Our Highlights for Haiti
We visited Haiti during a cruise, docking at a fenced-off part of the island called Labadee. This stretch of coastline is privately operated by the cruise line itself. Frankly, we had never felt drawn to Haiti — it is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and ranks among the world's least developed nations. Tourism infrastructure is minimal, and the environment has suffered considerable degradation. For those reasons Haiti was never high on our bucket list. Our recommendation: visit via a cruise ship.
Security in Haiti has improved as authorities make progress fighting gang crime, and violent crime in the capital Port-au-Prince is now comparable to other major cities worldwide. However, the devastating earthquake set the country back significantly, and Haiti continues to struggle with the aftermath of natural disasters, flooding, overcrowding, widespread poverty, disease, and poor sanitation.
The country's entire infrastructure — healthcare, roads, telecommunications, water and energy supply — functions only in a limited capacity and is in urgent need of rehabilitation. International aid programmes are now underway across much of the country.
Travel warnings can also be found on the website of your country's foreign affairs department. Travellers are strongly advised: if you venture out independently, always leave your itinerary and expected duration with your hotel or embassy.
If leaving your hotel or car, make absolutely sure your valuables are stored safely. Carry only as much cash as necessary. It is strongly recommended to make copies of all travel documents (passport, tickets, entry forms, etc.) and keep the originals in a secure place — carrying copies is usually sufficient.
A basic knowledge of French, or at least English, is highly recommended.
Cash is the predominant means of payment and can be exchanged for US dollars at banks, private exchange offices, supermarkets, and — with caution — on the street. Credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard, and American Express are accepted in hotels and supermarkets.
Climate & Best Time to Visit Haiti
The climate in Haiti is subtropical with high humidity. Daytime temperatures range between 25 and 37 °C, while nighttime temperatures settle between 15 and 24 °C. It is pleasantly warm all year round. Peak temperatures in Haiti occur between June and October. There are two rainy seasons: April to June and September to November. Haiti also lies in the hurricane belt, with hurricane season running from June to November. Unlike 2008 — when four tropical storms swept over Haiti — subsequent years saw far fewer incidents. Nonetheless, you should always monitor regional weather forecasts, heed local safety advisories, or simply skip hurricane season altogether.
Entry Requirements and Recommended Vaccinations
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your stay is required for entry. German nationals may enter without a visa for stays of up to three months. An arrival form must be completed upon entry and presented again upon departure. A return or onward flight ticket must be shown at entry.
An exit tax of approximately 30 US dollars is payable upon departure.
Please note: Entry requirements for German nationals may change at short notice!
Recommended vaccinations: Yellow fever (if arriving from an endemic area). Tetanus, diphtheria, and hepatitis A are recommended; for extended stays over four weeks or special exposure, also hepatitis B, rabies, and typhoid. There is a year-round malaria risk — please consult a travel health specialist before departure. Due to mosquito-borne diseases, all travellers are strongly advised to wear light-coloured, long-sleeved clothing, sleep under a mosquito net, and use insect repellent generously.
Diarrhoeal diseases and cholera: Most can be prevented through proper food and water hygiene. Never drink tap water. Use bottled water even for brushing your teeth. For food: cook it, peel it, or disinfect it. Keep flies away from your meals. Wash and disinfect your hands as often as possible.
Where Is Haiti Located?
Haiti is an island nation and part of the Greater Antilles. It occupies the western third of the island it shares with the Dominican Republic — together they form the island of Hispaniola. The roughly 8.5 million inhabitants of Haiti today are predominantly of African descent. The country's capital is Port-au-Prince.
The History of Haiti
- Haiti is the only country on the American continent classified among the world's least developed nations. A weak economy is compounded by political instability and frequent unrest. As a result, more than three million Haitians have emigrated over the past decade.
- The island of Hispaniola, shared by the Dominican Republic and Haiti, was discovered by Christopher Columbus in 1492. After the discovery, the indigenous Arawak population was nearly wiped out entirely.
- It was not until the late 17th century that the island was repopulated with African slaves, who were put to work on sugar plantations.
- Haiti changed hands repeatedly: Spain, France, England, Canada, and the USA all held control at various times.
- Bloody uprisings, dictatorships, and coups plagued the country until Haiti eventually became a republic.
- A major catastrophe struck on 12 January 2010, when a devastating earthquake claimed thousands of lives and left millions homeless. The entire infrastructure of the country collapsed.
- The people of Haiti continue to rely on international aid to this day.
