Capital: Port-au-Prince
Time zone: GMT – 5
Telephone services: Country Code: 509
Outgoing Code: 00
Emergency telephone numbers: Police – 114, Ambulance – 118.
Tourist information: Caribbean Tourism Organisation, 42 Westminster Gardens, Artillery Row, London SW1P 1RR Tel: (020) 7222 4335 Fax: (020) 7222 4325.
Passport information: Valid passport required by all except nationals of Canada and the USA, over 18 years of age with proof of nationality for a stay of up to 30 days. However because of recent political relations between the USA and Haiti, the US Embassy is advising travellers from the USA to be in possession of a valid passport. Return Ticket required. Requirements may be subject to short-term change. Contact embassy before departure
Visa information: Visa required by all except: Nationals of the UK holding passports that indicate right of abode in the UK. Nationals of Austria, Denmark Germany, Luxembourg and Sweden for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of the USA and Canada for a stay not exceeding 90 days. Nationals of Argentina, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, Norway, South Korea and Switzerland for stay not exceeding 90 days. Visas are available on arrival for nationals of France for a stay of up to 3 months and for nationals of Spain and Italy for a stay of up to 1 month. Travellers in transit who do not leave the airport.
Health information: Polio, Typhoid: Vaccination recommended
Malaria: Exists throughout the year on the Falciparum variety below 300m.
Yellow Fever: Recommended. A vaccination certificate s required from all passengers coming from infected areas.
Other Health Risks: Bancroftian filariasis, Rabies.
Food & drink: Water is untreated and not safe to drink. Avoid dairy products as they are not pasteurised. Fruit and vegetables should be peeled before consumption.
Currency: Gourde (Gde) = 100 centimes Exchange: US$ accepted and exchanged everywhere. CC, AMEX is widely accepted, others less so. TC: Accepted in banks and major shops.
Amex is widely accepted, but others less so. Travellers cheques are accepted in banks and major shops. US dollars are the preferred currency.
ATM availability: Unavailable.
Cost of living: Accommodation is limited in Haiti, varying form luxury hotels to modest small inns and guesthouses.
Languages: French and Creole. English is widely spoken in tourist areas.
Weather: Tropical climate with high humidity. Intermittent rain throughout the year. Hill resorts are much cooler.
Electricity: 110 volts AC, 60 Hz.
Post: Up to 1 week.
Transport: ROADS: All weather roads have been constructed. BUS: Operate on an unscheduled basis. TAXI: Station wagons run between the capital and the large towns. CAR HIRE: Available independently or through the hotels. NOTE: Petrol can be scarce outside the capital. DOCUMENTATION: Some national licences are accepted but IDP is recommended.
Special information: RISK of personal crime and violence, especially for tourists due to their relative affluence. It is estimated that 85% of the population live below the poverty line. Do not leave your accommodation after dark and do not travel to rural areas.