US State Department Issues New Guidance for US Citizens in Haiti

The U.S. State Department’s Travel Advisory for Haiti remains at Level Four: Do not travel to Haiti. As of March 6 and ongoing, there are few or no commercial options to depart Haiti safely at this time. The State Department is urgining US citizens to take advantage of them as they become available.

US Embassy in Haiti

The U.S. Embassy’s ability to assist U.S. citizens is severely limited. While the U.S. Embassy is unable to facilitate travel out of the country, U.S. citizens in Haiti who wish to record their presence and provide updated contact information should complete our crisis intake form at:  https://mytravel.state.gov/s/crisis-intake.

Departure Support
  • From March 16, the airport in Cap-Haïtienhas opened periodically for departing flights, although availability is very limited. DOS arranged a charter flight for U.S. citizens from Cap-Haitien to the United States, assuming the security situation in Cap-Haitien remains stable. Only US citizens with valid U.S. passports will be eligible for the flight. U.S. citizens who choose to depart using U.S. government coordinated flights must sign a promissory note agreeing to reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of the flight.
  • From March 18, the airport in Port-au-Prince remains closed. DOS is exploring departure options for U.S. citizens from Port-au-Prince to Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, assuming it is safe to do so. Only U.S. citizens will be eligible for departure assistance at this time.  From the Dominican Republic, U.S. citizens must make their own travel arrangements to their final destination. U.S. citizens who choose to depart using U.S. government coordinated flights must sign a promissory note agreeing to reimburse the U.S. government for the cost of the flight.

The U.S. Embassy will be unable to provide overland transit. U.S. citizens should assess their safety when deciding whether to travel.

Erickson Insights and Analysis

The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous. Travel within Haiti is conducted at your own risk. The U.S. government cannot guarantee your safety traveling to airports, borders, or during any onward travel. You should consider your personal security situation before traveling anywhere in Haiti. Only attempt to depart Haiti or travel within Haiti if you believe it is safe for you to do so.

Erickson Immigration Group will continue to monitor developments and share updates as more news is available. Please contact your employer or EIG attorney if you have questions about anything we’re reporting above or case-specific questions.