A Caribbean country should be considered off-limits to U.S. travelers, according to the U.S. Department of State (DOS).
Haiti has been at a “Level 4: Do Not Travel” advisory since March of this year as the country has been in a state of emergency due to civil unrest, gang violence and riots.
However, the DOS updated its advisory on Wednesday, Sept. 18 to include additional information on the dangers of violent crime and kidnapping in the country.
“Crimes involving firearms are common in Haiti. They include robbery, carjackings, sexual assault, and kidnappings for ransom,” the advisory states. “Kidnapping is widespread, and U.S. citizens have been victims and have been hurt or killed. Kidnappers may plan carefully or target victims at random, unplanned times. Kidnappers will even target and attack convoys. Kidnapping cases often involve ransom requests. Victims’ families have paid thousands of dollars to rescue their family members.”
The advisory also mentioned that political protests and demonstrations “are common and unpredictable,” and that “they often damage or destroy infrastructure and can become violent.”
“Mob killings and assaults by the public have increased, including targeting those suspected of committing crimes,” the advisory reads.
And it’s not just the streets where these crimes happen. The DOS said the airport in Port-au-Prince “can be a focal point for armed activity,” including robberies and carjackings.
“They often target lone drivers, especially women. As a result, the U.S. embassy requires its staff to use official transportation to and from the airport,” the advisory reads.
The advisory also urges travelers to not try to cross the border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic because of possible kidnapping and violence. If travelers attempt this, then they could “face high immigration fines,” according to the advisory.
The DOS also said that there is little the U.S. government can do to help its citizens in Haiti due to a general lack of resources, including shortages in gasoline, electricity, medicine and medical supplies. Clinics and hospitals in Haiti often require prepayment in cash.
Those who choose to still travel to Haiti should take the following precautions:
- Avoid demonstrations and crowds. Don’t try to drive through roadblocks.
- Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival.
- Do not give personal information to unauthorized people.
- If you are being followed as you leave the airport, drive to the nearest police station immediately.
- Travel by vehicle to reduce walking in public.
- Travel in groups or at least do not travel alone.
- Always keep vehicle doors locked and windows closed when driving.
- Be cautious and alert. This is especially important when driving through markets and other crowded areas.
- Do not fight back during a robbery. It increases the risk of violence and injury to you.
- Purchase travel insurance with medical evacuation coverage ahead of time.
This post was originally published on here
