Haiti : Safety by City
Haiti may be one of the most naturally beautiful countries in the Caribbean, but right now, that beauty is wrapped in danger.
Located on the western third of the island of Hispaniola, just a border away from the Dominican Republic, Haiti has a rich, complex history.
It became the world’s first Black republic in 1804 after a successful slave revolt, but centuries of foreign interference, political instability, and poverty have left deep scars.
The 2010 earthquake devastated the capital and destroyed much of the country’s fragile infrastructure.
Things took a darker turn in July 2021, when Haitian President Jovenel Moïse was assassinated in his home by a group of foreign mercenaries—an event that created a leadership vacuum and deepened the chaos.
Power struggles, lack of functioning governance, and the rise of armed gangs filled that void.
By 2024, the violence had become so widespread that the government declared a state of emergency.
That year, only about 380,000 people visited Haiti—most of them aid workers or cruise passengers briefly disembarking in Labadee, a walled-off port managed by Royal Caribbean.
For comparison, the Dominican Republic next door welcomed over 11 million visitors.
Port-au-Prince and other major areas remain under partial gang control, and embassies have limited ability to help.
Haiti’s culture and resilience are remarkable, but this is not the time for casual tourism.
Unless you’re staying within the fences of Labadee, this trip comes with serious risks that even experienced travelers may not be prepared for.
Warnings & Dangers in Haiti
OVERALL RISK: HIGH
Haiti (as of May 2025) is currently under a state of emergency, with widespread gang control, frequent kidnappings, and infrastructure breakdowns. The government has limited ability to maintain order, and even aid groups and diplomats face danger. Unless you're arriving on a secured cruise itinerary, you're stepping into one of the highest-risk environments in the Western Hemisphere.
TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: MEDIUM
Driving is hazardous due to poor roads, gang checkpoints, and a lack of signage. Taxis are mostly unregulated, and carjackings are common. Public transportation is unreliable and often unsafe. Even private drivers and convoys have been ambushed. There’s no safe or predictable way to move around outside of heavily secured areas like Labadee.
PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM
Petty theft is widespread, but the larger threat is that it often escalates. Crowds, markets, and traffic jams are prime zones for pickpockets, and foreigners stand out. Flashing valuables is a bad idea. Many thefts are accompanied by physical aggression, so the term “pickpocketing” may underplay the risk of theft here.
NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
Haiti sits on major fault lines and regularly experiences devastating earthquakes. It’s also in the hurricane zone, with storm season stretching from June through November. Floods and landslides are common, and emergency services are minimal. Infrastructure is so fragile that even minor storms can cause major chaos. Evacuation routes are unreliable.
MUGGING RISK: HIGH
Armed robberies happen in daylight, on highways, at roadblocks, and even at the airport. Many attackers are heavily armed and will not hesitate to use force. Resistance often turns violent, so experts advise compliance. If you appear to have any kind of wealth, expect to be followed and/or targeted.
TERRORISM RISK: MEDIUM
While Haiti doesn’t face traditional terrorism, gang violence functions in much the same way—organized, strategic, and meant to instill fear. Attacks target police stations, hospitals, and convoys. There’s no ideological message, but the chaos and violence have a similar impact. Areas can erupt without notice, and security is virtually nonexistent.
SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
Tourists are often seen as easy marks. Common scams involve fake guides, overpriced transportation, and fraudulent “fees” at checkpoints. Worse, some scams are fronts for robbery or kidnapping. If you’re asked to carry something for someone or accept help from a stranger, don’t. Trust is a luxury you can’t afford here.
WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Solo travel for women is strongly discouraged. Sexual assault is a serious risk, even in daylight, and even for those with security escorts. There’s no functioning support system for victims. Harassment is common, and attackers may operate in groups. Women should not travel alone or without trusted local contacts.
TAP WATER RISK: MEDIUM
Don’t drink it. Don’t brush your teeth with it. Don’t even open your mouth in the shower. Tap water is unsafe due to widespread contamination, failing infrastructure, and limited water treatment. Stick to sealed bottled water—check that it hasn’t been refilled—and avoid ice in drinks.
Safest Places to Visit in Haiti
Despite all the risks, there’s still a tourism website (visithaiti.com) to review if you’re still planning a trip against the advice of literally everyone.
Please note that this tourism website in no way reflects the real hazards present in the country.
Even regarding the topic of safety, the tourism team says, “Traveling to Haiti requires careful planning and awareness of the current situation.
While the capital, Port-au-Prince, can be challenging due to safety concerns, other cities like Jacmel and Cap-Haïtien are generally safer for visitors.
Haiti is not a destination where you can travel spontaneously without preparation.”
In fact, the only place remotely worth considering is Labadee, where the cruise port is located.
Private security helps keep the walled-off area free from the hazards that are imminent outside the port.
While I’ll summarize some of the top attractions in Haiti, please don’t mistake less dangerous for safe.
Cap-Haïtien itself has a historical pull, including the massive mountaintop Citadelle Laferrière—a UNESCO site and one of the largest fortresses in the Americas.
The nearby Sans-Souci Palace adds to the allure, especially for history buffs tracing the Haitian Revolution.
Some still visit Jacmel, a southern coastal town known for its faded French architecture and arts scene, but this area isn’t immune to unrest and requires serious caution and local guidance.
Nature lovers may look toward Bassin Bleu, a series of bright blue waterfalls near Jacmel, or Île-à-Vache, a remote island off the southern coast with quiet beaches and eco-resorts—but again, reaching these places is not without risk.
In fact, visiting any place outside the cruise port is entirely at your own risk, and you should have excellent self-rescue skills.
Places to Avoid in Haiti
All of it. Avoid all of it.
Government advisories give grim information about what risks you’ll face when visiting Haiti.
The already egregious crime rates increase during the December holidays, Carnival (February or March), and the start of the school year in the fall.
Even when Dominican Republic President Luis Abinader closed the border with Haiti, he stated, “Haiti is going through the darkest hour in its history.”
Safety Tips for Traveling to Haiti
- Haiti’s police are overwhelmed and under-resourced. In many areas, they’re simply not showing up—especially in gang-controlled zones. There’s no 911 system; some expats use WhatsApp groups to crowdsource help. Bottom line: you’re largely on your own if something happens, so prevention is your best defense.
- Outside of Labadee, there’s zero formal tourism infrastructure. No tour guide associations, no verified excursions, no emergency support services. You’re essentially DIY-ing it in a country with serious instability. That hike, that boat ride, that scenic overlook—they’re all at your own risk, with no backup if something goes wrong.
- Haiti faces frequent hurricanes, earthquakes, and floods, but the alert system is fractured. The U.S. Embassy uses social media and email alerts when possible for emergencies, but they are not guaranteed to be able to do that. Follow your country’s embassy on X (Twitter) and check local news sources, such as Haiti Libre or Loop Haiti.
- If you’re stuck, your home country may not be able to get you out. Many embassies have pulled out non-essential staff and suspended routine services. In an emergency, evacuation could take days—if it happens at all. If you go now, you’re knowingly stepping into a situation with minimal support.
- You’ll need a valid driver’s license and nerves of steel to drive in Haiti. Roads are often unpaved, blocked, or controlled by gangs. GPS won’t warn you about roadblocks or ambush points. Even locals avoid driving in certain areas. If you’re thinking of renting a car, don’t. If you must drive, go only in daylight and with local guidance.
- Labadee, the fenced-off cruise port near Cap-Haïtien, is the only part of Haiti most tourists will see right now. It has private security and lower crime rates, but it’s not immune to nationwide instability. If you’re on a ship, enjoy your beach day—but don’t mistake it for the reality of Haiti.
- You’ll likely need a local SIM card to stay connected, and Digicel is the primary carrier. Coverage is decent in major cities, but spotty elsewhere. Bring an unlocked phone and download offline maps before you go. Power outages are frequent, so carry a charged power bank—it might be your lifeline.
- If you’re confronted during a robbery, do not fight back. The violence is extreme and often fatal. Armed gangs don’t hesitate. This is one of those places where your phone or cash isn’t worth your life. Hand it over, stay calm, and live to tell the story.
- Several travelers have been tricked into transporting drugs out of Haiti by people they thought were friends or romantic partners. Smuggling is a death sentence here, figuratively and sometimes literally. Don’t carry packages for anyone. Don’t trust strangers at the airport. If it seems sketchy, it is.
- LGBTQ+ travelers should be cautious—there’s no law banning same-sex activity, but harassment and violence are common.
So... How Safe Is Haiti Really?
Haiti isn’t just unsafe right now—it’s in a full-blown crisis.
Government travel advisories from the United States, the United Kingdom,
Australia and Canada preach about the dangers of Haiti.
Most governments have a four-tiered scale, from Level 1 (normal precautions) to Level 4 (Avoid All Travel).
Haiti remains consistently at Level 4.
Since 2024, a state of emergency has been in effect as gangs have taken over large parts of Port-au-Prince and beyond.
Violent crime, kidnappings, and attacks on convoys (even official ones) happen regularly.
Hospitals are overwhelmed, the police force is stretched thin, and the infrastructure is crumbling.
Foreigners aren’t off-limits—they’re often the target.
That probably explains why fewer than 400,000 people visited in 2024.
This isn’t one of those clickbait, exaggerating headlines.
It’s the kind where most governments are flat-out telling their citizens to leave if they can.
If you’re hellbent on going to that island, consider the Dominican Republic.
At least it’s at Level 2, not Level 4!
However, you can’t even escape to the Dominican Republic from Haiti.
Since March 2024, all borders, including air, land, and sea, with Haiti have been closed to travelers.
How Does Haiti Compare?
| Country | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Haiti | 42 |
| Djibouti | 38 |
| Croatia | 83 |
| Mexico | 65 |
| France | 64 |
| Puerto Rico | 34 |
| Somalia | 16 |
| United Kingdom | 77 |
| Peru | 50 |
Useful Information
Visas
Most travelers don’t need a visa for short visits of under 90 days, but you will need a passport with at least six months remaining. Requirements can change without warning, especially given Haiti’s current instability. Check with your airline or the Haitian consulate before booking. Better safe than denied at the gate.
Currency
Haiti uses the Haitian gourde (HTG), but U.S. dollars are widely accepted. Credit card acceptance is rare outside hotels and some businesses in Pétion-Ville. Most government advisories strongly discourage using ATMs anywhere in Haiti due to the likelihood of being followed, attacked, and robbed.
Weather
It’s hot, humid, and tropical nearly year-round, with temperatures in the 80s and 90s. The rainy season runs from April to October, and hurricane season hits peak threat in August and September. Sudden storms aren’t rare. Plan for heat, bring a rain shell, and don’t mess around with flooding forecasts.
Airports
Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince is the main international entry point. It’s busy and basic—expect delays, limited services, and crowds. Bring snacks, go early, and brace for minimal air conditioning. Cap-Haïtien also has a smaller airport with occasional international service, mostly from Florida.
Travel Insurance
Get it. Not the cheapest kind either—go for a plan that includes medical evacuation, trip interruption, and coverage for civil unrest. Healthcare in Haiti is limited, and emergencies can escalate fast. If things go sideways, insurance may be the only thing standing between you and a $30,000 private flight out.
Haiti Weather Averages (Temperatures)
Average High/Low Temperature
| Temperature / Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °C |
30 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 34 | 33 | 32 | 31 |
| Low °C |
20 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 24 | 23 | 22 | 21 |
| High °F |
86 | 86 | 88 | 90 | 91 | 93 | 93 | 93 | 93 | 91 | 90 | 88 |
| Low °F |
68 | 68 | 70 | 72 | 73 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 75 | 73 | 72 | 70 |
Haiti - Safety by City
| City | Safety Index |
|---|---|
| Port-au-Prince | 73 |
Haiti is very safe with a tour, resort or Royal Caribbean Labadee
Haiti is very safe if you go with a tour, a resort such as Royal Decameron or the Royal Caribbean Cruise line that stops at Labadee, Haiti. If it is your first time in Haiti, it is suggested to do one of the latter. In addition, the gorvernment of Haiti a few years ago invested in a tourism police force.
Excellent point and the truth.
Haiti
I have been to haiti, and none of this is true. Haiti is a little unstable, but is a totally fine nation to visit. in haiti, they speak Haitian Creole, not French. I went to A-no, which is a very kind lovely village, but not the best town to visit. If you are looking for an amazing trip to a nation, go to haiti. Research the nation before you go. It is currently unstable now, but go to haiti this summer!
I have been to Haiti many times, it’s not as bad as they make it seems. This is negative publicity for the country. I am currently planning on going back.
I agree with you. I don’t know why media always spread lie on Haiti. What is their problem?
Haiti is wonderful. Just don't flaunt your wealth.
I agree. I’ve made over 40 trips to Haiti. I’ve never had a problem. I’ve spent a night in Cite Soleil with my rental car being fine. I purchased my house from a guy that lives in the La Saline. I’ve visited Vil de Dye. No problem. I have a house, a school, and a tiki hut on the beach in Leogane. The people of Haiti are wonderful.
BE WISE
DONT GO!
Eh bien que ça vous chante ou pas d’aller en Haïti à cause de cet article cela vous concerne mais il y a plein d’endroits en Haïti qui n’ont rien moi même j’irai au Cap-Haitien la semaine prochaine qui est une ville historique et très sécurisée si bien que les touristes s’y rendent jusqu’à présent et n’ont rien senti de tel. D’ailleurs lorsque ma famille ou mes amis de l’étranger vont en Haïti ils passent par là. Il y a plein de vidéos sur le net des touristes qui se rendent au Cap-Haitien et qui se sont senti en sécurité parce qu’évidemment c’est sécurisé.
The first I like Haiti country Really I love and I will hope to travelled
Exaggeration
This report is completely dramatized and exaggerated.
It Definitely is. I travelled at night with another person, but did not have an issue. Personally I didn’t like Cap Haitien, but had a great time in Port au prince. I will be going back soon
Was the other person you travelled with Sean Penn?
Exactly! love your response.
I just came back from Haiti on March 4th and it is the truth. I said the same thing that the news was exaggerated. It does depend on where what time and when? I have been going to Haiti every year same time for over twenty years on mission trip and OMG this is the worse I have ever seen Haiti. Shame on all of those responsible. Haitian are resilient people and I am praying that they will survive.
why waste your time like this?
they are only resilient due to fools wanting to “help” them
Reply
Why is it foolish to want to help people?
Good review
I totally agree with the report you have here, thanks for posting this, now I know what I have experienced in Haiti makes sense and it’s not something that just happened to me.
This just happened to you this whole thing is false I go to Haiti all the time
Applies to some not all
I’ll just say it and be the bad person. Some of these apply to ALL tourists and some of these apply to tourists who stand out. It’s a majority Black Country. Not saying crime can’t happen to Black tourists but this is extremely exaggerated for a certain group of people. I’m going to Haiti in March and can’t wait!
I’m a black Haitian who is living in the USA and who go back home once in a while.
Due to misery most of the people there are desperate, therefore if you want to visit Haiti, be careful.
The Haitian people for the majority of them are friendly, hard-working and helpful, themselves have to be careful as well in their own country because they can be victimized just like the visiting foreigners.
So Haitians are human, but as animals, when they are hungry, they can be very dangerous, so that is the case for the miserable Haitians who represent more than 80%of the population.
A country with more than 70% of unemployed people, with no income what so ever, The hospitals are inadequate, only 30% of the schools are public, most of the people are undernourished, so if such situation existed in the USA, people would not have been able to walk in the streets of the US cities.
At least in Haiti, you can walk around safely during day time.
Felix Hi :
what tempted me to see Haiti detail- and safety assessment : Your Presidents assasination. I was trying to assess the possibility of visit to Haiti. I found all thru the year -weather is excellent and country is beautiful .
I believe with so many interested people and beauty natural Haiti must engage more in promotion of Tourism with safety. For Eg: We have in India – Goa. Goa is one of the richest safe places to travel with nice beaches, and was a Portuguese colony till 1960. And most of its wealth is by Tourism. Haiti can lead like this for small population of 11 million ! Goa itself will 20 million !
I saw rich and poor differences hi lighted on Google – but people look to me very beautiful and nice. Hope you overcome the current situation and reach safety and success soon with firm guidance of Politics .
Keep on praying for Haiti. Hoping for a better Haiti.
I have been traveling to Haiti on mission trips every February for over twenty years. Upon returning on March 4th 2020, this is what I have to say. Accompany with my two daughters we were in different part of the country each one of us had a different experience. We found that Jacmel and St Marc was the best. Port-au-Prince (capital) the worse. The place looked worse than after the earthquake. It was fitly, scary and people looked horrible. I have no idea how these poor people are able to tolerate such horrible life. Lord please send rescue to all. People are dying of starvation. I really wish that I can do more, but unfortunately with a corrupted government it is very difficult. Haitian are resilient people and I know they will survive this. I vision a better Haiti in the future. Please don’t give up hope keep on praying. I will go back next year. Hopefully it will be better and safer.
There is no lord. How can you see this suffering and still believe such fairy tales.
You took your daughters there. YOU ARE AN IDIOT!!!! Let me take my daughters there so they can run the risk of being raped or worse.
You are wrong. You have to constantly look over your shoulder. Looking for the white car (kidnaping car) Please if you have not been a victim do not talk and give other people false information. You don’t know stay in the don’t know.
booo Haiti
Haiti is very dangerous don’t go!!!!!!!!! kidnaping terrorist attacks never my mom says never ur all stupid!!!!!!!!
Haïti IS not dangerous evrywhere !!!
Tres Belle .
Haiti is beautiful. But staying safe should be a priority.
1..Dont flash money or valuables in the streets.
2..Stick with legit Taxi companies.
3..Avoid walking at night or into deserted areas, if possible find a trustworthy guide to show you around.
4..The police can be corrupt and if your a victim of crime ,it can be a slow process .
5..Learn some French.
So basically the same as New York
Avoid
If you’re white (blanc) don’t go. You’ll be in danger. Period.
you would need you’re head examined to go to Haiti even if you’re getting paid to go, let them rot down there as they are hopeless as a nation
Is Haiti dangerous? Of course it is but do NOT call them hopeless! And let them rot? You’ve clearly never met a haitian before… because they are wonderful hard working, family oriented people who don’t deserve to live like this. The countries who’ve claimed to “help” Haiti have actually hurt them the most.
Bottom line: Haiti is the first free black republic and they are STILL paying for that freedom, sadly.
-an Italian lady who won’t let you talk down about Haiti or its people
In Port – Au Prince is not the whole country. Have you heard of Mole. Look it up?
Haiti is a lawless country-Its ravaged with crime and corruption-It would take a miracle to turn things around—Foreign investment will never come if potential tourists and visiting businessmen are not safe—It’s sad stuff.
We made a small stop here while traveling to Jacmel, my wife was impressed with how colorful the city was. I was stricken by the extreme poverty. Yes, if you’re in a resort and have very little contact with the outside world you might not be very aware but the city is in shambles.
I love Haiti so muchhhhhhhh
I love Haiti. No one can describe my love for this country Haiti. I love it bad ass history and culture. It’s just the best. I will love Haiti forever🇭🇹🇭🇹Mw rinminw anpil ayiti Cherie!!!
im in love with Haitian girl and we love each other we planned to visit her country next year 2023 march .anyone has idea for this
Yess . Visit Cap Haitian
Haitian are strong, they're survivors
Haiti is no more dangerous than Jamaica, Mexico or even parts of USA eg Camden, NJ, Philadelphia, PA, Chicago or Parts of California where it’s gang infested. However, somehow because Haiti is a country of mainly black people it always gets represented in the media negatively. This propaganda has been going on for decades. The media always shows the negative side never anything good. Haiti 🇭🇹 has beautiful beaches, roaring hills, gorgeous waterfalls, an unmatched culture & history & the most hospitable people around. Now anyone with half a brain knows that No country is all good or all bad. Unfortunately Haiti is experiencing a very difficult time now due to a lot of foreign interference & corrupt government but Haitians are survivors they will not only survive but will thrive in the future.
If at first you don't succeed...
This article is so true. My first time in Haiti I was mugged, shot at, almost run over four times and my luggage stolen. The second time I went back it cost me £thousands as they kidnapped my wife and she was only released after I may several payments to the, each one increasing each time. I was also robbed and my passport stolen. The third time I went back, no kidnapping, but I was seriously beaten in a mugging and hospitalised. By the time I got out and returned to my hotel resort, all my belongings were stolen. The fourth time I went back was a bit better as it was just the taxi driver trying to scam me by attempting to take me to a secluded road and then demanding extra money from me to let me go. I paid him half of what he wanted and promised the rest at my destination, but I ran off before he could catch me. The fifth time I went back, robbed, mugged, money stolen at ATM, held at gunpoint in taxi, scammed at 2 shops with my credit card being copied. I am planning my next trip next month and this time I am really going to be cautious. These business trips are really taking it out of me.