Thursday, when more than 20 people have been shot and killed in the past 6 days, the American administration again put Haiti on the black list of level 4 (Maximum) of the countries where one should not travel at the same rank as countries like Iraq, Yemen, South Sudan, Syria, Somalia, Afghanistan and Libya...

Thursday the "Travel-State Department" in a notice to travelers indicates "Do not travel to Haiti due to crime, civil unrest, and kidnapping."

"[...] Violent crime, such as armed robbery and carjacking, is common. Kidnapping is widespread. Kidnappers may use sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities. Victims have included U.S. citizens.

Demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are frequent, unpredictable, and can turn violent. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents. Emergency response, including ambulance service, is limited or non-existent.

Travelers are sometimes followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers have attacked private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion and often target lone drivers, particularly women driving alone.

The U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in some areas of Haiti.

If you decide to travel to Haiti :

• Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks.

• Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival.

• Do not provide personal information to unauthorized individuals (i.e. people without official uniforms or credentials) located in the immigration, customs, or other areas inside or near any airports.

• If you are being followed as you leave the airport, drive to the nearest police station immediately.

• Travel by vehicle to minimize walking in public.

• Travel in groups of at least two people.

• Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving.

• Exercise caution and alertness, especially when driving through markets and other traffic congested areas.

• Do not physically resist any robbery attempt.

• Purchase travel insurance and medical evacuation insurance ahead of time.

• Review information on Travel to High-Risk Areas.

• Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive Alerts and make it easier to locate you in an emergency.

• Follow the Department of State on Facebook and Twitter.

• Review the Overseas Security Advisory Council report on Haiti.

• Prepare a contingency plan for emergency situations. Review the Traveler’s Checklist.

See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-30067-haiti-flash-france-recommends-to-postpone-any-trip-to-haiti-until-further-notice.html

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-29970-flash-canada-travelers-update-avoid-traveling-to-haiti.html

SL/ HaitiLibre