Wednesday, January 7, 2014, in its latest security update, the French Government, once again, warns French and Franco-Haitian travelers who wish to travel to Haiti, against the risk of attacks in the area of airport, political demonstrations and the border area.

Aggression armed out of Port-au-Prince airport : (updated January 7)

Faced with the upsurge of armed attacks, sometimes fatal, between the airport and their accommodation, aimed mainly travelers coming to visit their families, it is recalled that it is imperative to organize their reception by relatives or people you trust, to kept to a minimum the transport of cash or valuables and especially do not offering any resistance in case of aggression. These attacks can target the rented vehicle at the exit of the airport, the day of arrival and the next day, following the tracking operated by gangs.

Demonstrations : (updated January 7)

The demonstrations taking place repeatedly in the capital, as different points of Haiti must lead to extreme caution during displacements. It is recommended to stay away from crowds.

Other security aspects :

In its security section, France states among other things that "Many travelers, including Franco-Haitian from the diaspora coming from France, have been subject to armed attacks between the airport and their home in Haiti," recallc that "criminal violence is still very important, especially in the two largest cities, Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien where the movement of firearms is high" and advises against travel to these cities unless imperative reasons stating "although the local population is primarily affected more, foreigners can also be the victims" moreover France does not recommend to go to the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic recalling that "the border area with the Dominican Republic, no secured, is the place of many trafficking and recurring violence. Several incidents have been reported, in which foreigners have been attacked by armed men. It is not advisable to go there, unless imperative reasons. Favor the entry into Haiti by air by organizing your welcome."

Note that this is the second alert after the December 1, 2014, which refers to demonstrations in Haiti as a risk factor for travelers.

Instability that does not concern only France. So Stéphanie Balmir Villedrouin, the Minister of Tourism and Creative Industry stated recently "All countries have problems, but we are not the worst," adding, "currently the destination is not easy to sell because of the violence in some cities or political unrest."

HL/ HaitiLibre