WASHINGTON – U.S. travelers should steer clear of Haiti, which has become too dangerous for visitors, the U.S. State Department warned on Wednesday.
In the Level 4 warning, the State Department’s highest level advisory category, travelers are warned that Haiti, under a state of emergency since March, has become ravaged by lawlessness. Crimes involving firearms are common and include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom.
“Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed,” the State Department said in its advisory. “Kidnappers may plan carefully or target victims at random, unplanned times. Kidnappers will even target and attack convoys. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom requests. Victims’ families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members. “
Protests and demonstrations often block roadways, damage or destroy infrastructure and can become violent. Mob killings and assaults by the public have increased, including targeting those suspected of committing crimes.
The dangers are not limited to streets in the cities. The airport in the capital of Port-au-Prince can be a focal point for armed activity, the state department said. Armed robberies are common there and carjackers attack private vehicles stuck in traffic on the way to the airport.
Carjackers often target lone drivers, especially women, and as a result the U.S. embassy adopted a policy requiring its staff to use official transportation to and from the airport.
The State Department frequently issues travel advisories – more than 100 this year alone, ranging from notes advising use of normal precautions and increased caution to warning to reconsider travel plans or to not visit a nation at all.
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Level 4 warnings are unusual, with just 20 issued this year, mostly for war zones or areas with extremely heightened political tensions. The Haiti warning is the first Level 4 advisory this year for a nation in the Western Hemisphere.
The State Department warned that the U.S. government has very limited ability to help U.S. citizens who do venture into Haiti.
“Local police and other first responders often lack the resources to respond to emergencies or serious crime,” the advisory states. “Shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies are common throughout the country. Public and private medical clinics and hospitals often lack trained staff and basic resources. In addition, they require prepayment for services in cash.”
For travelers who decide to go to Haiti, the State Department recommends these precautions:
- 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 give personal information to unauthorized people to include those without uniforms or credentials.
- If you are being followed as you leave the airport, drive to the nearest police station immediately.
- Travel by vehicle, rather than walking, and travel in groups.
- Keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed.
- Do not fight back during a robbery. It increases the risk of violence and injury to you.
- Purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage 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.
- Review the Country Security Report on Haiti.
The State Department also recommends travelers review its Traveler’s Checklist and prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations.
