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Caribbean

HaitiTravel guide

Explore Haiti visa rulesCommon scams in Haiti

Haiti is a Caribbean country on the western half of Hispaniola. It has a rich culture and was founded through a successful slave revolt. Several governments advise against all travel because of violent crime, kidnapping, gang activity and civil unrest. Food, water and fuel are in short supply, and consular help may be unavailable.

Why go

  1. The Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace ruins are internationally recognised heritage sites.

  2. Haitian culture brings together West African traditions, French influences, art and Vodou spiritual traditions.

  3. Mountain scenery, beaches and ocean views are among the country's natural attractions.

Getting there

By air

  • International arrivals use Toussaint L'Ouverture Airport in Port-au-Prince or Cap-Haïtien International Airport in the north.
  • Tickets can be bought through ticket agencies as well as online.
  • Domestic flights connect Port-au-Prince with other parts of Haiti. The article describes flights as a safer alternative to dangerous public road transport.

By land

  • The border with the Dominican Republic may close entirely with little or no notice. The border warning is dated February 2024.
  • Caribe Tours runs a bus from Santo Domingo to Petionville. It arrives after dark, so arrange for a trusted person to meet you and take you to your lodging.
  • Dajabón/Ouanaminthe is a crowded border crossing open only during the day. Local transport continues towards Cap-Haïtien.

Customs

  • Customs restrictions at the Dominican Republic border are extremely strict.
  • Complete the immigration procedures when crossing the border. Entering Haiti legally involves filling out a green form.

Getting around

  • Local guide or contact

    A trusted Haitian contact can help with transport, markets and local meals. A local guide can also interpret, making outings easier and safer.

  • Tap-taps

    Tap-taps are shared trucks or vans with bench seats. They are the cheapest transport option but can be overcrowded. They stop along their route when you call out "merci!" First-time visitors who do not speak conversational Haitian Creole should use them only with assistance. Mountain routes can be dangerous.

  • Minibuses

    Minibuses are a more comfortable option for longer journeys. They gather in transport lots organised by destination. Front seats may cost more.

  • Taxis and rental cars

    Rental cars are available through companies including Hertz and Avis. Taxis are often large vehicles or trucks because many roads are damaged or unpaved. Traffic drives on the right.

What to see and do

  • Citadelle Laferrière

    A major historical monument recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization as a World Heritage Site.

  • Sans-Souci Palace ruins

    These palace ruins are also recognised as a World Heritage Site.

  • Mountains near St. Marc

    The mountains have historical remains and wide views of the ocean.

  • Earthquake memorials

    Several memorials remember the thousands of people who died in the 2010 earthquake.

  • Visit an outdoor market with a trusted guide

    Markets sell crafts and many everyday goods. A trusted Haitian companion can help with language, prices and safety.

  • Explore mountain scenery

    Areas around St. Marc offer hiking and ocean views. Ask someone who knows the area well about nearby routes.

Food and drink

  • Griot

    Pieces of fried pork.

  • Kabrit

    Roast goat.

  • Poulet creole

    Chicken served with a Creole sauce.

  • Du riz jonjon

    Rice cooked with wild mushrooms.

  • Diri kole ak pwa

    Rice and beans.

  • Coastal seafood

    Fish, lobster and conch are readily available along the coast.

Money

Haitian gourde (HTG), shown as G

  • Prices are often spoken in Haitian dollars. One Haitian dollar means 5 gourdes; it is not a US dollar.
  • Check which currency a seller means before paying.
  • Bargaining is recommended in markets, where foreigners may be charged at least twice the market price.
  • Large supermarkets in the capital sell goods at fixed prices.

Tipping: Carry a few gourdes for children who carry bags, shine shoes or hail transport at the airport.

Typical costs

  • Most tap-tap routes in Port-au-Prince are listed at 10 gourdes.
  • A minibus seat to Jacmel is listed at about 150 gourdes, or 200 gourdes for a front seat.
  • Domestic return flights to and from Port-au-Prince are listed at about US$125–132, with cheaper fares to Jacmel.
  • Many guest houses are listed at about 25–35 dollars a night, including two or three meals; the currency is not specified.

Language

  • Haitian Creole is the everyday language of most Haitians.
  • French is an official language used in administration, but only a minority speak it.
  • People working in tourist areas often speak enough English for conversation.
Mesi
Thank you in Haitian Creole.
Merci!
Thank you in French; also used to ask a tap-tap driver to stop.

Staying safe

  • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti. Violent crime, kidnapping, gang activity and civil unrest are serious risks.
  • Outside help may be extremely limited, and consular services may be unavailable.
  • Food, water and fuel are in short supply.
  • Use a trusted local contact or guide when travelling around.
3 common scams in Haiti, and how to avoid them

Local customs

Do

  • Dress modestly in cities, especially if you are a woman.
  • Greet people, make eye contact and treat them as equals.
  • Learn a few basic Haitian Creole words.
  • Ask permission before photographing people; they may ask for money.
  • Carry extra water and food to share with your driver, guide or interpreter.
  • Be patient with delays.

Don't

  • Do not push a camera into people's faces or photograph people at random.
  • Do not focus your photographs only on rubbish or distressing living conditions; this can cause offence.
  • Do not walk around handing out candy or dollar bills. Many people find this disrespectful.
  • Do not complain rudely about slow service or delays.

Staying healthy

  • Medical care is very limited. Serious illness or injury may require leaving Haiti or being evacuated.
  • Drink bottled or properly purified water and keep hydrated. Avoid bathing in creeks or lakes because of water-borne diseases.
  • Eat well-cooked meat and fruit or vegetables you can peel. Raw vegetables may be unsafe even at resorts with purified water.
  • Use ice only when it comes from a clean water source. In smaller eating places, choose bottled drinks.

Where to stay

  • Guest houses are found throughout Haiti, but many are difficult to find from overseas.
  • Many guest houses include two or three meals a day.
  • Saint Joseph's Home for Boys is in Delmas 91, near Petionville.
  • Fondwa Guest House is downhill from Anbatonèl, a village halfway between Léogâne and Jacmel.

Outdoor adventures in Haiti

Haiti has mountain hikes, sheltered beach coves and places for windsurfing, kitesurfing and mountain biking. Several governments advise against all travel because of violent crime, unrest and kidnapping, with outside help extremely limited. Severe storms can occur from June to November, and food, water and fuel are in short supply.

  • Labadie Beach

    BeacheNorthern Haitinear Cap-Haïtien

    The beach resort is 10 km northwest of Cap-Haïtien, reached by a paved mountain road. Visitors who are not cruise passengers can enter for a small fee.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Severe storms can occur from June to November.

  • Paradis Beach

    BeacheNorthern Haitinear Cap-Haïtien

    Catch a water taxi from just outside Labadie to this secluded beach in a nearby cove. Negotiate the rate.

    • Cost: Rates generally start at HTG 1,000; negotiate.
    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Severe storms can occur from June to November.

  • Cormier Plage

    BeacheNorthern Haitinear Cap-Haïtien

    Visit the beach on the route from Cap-Haïtien to Labadie.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Severe storms can occur from June to November.

  • Belli Beach

    BeacheNorthern Haitinear Cap-Haïtien

    Visit this small sandy cove north of Cap-Haïtien. Labadie village can also be visited from here.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Severe storms can occur from June to November.

  • St. Marc mountain hikes

    Hikenear St. Marc

    Ask someone who knows the St. Marc area well about nearby mountain hikes. A trusted Haitian contact can help as a guide and interpreter.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Hiking boots and comfortable footwear are recommended.

  • Môle-Saint-Nicolas hiking

    HikeNorthwest Haitinear Môle-Saint-Nicolas

    Môle-Saint-Nicolas is identified as a place for hiking. No trail, starting point or guide arrangements are given.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Hiking boots and comfortable footwear are recommended.

  • Môle-Saint-Nicolas mountain biking

    CyclingNorthwest Haitinear Môle-Saint-Nicolas

    Môle-Saint-Nicolas is identified as a place for mountain biking. No routes, rental services or operators are named.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Medical care is very limited; an injury may require evacuation.

  • Môle-Saint-Nicolas windsurfing

    More to doNorthwest Haitinear Môle-Saint-Nicolas

    Môle-Saint-Nicolas is identified as a place for windsurfing. No launch points, lessons or equipment providers are named.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Severe storms can occur from June to November.

  • Môle-Saint-Nicolas kitesurfing

    More to doNorthwest Haitinear Môle-Saint-Nicolas

    Môle-Saint-Nicolas is identified as a place for kitesurfing. No launch points, lessons or equipment providers are named.

    • Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti.
    • Severe storms can occur from June to November.

Airports, metros and trains in Haiti

Airports with scheduled flights

  • CAPCap Haitien International AirportCap HaitienMain international airport
  • PAPToussaint Louverture International AirportPort-au-PrinceMain international airport

People and safety in Haiti

Religion

Most people are Christian. Mostly one faith.

  • Christian87%
  • No religion11%
  • Folk religions2%

LGBT+ travellers

Legal

  • Same-sex marriage is not recognised.
  • Some laws protect against discrimination.

Women travellers

Ranked #176 of 181 countries for women's safety, inclusion and justice.

45% of women say they feel safe walking alone at night where they live.

Who can visit without a visa

Travellers from 189 of 198 countries can visit Haiti easily: no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Visa not required189
  • Visa required8
  • Admission refused1

Who can visit easily, by part of the world

For each part of the world: how many countries' travellers can come easily. Easy means no visa, a visa at the airport, or a short online form.

  • Europe46 of 46 countries
  • Oceania14 of 14 countries
  • Africa53 of 54 countries
  • Asia46 of 50 countries
  • Americas30 of 34 countries

Questions

Is Haiti safe for a first visit?

Several governments advise against all travel because of violent crime, kidnapping, gang activity and civil unrest. Outside help may be extremely limited.

Can I buy a flight without booking online?

Yes. Tickets can be bought through ticket agencies.

Do I need someone local to help me?

A trusted local contact is extremely helpful. They can guide you, interpret and make transport, markets and local meals easier and safer.

What does a price in Haitian dollars mean?

One Haitian dollar equals 5 gourdes. It is different from a US dollar, so check which currency the seller means.

Can I get by with English?

People working in tourist areas often speak enough English for conversation. Haitian Creole is the main everyday language, and learning a few words is appreciated.

Can I drink the tap water?

Avoid tap water. Drink bottled or properly purified water, and use ice only from a clean water source.

When is the severe storm season?

Haiti is subject to severe storms from June to November. Flooding, earthquakes and droughts also occur.

What accommodation is available?

There are guest houses throughout Haiti, and many include meals. They can be hard to find from overseas, and camping is not recommended.

Which historical sites are mentioned?

The Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace ruins are World Heritage Sites. There are also memorials to victims of the 2010 earthquake.

Can I photograph local people?

Ask permission first; people may ask for money. Avoid taking random photographs or putting your camera in people's faces.

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