Haiti Travel Warning
Issued by US Department of State
Mar 11, 2004
This Travel Warning is being issued to inform American citizens that many air carriers that normally service Haiti have resumed a normal flight schedule. The security situation in Haiti remains dangerous and unpredictable, despite progress on a peaceful political process and the presence of foreign security forces operating under a United Nations mandate. U.S. citizens are warned to defer travel to Haiti until the situation stabilizes. U.S. citizens who remain in Haiti should take precautions to avoid the uncertain security situation in public areas. This supersedes the Travel Warning issued February 27, 2004.
In February 2004, the Department of State ordered the departure of all family members and non-emergency personnel of the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Although several major commercial air carriers have resumed their operations into and out of Haiti, the Department warns U.S. citizens to defer travel to Haiti. The situation regarding the land border with the Dominican Republic is unclear, and the border is sometimes closed. U.S. citizens are warned to defer travel to Haiti until the situation stabilizes. U.S. citizens who remain in Haiti should take precautions to avoid the uncertain situation in public areas.
Americans are advised of the absence of an effective police force in many parts of Haiti and the potential for looting, roadblocks set by armed gangs, and violent crime. Spontaneous demonstrations and violent confrontations between pro- and anti-government groups may also occur. The U.S. Embassy has imposed a curfew from 10 p.m. 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Many international organizations have drawn down or entirely withdrawn their staffs in Haiti. While some staff have returned, the international civilian presence throughout Haiti remains limited. American citizens should be aware that the U.S. Embassy has prohibited travel by its staff outside of Port-au-Prince. Even within Port-au-Prince, travel remains 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 due to multiple roadblocks set up by armed groups. These roadblocks can cut off major roads, making travel to Port-au-Prince and other cities difficult.
The U.S. Embassy has reopened but is working with very limited staffing. The Consular Section is providing routine and emergency assistance to U.S. citizens in Haiti. The Embassy was closed several times due to civil unrest and may need to close again 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.
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 (509) 223-7011, 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 or other unrest in Haiti, it shares that information through its Consular Information Program documents, available on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov/haiti.html. 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.
