North and Central America and Caribbean

• Travel Summary
• Safety and security
• Local laws and customs
• Entry requirements

• Health
• Natural disasters
• General
 

Travel Summary

• There are confirmed human cases of the A (H1N1) virus in Haiti. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has raised its Pandemic Threat Alert Phase to Level 6. The WHO website has further details. There  have been no reports of any cases of Swine Flu within Haiti, which shares a border with the Dominican Republic. There are confirmed cases of Swine Flu within the Dominican Republic, including deaths.  We will continue to monitor the situation for any further developments. You should monitor local media reports for any developments and advice. There is a dedicated Swine Flu page on the FCO website. Guidance on Pandemic Flu can be obtained on the UK Department of Health website at UK Department of Health website .
  
  
• Popular demonstrations can occur without notice and sometimes turn violent.  They can spread quickly or flare up anywhere in any city.  You are advised to avoid any demonstrations or civil disturbances and leave the area immediately should you get caught up in one.
  
  
• We advise travellers to exercise a high degree of caution whilst travelling in Haiti, because of the threat to personal security.  Although the overall security situation has improved in recent months, political tensions remain and there are still incidences of violence and kidnappings for ransom.  See the Crime and Political Situation sections of this advice for more details.
  
  
• The hurricane season in Haiti normally runs from June to November.  A series of hurricanes and tropical storms affected Haiti during the 2008 hurricane season, resulting in widespread flooding, mudslides and substantial loss of life.  The recovery effort has been slow.  You should pay close attention to local and international weather reports and follow the advice of local authorities. See the Natural Disasters section of this advice and Tropical Cyclones for more details. 
  
  
• There is no British Embassy in Haiti.  Routine enquiries should be directed to the British Embassy in the Dominican Republic .  For emergency consular assistance please contact the Honorary Consul in Port-au-Prince.  See the General (Representation in Haiti) section of this advice for more details.
  
  
• There is a low threat from terrorism.  But you should be aware of the global risk of indiscriminate terrorist attacks which could be in public areas, including those frequented by expatriates and foreign travellers.
  
  
• We recommend that you obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should check any exclusions and that your policy covers you for all the activities you want to undertake. See the General (Insurance) section of this advice and Travel Insurance for more details.