Haiti

Översikt

More than a decade from the 2010 earthquake, Haitian society still experiences long-term ramifications of the disaster. An estimated 230,000 people were killed, 300,000 were injured and one million people left homeless. Hundreds of thousands of residences and commercial properties were destroyed at the time and national infrastructure was severely damaged. 

There are a number of security risks in Haiti, including crime, kidnapping and high levels of violent civil unrest. Environmental disasters such as hurricanes and floods also pose a significant threat to the territory. 

Political stability also remains an issue in Haiti. The violent nature of political rivalries have resulted in shootouts previously, and in July 2021 the country's President Jovenel Moïse was also assassinated at his residence. The assassination casts doubts if Haiti can embark on a path toward stability in the near future. 

Hälsa, sjukdomar och vaccination

Travellers are advised to consult a travel health specialist or general practitioner (GP) to obtain the latest information with regards to what vaccines are recommended about 4-8 weeks prior to departing for Haiti. Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before your trip. The following vaccinations are recommended: measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus-diphtheria-pertussis, polio and influenza. Travellers might also consider the vaccinations for Hepatitis B and rabies, according to the specifics of their travel.

Haiti has confirmed an ongoing Cholera outbreak. Most affected departments include Artibonite, Centre, and Ouest.

There is a risk of ongoing Chikungunya, Dengue and Zika virus transmission in Haiti. Travellers should take meticulous anti-mosquito bite measures during the daytime. Pregnant women and those considering becoming pregnant should avoid travel to the country.

Malaria risk is present throughout Haiti at all altitudes, including urban areas. The use of anti-malarial medications (Lariam, Malarone, or doxycycline) is recommended for all areas of Haiti. This prophylaxis should be supported by the use of insect repellent, mosquito nets and long-sleeved clothing around the hours of dusk.

A Yellow Fever vaccination certificate is only required from travellers coming from a country with risk of Yellow Fever transmission.

Haiti has the highest HIV prevalence rate in the region with an estimated of 150.000 living with HIV. Precautions should be followed to reduce the risk of explosure.

Travellers should be aware of the risks associated with travellers’ ailments such as diarrhoea. Travellers must take all necessary precautions when drinking water or eating food within the country and only drink water from sealed bottles obtained from a reputable source or water that has been filtered and boiled.

It is advisable to bring anti-diarrhoea medication and oral rehydration salts to prevent dehydration.

Tuberculosis is highly endemic in Haiti.

Most of the medical infrastructure is located in Port-au-Prince. Public hospitals are scarce and very ill-equipped. The standard of medical care outside the city is even lower. Medicines can be in meagre supply and it is necessary to bring adequate supplies of essential medicines, especially for specific medical conditions such as diabetes.

Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Life-threatening emergencies often require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. Serious medical problems will require air evacuation to a country with state-of-the-art medical facilities.

Pass

All visitors to Haiti will require a valid passport with at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry.

To enter the country, travellers must hold onward or return tickets and all documents needed for their next destination outside Haiti.

Visum

Travelers from most countries may travel to Haiti without a visa for up to 90 days. For stays longer than 90 days nationals will need to contact the Haitian immigration services. Information on which countries require a visa for travel to Haiti can be found here. 

Upon entry a tourist fee of 10 USD will be charged at the airport.