16616: loveayiti: New State Department Travel Advisory (fwd)

[Bob Corbett <corbetre@webster.edu>]

From: love haiti <loveayiti@hotmail.com>


Based on this, we can all clearly see the country is moving in the right
direction.
Congrats to all those in charge in Haiti. I have to go check Orbitz.....

Consular Information Sheet

August 28, 2003




U.S. Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs Washington, DC 20520

COUNTRY DESCRIPTION : Haiti is one of the least developed and more dangerous
countries in the Western Hemisphere. The availability of consumer goods and
services is adequate in the capital, Port-au-Prince, but other parts of the
country experience chronic shortages. Most consumer products are imported
and expensive. Some tourism facilities in Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and Cap
Haitien are satisfactory, but most are rudimentary at best in other Haitian
cities, and virtually non-existent elsewhere in Haiti.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS : Haitian law requires U.S. citizens to have a passport
to enter Haiti. In the past, officials have sometimes waived this
requirement if travelers have a certified copy of their U.S. birth
certificate. Due to fraud concerns, however, airlines will not board
passengers for return to the United States unless they are in possession of
a valid passport. The U.S. Embassy strongly recommends that U.S. citizens
obtain passports before travel to Haiti. Once in Haiti, they 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 fee prior to
departure. In 2002, the Haitian government was also considering requiring
foreign visitors to obtain visas in order to enter Haiti. U.S. citizens are
encouraged to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti for more details
on this possibility, as well as for other information regarding entry,
departure and customs requirements for Haiti. The Embassy of the Republic of
Haiti is located at 2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, D.C. 20008,
the telephone number is (202) 332-4090. There are likewise Haitian
consulates in Florida, Massachusetts, New York, Illinois and Puerto Rico.

In an effort to prevent international child abduction, many governments have
initiated procedures at entry/exit points. These often include requiring
documentary evidence of relationship and permission for the child's travel
from the parent(s) or legal guardian if not present. Having such
documentation on hand, even if not required, may facilitate entry/departure.

DUAL NATIONALITY : In addition to being subject to all Haiti's laws
affecting U.S. citizens, individuals who also possess Haitian nationality
may also be subject to other laws that impose special obligations on
citizens of that country. For additional information, see the Consular
Affairs home page on the Internet at http://travel.state.gov for our Dual
Nationality flyer.

SAFETY AND SECURITY : U.S. citizens who feel they must visit Haiti should
exercise extreme caution and are strongly encouraged to register at the
Consular Annex of the U.S. Embassy immediately upon their arrival.

In recent years, Haiti has experienced an alarming rise in civil and
political unrest. Protests and demonstrations occur frequently throughout
the country, and can become violent with little or no warning. Private
organizations and businesses may be targets of demonstrations or take-over
attempts related to business disputes or extortion demands. Rural areas have
also become more dangerous.

Local and national elections held in May 2000 remain publicly disputed, and
tension between the government and the opposition colored the political
climate in 2002 as it did in 2001. An attack on the National Palace on
December 17, 2001 further stirred Haiti's volatile mix of political and
social unrest. Frequently during 2002, activists established unofficial,
temporary roadblocks throughout the country, cutting off major thoroughfares
and the airport. U.S. Government buildings have sometimes been the focal
points of these actions. During 2002, protesters periodically succeeded in
paralyzing Port-au-Prince and other major cities including Gonaïves,
Miragoane, Petit Goave, Cap Haitien and Leogane using flaming barricades,
bonfires and firearms. Recent incidents have included politically motivated
violence perpetrated against political leaders as well as the press. The
rhetoric of some activists and popular organizations has been anti-foreign,
and the Haitian government has neither contained nor condemned certain
violent and dangerous situations.

During 2002, the Embassy issued approximately one security-related message
per month warning U.S. citizens in Haiti of violent or unstable conditions.
On occasion, the U.S. mission in Haiti may have to suspend service to the
public or close because of security concerns. These concerns may also
temporarily prevent Embassy personnel from traveling to or through some
areas. In those situations, the Embassy will continue to be available by
telephone to offer emergency services to U.S. citizens.

U.S. citizens in Haiti should avoid all large gatherings, as crowd behavior
can be unpredictable. Visitors encountering roadblocks, demonstrations, or
large crowds should remain calm and depart the area quickly and without
confrontation. Assistance from Haitian officials, such as the police, is
often unavailable. Overseas visitors must be particularly cautious on the
days of planned political activities. U.S. citizens are urged to take
common-sense precautions and avoid any event where crowds may congregate.
Current information on safety and security is always available from the U.S.
Embassy at the telephone numbers listed below.

CRIME : There are no "safe areas" in Haiti. Crime, already a problem, has
mushroomed in recent years. Up to 15% of the cocaine entering the United
States now passes through Haiti. The state of law and order has steadily
deteriorated as a result. Reports of death threats, murders, drug-related
shootouts, kidnappings, armed robberies, break-ins or carjackings occur
almost daily. U.S. citizens and other foreigners have likewise reported the
theft of yachts and sailboats along the Haitian coast. Of particular concern
is the doubling of the number of U.S. citizens murdered in Haiti during 2002
- up from four reported murders in 2001 to eight by November 2002.
Kidnappings, including kidnappings of resident U.S. citizens, have also
increased ; ransoms of up to hundreds of thousands of dollars have been
demanded.

U.S. citizens who must travel to Haiti should exercise extreme caution
throughout the country. Travelers should keep valuables well hidden, ensure
possessions are not left in parked vehicles, use private transportation,
alternate travel routes, avoid nighttime travel, and keep doors and windows
in homes and vehicles closed and locked. They should be alert for suspicious
onlookers when entering and exiting banks, as criminals often watch and
subsequently attack bank customers. Withdrawals of large amounts of cash
should be avoided. If an armed individual demands the surrender of a vehicle
or other valuables, the U.S. Embassy recommends compliance without
resistance. Criminals have shot individuals who resisted. Visitors to Haiti
should exercise caution at all times and review basic personal security
procedures frequently.

U.S. citizens in Haiti must be particularly alert when leaving the
Port-au-Prince airport, as criminals have often targeted arriving passengers
for later assaults and robberies. Some recent incidents have resulted in
death. The use of public transportation, including "tap-taps" (private
transportation used for commercial purposes), is not recommended ; it is
suggested that visitors to Haiti arrange for someone known to them to meet
them at the airport.

U.S. citizens should decline all requests to carry items for others to or
from Haiti. Traffickers of illegal drugs have duped unsuspecting travelers
into helping transport narcotics aboard commercial airlines. As of November
2002, there were nine U.S. citizens in Haitian prisons awaiting trial on
drug smuggling charges.

Certain high-crime zones in the Port-au-Prince area should be avoided,
including Carrefour, the port road (Boulevard La Saline), urban route
Nationale #1, the airport road (Boulevard Haile Selassie) and its adjoining
connectors to the New ("American") Road via Route Nationale #1. This latter
area in particular has been the scene of numerous robberies, carjackings,
and murders. Embassy employees are prohibited from entering Cite Soleil and
La Saline and their surrounding environs due to significant criminal
activity, and are strongly urged to avoid Delmas 105 between Delmas 95 and
Rue Jacob. Neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince once considered relatively safe,
such as the Delmas road area and Petionville, have been the scenes of an
increasing number of violent crimes.

Cameras and video cameras should only be used with the permission of the
subjects ; violent incidents have followed unwelcome photography. Their use
should be avoided altogether in high-crime areas.

Holiday periods, especially Christmas and Carnival, often bring a
significant increase in violent crime. Haiti's Carnival season is marked by
street celebrations in the days leading up to Ash Wednesday. In recent
years, Carnival has been accompanied by civil disturbances, altercations and
severe traffic disruptions. People attending Carnival events or simply
caught in the resulting celebrations have been injured and killed. Random
stabbings during Carnival season are frequent. Roving musical bands called
"raras" operate during the period from New Year's Day through Carnival.
Being caught in a rara event may begin as an enjoyable experience, but the
potential for injury and the destruction of property is high. A "mob
mentality" can develop unexpectedly leaving people and cars engulfed and at
risk. During Carnival, raras continuously form without warning ; some raras
have identified themselves with political entities, lending further
potential for violence.

The Haitian police are poorly equipped and unable to respond to most calls
for assistance. Police complicity, if not involvement, in violent crime in
Haiti as well as in the illegal drug trade is regularly alleged. During
2002, some U.S. citizens residing in Haiti lost their homes and other
property to gangs of armed thugs, with no response from the Haitian police.
The unsatisfactory response and enforcement capabilities of the Haitian
national police and the weakness of the judiciary frustrate many victims of
crime in Haiti. U.S. citizens involved in business and property disputes in
Haiti have occasionally been arrested and detained without charge, and have
been released only after intervention at high levels of the Haitian
Government.

The loss or theft abroad of a U.S. passport should be reported immediately
to the local police and the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate. If you are
the victim of a crime while overseas, in addition to reporting to local
police, please contact the nearest U.S. Embassy or Consulate for assistance.
The Embassy/Consulate staff can, for example, assist you to find appropriate
medical care, to contact family members or friends and explain how funds
could be transferred. Although the investigation and prosecution of the
crime is solely the responsibility of local authorities, consular officers
can help you to understand the local criminal justice process and to find an
attorney if needed.

U.S. citizens may refer to the Department of State's pamphlet, "A Safe Trip
Abroad," for ways to promote a trouble-free journey. The pamphlet is
available by mail from the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government
Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402, via the Internet at
http://www.access.gpo.gov/su_docs, or via the Bureau of Consular Affairs
home page at http://travel.state.gov.

MEDICAL FACILITIES : 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 may require evacuation by air
ambulance at the patient's expense. Doctors and hospitals often expect
immediate cash payment for health services.

MEDICAL INSURANCE : The Department of State strongly urges U.S. citizens to
consult with their medical insurance company prior to traveling abroad to
confirm whether their policy applies overseas and if it will cover emergency
expenses such as a medical evacuation. U.S. medical insurance plans seldom
cover health costs incurred outside the United States unless supplemental
coverage is purchased. Further, U.S. Medicare and Medicaid programs do not
provide payment for medical services outside the United States. However,
many travel agents and private companies offer insurance plans that will
cover health care expenses incurred overseas including emergency services
such as medical evacuations.

When making a decision regarding health insurance, U.S. citizens should
consider that many foreign doctors and hospitals require payment in cash
prior to providing service and that a medical evacuation to the U.S. may
cost well in excess of $50,000. Uninsured travelers who require medical care
overseas often face extreme difficulties. When consulting with your insurer
prior to your trip, ascertain whether payment will be made to the overseas
healthcare provider or if you will be reimbursed later for expenses you
incur. Some insurance policies also include coverage for psychiatric
treatment and for disposition of remains in the event of death.

Useful information on medical emergencies abroad, including overseas
insurance programs, is provided in the Department of State's Bureau of
Consular Affairs brochure, "Medical Information for U.S. Citizens Traveling
Abroad," available via the Bureau of Consular Affairs home page or autofax :
(202) 647-3000.

OTHER HEALTH INFORMATION : Information on vaccinations and other health
precautions, such as safe food and water precautions and insect bite
protection, may be obtained from the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention's hotline for international travelers at 1-877-FYI-TRIP
(1-877-394-8747) ; fax 1-888-CDC-FAXX (1-888-232-3299), or via the CDC's
Internet site at http://www.cdc.gov/travel. For information about outbreaks
of infectious diseases abroad consult the World Health Organization's
website at http://www.who.int/en. Further health information for travelers
is available at http://www.who.int/iht.

TRAFFIC SAFETY AND ROAD CONDITIONS : While in a foreign country, U.S.
citizens may encounter road conditions that differ significantly from those
in the United States. The information below concerning Haiti is provided for
general reference only, and may not be totally accurate in a particular
location or circumstance.

Safety of Public Transportation : n/a

Urban Road Conditions/Maintenance : poor

Rural Road Conditions/Maintenance : poor

Availability of Roadside Assistance : poor

Driving in Haiti must be undertaken with extreme caution. The situation on
the roads can be described as chaotic at best, and it is advisable for those
with no knowledge of Haitian roads and traffic customs to hire a driver
through a local hotel. Roads are generally unmarked, and detailed and
accurate maps are not widely available. Lanes are not marked and signs
indicating the direction of traffic flow seldom exist. This lack of
organization, along with huge potholes that occur without warning, may cause
drivers to execute unpredictable and dangerous maneuvers in heavy traffic.
The Haitian government lacks adequate resources to assist drivers in
distress or to clear the road of accidents or broken-down vehicles blocking
the flow of traffic. Drinking and driving is illegal in Haiti, but people
frequently drive after drinking, especially at night.

Public transportation as it is usually defined does not exist in Haiti.
While Haitians use buses, "taptaps" and taxis, which may observe regular
routes much like public transportation, none of these should be considered
reliable. The Embassy strongly discourages their use.

Those who do drive in Haiti should do so defensively and conservatively,
avoid confrontations such as jockeying for position, and remain aware of the
vehicles around them. Drivers should carry the phone numbers of people to
call for assistance in an emergency, as Haitian authorities are unlikely to
respond to requests for assistance. When traveling outside of
Port-au-Prince, drivers should caravan with other vehicles to avoid being
stranded in the event of an accident or breakdown.

As neither written nor driving tests are required to qualify for driver's
licenses, road laws are not generally known or applied. Signaling imminent
actions is not widely practiced, and not all drivers use turn indicators or
international hand signals properly. For instance, many drivers use their
left blinker for all actions, including turning right and stopping in the
road, and others flap their left arm out the window to indicate that they
will be taking an unspecified action. Drivers do not always verify that the
road is clear before switching lanes, turning, or merging.

Speed limits are seldom posted and are generally ignored. Speeding is the
cause of many of the fatal traffic accidents in Haiti, as are overloaded
vehicles on winding, mountainous roads and vehicles without brakes. Poor
maintenance and mechanical failures often cause accidents as well. Drivers
should be particularly cautious at night, as unlighted vehicles can appear
without warning.

Right of way is not widely observed in Haiti, and there are few operational
traffic lights or traffic signs. It is advisable at most intersections to
stop and verify that there is no oncoming traffic even if it appears that
you have the right of way. Drivers can be quite aggressive and will seldom
yield. Walls built to the edge of roads frequently make it impossible to see
around corners, forcing drivers to edge their cars into the road at
intersections to check for oncoming traffic.

Traffic is extremely congested in urban areas, and hours-long traffic jams
develop throughout the country. Cars are supposed to be driven on the right
side of the road in Haiti, but few roads have lane indicators and drivers
use whatever part of the road is open to them, even if it is not the correct
side of the road.

In addition to vehicles, a variety of other objects may appear on the road
in Haiti, such as wooden carts dragged by people, small ice cream carts,
animals, mechanics with vehicles, and even vendors and their wares. Vehicles
are often abandoned in the road or by the side of the road. There are few
marked crosswalks and sidewalks, and pedestrians often wend their way
through traffic in urban areas.

For additional general information about road safety, including links to
foreign government sites, see the Department of State, Bureau of Consular
Affairs home page at http://travel.state.gov/road_safety.html. For specific
information concerning Haitian driving permits, vehicle inspection, road tax
and mandatory insurance, contact the Haitian Ministry of Tourism by email at
info@haititourisme.org or via the Internet at www.haititourisme.org.

AVIATION SAFETY OVERSIGHT : The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has assessed the Government of Haiti's civil aviation authority as Category
2 -- not in compliance with international aviation safety standards for the
oversight of Haiti's air carrier operations. This assessment does not apply
to U.S., Canadian or European carriers servicing Haiti. For further
information, travelers may contact the Department of Transportation within
the U.S. at 1-800-322-7873, or visit the FAA's Internet website at
http://www.faa.gov/avr/iasa.

Because of serious concerns about the operation of the Haitian air carrier
Tropical Airways, particularly regarding its maintenance oversight, U.S.
Embassy staff and official visitors to Haiti are instructed to avoid flying
aboard either the domestic or the international flights of Tropical Airways.
Americans considering travel on Tropical Airways may wish to defer their
travel or pursue other means of transportation.

The U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) separately assesses some foreign
carriers for suitability as official providers of air services. In addition,
DOD does not permit its personnel to use air carriers from Category 2
countries for official business except for flights originating from or
terminating in the United States. Local exceptions may apply. For
information regarding the DOD policy on specific carriers, travelers may
contact DOD at (618) 229-4801.

CUSTOMS REGULATIONS : Haitian customs authorities may enforce strict
regulations concerning temporary importation into or exportation from Haiti
of some items. It is advisable to contact the Embassy of Haiti in Washington
or one of Haiti's consulates in the United States for specific information
regarding customs requirements.

CRIMINAL PENALTIES : While in a foreign country, U.S. citizens are subject
to that country's laws and regulations, which sometimes differ significantly
from those in the United States and may not afford the protections available
to the individual under U.S. law. Penalties for breaking the law can be more
severe than in the United States for similar offenses. Persons violating
Haitian laws, even unknowingly, may be expelled, arrested or imprisoned. The
judicial process in Haiti can be extremely long ; progress is often
dependent on considerations not related to the specific case. Detainees may
wait months or years for their cases to be heard before a judge or to have
legal decisions acted upon by the authorities. Penalties for possession,
use, or trafficking in illegal drugs in Haiti are strict. Those accused of
drug-related crimes can expect lengthy legal proceedings, irregular
application of Haitian law, and delayed due process. If convicted, offenders
may face long jail sentences and substantial fines.

SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES : The official currency of Haiti is the gourde, which
has a variable exchange rate (as of November 2002, there were around 35
gourdes to one U.S. dollar.) Visitors will notice that many establishments
in Haiti price items in a fictitious currency known as the "Haitian dollar."
(One Haitian dollar is equivalent to five gourdes.) Others give prices in
gourdes or even, at times, in U.S. dollars. It is always a good idea to
clarify with vendors which currency -- the gourde, Haitian dollar, or U.S.
dollar -- is being used in a given transaction, as price tags often bear a
number without indicating currency. The currency itself shows a value in
gourdes.

Travelers' checks are often difficult to change in Haiti, but credit cards
are widely accepted and some establishments accept or cash personal checks.
At least one local bank chain has ATMs around Port-au-Prince that are
compatible with some U.S. ATM cards. These ATMS are frequently out-of-order,
and there have been reports of over-charging accounts.

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