Haiti Travel Guide

Sad to say that when Christopher Columbus first stumbled across the island of Hispaniola in 1492 he little realised that it would become divided into two distinct Republics, half of its lush landscape headed for criminal and political strife. The Republic of Haiti, once known as 'the pearl of the Caribbean', shares this island with the Dominican Republic, but it seems the two countries are worlds apart. One is a tourism magnet, the other largely a pariah where only the brave set foot.Haiti is a fascinating country, its people friendly and energetic, but a combination of crime, civil disturbance and a mysterious voodoo religion have left most of it high and dry on the world tourism map. It was one of France's richest colonies, but today Haiti languishes as one of the world's poorest nations, its politics descended into chaos, its natural resources plundered, and corruption and crime rife. Anyone brave enough to do without modern infrastructure, and brave the risk of robbery or kidnapping, will find though that Haiti offers a fresh horizon for adventurers with its exotic scenery and vibrant culture. Haiti is trying to recover from its past, and is intent on re-creating its attractive face for world tourism, using lures like its beautiful beaches, untamed forests, passionate and humorous population, jazz-like local music, delicious African, Creole and Latin American cuisine, and pretty towns like Jacmel with its gingerbread houses.The fact that dozens of sleek cruise liners still visit a corner of Haiti is proof that there is light in the darkness. The glittering white liners head out from Miami, USA, to disgorge passengers on day visits to the cordoned off port of Labadee, adjacent to Haiti's colourful city of Cap-Haitien, on a bay on the northern coast. Here visitors are assured of their safety as they shop for souvenirs, sample local cuisine and generally enjoy themselves.Haiti is intent on recovery in all areas, and tourism is the best way to achieve this. Independent travellers, who are courageous enough to eschew the warnings, will no doubt discover the delights that Haiti has to offer.

---

Haiti Climate and Weather

Haiti enjoys a tropical climate and the weather is generally hot and humid, with sultry, warm nights. The rainy season runs from October to May and there are often severe storms during the hurricane season, between June and October, when there is the risk of flooding and hurricanes.

---

Haiti Currency

Money: The official currency is the Haitian Gourde (HTG), divided into 100 centimes, but US Dollars are also widely accepted. Credit cards are welcome nearly everywhere, but ATMs are scarce and the few there are in Port au Prince are often out of order. Travellers cheques are difficult to exchange.

Currency Exchange Rates
HTG 1 =	US$ 0.03	£ 0.01	C$ 0.03	A$ 0.03	R 0.18	EUR 0.02	NZ$ 0.04

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

---

Haiti Health Overview

Typhoid, polio and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to Haiti, and yellow fever vaccination is required for those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for anywhere in Haiti except the cruise port of Labadee. Use precautions against mosquitoes, as dengue fever is also on the increase. Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince are of poor quality, and virtually non-existent elsewhere, so medical insurance with evacuation cover is essential, and it is advisable to bring all required medications from home. Tap water should be avoided, and visitors should drink bottled water. Eat only peeled, cooked and piping hot fruit and vegetables, and make sure fish and meat is thoroughly cooked. It is recommended to avoid buying food or drink from street vendors.

---

Haiti Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals:UK passport holders do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Canadians:Canadians do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians:Australians do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans:South Africans do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:Irish nationals do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:New Zealanders do not require a visa for a stay of up to three months.
Passport/Visa Note:All visitors require a valid passport to enter Haiti, as well as an onward or return ticket. From 23 January 2007 all US citizens travelling to and from Haiti by air will require a passport; by 1 January 2008 the requirement will be extended to include all land and sea border crossings as well.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

---

Haiti Basics

Time: GMT -4.
Electricity: 110 volts, 60HZ. The plugs in use are the eastern type with two flat, parallel prongs.
Language: French is the official language, and Creole is widely used; English is spoken in the capital and at Labadee cruise port.
Health: Typhoid, polio and hepatitis A vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to Haiti, and yellow fever vaccination is required for those arriving from an infected country in Africa or the Americas. Malaria prophylaxis is recommended for anywhere in Haiti except the cruise port of Labadee. Use precautions against mosquitoes, as dengue fever is also on the increase. Medical facilities in Port-au-Prince are of poor quality, and virtually non-existent elsewhere, so medical insurance with evacuation cover is essential, and it is advisable to bring all required medications from home. Tap water should be avoided, and visitors should drink bottled water. Eat only peeled, cooked and piping hot fruit and vegetables, and make sure fish and meat is thoroughly cooked. It is recommended to avoid buying food or drink from street vendors.
Tipping: Hotel bills generally have a tax of 10% added, and a service charge of 5%. Restaurant staff should be tipped around 10% of the bill. Taxi drivers can be given a discretionary tip if they are helpful and efficient.
Safety: Haiti has a bad reputation for the safety and security of visitors, because of a high crime rate and civil unrest, and both the British and US governments advise against all but essential travel to Haiti. This, however, does not apply to the enclosed cruise port of Labadee. Kidnapping, armed robbery, gang violence, pick-pocketing and various other horrors occur regularly in the country, although not usually directed at foreigners. Travellers are advised to hire a reliable guide and/or driver when touring in Haiti, and not to wander the streets in Port-au-Prince, especially at night. The hurricane season in Haiti normally runs from June to November.
Customs: Haitians are proud people despite their poor circumstances and appreciate being treated with respect. It is advisable to show willingness to learn a few basic Creole phrases, and to ask permission before taking pictures of locals.
Business: This being one of the poorest countries in the western hemisphere, and economically depressed, few business visitors come to Haiti.
Communications: The international dialing code for Haiti is +509. The outgoing code is 00. There are no area codes. The landline telephone company, mainly government owned, provides an inadequate service. A GSM mobile network has recently become available. There are a few Internet cafes in Port-au-Prince.
Duty Free: The duty free allowance for goods brought in to Haiti are 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 1kg of tobacco, a litre of spirits, and a small bottle of perfume for personal use. Pork, coffee, matches, drugs and firearms are prohibited.

---

Haiti Airports

Toussaint Louverture International Airport

Location: The airport is located about five miles (2km) from downtown Port-au-Prince.
Time: GMT -4.
Contacts: Tel: +509 250 4105.
Transfer to the city: A mini-bus shuttle service is run by local agents, Agence Citadelle, costing US$10 per person. This should be booked in advance. Taxis meet every flight, but visitors should satisfy themselves that these are accredited by the ACGH (Association des Chauffeurs Guides d'Haiti) and are reliable. It is wise to settle on a fare before embarking.
Car rental: There are car rental agents' offices across the road from the airport. The main companies represented are Avis, Budget, Hertz and Secoma.
Facilities: The airport offers a bank, snack bars, a duty free shop and gift shop.
Departure tax: US$25.

---