Caribbean
Is Haiti safe?
L4Do not travel
Is Haiti safe?
Extremely dangerous: gangs control most of Port-au-Prince and the roads out, with kidnappings, massacres and roadblocks. Most governments say do not travel, and consular help barely exists.
Key facts
- US travel advisory: Level 4: Do not travel, updated 2026-07-09.
- Homicide rate: 41.2 per 100,000 people (2023, UNODC via World Bank).
- Road deaths: 18.8 per 100,000 people a year (2019, WHO).
- Emergency numbers: Police 114 · Ambulance 116 · Fire 115.
- Solo women: Sexual violence by armed groups is widespread. Solo foreign women face high risk; travel only with trusted local hosts and organised security.
Risks, scams and laws
Main risks
- Kidnapping for ransom, including foreigners, missionaries and aid workers
- Gang attacks and roadblocks on main routes out of Port-au-Prince
- Armed robbery of people leaving banks or ATMs, often by motorbike
- Cholera, dengue and hospitals that are closed or overwhelmed
Common scams
- Prices in 'dollars' may mean Haitian dollars (5 gourdes); always confirm
Laws visitors break by accident
- Carry ID at all times; police checkpoints are frequent.
- Drug charges bring long pre-trial detention in very poor prisons.
Quick answers
Is Haiti safe for tourists?
Extremely dangerous: gangs control most of Port-au-Prince and the roads out, with kidnappings, massacres and roadblocks. Most governments say do not travel, and consular help barely exists.
Is Haiti safe for solo female travelers?
Sexual violence by armed groups is widespread. Solo foreign women face high risk; travel only with trusted local hosts and organised security.
What is the emergency number in Haiti?
Police 114 · Ambulance 116 · Fire 115.
Sources
- World Bank: intentional homicides
- US State Department travel advisory
- UK FCDO travel advice: Haiti
- Government of Canada travel advice: Haiti
- World Bank open data
Compiled and reviewed by SoloSquare. How we compile and score this. Spotted something out of date? Tell us.