Haiti

Visa requirements

Haiti has open borders, which means that citizens of most countries can enter the country without a visa. The government is keen on improving Haiti's global image and is actively promoting the tourist industry.

The Haitian gourde is the currency of Haiti, denoted by the symbol "G" (ISO code: HTG). Although merchants are required to quote prices in gourdes by law, virtually everything is priced in "dollars" — not US but Haitian dollars, equivalent to 5 gourdes. This practice is a holdover from the US occupation of Haiti in the early 20th century, during which the gourde was pegged at G5 to the US dollar.

Cars may be rented through Hertz, Avis, etc. Taxis in Haiti are usually in the form of SUVs or trucks, as most of the roads are long overdue for repairs, in addition to plethora of unpaved roads one faces while travelling in Haiti. The price is often fair (i.e., 450 gourdes from Port-au-Prince to Léogâne), but offers safety and comfort that cannot be found in riding tap-taps or buses.

The official languages of Haiti are French and Haitian Creole (Kreyòl Ayisien), which is a French-based creole language, with 92% of the vocabulary being derived from French and the rest primarily from African languages. Haitian Creole is the native language of the masses, while French is the administrative language, even though only 15% of Haitians can speak it and only about 2% can speak it well.

Since the assassination of its president in 2021, Haiti has once again devolved into complete lawlessness. Several governments advise against all travel to Haiti. Violent crime and civil unrest are serious problems. Kidnapping is also a risk. In case of trouble, help from the outside world will be extremely limited.

Sanitary conditions in Haiti are poor and medical care is woefully inadequate. If you get ill or injured whilst in Haiti, you may need to leave or be evacuated. Tap water should be avoided. Drink bottled water only. Washing oneself with water from places such as creeks or lakes is not recommended due to the risk of water-borne diseases. Several diseases can cause dehydration, as can sweating a lot because of the hot climate. Hydration requirements can be fulfilled by preparing one of the many water purifying systems as if one were going camping, or by buying bottled water once in Haiti; it is…

One thing visitors to Haiti learn very quickly is that Haitians are a very friendly and down-to-earth people, despite all they have had to endure. There are some beggars and peddlars in the cities, but they are the exception not the rule. Expect no kow-towing. Impoverished Haitians will always accept gifts, but they will almost always stand straight, look you in the eye, and repay you with a sincere "Mesi" (thanks).