Before you go to Haiti: what to know
Must know
- Do not travel: UK/US advisories cite kidnapping, gang violence and severely limited healthcare.
- The Haiti-Dominican Republic land border is reported closed to travellers; status can change suddenly.
- Register the electronic iKat form at least 72 hours before scheduled arrival, per US guidance.
Entry and visas
UK and US authorities advise against all travel. If travel is unavoidable, obtain specialist security advice and confirm operational entry routes. British tourists are visa-exempt for up to 90 days. US guidance requires iKat registration at least 72 hours before arrival. Confirm the requirement directly before travel.
Online arrival forms and permits
- iKat Electronic Entry and Exit Form ↗ required
At least 72 hours before arrival, according to US guidance · All travellers, according to the US State Department
Passport validity: At least 6 months after arrival.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Money
Mostly cash is used. Cards are rarely accepted.
Apple Pay — no data · Google Pay — no data
- Card acceptance is very limited. ATMs can be unreliable and expose users to crime; plan secure access to funds.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: travel.state.gov ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Rules and bans
Laws visitors break unknowingly
- Illegal-drug offences carry severe penalties.
- Carry proof of identity; retain a separate secure copy.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Culture and clothing
Religion: Ask before entering a place of worship; respect services and local customs.
Clothing: Choose clothing appropriate to the venue and activity.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Climate
Atlantic hurricane season runs June-November; follow local forecasts and evacuation instructions.
Month by month
- January: Jan: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- February: Feb: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- March: Mar: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- April: Apr: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- May: May: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
- June: Jun: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- July: Jul: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- August: Aug: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- September: Sep: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- October: Oct: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- November: Nov: official hurricane season; monitor forecasts
- December: Dec: outside official hurricane season; storms still possible
Best season: No tourist season is recommended while the current do-not-travel advisories remain in force.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗
What to pack
- Specialist security and evacuation plan if travel is unavoidable
- Required medicines and documents
Do not bring / prohibited to import
- Relying on routine tourism infrastructure
Practical
Plugs: Ask your accommodation about sockets and voltage before packing an adapter.
Water: Use sealed drinking water if the local supply is uncertain.
Traffic: drives on the right
Insurance: Confirm specialist cover remains valid despite do-not-travel advisories.
Checked October 30, 2026 · Sources: gov.uk ↗, travel.state.gov ↗, travel.state.gov ↗
Entry rules change. Before your trip, check the website of the embassy or immigration service of the country.