Travel to Haiti is not recommended by the U.S. government, due to crime, civil unrest, and poor infrastructure.
The government recommends that Americans in Haiti leave as soon as possible.
Local children are the victims of one of the worst crimes in Haiti.
They are often put into child slavery, which is known as Restavek.
The crime index for Haiti is 76%, and the safety index is only 23%.
However, Haiti is an island in the Caribbean.
It boasts beautiful beaches, a rich culture, and mountain landscapes.
The country also offers fine cuisine, ranging from French dishes to fresh seafood.
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Most Dangerous Cities in Haiti
1. Port au Prince
Port au Prince is the capital, commercial center, and main port of Haiti.
It’s located on the Gulf of Gonâve.
Unfortunately, some of the nation’s most notable landmarks in Port au Prince were destroyed during the devastating 2010 earthquake.
Port au Prince has a crime index of 80, which is very high, and a safety index of 20, which is very low.
The overall level of crime is very high, at 90.
Nearly all crimes, including theft and murder, are high or very high.
Corruption and bribery have the highest rate of occurrence, at 97.
Concerns about being insulted or attacked due to race, religion, gender, or ethnicity are the exception; being moderate.
Safety walking alone during daylight is low, at 27.
Walking alone at night is very low, at 10.
Walking alone in Port au Prince at any time is not recommended.
2. Petion-Ville
Petion-Ville is a suburb of Port au Prince and a commune.
It’s located in the hills east of the city.
It’s a popular destination for tourists, and more affluent than most areas of the country.
Petion-Ville has a crime index of 74 and a safety rating of only 25.
The overall level of crime in the city is 85, which is very high.
Theft, property crime, and violent crime are all rated very high.
Safety walking alone during the day is only 32, and safety when walking alone at night is very low, at 15.
3. Leogane
The crime index for Leogane is 73, and a safety rating of 25.
The overall level of crime is very high, at 85.
Burglaries, property crime, and items stolen from cars are very high, along with the risk of aggressive crimes, including violence and armed robbery.
Corruption is the most common crime, with a rating of 92.
Safety while walking alone during the day is only 33.
This number drops to 13 at night.
4. Carrefour
Carrefour is considered a tourist district within Haiti.
The area has a unique spirit of exuberance and non-conformity and is very tolerant of people.
The city features a wide variety of nightclubs, including Lambi Night Club, and the Domaine Ideal, which is often frequented by tourists and foreigners.
has a crime index of 73, and a safety index of 24.
The overall level of crime is very high, at 85.
The most common crimes are property crimes and violent crimes, including assaults and armed robberies.
Concerns about being robbed or mugged are also very high.
Corruption and bribery are also very high, at 92.
Walking around at night is discouraged, and considered very unsafe.
5. Delmas
Delmas has a crime index of 73 and a safety index of 24.
The overall level of crime is very high, at 85.
The most common crimes in Delmas are property crimes, and violent crimes, including armed robbery and assaults.
Concerns about being mugged or robbed are very high, at 81.
Corruption is also very common, with a rating of 92.
Safety walking during the day is low, at 33.
Walking alone at night is very low in safety, at 16.
6. Gonaives
Gonaives is located on the northeastern shore of the Gulf of La Gonâve.
It’s the commercial center of the Artibonite Plain,
Gonaives is slightly safer than the cities above, with a crime index of 70, and a safety rating of 23.
Like many other cities in Haiti, the biggest concerns are property crime, and violent crime including robbery and assaults, which are very high.
Corruption is also extremely common, with a rating of 90.
Concerns about sexual harassment or insults, and crime due to your race, gender, or religion are low.
Safety walking during the day is low, at 33.
Walking at night is very low, at 17.
7. Cap Haitien
The crime index of Cap Haitien is also very high, at 70.
The safety rating is just 23.
The overall level of crime is very high, at 83.
Property crime and violent crime are the highest, with a rating of 82.
Concerns about being robbed or mugged are very high, at 82.
Corruption is very high, at 90.
Unprovoked attacks due to gender, religion, or race and insults are low.
Safety walking alone during the day is 33, and this number drops to 17 at night.
8. Saint Raphael
Saint Raphael is a bit safer, with a crime index of 68.
However, the safety rating is only 23.
The level of overall crime is very high, at 83.
Property crime has a rating of 83, and violent crime has a rating of 81.
Concerns about being mugged or robbed are also very high, at 79.
Corruption and bribery are very high, at 89.
Safety walking during the day is 34, and the number is only 18 at night.
9. Saint-Marc
Saint Marc is a port city.
It’s the largest city between Port au Prince and Cap Haitien.
The area is located in a flat valley and is surrounded by mountains.
It’s considered quiet by Haitian standards.
You’ll find sandy beaches, and the Royal Decameron Indigo Beach Resort & Spa.
Saint Marc has a crime index of 68 and a safety rating of 23.
The overall level of crime is very high, at 83.
Property crime is very high, at 82.
Violent crimes, including robberies and assaults, are also very high at 81.
The rate of corruption and bribery is 89.
Unprovoked insults due to race, gender, or religion are low.
Insults, including sexual insults, are also low.
Safety walking during the day is low, at 34, and the number is only 18 at night.
10. Verretes
Verretes is the safest city on our list, although it’s still very dangerous.
The city has a crime index of 67 and a safety rating of 23.
The overall level of crime is very high, at 82.
Property crime has a rating of 81, and violent crime has a rating of 80.
Concerns about being robbed or attacked are also very high, at 79.
Safety walking during the day is low, at 34. At night, this number drops to 18.
5 Safety Tips for Traveling to Haiti
1. Use Caution When Traveling
When in Haiti, you should never walk alone, even during the daytime.
Whenever possible, use a vehicle to travel.
If you must walk, walk as part of a group.
Keep your vehicle locked and windows up, even when you are driving.
If you are followed when leaving the airport, head directly to the nearest police station.
You should also avoid public transportation.
This includes taxis, motorcycle taxis, and tap taps.
Whenever possible, make your arrangements for accommodations and travel around the country before you arrive.
2. Don’t Give Personal Information
Scammers will often wait near immigration, customs, or other official areas.
They will request your personal information.
Never give your personal information to anyone who doesn’t have official credentials.
Avoid giving your destination to anyone in Haiti other than officials as well.
3. Avoid Protests and Demonstrations
Political unrest is common in Haiti.
Avoid any type of protest or demonstration, because these can quickly become violent.
These situations can occur and escalate quickly.
Monitor local media for alerts and warnings about these events.
4. Protect Your Health
Cholera is common in Haiti. Avoid drinking any water that is not bottled or boiled.
You should also avoid eating any raw or undercooked food.
Be aware that Haiti lacks the medical infrastructure of first-world countries, so diseases that are treatable in the U.S. can be fatal in Haiti.
Insect-borne diseases, including zika and malaria, are also common.
5. Be Prepared for the Worst
Before going to Haiti, you should have full travel insurance, including medical evacuation insurance.
You should also be aware that robberies, muggings, and kidnappings are extremely common.
If you are robbed in Haiti, give them what they ask for without a fight.
Haiti Safety Overview
READ THE FULL REPORT: Haiti Safety Review
Safety Index:
- OVERALL RISK: HIGH
- TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: HIGH
- PICKPOCKETS RISK: HIGH
- NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: MEDIUM
- MUGGING RISK: HIGH
- TERRORISM RISK: LOW
- SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM
- WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: HIGH
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common crimes in Haiti?
Most crime in Haiti stems from gang activity.
Armed robbery, assault, kidnappings, and murder are common.
Property crime and theft are also very common.
Where does Haiti rank in terms of crime?
Haiti’s overall crime rate is 34% higher than the crime rate in the U.S.
Why is there a crisis in Haiti?
Haiti is an impoverished nation.
They’ve also been hit hard by the 2022 energy crisis, and experience civil unrest, along with a high incidence of gang violence.
Traveling to Haiti is not recommended due to high levels of crime, civil unrest, and poor infrastructure.
Travel to Haiti is not recommended due to high crime rates, civil unrest, and poor infrastructure; local children are victims of child slavery known as Restavek.