Port-au-Prince Safety Guide
Health, security, and travel safety information
Emergency Numbers
Save these numbers before your trip.
Healthcare
What to know about medical care in Port-au-Prince.
Healthcare System
Haiti's healthcare system is severely underdeveloped with critical shortages of medical supplies, equipment, and trained personnel. Port-au-Prince has the country's best medical facilities, but these fall far below international standards. Most hospitals lack basic supplies, reliable electricity, and clean water. Medical evacuation insurance is absolutely essential.
Hospitals
Hôpital Bernard Mevs (private, accepts international insurance, best equipped in city but still limited), Hôpital de la Communauté Haïtienne, and Hôpital Adventiste are among the better options. GHESKIO Centers provides some specialized care. All serious medical cases should plan for immediate evacuation. Hospitals may require cash payment upfront, even in emergencies.
Pharmacies
Pharmacies exist in Port-au-Prince but stock is unreliable and counterfeit medications are a significant problem. Bring all necessary prescription medications in original containers with extra supply. Common medications may be unavailable or of questionable quality. Refrigeration for medications requiring it cannot be guaranteed due to power outages.
Insurance
Comprehensive travel medical insurance with guaranteed medical evacuation coverage (minimum $250,000) is absolutely essential and should be considered mandatory. Verify that your policy covers Haiti and includes emergency evacuation to Miami or another facility with adequate care. Many standard policies exclude Haiti.
Healthcare Tips
- Arrange medical evacuation insurance before travel and keep contact information readily accessible at all times
- Bring a comprehensive first aid kit and all necessary medications with significant extra supply
- Know your blood type and any allergies; carry this information in writing in English and French
- Avoid any medical procedures in Haiti unless absolutely necessary; evacuate for serious conditions
- Drink only bottled or purified water; waterborne diseases are common
- Ensure tetanus, hepatitis A and B, and typhoid vaccinations are current before travel
- Consider consulting a travel medicine specialist before departure for prophylaxis recommendations
- Bring oral rehydration salts and anti-diarrheal medication
Common Risks
Be aware of these potential issues.
Kidnapping for ransom is a severe and growing problem in Port-au-Prince, affecting both Haitians and foreigners. Both opportunistic and targeted kidnappings occur regularly. Victims include aid workers, business people, and ordinary residents. Gangs control large areas of the city and kidnapping is a primary revenue source.
Armed robberies and carjackings are frequent throughout Port-au-Prince, often occurring in broad daylight. Criminals are typically armed with guns and may be violent. Vehicles are targeted for theft, and occupants are robbed of valuables. Resistance often leads to violence.
Political instability leads to frequent protests, demonstrations, and civil unrest that can turn violent without warning. Protests often involve roadblocks (barricades), burning tires, and confrontations. These can erupt suddenly and spread quickly, trapping travelers. Tear gas and gunfire are common.
Powerful gangs control significant portions of Port-au-Prince, engaging in turf wars, shootouts, and violence. Innocent bystanders are frequently caught in crossfire. Gang roadblocks and checkpoints are common. The security situation can change rapidly as gang territories shift.
Theft of bags, phones, jewelry, and other valuables is extremely common. Thieves work in crowded areas, markets, and target distracted individuals. Bag snatching from vehicles and motorcycles is frequent.
Roads are in extremely poor condition with potholes, lack of signage, and no street lighting. Driving standards are poor with minimal traffic law enforcement. Accidents are common and emergency response is inadequate. Pedestrians, motorcycles, and vehicles share roads chaotically.
Cholera, typhoid, and severe diarrheal diseases are common due to poor water and sanitation infrastructure. Food safety standards are inconsistent. Tap water is not safe to drink. Cholera outbreaks occur periodically.
Malaria, dengue fever, chikungunya, and Zika virus are present in Haiti. Mosquitoes breed in standing water, which is common due to poor drainage and water storage practices.
Scams to Avoid
Watch out for these common tourist scams.
Criminals pose as police officers or officials and stop vehicles or pedestrians, demanding money or 'fines' for fabricated violations. They may threaten arrest or vehicle impoundment. Some may be corrupt actual officials.
Individuals or organizations solicit donations for fake charities, orphanages, or humanitarian projects. Some orphanages are not legitimate and exploit children for profit from well-meaning donors and volunteers.
Street money changers offer attractive rates but use sleight of hand to shortchange victims, provide counterfeit bills, or work with accomplices who rob the victim after the exchange.
Taxi drivers, vendors, and service providers dramatically overcharge foreigners. Prices may be inflated 5-10 times normal rates. Meters are rarely used or are manipulated.
Scammers advertise non-existent accommodations or tour services online, collect deposits, and disappear. Some operate from fake offices.
One person creates a distraction (spilling something on you, asking for directions, creating a commotion) while an accomplice steals your belongings.
Safety Tips
Practical advice to stay safe.
Pre-Travel Preparation
- Register with your embassy's traveler program (STEP for Americans, similar for other countries)
- Arrange professional security services through your organization or reputable security companies
- Obtain comprehensive medical evacuation insurance that explicitly covers Haiti
- Get all recommended vaccinations well before travel (hepatitis A/B, typhoid, tetanus, consider cholera and malaria prophylaxis)
- Make copies of passport, insurance, and emergency contacts; store digitally and leave copies with someone at home
- Learn basic French and Haitian Creole phrases
- Research current security situation through embassy websites and security briefings
- Develop comprehensive emergency and evacuation plans with multiple contingencies
Accommodation Safety
- Stay only in secure hotels with 24-hour security, high walls, and controlled access
- Choose accommodations in relatively safer areas like Pétion-Ville or near embassy zones
- Verify hotel has backup generator and water supply
- Keep room locked at all times; use additional locks if available
- Know emergency exits and evacuation routes
- Store valuables in room safe or hotel security
- Have emergency supplies in your room (water, food, flashlight, first aid)
- Keep embassy contact information and local emergency numbers readily accessible
Transportation Safety
- Use only pre-arranged transportation through trusted sources; avoid public tap-taps and random taxis
- Travel in vehicles with security features; armored vehicles recommended for high-risk travel
- Keep doors locked and windows up while driving
- Vary routes and schedules to avoid predictability
- Avoid travel after dark completely
- Keep fuel tank at least half full at all times
- Have a charged phone with local SIM card and emergency numbers programmed
- Brief drivers on security protocols and emergency procedures
- Avoid stopping at red lights in high-risk areas if safe to proceed
- Do not pick up hitchhikers or stop for strangers
Personal Security
- Maintain low profile; do not display wealth, expensive items, or large amounts of cash
- Dress conservatively and blend in as much as possible
- Be constantly aware of surroundings and people nearby
- Trust your instincts; leave situations that feel unsafe immediately
- Avoid crowds, demonstrations, and political gatherings completely
- Do not walk anywhere; use secure transportation even for short distances
- Keep valuables minimal; leave jewelry and expensive watches at home
- Carry a 'robbery wallet' with small amount of cash to hand over if threatened
- Do not resist armed robbery; comply and prioritize personal safety
- Inform trusted contacts of your movements and check in regularly
Communication
- Have working local phone with charged battery and backup power bank at all times
- Program emergency contacts including embassy, security provider, and local contacts
- Establish check-in protocols with your organization or family
- Have communication plan that works without internet (SMS, local calls)
- Learn enough French or Creole to communicate basic needs and emergencies
- Keep low profile on social media; do not post location or travel plans in real-time
- Have offline maps downloaded to your phone
- Know how to contact your embassy 24/7
Health Precautions
- Drink only bottled water with intact seals; avoid ice
- Eat only thoroughly cooked food served hot; avoid raw fruits unless you peel them yourself
- Practice rigorous hand hygiene; use hand sanitizer frequently
- Avoid street food completely
- Take malaria prophylaxis if prescribed by your doctor
- Use insect repellent and protective clothing to prevent mosquito bites
- Avoid contact with animals to prevent rabies exposure
- Do not swim in fresh water due to disease risk
- Bring comprehensive first aid kit and all necessary medications
- Know location of best medical facilities and have evacuation plan ready
Money and Valuables
- Bring sufficient U.S. dollars in small denominations; ATMs are unreliable and risky to use
- Keep money in multiple secure locations on your person
- Use hotel safe for excess cash and passport when not needed
- Avoid displaying money in public; count money discreetly in secure locations
- Be aware that both Haitian gourdes and U.S. dollars are used; understand the exchange rate
- Credit cards have limited acceptance and fraud risk is high
- Do not use ATMs; if absolutely necessary, use only those in secure locations during daylight with security present
- Keep small bills separate for daily expenses to avoid displaying large amounts
Cultural Awareness
- Learn basic cultural norms and greetings in Haitian Creole and French
- Be respectful when taking photographs; always ask permission
- Dress modestly and conservatively to show respect and avoid unwanted attention
- Be patient with different pace and way of doing things
- Build relationships with local contacts who can provide current security advice
- Understand that poverty is extreme; be sensitive and respectful
- Avoid making assumptions; listen to local advice about safety
- Be aware of voodoo's cultural significance; be respectful even if unfamiliar
Information for Specific Travelers
Safety considerations for different traveler groups.
Women Travelers
Women travelers face all the general security risks in Port-au-Prince plus additional concerns including sexual harassment, assault, and gender-based violence. Foreign women may attract unwanted attention. Solo female travel is strongly discouraged. Women should take extra precautions and ideally travel as part of an organization with security arrangements. Cultural norms around gender differ from Western countries.
- Do not travel alone; stay with groups and use professional security services
- Dress very conservatively; cover shoulders and wear loose-fitting clothing below the knee
- Avoid going out after dark under any circumstances
- Be firm but polite in declining unwanted attention; avoid confrontation
- Consider wearing a fake wedding ring to discourage harassment
- Keep phone charged and emergency contacts readily accessible
- Stay in secure accommodations with 24-hour security
- Be aware that gender-based violence is a serious problem in Haiti
- Have a trusted local female contact if possible for cultural guidance
- Avoid isolated areas even during daylight
- Use only pre-arranged transportation; never walk or use public transport
- Be aware of surroundings and trust your instincts about uncomfortable situations
- Know location of your embassy and how to contact them 24/7
- Consider traveling with a male colleague if possible for additional security perception
LGBTQ+ Travelers
Homosexuality is not illegal in Haiti, but there are no legal protections against discrimination. Same-sex marriage is not recognized. No specific laws protect LGBTQ+ rights.
- Exercise extreme discretion regarding sexual orientation and gender identity
- Avoid public displays of affection with same-sex partners
- Do not discuss LGBTQ+ topics openly with strangers
- Be aware that cultural attitudes are generally conservative and religious
- LGBT venues are virtually non-existent in Port-au-Prince
- Consider that the general security situation poses risks to all travelers regardless of orientation
- Be prepared for potential discrimination if orientation becomes known
- Connect with international organizations working in Haiti rather than seeking local LGBT community
- Have support system and emergency contacts that are LGBTQ+-friendly
- Consider that seeking help from authorities may result in additional discrimination
- Assess whether travel to Port-au-Prince is necessary given both security risks and social climate
- If traveling for work with an organization, discuss safety concerns and support available
Travel Insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance with guaranteed medical evacuation is absolutely essential for travel to Port-au-Prince and should be considered mandatory, not optional. Haiti's healthcare system cannot handle serious medical emergencies, and evacuation to Miami or another facility with adequate care can cost $50,000-$100,000 or more. Many standard travel insurance policies exclude Haiti entirely due to the security situation, so specialized coverage is required. Without proper insurance, a medical emergency could be life-threatening and financially catastrophic.
Travel insurance for adventurous travelers • Coverage in 200+ countries