Haiti

October 14, 2004

This Travel Warning is being issued to urge U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti at this time due to the volatile security situation. The Department of State has authorized the departure of non-emergency personnel and all eligible family members of U.S. Embassy personnel. This Travel Warning supersedes the Travel Warning issued October 9, to reflect the Embassy’s authorized departure status.

U.S. citizens in Haiti are urged to consider departing until the situation is stabilized as travel in Haiti still involves serious risks. Visitors and residents must remain vigilant due to the absence of an effective police force in Haiti; the potential for looting; the presence of intermittent roadblocks set by armed gangs or by the police; and the possibility of random violent crime, including kidnapping, car-jacking, and assault. There has been a noticeable escalation in criminal and gang activity since September 30.

Travel can be hazardous within Port-au-Prince. Some areas are off-limits to embassy staff, including downtown Port-au-Prince after dark. The embassy has imposed a curfew, which could change periodically, from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. Staff members must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the hours covered by the curfew. The embassy has limited travel by its staff outside of Port-au-Prince and the ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside of Port-Au-Prince remains extremely limited. The area around the city of Gonaives remains a disaster area as a result of the recent hurricanes, with little public services of any kind available. Many international organizations drew down their staffs earlier this year. The UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) is assisting the government of Haiti in providing security, but it is not fully deployed, and the international presence throughout Haiti will remain limited for some time to come. U.S. businesses continue to operate in Haiti, but take special precautions to protect their facilities and personnel.

U.S. citizens who travel to or remain in Haiti despite this Travel Warning must remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and are strongly advised to register either online at https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ or come to the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince and enroll in the warden system (emergency alert network) to obtain updated information on travel and security in Haiti. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy can be reached at (509) 223-7011, the fax number is (509) 223-9665 and the e-mail address is acspap@state.gov. Travelers should also consult the Department of State's latest Consular Information Sheet for Haiti and Worldwide Caution Public Announcement at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may also obtain up-to-date information on security conditions by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States or Canada or 1-317-472-2328 from overseas. In Haiti citizens can call 509/222-0200 ext. 2000.