U.S. Department Of State Issues URGENT Travel Warning For This Distressed Country

In response to the deteriorating situation, the government has ordered the departure of non-emergency U.S. government employees and their families stationed in Haiti.

U.S. citizens currently in Haiti are strongly advised to leave the country as soon as possible, utilizing commercial or private transportation options. Those planning to leave the capital city of Port-au-Prince should exercise caution, closely monitor local news, and plan their departure when it is deemed safe to do so.

The U.S. government has imposed strict restrictions on its personnel in Haiti, confining them to the area around the Embassy and prohibiting them from walking in Port-au-Prince. They are also forbidden from using public transport or taxis, visiting banks and ATMs, driving at night, and traveling between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. without prior approval and special security measures in place.

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According to a news release from the U.S. Department of State, kidnapping is rampant in Haiti, with U.S. citizens frequently targeted. Kidnappers employ sophisticated planning or take advantage of unplanned opportunities, and even convoys have been attacked. Ransom negotiations are common in kidnapping cases, and U.S. citizens have been physically harmed during these incidents. Families of victims have paid thousands of dollars to secure the release of their loved ones.

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Violent crime, often involving firearms, is also prevalent in Haiti, with armed robberies, carjackings, and kidnappings for ransom, including those involving U.S. citizens, occurring frequently. Mob killings of presumed criminals have been on the rise since late April. Travelers are at risk of being followed and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. Robbers and carjackers specifically target private vehicles stuck in heavy traffic congestion, often singling out lone drivers, particularly women. Consequently, the U.S. Embassy mandates that its personnel use official transportation to and from the airport.

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Protests, demonstrations, tire burning, and roadblocks are common occurrences in Haiti, and they can quickly turn violent. The U.S. government's ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in Haiti is severely limited, with on-site assistance only available from local authorities such as the Haitian National Police and ambulance services.

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Local police generally lack the necessary resources to effectively respond to serious criminal incidents. Shortages of gasoline, electricity, medicine, and medical supplies persist throughout much of the country. Public and private medical clinics and hospitals often lack qualified medical staff, as well as basic medical equipment and resources.

In light of these dire circumstances, the U.S. Department of State urges American citizens to exercise extreme caution and avoid travel to Haiti until the security and healthcare situations improve significantly.