French (official), Creole (official)

Roman Catholic 80%, Protestant 16% (Baptist 10%, Pentecostal 4%, Adventist 1%, other 1%), none 1%, other 3%
note: roughly half of the population practices voodoo

Haiti is the poorest Country in the Western Hemisphere, with 80% of the population living under the poverty line and 54%

No regular military forces- small coast guard; the regular Haitian Armed Forces (FAdH)- Army, Navy, and Air Force- have been demobilized but still exist on paper unless they are constitutionally abolished.

All Americans traveling by air outside of the United States are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States. Haitian law requires U.S. citizens to have a passport to enter and exit Haiti. Once in Haiti, an undocumented U.S. citizen can experience delays of several weeks for the issuance of a passport, as it is often more difficult to establish identity and citizenship overseas than in the United States. The Haitian government requires foreigners to pay a departure fee. U.S. citizens are encouraged to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti for more details regarding current entry, departure and customs requirements for Haiti. The Embassy of the Republic of Haiti is located at 2311 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20008; the telephone number is (202) 332-4090. There are Haitian consulates in Miami and Orlando, Florida; Boston, Massachusetts; New York, New York; Chicago, Illinois; and San Juan, Puerto Rico. Visit the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti web site for the most current visa information.

Information about dual nationality or the prevention of international child abduction can be found on our web site.  For further information about customs regulations, please read our Customs Information Sheet.

Airports:  12, Airports w/paved runways:  4

Port-au-Prince – Toussaint Louverture Int’l Airport (PAP/MTPP)
Port-au-Prince Airport, Haiti, PO Box 1792, Port-au-Prince, HAITI
Tel: +509 (0)250 4105, +509 (0)250 4106, +509 (0)250 1123/5

US Dept. of State TRAVEL WARNING for Haiti updated 22 February 2010.
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/tw/tw_917.html

The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the situation in Haiti in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake, measuring 7.0 magnitude, that struck near Port-au-Prince on January 12.  The Department of State has ordered the departure of all non-emergency U.S. government personnel from Haiti.

The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to avoid travel to Haiti.  The January 12 earthquake caused significant damage to key infrastructure, and access to basic services is extremely limited.  Additional aftershocks remain a possibility.  All forms of communication within Haiti are limited.  The country is experiencing a shortage of food, water, transportation, and adequate shelter.  Many medical facilities have been operating beyond maximum capacity, and the current sanitation situation poses serious health risks.  The Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services is limited.  With the resumption of commercial air services on February 19, the U.S. Government has discontinued evacuation assistance.

Those wishing to assist in Haiti relief efforts should be aware that despite their good intentions, travel to Haiti will increase the burden on a system already struggling to support those in need on the ground.  Those wishing to volunteer their services are advised that Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are reporting that their capacity to absorb additional volunteers is limited.  Cash donations are the most effective way to help the relief effort in Haiti.  Cash allows established organizations to purchase the exact type and quantity of items needed to help those affected by the earthquake without having to pay the high costs associated with transporting physical donations to Haiti.  Financial contributions can be transferred quickly and reduce the challenges posed by limited staff, equipment, and space.  Cash donations support Haiti's local economy and ensure that culturally and environmentally appropriate assistance is rendered.  The following website has information on how to assist in the Haiti earthquake relief effort:  http://www.whitehouse.gov/HaitiEarthquake

U.S. citizens who intend to work for an organization involved in relief efforts in Haiti should be aware that living conditions are difficult, and the availability of food supplies, clean drinking water, and adequate shelter in Haiti is limited.  U.S. citizens seeking work with a relief organization should ascertain before traveling to Haiti that the organization has the capability to provide food, water, and shelter for its paid and volunteer workers.  All relief organizations should have in place a security plan for their personnel. 

Strong aftershocks are likely for months after an earthquake.  In the event of an aftershock, persons outside should avoid falling debris by moving to open spaces, away from walls, windows, buildings, and other structures that may collapse.  If indoors, persons should take shelter beside furniture, not underneath.  Experts believe that curling into a fetal position beside a table, desk or couch may create a "survivable void" inside collapsed buildings.  Avoid damaged buildings and downed power lines.  Do not use matches, lighters, candles, or any open flame in case of disrupted gas lines. 

U.S. citizens who choose to travel to Haiti despite this Travel Warning are urged to register their travel through the State Department's travel registration website.  The Embassy of the United States Port-au-Prince Haiti is located at Boulevard du 15 October, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti, telephone: (509) (2) 229-8000, facsimile:  (509) (2) 229-8027, email:  acspap@state.gov  American Citizens Services Unit office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and local holidays.

While the Embassy’s ability to provide emergency consular services is limited, registration will enable receipt of warden messages via email.  Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States, or for callers outside the United States and Canada, a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays.

Infant MR total:  63.83 deaths/1,000 live births

Life expectancy at birth:  TOTAL 57.03 years  (male 55.35/female 58.75)

Required: None

Recommended: Malaria, Hep A & B, Rabies, Typhoid
Boosters: DPT, MMR as needed

Dengue is transmitted by mosquitoes in this region.

Cutaneous larval migrans is a risk for travelers with exposures on beaches and leptospirosis is present. Other infections that tend to occur more often in longer-term travelers (or immigrants from this region) include lymphatic filariasis (Dominican Republic and Haiti), tuberculosis (Haiti), HIV (Haiti), and hepatitis B (Haiti and the Dominican Republic). There remains very limited risk of schistosomiasis in few areas. Other hazards for travelers include toxic fish poisoning.

Medical facilities in Haiti are scarce and for the most part sub-standard; outside the capital standards are even lower. Medical care in Port-au-Prince is limited, and the level of community sanitation is extremely low. Life-threatening emergencies often require evacuation by air ambulance at the patient's expense. Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash payment for health services.

Anthrax occurs in Haiti.

Country Calling Code:  +509 
Internet Country Code:  .ht