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FLASH Canada : Travelers Update, avoid traveling to Haiti
08/02/2020 08:17:58

FLASH Canada : Travelers Update, avoid traveling to Haiti
The Canadian Government updated its information for December 2019 on February 7 https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29150-haiti-flash-canada-avoid-traveling-to-haiti.html , for Canadians in Haiti or wanting to go to Haiti.

The number of violent incidents, including attacks, armed robberies and kidnappings, have increased since December 2019, both in Port-au-Prince and in other provincial towns.

The crime rate is particularly high in large centers such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs continue to operate, as well as on the border with the Dominican Republic, where criminal activity is widespread. There is also an increase in crime in the country as the holiday season, carnival and back to school approaches.

Due to persistent political instability, violent protests and large-scale popular uprisings could occur, resulting in roadblocks across the country, and shortages of water, food and fuel could also occur.

Clashes between protesters and law enforcement officials could take place during these protests. Access to the airport could also be blocked without notice.

Avoid unnecessary travel to Haiti.

If you are in Haiti :

  • Limit your movements
  • Avoid crossing road blockades, even if they appear unattended
  • Plan to have adequate water, food and fuel supplies
  • Even peaceful demonstrations can turn violent at any time. They can also lead to disruptions to traffic and public transportation.
  • Avoid areas where demonstrations and large gatherings are taking place
  • Follow the instructions of local authorities
  • Monitor local media for information on ongoing demonstrations

Port-au-Prince area: Bel Air, Carrefour, Cité Soleil and Martissant :
The Bel Air, Carrefour, Cité Soleil and Martissant neighbourhoods continue to be dangerous areas due to criminal activity and local authorities’ lack of capacity to ensure order. Police presence is not guaranteed in these areas and your personal safety might be at risk. The police are unable to respond in a timely manner to calls for assistance.

If you must travel to these areas, it is imperative that you take appropriate security precautions :

  • Ensure that your local contacts know when to expect you, so they can meet you as soon as you arrive in the country
  • Ask your local contacts to guide you in your travels
  • Be vigilant at all times when moving about the city, towns and country
  • Keep windows closed and doors locked when travelling by car
  • Do not use public transport of any kind
  • Ask the organizations, institutes or hosts that are taking care of you about the latest updates on the region to which you are travelling, the security situation can change at any moment
  • Avoid going out after nightfall
  • Follow the advice of local authorities

Crime

Crime rates are high and the security situation is unpredictable. There is usually an increase in criminality in the period leading up to the holiday season, the Carnival and the beginning of the school year.

Criminal activity is especially prevalent in large centres such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs operate. There is also a high level of criminal activity near Haiti–Dominican Republic border.
Theft

Theft—including armed robbery, purse snatching and pickpocketing—is common in Haiti.

Pétion-Ville :
Armed robberies occur regularly in Pétion-Ville. In most cases, victims are attacked in broad daylight by armed thieves on motorcycles. There has been a recent increase in attacks, particularly against motorists. They usually occur in traffic jams during peak hours.

  • Be vigilant at all times while travelling
  • Keep windows closed and doors locked when travelling by car

Petit-Goâve :
Criminal gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks along Route Nationale 2, between the Petit‑Goâve and Miragoane.

Toussaint Louverture International Airport :
Thieves try to distract foreigners to steal their passports at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince.

  • Be cautious when claiming your luggage upon arrival
  • Keep your valuables and identification on you
  • Have your local contacts arrange for your pick-up from the airport
  • Carry only small amounts of cash
  • Do not resist if you are threatened by robbers
  • Be extremely vigilant when leaving the airport

Banking machines :
There is a high risk of robbery from individuals using ATMs. Be extremely vigilant when entering or leaving a bank, as criminals could be watching and attempt to rob you as you leave.

  • Only use ATMs during business hours inside a bank
  • Deal directly with a teller if you can
  • Avoid carrying large sums of money

Keeping a low profile :
Foreigners are viewed as wealthy and may arouse envy.

  • Avoid showing visible signs of affluence, such as expensive-looking jewelry or electronic equipment
  • Be cautious when photographing scenes in poor or urban areas, where people may feel exploited or insulted by being subjects of such activities
  • Obtain permission before photographing individuals
  • Remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship or hospitality
  • Never walk alone and avoid travelling after nightfall

Kidnapping :
Members of the general Haitian population, regardless of rank or social class, are at risk of being kidnapped. Although rare, there have been kidnappings involving Canadians and other foreign nationals, including missionaries, aid workers and children. Most victims have been released upon the payment of a ransom. In some exceptional cases, however, victims have disappeared or have been killed.

  • Remain alert to 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 scrutiny
  • Remain extremely vigilant wherever you are in the country

Road safety :
Roads are narrow and poorly maintained. Traffic signs are rare. The few traffic lights that are operational are mostly in urban centres. Streets are rarely lit.

Most vehicles are in poor condition and often abandoned on or beside the road. Many people drive while intoxicated, with their vehicle’s lights off or do not follow the rules of the road.

  • Always keep your fuel tanks at least half full, as disruptions of fuel supplies are frequent
  • Always carry a cell phone and a list of emergency contact numbers with you, as roadside assistance services are deficient. Be aware that cell phone coverage is intermittent in some rural areas
  • Avoid driving at night or in bad weather, even in the city

Public transportation :
Avoid all public transportation, especially shared taxis—“tap taps”—and buses. Drivers do not always follow the rules of the road, and their vehicles are sometimes in poor condition or overloaded, which often leads to serious accidents involving injuries and sometimes death.

Marine transportation :
Ferry accidents sometimes occur due to overloading and poor maintenance of some vessels. Do not board vessels that appear overloaded or unseaworthy.

Air travel :
We do not make assessments on the compliance of foreign domestic airlines with international safety standards.

HL/ HaitiLibre

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