Destination:
Haiti

Overview

Sad to say that when Christopher Columbus first stumbled across the island of Hispaniola in 1492 he little realised that it would become divided into two distinct Republics, half of its lush landscape headed for criminal and political strife. The Republic of Haiti, once known as 'the pearl of the Caribbean', shares this island with the Dominican Republic, but it seems the two countries are worlds apart. One is a tourism magnet, the other largely a pariah where only the brave set foot.

Haiti is a fascinating country, its people friendly and energetic, but a combination of crime, civil disturbance and a mysterious voodoo religion have left most of it high and dry on the world tourism map. It was one of France's richest colonies, but today Haiti languishes as one of the world's poorest nations, its politics descended into chaos, its natural resources plundered, and corruption and crime rife.

Haiti was struck by a catastrophic earthquake in January 2010 that killed nearly 300,000 people and devastated local infrastructure. Many major landmarks in Port-au-Prince were destroyed, including the Presidential Palace, Port-au-Prince Cathedral, and the National Assembly building. Local infrastructure was all but destroyed, and hospitals, communication systems, and transport are basically non-existent. Tourism is discouraged, but intrepid travellers intent on visiting will find many volunteer opportunities in the embattled country.

The fact that dozens of sleek cruise liners still visit a corner of Haiti is proof that there is light in the darkness. The glittering white liners head out from Miami, USA, to disgorge passengers on day visits to the cordoned off port of Labadee, adjacent to Haiti's colourful city of Cap-Haitien, on a bay on the northern coast. Here visitors are assured of their safety as they shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine and generally enjoy themselves.

Basics

Time
Local time is GMT -5.

Electricity
110 volts, 60HZ. The plugs in use are the eastern type with two flat, parallel prongs.

Language
Creole is the official language, and French is widely used; English is spoken in the capital and at Labadee cruise port.

Health
Malaria and dengue fever occur in Haiti and travellers are recommended to take the necessary prophylactics. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas, and hepatitis and typhoid vaccinations are also recommended. Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince are of poor quality, and virtually non-existent elsewhere, so medical insurance with evacuation cover is essential, and it is advisable to bring all required medications from home. Visitors should only drink boiled or bottled water and ice should be avoided. It is recommended to avoid buying food or drink from street vendors.

Tipping
Hotel bills generally have a tax of 10% added, and a service charge of 5%. Restaurant staff in Haiti should be tipped around 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers can be given a discretionary tip if they are helpful and efficient.

Safety
Haiti has a bad reputation for the safety and security of visitors, because of a high crime rate and civil unrest, and both the British and US governments advise against all but essential travel to Haiti. This, however, does not apply to the enclosed cruise port of Labadee. Kidnapping, armed robbery, gang violence, pick-pocketing and various other horrors occur regularly in the country, although not usually directed at foreigners. Since the 2010 earthquake, there has been little policing, and criminal activities such as looting, robbery, and assault are at their highest recorded levels. Travellers are urged to refrain from walking in the cities without a guide. Travellers should also be aware that, since the earthquake, there have been warnings issued about cholera outbreaks, and that the country's infrastructure is seriously depleted.

Customs
Haitians are proud people despite their poor circumstances and appreciate being treated with respect. It is advisable to show willingness to learn a few basic Creole phrases, and to ask permission before taking pictures of locals. In rural areas it is considered indecent for women to have bare legs or shoulders.

Business
This being one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, and economically depressed, few business visitors come to Haiti. If embarking on a business trip to Haiti, business visitors should consider hiring a translator to ensure smooth communication. Business hours are generally from 8am to 4 pm.

Communications
The international dialling code for Haiti is +509. The outgoing code is 00. There are no area codes. The landline telephone company, mainly government owned, provides an inadequate service. A GSM mobile network has recently become available. There are a few Internet cafes in Port-au-Prince.

Duty Free
The duty free allowance for goods brought in to Haiti are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1kg of tobacco, one litre of spirits and a small bottle of perfume for personal use. Pork, coffee, matches, drugs and firearms are prohibited.

Currency

The official currency is the Haitian Gourde (HTG), divided into 100 centimes, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are welcome nearly everywhere, but ATMs are scarce and the few there are in Port au Prince are often out of order. Travellers cheques are difficult to exchange.

HTG 1 =

US$ 0.02

£ 0.02

C$ 0.02

A$ 0.02

R 0.20

EUR 0.02

NZ$ 0.03

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

Health

Health Overview
Malaria and dengue fever occur in Haiti and travellers are recommended to take the necessary prophylactics. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas, and hepatitis and typhoid vaccinations are also recommended. Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince are of poor quality, and virtually non-existent elsewhere, so medical insurance with evacuation cover is essential, and it is advisable to bring all required medications from home. Visitors should only drink boiled or bottled water and ice should be avoided. It is recommended to avoid buying food or drink from street vendors.

Visa

Americans


UK nationals


Canadians


Australians


South Africans


Irish nationals


New Zealanders

Passport/Visa Note
All foreign passengers to Haiti require a valid passport, onward or return tickets, and all necessary travel documentation for their next destination. A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required, if arriving in Haiti within six days of leaving or transiting through an infected area. Yellow fever vaccination certificate exemptions apply to those who did not leave the airport/aircraft when transiting through the infected area. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

Contacts

Haiti Tourism

Foreign Embassies in Haiti

Haiti Embassies

Regions and Cities

Labadee

Cap-Haitian is situated on the north coast of Haiti between the Atlantic Ocean and the Morne du Cap. Its surroundings have a lot to offer including art galleries, museums and beautiful pristine beaches. About 20 minutes west of this metropolitan area lies the area called Labadee, a paradise of lush mountains and turquoise blue Atlantic Ocean. Labadee is bursting with history, bright crafts and colourful people, as well as some of the best beaches in the Caribbean. The internationally known beach of Labadee is being operated by Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, but the town of Labadie is a small fishing village called 'Habitation Labadie'. It is an eclectic mix of affluent hill-perched villas and traditional Haitian dwellings. Further west along the coast is the breathtaking Baie d'Acul, which is almost completely closed off to the ocean and resistant to any storm. Christopher Columbus used this bay as a shelter during his first voyage on the Santa Maria. Across the bay, many small islands and reefs complete the vista.