The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the situation in Haiti in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake that struck near Port-au-Prince.  This replaces the Travel Warning for Haiti dated March 15, 2010, and provides updated information for U.S. citizens in Haiti.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti. The January 12 earthquake caused significant damage to key infrastructure and access to basic services remains limited.  The country continues to experience shortages of food, drinking water, transportation and adequate shelter.  The earthquake significantly reduced the capacity of Port-au-Prince’s medical facilities and inadequate public sanitation poses serious health risks.  While the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency consular services has improved in the months following the earthquake, it is still limited.  The level of violent crime in Port-au-Prince, including murder and kidnapping, remains high.

Those wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that despite their good intentions, travel to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need on the ground.  Those wishing to volunteer their services are advised that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are reporting that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited.  Cash donations are the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti.  Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti. Financial contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment, and space.  Cash donations also support Haiti’s local economy and ensure that culturally and environmentally appropriate assistance is rendered.  The following website has information on how to assist in the Haiti earthquake relief effort: http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake

U.S. citizens who intend to work for an organization involved in relief efforts in Haiti should be aware that living conditions are difficult, and the availability of food supplies, clean drinking water and adequate shelter in Haiti is limited.  U.S. citizens seeking work with a relief organization should confirm before traveling to Haiti that the organization has the capability to provide food, water, transportation, and shelter for its paid and volunteer workers.  All relief organizations should have a security plan in place for their personnel.

Strong aftershocks are likely for months after an earthquake.  In the event of an aftershock, persons outside should avoid falling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows, buildings and other structures that may collapse.  If indoors, take shelter beside furniture, not underneath.  Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines.  Do not use matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame in case there are disrupted gas lines.

U.S. citizens traveling to and residing in Haiti despite this warning are reminded that there remains a persistent danger of violent crime, including armed robbery, homicide, and kidnapping.  In particular, there have been a number of recent cases in which travelers arriving in Port-au-Prince on flights from the United States were attacked and robbed while traveling in cars away from the airport.  At least two American citizens have been shot and killed in such incidents in recent months.  Police authorities believe criminals may be targeting travelers arriving on flights from the United States, following them, and attacking once they are out of the area. Travelers are advised to use extra caution in arranging transportation from the airport. Most kidnappings are criminal in nature, and the kidnappers make no distinctions of nationality, race, gender, or age. Some kidnap victims have been killed, shot, sexually assaulted, or physically abused. While the capacity and capabilities of the Haitian National Police have improved since 2006, the presence of UN stabilization force (MINUSTAH) peacekeeping troops and UN-formed police units remain critical to maintaining an adequate level of security throughout the country. The lack of civil protections in Haiti, as well as the limited capability of local law enforcement to resolve crime, further compounds the security threat to American citizens.

While MINUSTAH remains fully deployed and is assisting the Government of Haiti in providing security, travel is always hazardous within Port-au-Prince.  U.S. Embassy personnel are under an Embassy-imposed curfew and must remain in their homes or in U.S. government facilities during the curfew.  Some areas are off-limits to Embassy staff after dark, including downtown Port-au-Prince.  The Embassy restricts travel by its staff to some areas outside of Port-au-Prince because of the prevailing road, weather, or security conditions.  This may constrain our ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens outside Port-au-Prince.  Demonstrations and violence may occasionally limit Embassy operations to emergency services, even within Port-au-Prince.

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Haiti despite this Travel Warning are urged to register their travel through the State Department’s travel registration website. The Embassy of the United States Port-au-Prince Haiti is located at Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti, telephone: (509) (2) 229-8000, facsimile: (509) (2) 229-8027, email: acspap@state.gov American Citizens Services Unit office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.  The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and local holidays.  After hours, weekend & holidays: Please call Post One (U.S. Marine Guard) at (509) (2) 229-8000.  The Marine guard will connect you with the Embassy Duty Officer.

While the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency consular services is limited, registration will enable receipt of warden messages via email.  Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444.  These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays.