Chaos in Port-au-Prince Leads to High-Level Haiti Travel Advisories

The U.S. Department of State Embassy in Port-au-Prince Haiti recently issued Security Alerts regarding civil unrest in the capital city. On July 15, 2022, the Embassy confirmed reports of roadblocks throughout Port-au-Prince, including portions of the Airport Road.

'Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks; if do, turn around and get to a safe area.'

'Robbers and carjackers also attack private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women.'

'Please avoid all unnecessary travel and remain vigilant as the security situation is highly unpredictable,' says the Embassy. 'U.S. government personnel are discouraged from walking in Port-au-Prince and other neighborhoods.'

These Security Alerts follow the reissued Level 4: Do Not Travel, Travel Advisory issued by the State Department on July 5, 2022.

'Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. As a result, the U.S. Embassy requires its personnel to use official transportation to and from the airport.'

In addition to the USA, The U.K., Brazil, China, and several European countries have issued similar advisories.

Previously, the U.S. CDC issued an advisory on July 5, 2022, saying, 'If you are not up to date with your COVID-19 vaccines, avoid travel to Haiti.'

Since December 2021, international partners have mobilized more than $294 million in new support commitments to Haiti, with the USA providing more than $153 million in humanitarian assistance.

And to respond to the COVID-19 outbreak in Haiti, the U.S. government confirmed on July 12, 2022, it has provided more than $47 million in assistance to support the immediate COVID-19 health needs of Haitians while focusing on reducing widespread transmission.

In addition, the CDC provided $34 million to support COVID-19 response efforts, with $3 million specifically for vaccine administration. 

The USA also donated roughly 500,000 COVID-19 vaccine doses for the island's 11 million residents.

U.S. Southern Command donated four field hospitals, 12 ventilators, 11 ultra-low temperature freezers, and additional hygiene kits and personal protective equipment to Haiti to help respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and other emergent health crises.

Since June 2021, the USA's assistance has included the delivery of 50 oxygen concentrators and 250 cylinders, recurring cylinder refills, and technical assistance on medical oxygen.

Furthermore, when visiting Haiti, travelers are encouraged to join the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program to receive Alerts, making it easier to locate you in an emergency.

U.S. citizens can visit the Embassy Port-au-Prince at Boulevard du October 15, Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre. And the telephone numbers are: +(509) 2229-8000 / 2229-8900.

Note: This information was manually curated for international travelers.