Haiti Public Announcement

Issued by US Department of State

Dec 15, 2003

This Public Announcement is being issued to alert American citizens to ongoing civil unrest and political demonstrations in and around the capital of Port-au- Prince. This Public Announcement expires March 11, 2004.

Political tension has increased significantly over recent days in Port-au-Prince, Gonaives, Cap Haitien, Petit Goave, Jacmel, and other parts of Haiti. The U.S. Embassy was closed on December 12, 2003, due to civil unrest. From time to time the Embassy may close again to assess its security posture. Some international organizations have decided to draw down their staffs in Haiti. Students and other groups opposed to the government have mounted demonstrations around the country, some of which have become violent. The government of Haiti has not been able to maintain order in Port au Prince or in other cities and in some instances has assisted in violently repressing the demonstrations.

If at all possible U.S. citizens should delay travel to Haiti until calm is restored. Due to severe limitations on travel and communication inside the country, the Embassy's ability to assist U.S. citizens in Haiti is very limited at this time.

U.S. citizens planning to travel to Haiti should consult the Department of State's Consular Information Sheet for Haiti, and the most recent Worldwide Caution Public Announcement, which are available via the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. American citizens may obtain up to date information on security conditions by calling toll-free 1-888-407-4747 in the United States, and 1-317-472-2328 from overseas.

U.S. citizens living in or visiting Haiti are strongly encouraged to register at the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Haiti. The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy is located at 104, rue Oswald Durand, Port-au-Prince. The telephone numbers are (509) 223-7011, 223-6440, 223-6443, 223-6421, 223-6426, 223-6424, 223-6407, 223-7008, 222-0200, the fax number is (509) 223-9665, and the email address is acspap@state.gov. ACS hours are 7:30 am to 2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Thursdays, 7:30 to 11:00 a.m. The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and local holidays. The U.S. Embassy is located at 5 Blvd. Harry Truman, Port-au-Prince; telephone (509) 222-0200, 222-0354, 223-0955 or 222-0269; fax (509) 223-1641. Internet: www.usembassy.state.gov/haiti.