d’Azur still stands out in a country of stunning beaches with its turquoise waters and white sands. The beach is nestled in a protected cove on the Haitian coast, making for an excellent swimming experience.

Visitors can also explore the caves and caverns formed due to erosion, and the adventurous can check out the abandoned wreckage of a German submarine nestled in the water.

Anse d’Azur is only a short distance away from the city of Jeremie on the southwestern peninsula.

13. La Visite National Park

Located in the Massif de la Selle, a mountain range just south of Port-au-Prince, La Visite National Park is one of the most pristine destinations in the country.

Although Haiti is best known for its tropical cloud forest, La Visite shows another side of its natural diversity. The park covers grasslands, pine forests, and broadleaf trees.

Visitors to La Visite can hike through protected natural landscapes and try to spy on some of the 80 bird species that call the park home.

14. Cormier Plage Resort

Cormier Plage Resort near Cap-Haitien is the place for visitors looking for a bit of pampering in a gorgeous natural setting.

It is one of the only beachfront resorts on the northern coasts. Visitors can visit nearby Labadee, Amiga Island, and the Citadelle.

Those looking for more relaxation than adventure can lounge on the resort’s beaches, go for leisurely swimming and snorkeling excursions in the clear waters, and eat delicious seafood in the resort’s restaurant.

15. Wahoo Bay Beach

Wahoo Bay Beach is another stunning resort and beachfront club just a few minutes north of Port-au-Prince. Visitors can enjoy excellent amenities and activities, including tennis, kayaking, lounging on the beach, and excursions to nearby mountains for hiking and climbing.

Wahoo Bay Beach hosts lively events and nightlife with live music and DJs, adding a little life to the pristine beachfront location.

If you’re looking for a vacation destination that offers natural beauty and cultural experiences, this country is the place to go. It may not be as popular on travel blogs or in magazines as its Caribbean neighbors, but it has plenty of exciting sights just waiting to be explored by curious tourists.

You can find beautiful beaches, cascading waterfalls, towering mountains galore…whatever your heart desires! 

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The most common phrase in Haiti might surprise you. It’s 'pa gen pwoblem,' and it translates to 'no have problem.' Haitians use it in a dizzying array of contexts: responding to thank-yous, asserting well-being, filling awkward silences. Despite Haiti’s well-documented struggles, exacerbated lately by natural disasters, proud Haitians use the phrase sincerely, conveying an uncanny ability to live in the moment and appreciate what they do have, which is quite a lot.

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THE 10 BEST Things to Do in Haiti

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Top 15 Best Things to do in Haiti

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Haiti Bucket List: 15 Best Places to Visit in Haiti

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H aiti is a country that receives thousands of international tourists every year. People come here to experience the unspoiled beauty of nature, experience the unmatched hospitality of the locals, eat authentic Haitian delicacies, travel to enjoy the breathtaking sceneries, and of course, immerse themselves in the beautiful culture and tradition of the Haitian people.

There are countless ways to experience and landmarks to witness during your stay in the beautiful country of Haiti. From mesmerizing natural wonders to ancient architecture, you will surely fall in love with this country in no time! So, without further ado, here are the 15 Best Things to do in Haiti:

Experience Goosebumps at the La Citadelle la Ferriere

Starting our memorable adventure is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which is considered an icon of Haiti as a Caribbean nation. That’s right, La Citadelle la Ferriere is a 19th-century fortress built on a mountaintop in Nord, Haiti. It was made by tens of thousands of Haitian slaves as a defensive strategy against a potential French incursion. This historical structure serves as a top tourist destination for people worldwide, with breathtaking views of the beautiful Haitian skyline.

Learn More About Voodoo in Haut Saut-d’Eau

Next up, this is one of the most exciting things about the culture of Haiti, Voodoo. Well, it sounds creepy for most people, but if you’re in for an adventure and loves to know more about these kinds of things, then you should probably attend the annual Voodoo Festival at Haut Saut-d’Eau. Oh, and there’s also a hidden gem within this place called the Saut-d’Eau Waterfalls, which is believed to have been created after the devastating magnitude 7 earthquake in 1842. Cool, huh?

Explore the Sans-Soucis Palace

Haiti is full of royal palaces that now serve as iconic tourist attractions in the country. One of those fantastic places is the Sans-Soucis Palace which used to be the royal quarters of the great Henri Christophe, the King of Haiti.

Be One with Nature in the Furcy Forest

Of course, Haiti is surrounded by countless natural wonders, perfect for people who want to have a memorable adventure! That’s right, a popular hiking and exploration trail is a forest located between Furcy and Seguin. The Furcy Forest is covered with lush greenery and challenging trails, which will all make you admire the beauty of nature even more.

Have a Relaxing Time at the Labadee

Ah yes, Labadee Island in Haiti is probably one of the most beautiful creations of nature you will ever find on our planet. It is actually a private destination for Royal Caribbean guests located on the northern coast of Haiti. Feel free to witness the white sand beaches with pristine and crystal clear waters touching your feet. You can also go and be mesmerized by the majestic sunset with your loved ones.

Stroll Along the Grand Rue Musee d’Art

The next thing you should do is drop by the famous Grand Rue Musee d’Art, which houses some of the biggest Haitian culture and art collections. Feel free to tour around and admire unique creations such as sculptures, paintings, carvings, mechanical figures, and many more. Of course, some of these are made of skeletons, bones, skulls, and Voodoo!

Hike the Pic La Selle

Your vacation certainly wouldn’t be complete without hiking Haiti’s highest peak, the Pic La Selle. With an elevation of 2,680 meters above sea level and a thriving ecosystem within its territory, the mountain has become a favorite hiking haven for local and international enthusiasts.

Fall in Love with the Gelee Beach

That’s right, Haiti has a lot more to offer, so buckle up! Gelee Beach is probably one of the most popular beach destinations in the country simply because of its undeniable beauty. It is a tropical paradise thriving with a beautiful creamy white sand beach, tall coconut trees, turquoise waters, and it’s surrounded by tons of merchants and establishments offering you tasty delicacies!

Be Mesmerized by the Bassin Bleu

Ah yes, this next destination is probably a sight too good to see. It’s like a setting straight out from a Lord of the Rings movie! The Bassin Bleu Waterfalls is an iconic tourist destination in Haiti simply because of its majestic beauty. With beautiful rock formations and turquoise blue, cold waters around you, who could even resist taking a dip or dive?

Show Your Guts at the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line

Oh yes, if you’re looking for an adventure that you’ll never forget, then you might as well show up at the famous Dragon’s Breath Flight Line in Labadee! Yes, it has a zipline with a length of 2,600 feet situated at the height of more than 500 feet above sea level! Yeah! Unleash the daredevil in you as you zip line your way towards an exclusive scenery of the Labadee and its surrounding forests and mountains!

Drop by the Site des Ramiers

Suit yourself because there are definitely still a lot of things to look forward to! Next on the list is another fortress considered the largest in the entire western hemisphere, the Site des Ramiers. It is so large that numbers 1 and 3 on this list (Sans Souci Palace and La Citadelle la Ferriere) are situated within it. Crazy, right? But it’s true! So feel free to admire these beautiful creations as you dive deeper into the rich culture and history of the Haitian people.

Visit the Atis Rezistans

Yeah, you should’ve already realized that Voodoo is a big part of Haiti’s culture by this time. And the next destination will pretty much capitalize on that. The Atis Rezistans is a unique place where several masterpieces depicting the Haitian culture are made using piles of junkyards and recyclable materials. Interesting, right? Wait ’til you actually see it!

Discover the Forts of Dessalines

You might have noticed that countless fortifications are established within the country. Well, that’s because the people of Haiti were in continuous pursuit of their independence, and it was finally achieved thanks to a man named Jean-Jacques Dessalines. He declared the independence of Haiti in 1804, which is why he’s more than worthy of being named after an entire functioning town. Feel free to wander around this town and admire the culture and history behind it.

Experience Haiti’s Cuisine

Apart from countless locations where you can enjoy and have a memorable vacation in Haiti, another thing you shouldn’t miss is trying their famous cuisine called the Creole Cuisine. So feel free to have a gastronomic feast, Haitian style!

Wander Around Fort Jacques

Finally, another fortress lying around the city that served a significant purpose in history is named after Jean Jacques Dessalines. It is also full of iconic spots and landmarks where you can have an enjoyable guided hike and tour across the territories of Fort Jacques.

Haiti Travel and Tour Packages

Searching for the best hotels, resorts, tour packages, and affordable flights in Haiti and nearby cities? Check out our list of affordable Haiti hotels and resorts via Agoda  and Booking .

Want more updates about new package tours and tourist attractions in Haiti that you can add to your itinerary?

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Also read: Backpacking 101: Why Traveling Light Is Right?

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The World on my Necklace

A Travel Blog by Katie Chavez

6 Places To Visit in Haiti That You Won’t Want to Miss

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through an affiliate link, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support.

Haiti is a gorgeous place, full of various wildlife and awe-inspiring sites. Despite being a fairly small country, there is a lot to see, and you want to be able to plan your trip to fit in as many places as you can.

We’ve got you covered. We will discuss the best tourist destinations in Haiti. No matter what you are into, there is something in the country for you. Here are the best places to visit in Haiti.

Best Places To Visit in Haiti

1. bassin bleu.

If you want to experience something breathtaking and don’t mind a little adventure, the Bassin Bleu is well worth the experience. Various tours lead you along the waterfalls, so you can experience all of the beauty and explore to your heart’s content.

The Bassin Bleu consists of gorgeous waterfalls and blue pools from a natural spring. There are tunnels, caves, and jungle, all able to be explored around the pools themselves. There are even natural water slides for a bit of a unique adventure.

Most tours cover the cost of equipment and travel, but it is always worth bringing a little extra money to tip your guides and drivers.

2. Citadelle Laferriere

The Citadelle Laferriere goes by a few different names. By locals, it is often just known as the Citadelle, or it may be called the Citadelle Henri Christophe to honor the creator.

Whatever name it goes by, it is an awe-inspiring and history-filled site. The Citadelle is a fortress located in the mountains in the northern part of Haiti.

It was created by Henri Christophe in the early 1800s. Christophe was a leader of the slave revolution while Haiti was fighting to become its own country and gain independence. They needed a fortress they could defend, especially from fire. The king of Haiti had planned to torch the island if invaders came in and hid his people in the fortress for safety.

Thankfully, the attack never occurred and the fortress was never used, so the Citadelle stands today, a little worn down, but unchanged overall.

3. Cathédrale Notre Dame de Cap Haitien

Also known as the Our Lady of the Assumption Cathedral, the Cathedrale Notre Dame in Cap Haitien is a sight to behold. It has stayed strong since it was built in the late 17th century. It has faced earthquakes, wars, and even a Protestant attack not so long ago.

Though it has had to close down at times for renovations or repairs, it stood strong, even when much else in the area had been destroyed.

While they allow tours, they still practice inside the church and have regular services. It currently follows Roman Catholic or Latin rites and is under the responsibility of Bishop Max Leroy Mesidor.

4. Musee du Pantheon National Haitien

Located in Port-au-Prince, at first, the Musee du Pantheon National Haitien (MUPANAH) might not seem like much. Just a well-designed area for resting and a fun water feature. However, underneath the surface, this is a museum that hosts some amazing artifacts, including parts of Christopher Columbus’ ships.

It, however, doesn’t just focus on Columbus, but on a lot of Haitian history, including King Henri and his suicide. It doesn’t cost much to visit but contains a rich history that you won’t want to miss.

You will have to be on the lookout for the museum, though, as it is almost entirely underground and the doors aren’t easy to find at first, located near the sculpture garden.

5. Amiga Island

Close to Labadee and Cap Haitien, Amiga Island is a tropical island surrounded by coral reefs. You can swim, snorkel, and explore.

It is a small island, and it takes less than an hour to explore the entire place. But with the beautiful beaches, it is well worth staying there all day. There is soft sand, blue water, and coral and shells.

Though they cater to tourists, it is not nearly as popular as other areas nearby, and you can take in the scenery without being packed in with other tourists. The locals are also usually not intrusive. If you want a little trinket to remind you of your trip, they are more than willing to sell you one but usually don’t annoy you like in some places.

While it caters heavily to tourists, everyone who visits the island can get a complimentary drink filled with Caribbean flavors.

6. Barbancourt Rum Distillery

If you want to try a rum that hasn’t changed much since the distillery was first built in 1862, it is worth visiting the Barbancourt Rum Distillery. Barbancourt was a Frenchman who had originally produced cognac in France before moving to the country of Haiti.

It took him less than a year to understand how to make rum and start his distillery. They are now in their fifth generation, having stayed in the family even after his passing. He made himself a staple in Haiti, showing up with his rum at every major cultural event until he made his rum’s presence a natural thing in the culture.

Nowadays, as well as buying this rum in almost any store in Haiti, you can also visit the distillery. Reservations are required, but they take you on a two-hour tour and even provide tastings for some of their rums.

At the end of the tour, you can buy their rum, as well as items from their souvenir store.

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Should You Visit Haiti? What You Need to Know Before You Go

See recent posts by Kyle Valenta

The beach at Abaka Bay Resort , on Ile-a-Vache.

In Mumbai , travelers can take tours of the Dharavi slums. Guidebooks for Rio de Janeiro have been recommending guided walks through the mountainside favelas for years now. And every day in northern Thailand , busloads of tourists from Chiang Mai roll into villages inhabited by Kayan tribespeople, where some of the women are known for their dramatically elongated necks wrapped in metal coils. 

The disparities between the haves and have nots is an old story, and a familiar one to many travelers. However, that paradox might find its pinnacle in Haiti . For most Americans, the country’s name likely calls to mind images of shanty towns, rampant poverty, political instability, disease outbreaks, and the most cruelly aimed of natural disasters. And while those stereotypes might seem like enough to put off most travelers, the numbers tell a different story.

International travel to Haiti may very well be having a moment. According to the World Bank , from 2004 to 2014, the number of international travelers arriving in Haiti increased nearly 263 percent. When we corresponded with Regine Godefroy, a representative of the Ministere du Tourisme, she told us that this is no surprise. “The positioning of Haiti, and the slogan ‘Haiti is open for business,’ make Haiti a unique destination,” she reveals. “This new dynamic has engaged Haiti’s tourism into a new process of receiving foreign investors.” 

Indeed, major international companies like Royal Caribbean saw this potential long ago. The cruise line has been porting in Haiti since 1986. Today, its private Labadee port has developed into a full-fledged tropical getaway. With over 200 local employees, Labadee includes the world’s longest overwater zip-line course, a roller coaster, water park, and excursions to secluded beaches. 

Land-based tourism has also been on the rise, with 525 hotels located throughout the country and over 400,000 hotel stays in 2015 alone, according to Godefroy. At the moment, major hotel chains like Decameron , NH , Best Western , and Occidental all have branches across the island. Despite devastating setbacks like the 2010 earthquake and Hurricane Matthew this year, Haiti is working hard to add itself to the list of must-visit Caribbean destinations.

Hotels in this story

From Buzzing Nightlife to Picture-Perfect Beaches

Yes, there are challenges when visiting a place like Haiti. However, that is precisely what Oyster.com investigator Micah Rubin found so fascinating about his recent visit to the country. “A huge plus of traveling there is feeling like you’re in a destination waiting to be discovered,” he says. “For me, as a traveler, I want an authentic experience that’s a little rough around the edges. In Haiti, it’s possible and rewarding to meet locals and learn more about their lives and culture.”

It’s also worth noting that despite Haiti’s reputation for instability, very few travelers are crime victims. A 2013 study conducted by the Igarape Institute , a Brazil-based think tank that advocates for sustainable development, found that only around three percent of travelers were victims of crime, the vast majority of which were petty thefts. Echoing our own investigator’s experience, the study also found that travelers didn’t put the beaches or fancy shopping trips at the top of their list, but that “interactions with ordinary Haitian residents” were the biggest reward of a trip to Haiti.

According to Godefroy, most visitors to Haiti head to five areas: Port-au-Prince , Cote des Arcadins, Cap Haitien, the Kenscoff Mountains, and the town of Jacmel . That makes for an excitingly diverse array of things to do for travelers who don’t mind stepping outside traditionally comfortable notions of travel. For instance, Port-au-Prince is a frenetically paced city that’s home to sights like the jaw-droppingly sprawling Iron Market, the Musee du Pantheon National Haitien (which holds the anchor from Christopher Columbus’ ship, the Santa Maria), and the wealthy suburb of Petionville, where high-end shopping, galleries, and restaurants sit side by side. 

Quiet and calm can also be found here. Cote des Arcadins — a strip of small fishing towns, all-inclusive resorts, and stunning beaches — is only an hour or two northwest of Port-au-Prince. To the south, the historic town of Jacmel, which was originally established in the 16th century, was designated a UNESCO Creative City in 2014 to commemorate its ongoing cultural contributions and preservation of artistic traditions in the wake of the 2010 earthquake. There are also destinations like Les Cayes and Ile-a-Vache , which — until Hurricane Matthew struck — were seeing influxes of tourists drawn to the laid-back pace of life and hidden beaches. Even in the wake of the hurricane, most hotels on Ile-a-Vache are already open, including Port Morgan and the Abaka Bay Resort . 

Challenges and Ethical Questions Persist

Views of Port-au-Prince hillsides from the Occidental Royal Oasis

While Haiti has plenty of appeal, a trip there isn’t without major challenges, both logistical and ethical. According to Regine Godefroy, infrastructure is constantly being developed to connect tourist areas with population centers. However, even with ongoing investment, our investigator, Micah Rubin, found getting around to be challenging. “Roads are bumpy and, at times, traffic is terrible — especially in Port-au-Prince,” he reveals. Political instability can also play a major role in navigating the country. “Protests are a regular occurrence and roads are blockaded,” he says. “It’s a good idea — if driving — to know the language well enough to stay updated on their schedule (yes — protests are announced in advance).”

The situation has historically been volatile enough to disrupt the travel, which contributed over $500 million to Haiti’s economy as of 2014, according to the World Tourism Organization . In January 2016, “USA Today” reported that Royal Caribbean actually had to cancel stops at Labadee due to protests in advance of national elections. A similar situation occurred in the early ’90s, when cruise visits to the island ceased for four years, according to the “Miami Herald .”

Travelers should also be prepared to witness the devastation wrought by rampant income inequality, which is especially prevalent in the capital. “Economic disparity is profoundly visible in Port-au-Prince,” Rubin says. The Igarape Institute’s study notes that nearly one-fifth of travelers reported that the impacts of economic disparity were prevalent during their visit.

While international visits to Haiti are on the rise, the Igarape study reveals that nearly 70 percent of travelers to Haiti are members of the Haitian diaspora or aid workers. Within the latter camp, debate persists over just how beneficial voluntourism can be within a nation that often lacks enough supplies to feed, clothe, and shelter its own citizens. In Haiti, this can play out in unfortunate ways. The global voluntourism industry is worth up to two billion dollars per year, according to a sustainable tourism expert at Virginia Tech cited by Reuters . Unfortunately, very little of that reaches actual communities in need. In Haiti, this plays out in especially troubling ways, and writers have acknowledged that house-building initiatives by visitors staying for a week or two after the 2010 earthquake did nothing to alter the persistent effects of multi-generational poverty.

There are also some warning signs that the road to economic stability through tourism might not be so easy to achieve. According to TripAdvisor data, the growth in travelers searching for travel information on Haiti has been declining month-over-month since early 2015. As of this fall, hotel queries are down 15 percent over last year. And  as Foreign Policy reveals , there are deeply troubling effects of overzealous development in the country, and accusations of government land grabs in favor of hotel development on Ile-a-Vache have ended up in lawsuits and forced displacement. 

Despite Setbacks, Haiti Is Open for Business

The pier and beach at Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort & Spa , Cote des Arcadins

The one thing that is clear is that many Haitians are eager for tourists to come. When we spoke with Madame Jean-Louis of the Abaka Bay Resort in the wake of Hurricane Matthew, she wanted to make it clear that the resort was up and running within a week of the hurricane’s landfall. The same is true for its Ile-a-Vache neighbor, Port Morgan. Still, other parts of that region were not so lucky. In fact, much of the touristic development in Haiti seems to have a dual-edged nature for the time being. For all of the controversy surrounding Royal Caribbean’s choice to port in this impoverished nation, the company does partake in a number of development projects, including funding local infrastructure projects through the Pan American Development Foundation as well as establishing a 300-student school in Labadee.

When asked what she wants potential visitors to Haiti to know, Regine Godefroy insisted upon Haiti’s unique history. “Haiti is alive with beautiful white sand beaches, art, music, history, great cuisine and culture dating back 2,000 years,” she tells us. “Our mountainous country is an opportunity to see and capture the most breathtaking views and sunsets available in the Caribbean.”

Related Stories:

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• After the Disaster: How These Popular Tourist Destinations Are Faring

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Tourism in Haiti- Realities and Rewards

Disclaimer: Some posts on Tourism Teacher may contain affiliate links. If you appreciate this content, you can show your support by making a purchase through these links or by buying me a coffee . Thank you for your support!

Tourism in Haiti has a lot of potential, but why? What is so appealing about this tourist destination and how is tourism managed here? Read on to find out.

• Overview of Haiti

The tourism industry in Haiti

Why people travel to haiti, most popular types of tourism in haiti, most popular tourist attractions in haiti.

• What types of tourists travel to Haiti

Crime and safety in Haiti

• Required budget to visit Haiti
• General tips for visiting Haiti

10 interesting facts about Haiti

• 10 FAQs about tourism in Haiti

Tourism in Haiti 

Often overshadowed by its Caribbean neighbours and past challenges, Haiti is a treasure trove waiting to be discovered. From its rich history and vibrant arts scene to its untouched beaches and mountainous landscapes, Haiti offers a unique blend of experiences for the intrepid traveller.

Join us as we journey into the heart of this often-misunderstood gem, exploring the multifaceted world of tourism in Haiti….

Geography of Haiti

Haiti is a small Caribbean country located on the western side of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic . 

Haiti has a land area of approximately 27,750 square kilometres, making it slightly smaller than the U.S. state of Maryland. 

The terrain of Haiti is characterised by mountain ranges, coastal plains, and plateaus. The mountain range that runs through the centre of the country, known as the Massif de la Selle , contains the highest point in Haiti, the Pic la Selle, which stands at 2,680 meters (8,793 feet) above sea level.

Haiti has a tropical climate, with temperatures averaging between 20-33°C (68-91°F) throughout the year. The rainy season typically lasts from May to November, with the rest of the year being relatively dry. 

Haiti is rich in natural resources such as bauxite, copper, gold, marble, and limestone. The country also has a significant amount of arable land, with agriculture being an important industry.

The country has several rivers, including the Artibonite , which is the longest river in Haiti and is an important source of irrigation for agriculture. Haiti also has several lakes, including Lake Azuei, which is shared with the Dominican Republic.

Haiti faces several environmental challenges, including deforestation, soil erosion , and water pollution . These issues have contributed to a decline in the country’s natural resources and have made it vulnerable to natural disasters such as hurricanes and floods .

Tourism in Haiti can trace its heyday back to the 1940s and 1950s when the country was dubbed the “ Pearl of the Antilles .” During this era, Haiti attracted international travellers, including celebrities and artists, with its vibrant culture, arts, music, and pristine beaches. Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien were bustling with hotels, nightclubs, and cultural festivals.

The 1970s and 1980s saw a decline due to political instability and the oppressive Duvalier regime . Concerns about safety and political unrest deterred many potential visitors. Nevertheless, the resilient spirit of the Haitian people and their rich cultural heritage remained intact.

The devastating earthquake in 2010 further hampered the tourism sector, with much of the country’s infrastructure severely damaged. However, post-2010, there have been concerted efforts to rebuild and rejuvenate tourism in Haiti. The government and international partners have been working to promote Haiti as a unique travel destination, focusing on its historical sites, natural beauty, and vibrant arts scene.

Despite its tumultuous past, the potential for tourism in Haiti remains, with its captivating blend of history, culture, and natural beauty waiting to be rediscovered by the global community.

Haiti is under-developed when it come to tourism, however there is a lot of potential here. Here are some statistics and facts about tourism in Haiti:

• Haiti is a Caribbean country with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. Its tourism industry has great potential, but it has struggled in recent years due to political instability, natural disasters, and security concerns. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the tourism industry’s contribution to Haiti’s GDP was 1.9% in 2019, and it employed 95,000 people, or 3.3% of total employment.
• Haiti’s tourism industry mainly consists of beach resorts, cultural sites, and ecotourism . The country has several beautiful beaches, such as Labadee Beach and Jacmel Beach, and cultural attractions, such as the National Palace and the Citadelle Laferrière. Eco-tourism is also a growing sector in Haiti, with opportunities for hiking, bird-watching, and visiting nature reserves.
• Despite its potential, the tourism industry in Haiti faces many challenges. One of the main challenges is infrastructure, as the country’s transportation, communication, and electricity systems are underdeveloped. Another challenge is security, as the country has a high crime rate and occasional political violence.

Overall, the tourism industry in Haiti has great potential, but it requires investment in infrastructure, security, and marketing to realise its full potential.

Tourism in Haiti is popular for a variety of reasons, including:

• Cultural and historical attractions: Haiti has a rich cultural heritage, with a unique blend of African, French, and Caribbean influences. Visitors can explore historical sites such as the Citadelle Laferrière, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest fortresses in the Americas, and the Sans-Souci Palace, the former residence of King Henri Christophe.
• Natural beauty : Despite its environmental challenges, Haiti has a beautiful natural landscape, with beaches, waterfalls, and scenic mountain ranges. Visitors can explore attractions such as the Bassin Bleu waterfall, the beautiful beaches of Île-à-Vache, and the stunning views from the Pic la Selle mountain.
• Volunteer opportunities : Haiti has a long history of poverty and political instability, and many visitors come to the country to volunteer their time and resources to help local communities. Volunteer opportunities include working in schools, medical clinics, and community development projects.
• Business and trade : Haiti is home to several free trade zones and has a growing tourism industry, making it an attractive destination for business travelers.
• Spiritual and religious tourism: Haiti is known for its vibrant Vodou religion, and visitors can learn about its history and practices by visiting temples and participating in ceremonies.
• Overall, visitors to Haiti can experience a unique cultural and historical destination, as well as the opportunity to explore the country’s natural beauty and to engage in volunteer work.

Haiti has a diverse range of tourism opportunities, including beach resorts, cultural sites, and eco-tourism. Here are some of the most popular types of tourism in Haiti:

• Beach Tourism: Haiti has a long coastline with beautiful beaches, such as Labadee Beach, Jacmel Beach, and Port Salut Beach. These beaches offer opportunities for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports.
• Cultural Tourism : Haiti has a rich history and culture, which is reflected in its music, art, and architecture. Some popular cultural attractions include the National Palace, the Citadelle Laferrière, and the Iron Market in Port-au-Prince.
• EcoTourism : Haiti has a diverse range of natural landscapes, including mountains, waterfalls, and nature reserves. Some popular eco-tourism destinations include the Pic Macaya National Park, Bassin Bleu Waterfall, and La Visite National Park.
• Adventure Tourism : Haiti’s rugged terrain offers opportunities for adventure activities such as hiking, rock climbing, and zip-lining. One popular adventure destination is the Saut-Mathurine Waterfall, which is one of the highest waterfalls in the Caribbean.
• Religious Tourism : Haiti is a predominantly Catholic country, and it has several religious sites that attract tourists, such as the Basilica of Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Cap-Haïtien and the Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption in Port-au-Prince.

Haiti has a number of popular tourist attractions, including:

• Citadelle Laferrière : This mountaintop fortress is one of Haiti’s most iconic landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It was built in the early 19th century to protect against French invasion and is one of the largest fortresses in the Americas.
• Labadee : This private beach resort on Haiti’s northern coast is owned by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines and is a popular stop on many Caribbean cruises. Visitors can enjoy water sports, beach activities, and shopping.
• Bassin Bleu: This beautiful waterfall and natural swimming pool is located in the mountains near Jacmel. Visitors can swim in the crystal-clear water and explore the surrounding jungle.
• Sans-Souci Palace : This former royal palace was built in the early 19th century by King Henri Christophe and is located in the northern town of Milot. It was badly damaged in an earthquake in 1842 but remains an impressive example of Haitian architecture.
• National Museum of Haiti: This museum is located in Port-au-Prince and contains a collection of Haitian art and artifacts, including pre-Columbian objects, colonial-era documents, and contemporary paintings.
• Iron Market : This historic market in downtown Port-au-Prince is a popular destination for shopping and souvenir-hunting. It was originally built in the late 19th century and was rebuilt after being destroyed in the 2010 earthquake.
• The Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption: This cathedral is located in Port-au-Prince and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Port-au-Prince. It was badly damaged in the 2010 earthquake but has since been partially restored.
• Jacmel : This coastal town on Haiti’s southern coast is known for its vibrant art scene and colonial-era architecture. It’s also home to a number of beaches, including the popular Raymond les Bains.

Overall, Haiti has a lot to offer visitors, with a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and historic landmarks.

Haiti is unfortunately known for having high levels of crime and is considered by many to be one of the most dangerous countries in the Caribbean. Visitors to Haiti should exercise caution and be aware of the following safety concerns:

• Violent crime : Armed robbery, assault, and kidnapping are common in Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince and other urban areas. Visitors should avoid walking alone at night, carrying valuables or large amounts of cash, and traveling to certain parts of the city, especially in certain neighborhoods.
• Political instability: Haiti has a history of political unrest, protests, and demonstrations that can turn violent. Visitors should monitor local news and avoid large gatherings or demonstrations.
• Natural disasters : Haiti is prone to natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods, and earthquakes, which can disrupt travel plans and cause damage to infrastructure. Visitors should be aware of weather conditions and follow the advice of local authorities in case of an emergency.
• Health concerns: Haiti has high rates of infectious diseases such as cholera, dengue fever, and Zika virus. Visitors should take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, drink bottled or purified water, and practice good hygiene.
• Transportation safety: Road conditions in Haiti can be poor, and traffic accidents are common. Visitors should avoid driving at night and use caution when traveling by car or motorcycle.

It’s important for visitors to Haiti to take the necessary precautions to stay safe and be vigilant at all times. It’s also recommended to seek up-to-date information from reliable sources before traveling to Haiti and to consider using the services of a reputable travel agency or guide.

By taking these tips into consideration, visitors to Haiti can have a safe and rewarding experience while enjoying the country’s culture, natural beauty, and unique heritage.

Here are 10 interesting facts about Haiti:

• Haiti was the first independent nation in Latin America and the Caribbean, gaining independence from France on January 1, 1804.
• Haiti is the most mountainous country in the Caribbean, with over 80% of its land covered by mountains.
• The official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian Creole, a language developed by enslaved Africans during French colonial rule.
• The Citadel, a fortress built by Haitian slaves in the early 19th century, is the largest fortress in the Western Hemisphere.
• Haiti is home to the world’s largest collection of Haitian art, with a vibrant and diverse art scene that includes painting, sculpture, and craft
• Vodou, a syncretic religion that blends African spiritual traditions with elements of Catholicism, is an important part of Haitian culture and identity.
• Haiti has a rich musical tradition, including genres such as kompa, rara, and mizik rasin, which blend African and European influences.
• Haitian cuisine is characterised by bold flavours and spices, with dishes such as griot (fried pork), tasso (spiced beef), and akasan (cornmeal porridge).
• The Haitian flag is the only national flag in the world to feature the colors blue and red in vertical stripes.
• Haiti has a strong tradition of storytelling and oral history, with folktales and legends passed down through generations.

Impacts of tourism in Haiti

It is always important to assess the impacts of tourism, both good and bad. So lets take a look at what Haiti is doing well and what the country needs to improve on…

Social impacts of tourism in Haiti

When we chat about tourism in Haiti, it’s clear that there’s a brilliant mingling of cultures happening. Visitors get to immerse themselves in Haiti’s vibrant art, music, and folklore, offering a deeper understanding of the nation’s resilient spirit. For the locals, interactions with tourists often open windows to global perspectives and ideas.

But, there’s also the other side of the coin. With increased tourism in Haiti, there’s the risk of diluting or overly commercialising some of Haiti’s sacred traditions and practices, just to cater to the tourist crowd.

Environmental impacts of tourism in Haiti

Haiti, with its pristine beaches, lush mountains, and hidden waterfalls, is an eco-traveller’s dream. Tourism in Haiti, when channelled rightly, can bolster efforts to preserve these natural wonders. Eco-resorts and sustainable travel initiatives are slowly sprouting up.

However, the heavy footfall of tourists can also strain these delicate ecosystems. Improper waste management and unchecked developments, if not handled, could dim the sparkling allure of Haiti’s natural beauty.

Economic impacts of tourism in Haiti

There’s no denying that tourism in Haiti has the power to inject much-needed capital into the economy. Local artisans, restaurateurs, and tour operators can significantly benefit, potentially lifting communities out of poverty .

Yet, and this is crucial, an over-reliance on tourism leaves Haiti vulnerable. Unpredictable events, from natural disasters to political upheavals, could disrupt the flow of tourists, affecting those dependent on them.

Snapshot: Impacts of Tourism in Haiti

Here is a summary of the main impacts of tourism in Haiti.

In essence, while the prospect of tourism in Haiti offers much excitement and potential, it’s a dance that requires careful choreography. By striking the right balance, Haiti’s tourism tapestry can remain as vibrant and authentic as the nation itself.

FAQs about tourism in Haiti

Now lets finish off this article by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about tourism in Haiti:

• Is Haiti safe for tourists?

Haiti has high levels of crime and political unrest, so visitors should exercise caution and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

• Do I need a visa to visit Haiti?

Many countries do not require a visa for short visits to Haiti, but it’s best to check with the Haitian embassy or consulate in your home country to confirm.

• What is the best time of year to visit Haiti?

The dry season, from November to April, is the best time to visit Haiti for sunny weather and fewer chances of encountering hurricanes or tropical storms.

• What are some must-see attractions in Haiti?

Some of the top attractions in Haiti include the Citadelle Laferriere, Labadee Beach, the Iron Market, the Musée du Panthéon National Haitien, and the Bassin Bleu waterfall.

• Can I drink the tap water in Haiti?

No, tap water in Haiti is not safe to drink. It’s best to drink bottled or purified water.

• What should I wear when visiting Haiti?

Haitian culture is conservative, so it’s best to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious or cultural sites. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended due to the hot and humid climate.

• Is French or Creole spoken in Haiti?

Both French and Haitian Creole are official languages in Haiti, although Creole is more widely spoken.

• Are there all-inclusive resorts in Haiti?

Yes, there are a few all-inclusive resorts in Haiti, including the Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort & Spa and the Marriott Port-au-Prince Hotel.

• How can I support local communities during my visit to Haiti?

Visitors can support local communities by staying at locally owned hotels, eating at local restaurants, shopping for locally made crafts and goods, and participating in responsible tourism activities that support local development.

• What is the currency used in Haiti?

The Haitian gourde is the official currency of Haiti, but US dollars are also widely accepted. It’s a good idea to carry cash, as credit cards may not be accepted in all places.

To conclude

Tourism in Haiti is a journey of contrasts, revealing both the nation’s radiant spirit and the challenges it faces. While the allure of its culture and landscapes beckons travellers, the key lies in nurturing responsible and sustainable tourism. As we delve deeper into what tourism in Haiti truly entails, it’s evident that with mindful exploration, Haiti’s beauty can shine, benefiting both visitors and the resilient communities that call it home.

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Travel Advisory July 27, 2023

Haiti - level 4: do not travel.

Last Update: Updated to reflect the Ordered Departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and eligible family members for Embassy Port-au-Prince.

Do not travel to Haiti due to kidnapping, crime, civil unrest, and poor health care infrastructure. On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered the departure of family members of U.S. government employees and non-emergency U.S. government employees. U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible by commercial or other privately available transportation options, in light of the current security situation and infrastructure challenges. U.S. citizens wishing to depart Port-au-Prince should monitor local news and only do so when considered safe.

Country Summary : Kidnapping is widespread, and victims regularly include U.S. citizens. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom negotiations and U.S. citizen victims have been physically harmed during kidnappings. Victim’s families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.

Violent crime, often involving the use of firearms, such as  armed robbery, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom that include U.S. citizens are common. Mob killings against presumed criminals have been on the rise since late April. Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport.

Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. The U.S. government is extremely limited in its ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti – assistance on site is available only from local authorities (Haitian National Police and ambulance services). Local police generally lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies continue throughout much of Haiti. Public and private medical clinics and hospitals often lack qualified medical staff and even basic medical equipment and resources.

U.S. government personnel are limited only to the confined area around the Embassy and are prohibited from walking in Port-au-Prince. U.S. government personnel in Haiti are prohibited from:

• Using any kind of public transportation or taxis
• Visiting banks and using ATMs
• Driving at night
• Traveling anywhere between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m.
• Traveling without prior approval and special security measures in place.

Read the  country information page  for additional information on travel to Haiti.

The Haitian Ministry of Health and Population (MSPP) has confirmed an outbreak of cholera in the country.  

If you decide to travel to Haiti:

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks.
• Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival.
• Do not provide personal information to unauthorized individuals (e.g. people without official uniforms or credentials) located in the immigration, customs, or other areas inside or near any airports.
• If you are being followed as you leave the airport, drive to the nearest police station immediately.
• Travel by vehicle to minimize walking in public.
• Travel in groups of at least two people.
• Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving.
• Exercise caution and alertness, especially when driving through markets and other traffic congested areas.
• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.
• Purchase travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance ahead of time.
• Review information on  Travel to High-Risk Areas .
• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Follow the Department of State on  Facebook  and  Twitter .
• Review the  Country Security Report  on Haiti.
• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the  Traveler’s Checklist .

Embassy Messages

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Quick Facts

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Yes, for stays over 90 days. Foreign passport holders visiting Haiti must pay a tourist fee of $10.00 at the airport

None; however, review current COVID testing and vaccination guidance

Embassies and Consulates

U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince

Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre Port-au-Prince, Haiti Telephone:  +(509) 2229-8000 / 2229-8900 Emergency After-Hours Telephone:  +(509) 2229-8000 Fax:  +(509) 2229-8027 Email:  [email protected]

American Citizen Services Unit office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Most routine services require an appointment; visit our Embassy webpage . The Embassy is closed on U.S. and local holidays.

Destination Description

Learn about the U.S. relationship to countries around the world.

Entry, Exit and Visa Requirements

The Government of Haiti requires all non-Haiti citizens age 12 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to present a negative COVID test.   No COVID test or vaccination is required for travelers under the age of 5 .  

Requirement for Entry: Passport valid for at least six months from date of arrival. Visit the Embassy of Haiti website for the most current visa information.

HIV/AIDS Restrictions:   The U.S. Department of State is unaware of any HIV/AIDS entry restrictions for visitors to or foreign residents of Haiti.

Find information on dual nationality , prevention of international child abduction and customs regulations on our websites.

Safety and Security

Crime:  Embassy employees are prohibited from using public transportation and visiting certain areas of Port-au-Prince due to high crime. Political violence and violent crimes are common in Haiti, including murders, kidnappings, robberies, assaults, vehicle break-ins, and home invasions. Travelers are often targeted, followed, and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. For this reason, Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling in personal vehicles to and from the airport. Also, the Embassy has procedures in place to detect surveillance and deter attacks on its employees.

Labadee, a port near Cap Haitien in the north - only accessible by cruise ship passengers - has private security and lower rates of reported crime. Travelers should exercise heightened  precautions,however, due to increasing insecurity nationwide.

Safety Precautions:

• Be careful about providing your destination address in Haiti. Do not provide personal information to unauthorized individuals located in the immigration, customs, or other areas inside or near any airports in Haiti.
• As you leave the airport, make sure you are not being followed. If you notice you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station immediately.
• Be aware of your surroundings.
• Keep a low profile.
• Do not display signs of wealth, such as jewelry or watches.
• Embassy employees are prohibited from visiting banks and using ATMs. U.S. citizens are often followed, attacked and robbed soon after withdrawing money. If you must use an ATM, select one that is out of sight from the general public (such as inside your hotel), and be cautious at all times.
• Do not resist a robbery or car-jacking attempt. Criminals may kill those who resist. 
• If a situation makes you feel uncomfortable, leave immediately.
• Be aware: drug traffickers have duped travelers into transporting narcotics aboard on commercial flights.
• Be aware: crime rates tend to go up during holidays, particularly in crowded street festivities.

See the  Department of State  and the  FBI  pages for information on scams.

Victims of Crime, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault:  Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Police investigations may not meet U.S. standards and forensic medical services are very basic. While rape kits exist in Haiti, there is generally no capacity to collect or utilize samples for police investigation. Report crimes to the local police at (+509) 3838-1111 or (+509) 3733-3640, then call the U.S. Embassy at (+509) 2229-8000.

See our webpage on  help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .

• Help you find appropriate medical care
• Assist you in reporting a crime to the police
• Contact relatives or friends if we receive your written consent
• Explain the local criminal justice process in general terms
• Provide a  list of attorneys in Haiti
• Provide information on  victim’s compensation programs in the United States  
• In cases of destitution, provide an emergency loan for repatriation to the United States and/or limited medical support
• Help you find hotel accommodations and arrange a flight home
• Replace a stolen or lost passport

Demonstrations  occur frequently.  They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. 

• Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. 
• Past demonstrations have turned violent.
• Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.

Domestic Violence:  U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.

No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level in most locations.  With the exception of Labadee, tourists are participating in activities at their own risk.  Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country.  U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage

Hurricanes:  Hurricane season runs from June 1 – November 30 in the Atlantic. Roads and bridges may become impassible. Poor rescue services and weak infrastructure hamper the government’s ability to respond to storms.

For information on how to prepare and respond to storms and hurricanes:

• https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes
• Haiti Météo website
• Local media broadcasts in Creole or French
• National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
• U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency

Earthquakes:  Haiti is prone to earthquakes. For information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, visit  https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes .

Local Laws & Special Circumstances

Criminal Penalties: You are subject to local laws.  If you violate local laws, even unknowingly, you may be expelled, arrested, or imprisoned.  Prolonged pre-trial detention is common and prison conditions do not meet U.S. standards. Individuals establishing a business or practicing a profession that requires additional permits or licensing should seek information from the competent local authorities, prior to practicing or operating a business.

Furthermore, some laws are also prosecutable in the United States, regardless of local law.  For examples, see our website on crimes against minors abroad and the Department of Justice website.

Arrest Notification:  If you are arrested or detained, ask police or prison officials to notify the U.S. Embassy immediately.  See our webpage for further information.

Real Estate Investments:  Be highly cautious. Property rights are irregularly enforced. Clear title to land is difficult or impossible to obtain. Consult an attorney before signing documents or closing on any real estate transactions. Undeveloped land is vulnerable to legal and physical takeover. Absentee owners may be assaulted by squatters when trying to reclaim their property. Litigation and eviction proceedings can take years. U.S. citizens involved in business/property disputes are sometimes arrested without charge and can spend months or years in pre-trial detention, waiting for their cases to be heard. The Embassy does not attend property dispute hearings but, as above, can assist U.S. citizens who have been arrested.

Firearms and Other Weapons:  Possession of firearms, ammunition, and dangerous weaponry is strictly prohibited to any person, unless the individual has a Haitian license or has been specifically authorized by Haitian authorities.  In order to bring a firearm into Haiti, an owner must obtain written permission in advance from the Director-General of the Haitian National Police (HNP).  Contact the “Centre de Renseignement de la police”/Information Center (CRO) at [email protected] or by telephones at 509-3838-1111 /509-3837-1111/509-3839-1111 for additional information.  Travelers caught entering Haiti with any type of weapon, including firearms or ammunitions, will likely face severe penalties, including prison time. U.S.-issued permits allowing an individual to carry weapons are not valid in Haiti.  Visit the Department’s  Traveling Abroad with Firearms webpage .

Faith-Based Travelers:  See the following webpages for details:

• Faith-Based Travel Information
• International Religious Freedom Report – see country reports
• Human Rights Report – see country reports
• Hajj Fact Sheet for Travelers
• Best Practices for Volunteering Abroad  

LGBTQI+ Travelers:  Anti-LGBTQI+ sentiment exists. While no laws criminalize sexual orientation or consensual same-sex conduct between adults, persons identified as LGBTQI+ may be targeted for harassment, discrimination, or physical attacks. See our LGBTQI+ Travel Information page and section 6 of our Human Rights report for further details.

Travelers with Disabilities:   The law in Haiti prohibits discrimination against persons with disabilities, but the law is not enforced.  Social acceptance of persons with disabilities in public is not as prevalent as in the United States, however.  Expect accessibility to be limited in public transportation, lodging, communication/information, and general infrastructure.  Businesses rarely accommodate persons with disabilities and Haitian authorities do not enforce laws mandating public access for the disabled. Sidewalks, when present, are frequently congested by sidewalk commerce and parked cars.

Students:   See our Students Abroad page and FBI travel tips .

Women Travelers:   Domestic violence and sexual assault are unfortunately common and not always investigated or prosecuted consistently or vigorously. See our travel tips for Women Travelers .

The Government of Haiti requires all non-Haiti citizens age 12 and over entering the country to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or to present a negative COVID test. 

Medical facilities, including ambulance services, are scarce and generally sub-standard, especially outside the capital. Life-threatening emergencies often require evacuation to a point outside of Haiti by air ambulance at the patient's expense.  Lists of doctors, hospitals, and air ambulance services  are available at the Embassy website.

There is no functional national emergency services line in Haiti. The Embassy maintains a list of emergency telephone contacts.

Ambulance services may not be reliable in an emergency. Injured or seriously ill travelers may prefer to take a taxi or private vehicle to the nearest major hospital rather than wait for an ambulance. Ambulance services are:

• Not widely available and training and availability of emergency responders may be below U.S. standards.
• Not equipped with state-of-the-art medical equipment.
• Often not staffed with trained paramedics and often have little or no medical equipment.

We do not pay medical bills.  Be aware that U.S. Medicare/Medicaid does not apply overseas.  Most hospitals and doctors overseas do not accept U.S. health insurance.

Medical Insurance:  Make sure your health insurance plan provides coverage overseas.  Most care providers overseas only accept cash payments.  See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage.  Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for more information on type of insurance you should consider before you travel overseas.

We strongly recommend supplemental insurance to cover medical evacuation.

Always carry your prescription medication in original packaging, along with your doctor’s prescription.  Check with the Haitian Ministry of Public Health to ensure the medication is legal in Haiti.

Vaccinations:  Be up-to-date on all vaccinations recommended by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Further health information:

• World Health Organization
• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

Health facilities in general:

• Public medical clinics often lack basic resources and supplies.
• Hospitals and doctors often require payment “up front” prior to service or admission. Credit card payment is not always available.
• Private hospitals usually require advance payment or proof of adequate insurance before admitting a patient.
• Medical staff may speak little or no English.
• Patients bear all costs for transfer to or between hospitals.
• Psychological and psychiatric services are limited, even in the larger cities.

Water Quality

In most areas, tap water is not potable. Bottled water and beverages are generally safe, although you should be aware that many restaurants and hotels serve tap water unless bottled water is specifically requested.  Be aware that ice for drinks may be made using tap water.

General Health Language

The following diseases are prevalent:

• Chikungunya
• Use the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommended mosquito repellents and sleep under insecticide-impregnated mosquito nets.  Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for all travelers even for short stays.
• There are shortages of food, water, medicine, medical supplies, etc. throughout Haiti.
• Visit the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website for more information about Resources for Travelers regarding specific issues in Haiti. 

Travel and Transportation

Road Conditions and Safety:   Traffic is extremely chaotic throughout the country and is frequently congested in urban areas. Lanes are not marked, and signs indicating the flow of traffic seldom exist. Roads are generally unmarked, and detailed, accurate maps are not widely available. GPS-based systems do usually work accurately, but the lack of road signage makes it hard to determine the indicated route. There are only a handful of stoplights in the country. Pedestrians regularly walk on the side of the road, and animals often dart into traffic. Even though driving is on the right side of the road, large potholes and flooding may cause drivers to swerve unpredictably and dangerously into the opposite lane of traffic. Speeding, aggressive driving, lack of traffic lights and signs, lack of right of way, unlit vehicles, and poor maintenance are the cause of many fatal traffic accidents in Haiti, as are overloaded vehicles on winding, mountainous and degraded roads. Motorcycles weave through traffic at high speeds. Driving under the influence is common at night. Traffic accidents are a major cause of death and injury, and extreme caution should be exercised. Those lacking knowledge of Haitian roads and traffic customs should hire a driver through a tour company or hotel. Heavy rains can cause mudslides and flooding that can quickly make conditions perilous. The Haitian government lacks adequate resources to assist drivers in distress or to clear the road of accidents or broken-down vehicles. If you are involved in an accident, do not expect medical or law enforcement assistance.

Public Transportation:  Public transportation consists of “tap-taps” (collective buses), private motorcycles for hire, and public buses and taxis in some cities or inter-city routes. Embassy personnel are prohibited from using any public transportation, and U.S. citizens are advised to avoid doing so due to the risk of crime. There is a significant risk of ejection in any accident, or even rough driving, due to lack of seat belts.

See our Road Safety page for more information.

Aviation Safety Oversight:

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has assessed the government of Haiti’s Civil Aviation Authority as not being in compliance with International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) aviation safety standards for oversight of Haiti’s air carrier operations.  Further information may be found on the FAA’s safety assessment page .

Maritime Travel: Mariners planning travel to Haiti should also check for U.S. maritime advisories and alerts .  Information may also be posted to the  U.S. Coast Guard homeport website , and the NGA broadcast warnings .

For additional travel information

• Enroll in the  Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)  to receive security messages and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.
• Call us in Washington, D.C. at 1-888-407-4747 (toll-free in the United States and Canada) or 1-202-501-4444 (from all other countries) from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., Eastern Standard Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).
• See the  State Department’s travel website  for the  Worldwide Caution  and  Travel Advisories .
• Follow us on  Twitter  and  Facebook .
• See  traveling safely abroad  for useful travel tips.

Review information about International Parental Child Abduction in Haiti . For additional IPCA-related information, please see the International Child Abduction Prevention and Return Act ( ICAPRA ) report. 

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Haiti Traveler View

Travel health notices, vaccines and medicines, non-vaccine-preventable diseases, stay healthy and safe.

• Packing List

After Your Trip

There are no notices currently in effect for Haiti.

⇧ Top

Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor at least a month before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need. If you or your doctor need help finding a location that provides certain vaccines or medicines, visit the Find a Clinic page.

Routine vaccines

Recommendations.

Make sure you are up-to-date on all routine vaccines before every trip. Some of these vaccines include

• Chickenpox (Varicella)
• Diphtheria-Tetanus-Pertussis
• Flu (influenza)
• Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR)

Immunization schedules

All eligible travelers should be up to date with their COVID-19 vaccines. Please see  Your COVID-19 Vaccination  for more information. 

COVID-19 vaccine

Active cholera transmission is  widespread  in Haiti. Cholera is rare in travelers.  Certain factors  may increase the risk of getting cholera or having severe disease ( more information ). Avoiding unsafe food and water and washing your hands can also help prevent cholera.

Vaccination may be considered for children and adults who are traveling to areas of active cholera transmission.

Cholera - CDC Yellow Book

Hepatitis A

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Haiti.

Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated against Hepatitis A. The dose does not count toward the routine 2-dose series.

Travelers allergic to a vaccine component or who are younger than 6 months should receive a single dose of immune globulin, which provides effective protection for up to 2 months depending on dosage given.

Unvaccinated travelers who are over 40 years old, immunocompromised, or have chronic medical conditions planning to depart to a risk area in less than 2 weeks should get the initial dose of vaccine and at the same appointment receive immune globulin.

Hepatitis A - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep A

Hepatitis B

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers younger than 60 years old traveling to Haiti. Unvaccinated travelers 60 years and older may get vaccinated before traveling to Haiti.

Hepatitis B - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Hep B

CDC recommends that travelers going to Haiti take prescription medicine to prevent malaria. Depending on the medicine you take, you will need to start taking this medicine multiple days before your trip, as well as during and after your trip. Talk to your doctor about which malaria medication you should take.

Find  country-specific information  about malaria.

Malaria - CDC Yellow Book

Considerations when choosing a drug for malaria prophylaxis (CDC Yellow Book)

Malaria information for Haiti.

Cases of measles are on the rise worldwide. Travelers are at risk of measles if they have not been fully vaccinated at least two weeks prior to departure, or have not had measles in the past, and travel internationally to areas where measles is spreading.

All international travelers should be fully vaccinated against measles with the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, including an early dose for infants 6–11 months, according to  CDC’s measles vaccination recommendations for international travel .

Measles (Rubeola) - CDC Yellow Book

Rabid dogs are commonly found in Haiti. If you are bitten or scratched by a dog or other mammal while in Haiti, there may be limited or no rabies treatment available. 

Consider rabies vaccination before your trip if your activities mean you will be around dogs or wildlife.

Travelers more likely to encounter rabid animals include

• Campers, adventure travelers, or cave explorers (spelunkers)
• Veterinarians, animal handlers, field biologists, or laboratory workers handling animal specimens
• Visitors to rural areas

Since children are more likely to be bitten or scratched by a dog or other animals, consider rabies vaccination for children traveling to Haiti. 

Rabies - CDC Yellow Book

Recommended for most travelers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas.

Typhoid - CDC Yellow Book

Dosing info - Typhoid

Yellow Fever

Required for travelers ≥1 year old arriving from countries with risk for YF virus transmission. 1

Yellow Fever - CDC Yellow Book

Avoid contaminated water

Leptospirosis

How most people get sick (most common modes of transmission)

• Touching urine or other body fluids from an animal infected with leptospirosis
• Swimming or wading in urine-contaminated fresh water, or contact with urine-contaminated mud
• Drinking water or eating food contaminated with animal urine
• Avoid contaminated water and soil

Clinical Guidance

Avoid bug bites.

• Mosquito bite
• Avoid Bug Bites
• An infected pregnant woman can spread it to her unborn baby

Airborne & droplet

• Breathing in air or accidentally eating food contaminated with the urine, droppings, or saliva of infected rodents
• Bite from an infected rodent
• Less commonly, being around someone sick with hantavirus (only occurs with Andes virus)
• Avoid rodents and areas where they live
• Avoid sick people

Tuberculosis (TB)

• Breathe in TB bacteria that is in the air from an infected and contagious person coughing, speaking, or singing.

Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Haiti, so your behaviors are important.

Eat and drink safely

Food and water standards around the world vary based on the destination. Standards may also differ within a country and risk may change depending on activity type (e.g., hiking versus business trip). You can learn more about safe food and drink choices when traveling by accessing the resources below.

• Choose Safe Food and Drinks When Traveling
• Water Treatment Options When Hiking, Camping or Traveling
• Global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene | Healthy Water
• Avoid Contaminated Water During Travel

You can also visit the Department of State Country Information Pages for additional information about food and water safety.

Prevent bug bites

Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Haiti. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.

What can I do to prevent bug bites?

• Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
• Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
• Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
• Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
• Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.

What type of insect repellent should I use?

• FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
• Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
• Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or para-menthane-diol (PMD)
• 2-undecanone
• Always use insect repellent as directed.

What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?

• Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
• Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.

What can I do to avoid bed bugs?

Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs .

For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites .

Stay safe outdoors

If your travel plans in Haiti include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.

• Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
• Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
• Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
• If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
• Protect yourself from UV radiation : use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
• Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
• Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.

Stay safe around water

• Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
• Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
• Do not dive into shallow water.
• Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
• Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
• To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.

Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Haiti. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.

Keep away from animals

Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.

Follow these tips to protect yourself:

• Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
• Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
• Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
• Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
• If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.

All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:

• Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
• Go to a doctor right away.
• Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.

Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.

Reduce your exposure to germs

Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:

• Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
• If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
• Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
• Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
• Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
• If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.

Avoid sharing body fluids

Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.

Protect yourself:

• Use latex condoms correctly.
• Do not inject drugs.
• Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
• Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
• If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.

Know how to get medical care while traveling

Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:

• Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
• Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
• Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
• Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Haiti’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
• Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.

Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website ( www.jointcommissioninternational.org ).

In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.

Malaria is a risk in Haiti. Fill your malaria prescription before you leave and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.

Select safe transportation

Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.

In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.

Be smart when you are traveling on foot.

• Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
• Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
• Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.

Riding/Driving

Choose a safe vehicle.

• Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
• Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
• Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
• Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
• Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
• Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.

Think about the driver.

• Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
• Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
• Arrange payment before departing.

Follow basic safety tips.

• Wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
• When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
• Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Haiti may be poor.
• Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
• Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
• If you choose to drive a vehicle in Haiti, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
• Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
• Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
• Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
• If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
• Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.

Medical Evacuation Insurance

If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.

Helpful Resources

Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.

The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.

For information traffic safety and road conditions in Haiti, see Travel and Transportation on US Department of State's country-specific information for Haiti .

Maintain personal security

Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.

Before you leave

• Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
• Monitor travel advisories and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) .
• Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
• Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.

While at your destination(s)

• Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate .
• Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
• Follow all local laws and social customs.
• Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
• Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
• If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.

Healthy Travel Packing List

Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Haiti for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.

Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?

It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.

If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic . Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.

If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.

Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.

For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel .

Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.

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• Passports, travel and living abroad
• Travel abroad
• Foreign travel advice

Warnings and insurance

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ) provides advice about risks of travel to help British nationals make informed decisions. Find out more about FCDO travel advice .

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti  

Your travel insurance could be invalidated if you travel against FCDO advice. Consular support is also severely limited where FCDO advises against travel.

FCDO advises against all travel to Haiti due to the volatile security situation. There are currently no British consular officials in Haiti and our ability to provide consular assistance is severely limited and cannot be delivered in person in Haiti.

British nationals may get consular services assistance at our diplomatic mission in the Dominican Republic .    

If you choose to travel to or stay in Haiti against FCDO advice, try to avoid all crowds and public events, and take appropriate security precautions.

State of emergency

The government has declared a state of emergency until 3 May, applying to all areas in the Department de l’Ouest. Under the state of emergency, a curfew for citizens will run from 7pm to 6am every day until 3 May.

Before you travel

No travel can be guaranteed safe. Read all the advice in this guide and see support for British nationals abroad for information about specific travel topics.

Follow and contact FCDO travel on Twitter , Facebook and Instagram . You can also sign up to get email notifications  when this advice is updated.

Travel insurance

If you choose to travel, research your destinations and get appropriate travel insurance . Insurance should cover your itinerary, planned activities and expenses in an emergency.

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THE 15 BEST Things to Do in Haiti

Things to do in haiti, explore popular experiences, ways to tour haiti.

• Citadelle Laferriere Sightseeing Tour from Cap-Haitien

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A portrait of Haitians trying to survive without a government

Eyder Peralta

Moncher Metina outside her house in Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Moncher Metina outside her house in Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024.

CAP-HAÏTIEN, Haiti — Most of northern Haiti has escaped the violence and anarchy that has engulfed much of the country's capital, Port-au-Prince.

But ever since President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in 2021, this region has felt the slow crumbling of the Haitian state. These days, government offices are mostly closed and government services, including electricity, don't exist. It has left Haitians to fend for themselves.

These are some of their stories.

Moncher Metina

Moncher Metina has spent her whole 65 years of life in a rural part of Limonade in northern Haiti.

She remembers when she was a kid, she would swim in the rivers that have now dried up. She remembers this was fertile land. In truth, she says, back in the day, the people in Limonade didn't even think about the government. They always had sufficient rain, always sufficient food. This place was full of lush rice fields.

But over the past decade or so, the climate has changed and the rains have become unpredictable.

"We've missed the harvest for pistachios, beans and yam," she says.

When she was young, they produced everything they ate right here. But these days, she says, they have to eat imported rice. In Haiti, rice is a staple, and about 80% of it is now imported from the United States.

Moncher Metina walks in her hometown of Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Moncher Metina walks in her hometown of Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024.

Louisiana Francilo (left) and Wilky Deranci pump water from a public well in Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Louisiana Francilo (left) and Wilky Deranci pump water from a public well in Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024.

Metina shakes her head. The only thing they need to change that is a few wells and a few pumps from the government, and this land could be lush again.

"But we don't have a government to do these kind of things," she says. "Even if there was a local authority, they don't do anything."

She points to the dirt roads, full of potholes, some parts of them washed out by water long ago. "The government did nothing," she says. "They do nothing for us."

Metina walks across a field. She looks small in the middle of its vastness. This is her land, but planting anything here would be risky.

Her neighbor, Antoine Jean Bellami, says he just planted 1,000 plantain trees, but they're all starting to yellow because it has not yet rained.

"When people work here, they realize it's worthless," he says. "And facing that discouragement, young people just up and leave. They go to the Dominican Republic to get humiliated."

Metina's own son left for neighboring Dominican Republic about a year ago, and that was the last time she heard from him. It's the story of this region. Metina's smile fades from her face. She lowers her gaze. She lowers her voice.

"I just hope that he's around," she says. "I would have known if he was dead. If he had died, I would have felt it."

Emmanuel Desir

Cables of all kinds drape across Emmanuel Desir's living room.

"When people come in here, they say, 'Wow, you're an engineer!' and I say, 'No, I am Haitian,'" he says laughing.

The 41-year-old is actually an electrician. But here in Cap-Haïtien, electricians have become lifesavers. Cap-Haïtien is Haiti's second-largest city, but for more than two years now, it has been living off the grid. Electricity was always patchy, but following the 2021 assassination of President Moïse the state electricity company collapsed and stopped providing power.

Emmanuel Desir, who works as an electrician, poses for a photo at his home on the outskirts of Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Emmanuel Desir, who works as an electrician, poses for a photo at his home on the outskirts of Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024.

Desir says, now, he spends every day installing solar panels. He installs little systems that run about $150 and can charge a cellphone, a laptop and run a few lights. And he also installs systems that cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. They harness the power of the sun to run refrigerators and air conditioners.

There are some charity groups helping to install solar panels in Cap-Haïtien, but most of the work is done by private companies like Desir's.

A big problem, he says, is that $150 is a lot of money in Haiti, a country where more than 60% of the population lives with less than $4 a day , according to a World Bank estimate.

A charging station for cellphones and laptop devices is seen at a bar in downtown Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, on March 17, 2024. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

A charging station for cellphones and laptop devices is seen at a bar in downtown Cap-Haïtien, Haiti, on March 17, 2024.

Rod Augustin measures dimensions for solar installation at a bar in Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Rod Augustin measures dimensions for solar installation at a bar in Limonade, Haiti, on March 17, 2024.

On a practical level, that means if you don't have a solar panel, you can't charge the essentials, including a cellphone. So, across Cap-Haïtien there are charging stations for phones and laptops. Desir set up a charging center for his neighbors at his home. The lone street light in the neighborhood takes power from his solar inverter.

"Everyone always says, electricity is the base of development; it's the first stage of development," he says.

He's proud that he is helping Haitians power their homes. But sometimes, he says, Haitians end up wasting a day simply trying to charge a cellphone.

Commander Minis Derius

Just along Haiti's northern coast, in Ouanaminthe, Haitians have decided to take matters into their own hands.

About a year ago, private citizens decided to move forward with a long-planned canal that would divert some water from a shared river with the Dominican Republic to a canal designed to irrigate vast farmlands in northern Haiti.

The canal near completion in the border city of Ouanaminthe, Haiti. The Dominican Republic protested over the project, which would divert water from a river shared by the neighboring countries. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

The canal near completion in the border city of Ouanaminthe, Haiti. The Dominican Republic protested over the project, which would divert water from a river shared by the neighboring countries.

Thousands of Haitians volunteered their time to complete the canal, and members of an armed environmental police force decided to defect from the government to patrol the project.

Minis Derius, a member of the Brigade for the Security of Protected Areas, or B-SAP, carries an assault rifle as he walks along the canal's concrete retention walls.

"The government didn't do anything," he says. "If this was being done by the Haitian state, it probably would have never gotten done."

Construction workers are in finishing the canal project in the border city of Ouanaminthe, Haiti. Once completed, the nearby farming community hopes to benefit from the canal's water, aiding in the cultivation and yield of their crops. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

Construction workers are in finishing the canal project in the border city of Ouanaminthe, Haiti. Once completed, the nearby farming community hopes to benefit from the canal's water, aiding in the cultivation and yield of their crops.

The canal near completion in the border city of Ouanaminthe, Haiti, where construction workers are diligently working to finish the project. Once completed, the nearby farming community will benefit from the canal's water, aiding in the cultivation and yield of their crops. Octavio Jones for NPR hide caption

The canal near completion in the border city of Ouanaminthe, Haiti, where construction workers are diligently working to finish the project. Once completed, the nearby farming community will benefit from the canal's water, aiding in the cultivation and yield of their crops.

This project has been controversial. The Dominican Republic shut down its border in protest, and then Haiti's de facto prime minister, Ariel Henry, ordered the environmental police force to leave the construction site. Henry fired their leader, but the B-SAP simply ignored him and the construction kept moving forward.

"We will stand with the people," Derius says. "Although we are a part of the state — we're a legal body, a legal force, we come from the government — we cannot abandon the people."

To Derius, this project speaks to two realities in Haiti: first, of a dysfunctional government that can't seem to provide the basics for its people; and second, how the Haitian people always find ways to survive despite their government.

He says that in some ways, Haitians have found hope in projects like the canal.

"It shows that if we put our heads together, we unite, there's a lot we can do," Derius says.

Haitian Groups Seek Billions in Reparations From France

FILE PHOTO: The United Nations building is pictured in New York City, U.S., February 23, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar//File Photo

By Emma Farge and Catarina Demony

GENEVA (Reuters) - France should repay billions of dollars in reparations to Haiti to cover a debt formerly enslaved people were forced to pay in return for recognising the island's independence, a coalition of civil society groups said on Thursday.

The Caribbean island became the first in the region to win its independence in 1804 after a revolt by enslaved people. But in a move that many Haitians blame for two centuries of turmoil, France later imposed harsh reparations for lost income and that debt was only fully repaid in 1947.

The group of around 20 non-governmental organisations currently in Geneva for a U.N. Permanent Forum on People of African Descent (PFPAD) are seeking a new independent commission to oversee the restitution of the debt, which they refer to as a ransom.

They say the money should go to public works in Haiti where a transition council was installed this month in an effort to restore security after a period of devastating violence by armed groups.

"What's important is that it's time that France recognises this and we move forward," Monique Clesca, a Haitian civil society activist who is coordinating the efforts, told Reuters.

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The French Foreign Ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment. France, whose development agency has given hundreds of millions of dollars to Haiti, has previously referred to a "moral debt" owed to Haiti.

The amount paid to France is disputed by historians although the New York Times estimated Haiti's loss at $21 billion. The proposal's backers say the amount is much higher.

"It's $21 billion plus 200 years of interest that France has enjoyed so we're talking more like $150 billion, $200 billion or more," said Jemima Pierre, professor of Global Race at the University of British Columbia.

Clesca said she hoped the recommendation and others would be part of the U.N. forum's conclusions due Friday. Last year, the PFPAD suggested that a tribunal should be formed to address reparations for slavery.

The campaign for paying reparations or making other amends for slavery has a long history and has been gaining momentum worldwide.

(Reporting by Emma Farge in Geneva and Catarina Demony in Lisbon; additional reporting by Gabriel Stargardter in Paris; Editing by Aurora Ellis)

Copyright 2024 Thomson Reuters .

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Tags: United Nations , Africa , France , United States , Europe , Haiti

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