Haiti's Evacuation Accelerates

Over the past few years, various governments have issued travel advisories for the Republic of Haiti, Haiti, a Caribbean country locates on the western end of the island of Hispaniola.

Given the recent increase in civil unrest throughout Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Department of State is now urging U.S. citizens to depart Haiti as soon as possible through any commercial means.

As of July 27, 2023, the U.S. government is extremely limited in providing emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti.

Gangs' influence extends to about 80% of Port-au-Prince and beyond the capital city. The most recent clashes have particularly affected the neighborhoods of Vivy Michel, Tabarre, Torcel, Tapage, and Trutier, which should be avoided.

U.S. Ambassador Jeffrey DeLaurentis, Acting Deputy Representative to the United Nations, said in a media release on July 6, 2023, "...our hearts go out to those who have lost loved ones and all who have been impacted last month by flooding, an earthquake, and of course, the spiraling violence."

"The security situation in Haiti continues to remain a great concern."

The local U.S. Embassy urges U.S. citizens who travel to Haiti despite this warning to register their trip with the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program, which is a free service that provides essential security and other information during an emergency.

The U.S. government previously issued the highest (Level 4) Travel Advisory ("Do Not Travel") for Haiti. As does the U.K.'s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

From a health perspective, the U.S. CDC suggests international travelers visiting Haiti be fully protected against various diseases with routine and travel vaccines, such as yellow fever.

Additionally, dengue outbreaks have been confirmed throughout the Caribbean and Central America in 2023.

To make informed vaccination decisions, the CDC suggests prospective travelers speak with a healthcare provider and visit a community pharmacy for medical supplies at least one month before departure.