U.S. Issues New Travel Warning On Haiti

By NAN Contributor

News Americas, WASHINGTON, D.C., Tues. July 19, 2016: The U.S. on Monday issued a new travel warning on Haiti, advising U.S. citizens traveling to or living  on the Caribbean island about the lack of adequate emergency medical facilities, and the security environment in Haiti.

The warning comes as the United States suspended financial assistance to Haiti’s electoral authorities as they plan to redo a presidential vote that a special commission found was marred by widespread fraud and as the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) will receive the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Haiti, Pierrot Delienne, on Wednesday, July 20, at 10:00 EDT to discuss the evolving political and electoral situation in Haiti.

The U.S. warning replaces the August 5, 2015 caution.

U.S. nationals are warned of armed robbery especially in the Port-au-Prince area and soon after leaving the airport. “Be circumspect in sharing specific travel plans; have your host or organization meet you at the airport upon arrival; and/or have pre-arranged airport transfers and hotels. Exercise caution when visiting banks in Port-au-Prince,” the U.S. warning stated. “Robbery crews have been known to survey banks and rob customers as they exit. Fewer incidents of crime are reported outside of Port-Au-Prince, but Haitian authorities’ ability to respond to emergencies is limited and in some areas nonexistent.”

The U.S. State Department also is urging U.S. travelers to Haiti to obtain medical evacuation insurance prior to arrival in country and to use evacuation organizations that have solid evacuation and medical support options in place.

U.S. citizens are also urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information.