From March 19, all borders will be closed to residents (those not resident in the country). For more information about coronavirus, see the section Health.
Safety
On Friday, July 6, 2018, violent protests erupted in the capital Port-au-Prince following the announcement of increased gasoline prices. The situation calmed down after a few days, but strikes, protests and political demonstrations (sometimes violent) occur periodically in Haiti, and have occurred at certain intervals over the past six months.
The protests against corrupt politicians and demands for the president and government to step down peaked in the days following February 7, 2019, when the biggest cities were completely paralyzed, and none other than the protesters ventured out. Embassies sent large numbers of staff and their families out of the country and recommended only much needed trips to the country. Although the situation should calm down, it is recommended to avoid demonstrations, which often develop into street fights, and to follow the advice of local authorities and news updates.
Travelers should be alert and take reasonable precautions. It is recommended to dress easily and not show visible signs of prosperity when leaving the hotel area. After dark, one should drive, not walk. Even during the day you should never walk alone. One should at all times secure his personal belongings and documents.
The terror threat is considered low in Haiti. Violent crime is of concern, especially in the capital Port-au-Prince. Pocket theft, car theft, home burglary, shooting and armed robbery are also reported, even during the day. Particular robbery in connection with withdrawals in ATMs occurs. Visitors should be extra careful during the holidays; especially at Christmas and Carnival, which is in early March.
The road standard is relatively poor and the Haitian driving culture can be challenging at times. Long distance driving after dark is not recommended. Care should also be taken to keep windows closed and doors locked during car trips.
Haiti is prone to floods and hurricanes. The hurricane season lasts from June through November. Earthquakes are also a potential threat and smaller earthquakes are occasionally noticed. In January 2010, Haiti was hit by a powerful earthquake measuring 7 degrees on Richter’s scale. It was a tremendous disaster and the country is still affected by the devastation of that earthquake.
Hurricanes: In the case of hurricanes, Norwegians staying in affected areas are encouraged to follow the advice and directions of local authorities. In addition, the National Hurricane Center as well as local media is a useful source of up-to-date information.
It is imperative to make preparations in advance of notified hurricanes. You should ensure that you have access to what you need to do in the immediate aftermath of hurricanes. During and after hurricanes, periods of weakened infrastructure, electricity outages, and telecommunications networks and damage to roads and buildings can occur. Restaurants and shops may be closed. In some cases it can be challenging to float water, food and cash. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs does not normally provide travel advice in connection with natural disasters.
Travel registration : Norwegian citizens staying for a shorter or longer period in the Caribbean are encouraged to register on reiseregistrering.no. This will make it easier for the embassy to get hold of you in the event of a crisis or disaster situation.
You should be aware that most tour operators offering excursions, water sports, jeep, horseback riding, etc. are not insured, and you should therefore check the terms of your insurance before undertaking such activities.
Norway is currently not represented at an honorary consulate in Haiti.
Responsible Norwegian Embassy for Haiti is the Norwegian Embassy in Havana, Cuba.
In case of crisis or emergency, the public is asked to contact the Norwegian Embassy in Havana:
The Norwegian Embassy in Havana
Calle 21 # 307 e/H e In
Vedado
Cuidad de La Habana
Cuba
Tel: +53 7 842 7100
Tel. from Norway: 23 95 23 00
E-mail: emb.havana@mfa.no
The opening hours of the embassy are Monday to Thursday from 08:30 to 16:30 and Friday from 08.30 to 14:00.
Outside the embassy’s opening hours, the UD’s 24-hour operating center can be contacted on tel: +47 23 95 00 00 or by e-mail: UDops@mfa.no
Entry
Please note that entry regulations may change. The Foreign Service is not responsible if the following information on entry regulations or visa requirements is changed at short notice. It is the responsibility of the traveler to ensure that travel documents are valid for entry and to familiarize themselves with the current entry rules for each country.
Norwegians do not need a visa if they are to stay in Haiti for up to 90 days. However, please note that your passport must be valid for at least six months after entering the country. Visitors will be asked to fill out a tourist card when they arrive; this must be returned at departure. From July 1, 2014, foreigners entering the country must pay a $ 10 fee.
For longer stays, visas must be applied for through one of Haiti’s embassies in Europe (found in Brussels, Paris, Berlin and Rome, among others).
Health
Coronavirus (covid-19): From March 19, all borders are closed to residents (those not resident in the country). Quarantine in 14 days. On the same day the state of emergency was declared by the president and various measures implemented: curfew from 8 pm-5am (from March 20), advice on staying home, all schools, universities, churches and factories closed and all meetings and events with more than ten people.
You can find more information and guidance from the Norwegian health authorities on the website of the Norwegian Institute of Public Health. See also UD’s answers to frequently asked questions about travel and coronavirus.
***
Malaria, dengue fever, parasite infections and hepatitis occur in Haiti. Before departure, one should contact the Norwegian health authorities to check that all necessary vaccinations are in order. It is recommended to bring necessary medicines, especially for chronic diseases such as diabetes etc. Please note that Haiti is the country in the world with the highest incidence of HIV/AIDS with the exception of sub-Saharan Africa. It is only recommended to drink bottled water.
In 2010, the cholera epidemic broke out in Haiti. This epidemic is under control, but outbreaks of cholera still occur.
Malaria usually occurs endemically in Haiti and the increase in malaria cases in recent years is linked to the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 12, 2010. In addition, it is expected that malaria risk will increase during the rainy season, which is in Haiti during the periods April/May to June and September to November/December. For more information on malaria prevention see the Public Health Institute’s publication ” Malaria counselor “.
For official health travel advice and health professional guidance for Norwegians when traveling abroad, please refer to the Norwegian Institute of Public Health.
Practical information
The currency in Haiti is gourdes (HTG). $ 1 = £ 82.65 (as of Feb. 13, 2019), $ 1 = £ 9 (as of Feb. 13, 2019)
US dollars are accepted and can be used in most shops, hotels and restaurants. Credit cards can be used in larger hotels and in some stores in the capital. Travelers checks are generally not accepted. Access to ATMs is limited and robberies are reported in connection with withdrawals.
The power supply is at 110 V with 2 pin flat contacts, as in the USA. The telephone network is poorly developed in some areas. According to allcitycodes, the country code for calling Haiti is +509. Normal office hours in the office week Monday to Friday are 08: 00-16: 00, Banks: 09: 00-16: 30. The large supermarkets have longer opening hours.
National Holidays – January 1 (New Year’s Day/Independence Day), January 2 (Ancestors ‘Day), Good Friday and Easter 2, May 1 (Workers’ Day), May 18 (Flag Day), June 4 (Corpus Christi), August 15 (Ascension of Mary’s Ascension), October 17 (Jean-Jaques Dessaline’s Day of Death), November 1 (All Saints Day), November 2 (All Souls’ Day) November 18 (Match Day), Christmas Day, and 2. Christmas Day.
Time zone – Norway is six hours ahead of Cuba (GMT -5).
The climate in Haiti is tropical. The rainy season is from April/May to June and from September to November/December. The coldest months are from December to February. The average temperature is between 24 and 30 degrees, and the humidity is high. In the mountains it is less humid and cooler.
Travelers are always encouraged to bring a passport. A copy of the passport is not to be regarded as valid identification.
English is not widely spoken and it is a great advantage to speak French. The population speaks cr¨¦ole, a language based in French, but with a different spelling and mixed many words and some grammar from other (African) languages.
Around 80 percent of the population are Catholics and 16 percent are Protestants. Around half of the population practices voodoo.
As a traveler to Haiti, you are subject to national law. Drug trafficking is punishable by long prison terms under very harrowing conditions. Foreigners are not given any special treatment.