Haiti

Palacio presidencial de Haiti

Haiti’s Presidential Palace, located in Port-au-Prince.

 

The native Taino Amerindians, who inhabited the island of Hispaniola when it was discovered by Columbus in 1492, were virtually annihilated by Spanish settlers within a 25–year period. In the early 17th Century, the French established a presence on Hispaniola. In 1697, Spain ceded the western third of the island to the French, an area which later became Haiti. The French colony, based on forestry and sugar-related industries, became one of the wealthiest in the Caribbean, but only through the heavy importation of African slaves and considerable environmental degradation. In the late 18th Century, the nearly half-million slaves in Haiti revolted under Toussaint L’ouverture. After a prolonged struggle, Haiti became the first black republic to declare independence in 1804. The poorest country in the western hemisphere, Haiti has been plagued by political violence for most of its history. After an armed rebellion led to the forced resignation and exile of President Jean-Bertrand Aristide in February 2004, an interim government took office in order to organize new elections under the auspices of the United Nations Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH). Continued violence and technical delays prompted repeated postponements, but Haiti finally did inaugurate a democratically elected president and parliament in May of 2006. A massive magnitude 7.0 earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010, with an epicenter approximately 15 km southwest of the capital, Port-au-Prince. An estimated two million people live within the zone of heavy to moderate structural damage. The earthquake is assessed as the worst in this region in the past 200 years, and massive international assistance continues to be required to help the country recover.

Immunizations: Contact your physician or a travel clinic six to eight weeks before departure. Based on your individual risk assessment, a health care professional can determine your need for immunizations and/or preventive medication, and advise you on the precautions to take to avoid getting sick.

Travel Insurance: Ingle International provides comprehensive travel insurance for adventure travelers who wish to cover themselves in preparation the unexpected.

Entry/Exit Requirements: To obtain information on specific entry requirements, contact the nearest diplomatic or consular office of the destination(s) you will be visiting.

Medical treatment may be expensive, and advance payment may be required. Travelers are advised to arrange for medical insurance prior to departure. Prescription medications should be kept in their original containers and packed in carry-on luggage. 

Health care services have been severely affected by the January 2010 earthquake, particularly in Port-au-Prince and its surrounding suburbs. Most hospitals and emergency health care centers have either been severely damaged or completely destroyed. Already scarce and below western standards prior to the quake, health care services tend to be easily overwhelmed, and emergency response is not guaranteed as there are not enough ambulances to provide adequate service. Life-threatening emergencies may require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. Outside of main centers, basic emergencies may not be handled in a timely manner.

Medications sold in Haiti may be of inferior quality to those available in North America. Pharmacies may carry expired medications. Always verify expiry dates on the original packaging.

To avoid the risk of mosquito-borne diseases, travelers should cover up and use mosquito repellent. Anti-malarial treatment is also recommended, particularly if travel outside of urban centers is planned.

Sexually transmitted diseases, such as gonorrhoea, syphilis, and HIV, are prevalent.

Avoid Non-Essential Travel

The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable. Protests, which could become violent, can occur at any moment. The majority of demonstrations occur in Port-au-Prince; however, incidents may be sparked anywhere in the country without notice. These demonstrations could result in roadblocks, cancelled flights, as well as airport and embassy closures with little or no advance warning. Travelers are strongly advised to remain vigilant, avoid large crowds and demonstrations, follow the advice of local authorities, and monitor local media.

The use of public transport of any kind is not recommended. As the situation can change at any moment, visitors are advised to request updates on the security situation in the region to which they are traveling by checking with organizations, institutes, or hosts that are taking care of them.

Crime

Travelers to Haiti must be vigilant during their time in the country. Criminal activity is especially evident in large centers, such as downtown Port-au-Prince and Gonaïves, where some armed gangs continue to operate. Many gang leaders escaped the National Penitentiary during the January 2010 earthquake, and are still at large. Others have fled the capital.

Travelers in Haiti should exercise a high degree of caution due to the risk of rioting and violence.

Although travel in parts of the country less affected by the earthquake presents less of a risk, travelers are advised to exercise extreme caution, and to refrain from traveling after dark.

Cases of murder, kidnapping, armed robbery, burglary, and carjacking have occurredeven in daylight hours. The general Haitian population, regardless of social class, can be considered at risk of being kidnapped. Although rare, there have been kidnappings involving foreigners, including missionaries, aid workers, and children. Most victims have been released after paying ransoms. However, in some exceptional cases, victims have disappeared, or have been killed.

Avoid walking alone at all times. Keep car windows rolled up and car doors locked when traveling. Foreigners are viewed as wealthy. Avoid showing visible signs of affluence, such as wearing expensive-looking jewelry or carrying a camera. Remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship or hospitality. Travelers should comply, and not resist, if attacked.

Remain observant of small groups of loiterers, especially near your residence. Keep doors and windows secure at all times. Instruct domestic staff to permit only pre-authorized visitors, whose identities have been verified, into your home. Keep all visitors under close supervision.

Avoid photographing individuals without obtaining their approval first. Be cautious when photographing scenes in poorer or urban areas, where people may feel exploited or insulted by being subjects of such activities.

Demonstrations and Unrest

Demonstrations are a part of Haitian culture, and protest marches and/or strikes may occur at any time in the capital, throughout the country, and on main highways. Local transportation services can be disrupted. Avoid large crowds, as they can turn into violent demonstrations. Travelers should monitor the situation through local news broadcasts, and should stay inside during political gatherings and demonstrations. Curfews could be in effect.


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