Haiti’s tourism industry attracts thousands of new visitors worldwide each year.
The country is quickly becoming a major Caribbean travel destination.
Visitors to Haiti will find a country full of adventure, culture, history, and delicious food.
I’m always in awe of all the unique experiences I can have on every trip.
Here are 15 tips for traveling to Haiti, whether a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler.
1. Make Copies of All Your Important Travel Documents
Make two sets of copies for each of the following:
- Passport information
- Plane tickets
- Hotel reservations
- Travel itineraries within Haiti
Consider leaving the first set of copies with a trusted family member back in your home country. Place the second set in a specific part of your carry-on luggage.
Should you misplace or lose any of your original travel documents, this backup set can help prove your identity.
2. Confirm Airline Baggage Allowances ahead of time
As with most international flights, there are strict restrictions on the amount and type of luggage you can bring to Haiti.
Contact your airline in advance to ask about their baggage policy.
On flights from the U.S., I’m usually allowed one carry-on, a personal item, and two checked bags (limited to 50 pounds each).
Bringing additional bags beyond the standard allowance can be very expensive.
3. Know the Address of Where You’ll be Staying in Haiti
Write down the exact address of the hotel or residence you’ll be staying at once you arrive in Haiti.
Please keep this information handy, as you will need to provide it on your customs declaration form upon arrival.
Safeguard all customs & immigration documents that are given to you.
You will most likely need to present them on the day of departure as well.
4. Cell Phone Service
Before traveling to Haiti, contact your cell phone provider to inquire about any international calling plans they may have available.
You can purchase a separate unlocked GSM phone if the international calling plans are not in your desired price range.
You can also buy a phone in Haiti, but I recommend purchasing one prior to arriving in Haiti.
Once in Haiti, you can purchase a sim card from Digicel or Natcom, the two major wireless phone companies in Haiti.
If you purchase a sim card from Digicel, ask about the Option Plus international calling feature.
5. Fully Charge Your Electronic Devices & Bring Backup Power
Likewise, fully charge your electronic devices before landing in Haiti.
Once you’re on the island, reliable access to on-the-go electrical power can be challenging.
Bring backup power for your devices, just in case.
You can also purchase solar-based power packs that recharge your phone using sunlight.
6. Bring Colorful or Easily Distinguishable Luggage
The baggage claim area in Haiti’s Toussaint Louverture International Airport can be very hectic.
Bring colorful or easily distinguishable suitcases to make retrieving your luggage as fast as possible.
You can also tie a piece of colorful string around your bags to make them stand out.
7. Set up Transportation Prior to Arrival
Schedule your mode of transportation before arriving in Haiti.
This should be set up through a trusted local contact.
If you are staying at a hotel, ask about any available shuttle service that they may provide to and from the airport.
8. The Haitian Gourde & U.S. Dollar
Haiti’s two most commonly accepted currencies are the Haitian Gourde (local currency) and the U.S. Dollar.
You can also easily exchange foreign currency at money transfer centers such as C.A.M., Uni-Transfer, and Western Union.
Be extremely careful about exchanging large amounts of funds at these locations.
Consider exchanging with your hotel if they offer a currency exchange service.
9. Pay with Small Bills
One striking thing I notice during my trips to Haiti is how difficult it is to get change whenever I use large U.S. bills, such as a 20-dollar bill.
Using large U.S. bills to make small purchases at many retailers can prove to be a burden.
So for smoother transactions, I would stick to using the local Gourde or U.S. dollar bills.
10. Reduce Wait Time in Customs
Reduce the potential amount of time you may spend in customs by booking a seat closer to the front of the plane.
This will allow you to get off the plane sooner, putting you ahead of the line at customs, especially on crowded international flights.
11. What to Bring?
Bring enough personal hygiene items that you think you’ll need for the duration of your trip.
While Haiti has many local marketplaces, the product selection may differ from what you’re used to in your home country.
12. Embassy or Consulate Address & Phone Number
Find out if your home country has a local consulate or embassy in Port-au-Prince. If it does, make a note of the address and phone number.
Keep this information in an easily accessible place.
Also, provide this information to your trusted emergency contact back home.
The embassy is the primary liaison to your home country if you encounter any issues while traveling in Haiti.
13. Haiti Travel Advisory
Visit your home country’s state department website for the most up-to-date Haiti travel advisory.
Also, review any specific rules and regulations your country may have regarding international travel.
14. Haiti Tourism Safety
The Haitian National Police (Police Nationale d’Haiti) has made great strides in recent years to ensure citizens’ and tourists’ safety.
However, it is still essential that you remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings at all times, especially if you’re traveling alone.
Likewise, limit all non-essential travel after nightfall.
15. Get to the Airport Early on the day of Departure
Finally, get to the airport at least three hours ahead of time on the day of Departure from Haiti.
To minimize unforeseen circumstances that may prevent catching your flight on time, give yourself ample time for airport security and departure pre-flight check-in procedures.
I hope you found these 15 Haiti travel tips helpful; bon voyage!