Haiti Visa RequirementsFor United States passport holders
US citizens technically do not require a visa to visit Haiti for up to 90 days. However, the US State Department has issued a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti due to widespread gang violence and kidnapping.
Great news! United States passport holders can enter Haiti without a visa for tourism or business purposes. You can stay up to 90 days.
Although no visa is technically required, travel is strongly discouraged. If you must travel for essential purposes (humanitarian, family emergency, etc.): check current airport operational status before booking. The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince operates with reduced staff and has severely limited ability to provide consular assistance. Missions and NGOs must have approved security plans.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Allowed
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid US Passport
Must be valid for at least 3-6 months beyond your planned departure date (varies by country)
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of departure from the country, such as a return flight or onward travel booking
Proof of Accommodation Recommended
Hotel reservation, Airbnb booking, or address where you will be staying
Proof of Sufficient Funds Recommended
Credit cards, bank statements, or cash to cover expenses during your stay
Travel Insurance Recommended
Recommended for all international travel covering medical emergencies
Travel Essentials
Health & Safety
Safety Rating
Vaccinations
Hepatitis A and B, typhoid, rabies, malaria prophylaxis strongly recommended.
Tap Water
Bottled water recommended
Safety Tips
CRITICAL: Most governments advise against all travel to Haiti due to gang violence, kidnapping, civil unrest, and limited emergency services. If travel is absolutely necessary, use extreme caution, hire local security, and maintain contact with your embassy.
Money & Costs
Currency
G Haitian Gourde (HTG)
Daily Budget (USD)
Budget: $50 · Mid: $120 · Luxury: $250+
Tipping
Tipping 10-15% is customary in restaurants.
Practical Info
Power
Type A, B, 110V
Driving
Right side
Emergency
114 (police), 115 (fire), 118 (ambulance) - services may be unreliable
Getting There
Main Airports
Cap-Haïtien (CAP) · Port-au-Prince (PAP)
Culture & Travel Tips
Best Time to Visit
November to March is the dry season with lower humidity. Hurricane season runs June to November. However, due to current instability, tourism is not recommended. Check security conditions before any consideration of travel.
Cultural Notes
Haiti has rich culture including Vodou spirituality, vibrant art, music (compas), and the legacy of being the first free Black republic. French and Creole are spoken. When conditions allow, cultural experiences are profound.
Insider Tips
Travel to Haiti is currently not recommended due to severe security concerns. If essential travel is required: use trusted local contacts, travel in convoys, avoid all protests, stay in secure compounds, and have evacuation plans.
Current Travel Situation
United States to Haiti: What You Need to Know
Haiti has experienced escalating gang violence since 2021, intensified following the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021. By 2024, gang coalitions controlled large portions of Port-au-Prince and blocked major roads, creating a humanitarian crisis. The Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince was periodically closed or severely disrupted due to gang activity on access roads. Kidnapping for ransom has affected both Haitians and foreigners, including missionaries and aid workers. The UN approved a multinational security support mission led by Kenya in 2024 to assist the Haitian National Police.
How to Get There
Port-au-Prince (PAP) is served by American Airlines, United, Spirit, and Caribbean Airlines from Miami, New York JFK, and other US cities. The Dominican Republic (sharing the island of Hispaniola) is accessible by bus or taxi across the land border; though border crossings require checking current security conditions. Cap-Haitien (CAP) in the north has a smaller airport and was less affected by gang activity.
Money & Banking
Haiti uses the Haitian Gourde (HTG), though USD is widely accepted. The banking system has been severely disrupted. ATMs are unreliable and may be empty. Bring sufficient USD cash for your entire stay. Financial services are very limited outside Port-au-Prince and major towns.
Practical Tips
The US State Department strongly advises against all travel to Haiti. Americans already in Haiti should depart by commercial means if available and safe. Do not travel by road at night. Avoid Port-au-Prince entirely if possible. The Citadelle Laferriere (UNESCO), a massive 19th-century mountaintop fortress near Cap-Haitien, and the Sans-Souci Palace are Haiti's extraordinary historical sites, but accessing them safely in the current environment requires careful security assessment and ideally a security escort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Haiti?
No. The US State Department has a Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory for Haiti due to pervasive gang violence, kidnapping, and the breakdown of security in Port-au-Prince. Americans are at significant risk. Travel is strongly discouraged and the US Embassy's ability to assist Americans is severely limited.
Can I visit the Citadelle in Haiti?
The Citadelle Laferriere (UNESCO) near Cap-Haitien is one of the Caribbean's most extraordinary monuments -- a 19th-century fortress built by Henri Christophe atop a 900-meter mountain. Cap-Haitien has been less affected by the Port-au-Prince gang crisis, but the security situation changes rapidly. Check current advisories before any travel and use reliable local security contacts.
What is the US doing to help in Haiti?
The US has provided significant humanitarian aid and diplomatic support for Haiti, including backing a UN-approved multinational security force led by Kenya (deployed 2024) to support the Haitian National Police in combating gang violence. US Embassy Port-au-Prince remains open but with reduced staffing and limited consular capacity.