Experience Haiti
Haiti has a wide range of hotels all over the country. Have a look at our accommodation information here.
There a lots of ways to get to Haiti from abroad, check out our flights page.
Haiti is a very diverse country, and there are plenty of things to do, no matter what you’re interested in. There is a lot of history, culture, nature and a fair few beaches to discover. Click Here to find out more. Click here or here
Haiti has statistically less crime than some neighbouring islands and even the US (per capita). You need to take precautions about not walking the streets alone late at night and being aware of pickpockets / bag snatchers, as you would in any other foreign country you weren’t well acquainted with.
Have a look at this video to get a more balanced perspective. Note that it was done a year ago. A lot has changed such as the removal of travel advisories. Watch this video (apologises to the focus on the US. It was made by an American but is relevant).
Haiti was actually incredibly popular for tourists in the 1970s, so it is not a brand new tourist destination, and many people working there have had extensive experience with tourism and catering for everyone’s needs. If anything, Haiti is more than ready for tourism – an influx of people is what the country needs to grow and better itself for the future. The staff in the hotels and tourist spots are and will be undergoing training specific for tourism and making everyone’s trip as enjoyable and safe as possible.
Haiti received 430,000 visitors in 2014 and an additional 600,000 cruise passengers. Over 12 tour operators now actively sell Haiti as a tourism destination.
The country has been undergoing incredible amounts of rebuilding and renovation since the earthquake hit in January 2010 and this has been helped by a lot of foreign aid. She is growing from strength to strength and drawing in a lot of international business due to this. It would be impossible to deny that there is still a way to go after the 7.0 ‘quake shook the country (the epicentre not far from the built up capital, Port-au-Prince), but the efforts should be recognised.
This depends very much of what type of trip you are making to Haiti. In terms of clothes, don’t forget that Haiti is a tropical country! Natural fabrics are best in the humidity and heat, and try to pack light. Trousers and long sleeved tops will come in handy in the evenings when the mosquitos come out in full force. If you plan on doing a lot of hiking, then don’t forget your boots, but other than that, light shoes will do (as will another pair of sandals/flip flops). Outside of clothes, it is useful to take a torch in case of blackouts, and most places use American style flat two pin plugs. As with any new place, money belts are useful and a discreet way of carrying your money, cards and passport.
It is not necessary to get any injections to travel into Haiti, but it is always advisable to go to your doctor to make sure you’re in good health and not at risk of getting sick abroad. There is a risk of malaria in Haiti but a trip to the doctor will help to clarify what to do in regards to this. There are no preventative injections, but there is medication that could help to minimise the risk of getting malaria. The best way to make sure you’re as safe as you can be from infection, make sure you are always using bug spray and covering up in the evenings when visiting areas with high mosquito counts.
Haiti’s climate is tropical – it is often humid and hot. Winter is a little cooler and is a popular time for tourists – it is still significantly warmer than winter in Europe, hitting an average 24°C. The hottest months are July and August, when 30°C is not uncommon. The ‘rainy season’ in Haiti is between April and November, but this wholly depends on what part of Haiti you are visiting as microclimates also play a part. August is also hurricane season, so tourists should be aware of this when planning a holiday.
Entry to Haiti is visa free (if you are not a Dominican Republic, Panama or Colombia resident), and all you need is an in-date passport that is valid for six months past your stay. You must also present a return flight ticket if arriving by air. You will be given a landing card that is also valid for your departure, so make sure not to lose this!
You now require to purchase a visa card on arrival. This cost US$10 or £10. Please bring cash and the right change.
Although the languages most commonly spoken in Haiti are French and Kreyol, English is not uncommon and most people you will deal with will be English speakers. However, as when visiting any country, it does no harm to learn some of the local language and people will appreciate your attempts at French and will always help you in their best language possible.
Haiti is almost entirely surrounded by coastline, so it is inevitable that marine life will abundant. There are shore snorkelling and diving opportunities, as well as the chance to go a bit further out and complete a fair few boat dives. Many dive companies in Haiti are also certified in training and it is possible to get a qualification in diving whilst out there. Please note that there is no decompression tank in Haiti, so if you’re keen to practise before trying in the sea, then look into options in your home countries.
One dive operator is Marina Blue
Although there is a lot to see around Haiti’s cities and towns, the coastline is rightfully glorious. Popular beaches are found in the South, by Jacmel, the West, on the Cote des Arcadins and in the North by Cap Haitien, meaning that beach stops and breaks can be taken between sightseeing and touring.
If you still have questions that are not answered here, then contact us.
