Haiti Travel Warning

Issued by US Department of State

Mar 01, 2004

This Travel Warning is being issued to inform American citizens that the security situation in Haiti has deteriorated significantly and that safe travel out of the country by regularly scheduled commercial means is not possible at this time. U.S. citizens who remain in Haiti should seek a safe haven and remain there until the situation improves or safe transport out the country becomes available. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued February 21, 2004.

The Department of State has ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel of the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince. The Department warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Haiti. All major commercial air carriers have suspended their operations into and out of Haiti. The situation regarding the land border with the Dominican Republic is unclear and the border is sometimes closed. U.S. citizens who remain in Haiti are strongly urged to seek the safest possible place to remain until the situation improves or secure transport out of the country is available.

Americans are reminded of the potential for spontaneous demonstrations and violent confrontations between pro- and anti-government supporters, students, and other groups. The U.S. Embassy has imposed a curfew from sunset to 6:00 a.m. on its remaining staff until further notice. The curfew hours may change. Many international organizations have drawn down or entirely withdrawn their staffs in Haiti. American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy has prohibited travel by its staff. Even within Port-au-Prince, travel has become extraordinarily dangerous. The Embassy's ability to provide emergency services to American Citizens anywhere in Haiti and particularly outside of Port-Au-Prince is extremely limited and has drastically decreased in recent days due to numerous random roadblocks set up by armed groups. These roadblocks have cut off several major roads, making travel to Port-au-Prince and other cities difficult.

There has been significant political tension and violence over recent weeks throughout the country. The U.S. Embassy was closed several times due to civil unrest. It is expected that the Embassy will again close temporarily to assess its security posture. The Embassy has recommended that persons associated with the Embassy not remain in downtown Port-au-Prince after sunset and has directed that they remain in their homes during the hours covered by the curfew.

Groups opposed to the government have mounted demonstrations and attacked government facilities around the country, and pro-government groups have counter-attacked. The government of Haiti has failed to maintain order in Port-au-Prince and in other cities and in some instances has assisted in violently repressing the demonstrations.

American citizens who remain in Haiti, despite this Travel Warning, should remain vigilant with regard to their personal security and should register at 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 222-0200; the fax number is (509) 223-9665 and the email address is acspap@state.gov. Please also see the latest Warden Message from the Embassy.

As the Department continues to develop information on potentially dangerous demonstrations and political unrest in Haiti, it shares that information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov. U.S. travelers can also get up-to-date information on security conditions in Haiti by calling 1-888-407-4747 in the U.S. or Canada or on a regular toll line at 1-317-472-2328.