Canadian Travel Advisory - Haiti

Travel Advisory website: http://travel.gc.ca/destinations/haiti

For emergency assistance after hours, call the Embassy of Canada in Port-au-Prince and follow
the instructions. Callers may occasionally experience difficulties reaching the Embassy by
telephone or facsimile due to problems with local infrastructure. In such cases, Canadians can
contact the Emergency Watch and Response Centre in Ottawa at 613-996-8885 or via email at
sos@international.gc.ca.

Canadian Embassy Contact:

Street Address
Delmas Road, between Delmas 75 and 71, Port-au-Prince
Postal Address
P.O. Box 826, Port-au-Prince
Telephone
011 (509) 2-812-9000, 3-702-9996
Email
prnce@international.gc.ca
Internet
haiti.gc.ca

Crime
The security situation is hazardous and very unpredictable. Remain extremely vigilant
wherever you are in the country. Criminal activity is especially evident in large centres
such as downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs continue to operate.

There has recently been an increase in armed robberies targeting travellers, particularly
foreigners of Haitian origin, arriving on international flights at the Toussaint Louverture
International Airport in Port-au-Prince. In most cases, the victims’ vehicles are followed
by criminals on motorcycles. To minimize the risk of violence, you should have your
local contacts arrange your pick up from the airport, carry only small amounts of cash
and not resist if you are threatened by robbers.

Although travel in the parts of the country less affected by the earthquake presents less
of a risk, exercise extreme caution and do not travel after dark.

There have been several recent reports of violent incidents along Route Nationale 2
from Petit-Goâve (Ouest Department) to Miragoane (Nippes Department). Criminal
gangs have committed robberies by erecting roadblocks. If you have to travel through
this area, remain extremely vigilant and follow the advice of local authorities.
 Canadian Travel Advisory - Haiti

Murder, kidnapping, armed robberies, burglaries and carjackings have been known to
occur even in daylight hours. The general Haitian population, regardless of social class,
can be considered at risk of being kidnapped. Although rare, there have been
kidnappings involving Canadians and other foreign nationals, including missionaries, aid
workers and children. Most victims have been released after a ransom was paid. In
some exceptional cases, however, victims have disappeared or have been killed.

Never walk alone. Keep windows closed and doors locked when travelling by car. Avoid
showing visible signs of affluence, such as expensive-looking jewellery or cameras.
Remain cautious with new acquaintances offering friendship or hospitality. Foreigners,
including Canadians, are viewed as wealthy. If confronted by thieves, do not resist.

Remain alert to small groups of loiterers, especially near your residence. Keep doors
and windows secure at all times. Instruct domestic staff to permit only pre-authorized
visitors whose identities have been verified into your home. Keep all visitors under close
surveillance.

Avoid photographing individuals without first obtaining their approval. Be cautious when
photographing scenes in poor or urban areas, where people may feel exploited or
insulted by being subjects of such activities.

Demonstrations and unrest

Haiti periodically experiences social unrest, particularly during election periods.

Demonstrations are frequent, and protest marches and strikes may occur at any time in
the capital, throughout the country and on main highways. Local transportation services
may be disrupted. Avoid large crowds, as they can turn into violent demonstrations.
Monitor the situation through local news broadcasts and stay inside during political
gatherings and demonstrations. Be aware that curfews could be in effect.

Rioting and related violence can occur on little or no notice.

Public transportation
Avoid all public transportation, especially informal taxis (“tap-taps”) to and from the
airport. Buses are mechanically unreliable and overcrowded.