Is Port-au-Prince Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Port-au-Prince is the capital and largest city of Haiti.

In this beautiful city, you will find Haiti’s museums, natural wonders, forts, restos, parks, and many surprises here.

It is also near a commune called Pétionville.

There are a number of good places to eat and places to sleep, especially in the wealthy suburb of Pétionville but also in Port-au-Prince proper.

Travelers come here to see The National Palace – a memo of the strongest earthquake in the city.

Now here is one of the largest parks in Haiti – the Champs-de-Mar.

Cathedral of Our Lady of the Assumption is Port-au-Prince’s largest cathedral.

The city also has a national museum of Haitian culture.

Warnings & Dangers in Port-au-Prince

OVERALL RISK: MEDIUM

Port-au-Prince can be quite safe if you take precautions. Avoid people who offer you drugs or are engaged in prostitution. Night walks around the city are better to exclude. It is better to lock and park the car in well-guarded parking lots.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is well developed, and you can use it safely. However, keep in mind that road conditions and traffic are not very favorable. Taxis are reliable and safe. However, only select licensed taxi services and make sure that the taximeter is turned on.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH

Purse snatching and pickpocketing is common in Port-au-Prince. Criminal activity is especially prevalent in downtown Port-au-Prince, where armed gangs operate. Keep valuables and original documents in the hotel safe, and carry copies with you. Always be aware of your surroundings.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM

Hurricanes and earthquakes most commonly occur in Haiti and Port au Prince. The Atlantic hurricane season lasts from June to November. Investigate these risks before you travel to this city and take appropriate security measures.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Many incidents of armed robbery have occurred in Port-au-Prince. In most cases, victims were attacked in broad daylight by armed thieves on motorcycles. Avoid parking your car on the street. Park inside secure car parks at venues such as restaurants, and avoid leaving alone if possible. When traveling by car, keep the doors and windows locked.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Haiti, the possibility of attacks cannot be ruled out. Avoid any mass crowds, demonstrations, and political protests. Learn the political environment before you travel here.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

At Port-au-Prince, petty fraud is not very common, but tourists can be deceived with nonexistent excursions, overpriced taxi fares. Be careful and use only licensed services in the city. Only withdraw money at ATMs with banks with security to avoid scamming your credit card.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: MEDIUM

Women traveling alone should take some safety precautions to feel comfortable moving around Port-au-Prince. At night it is better not to be on the streets of cities alone. Dress modestly, as local men like to whistle and flirt. Usually, they are harmless if you ignore their persistent attention.

So... How Safe Is Port-au-Prince Really?

Port-au-Prince has a reasonably high crime rate.

Most of the crimes here are associated with theft and robbery, hacking, and car theft.

Other risks are vandalism, assault, and corruption.

Port-au-Prince also has a high level of drug problems.

As in any unfamiliar place, you should not be outside on the street after dark. Avoid dimly lit and distant roads from the city center.

However, outside Cite-Soleil and Carrefour, Port-au-Prince is very safe for walking during the day, and in the evening is quite safe.

The most significant danger you will face is crazy traffic and potholes.

Port-au-Prince is one of the most dangerous places in the Caribbean, but always and everywhere there is a potential danger, and precautions should be taken.

The good idea is to find an honest local guide.

In addition to a good immersion in the local culture, this will also give you additional safety in the form of a resident.

Haitians value foreigners who come to their country and want to experience their life as they do, rather than closing in air-conditioned hotels.

They will admire your desire to enjoy Haiti and will reward you with respect.

Keep attention to their surroundings, do not walk around the city late at night, alone, does not carry a lot of valuables and cash.

Such measures can protect your trip to Port-au-Prince quite well.

How Does Port-au-Prince Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

Haiti allows citizens from most countries to stay visa-free for 3 months. All non-Haitian passport holders must pay a tourist fee of US$10 on arrival. Visitors must hold passports that are valid for at least 6 months from the date of arrival.

Currency

The gourde is the currency of Haiti. It is divided into 100 centimes/santim. The word "gourde" is a French cognate for the Spanish term "gordo", from the "pesos gordos".

Weather

The best times to visit Port-au-Prince for ideal weather are December to April. Average temperatures in Port-au-Prince vary very little, and the weather feels hot all year with a low chance of precipitation most of the year.

Airports

Toussaint Louverture International Airport is an international airport in Tabarre, a commune of Port-au-Prince in Haiti. The airport is currently the busiest in Haiti and is an operating hub for Salsa d'Haiti, Tortug' Air, Sunrise Airways, and Haiti Aviation. It located 4 km from the city center.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Port-au-Prince Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Haiti - Safety by City