Condition

Shaped like a horseshoe on its side, Haiti is located on the island of Hispaniola, which is located between the islands of Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Jamaica. It is also located next to the Dominican Republic. Haiti can be found approximately 700 miles from Florida. (1)

Port-Au-Prince is the capital of Haiti. (3)

The climate of Haiti is typically hot and humid. There are two rainy seasons which occur in April through June and August through November. (1)
Current Weather:

Creole is the language that is spoken by all Haitians. Approximately 10% of the population also speaks French. (1)

The average age of Haitian people is approximately 20 years old. (3)

Mini buses and brightly painted flatbed trucks are the general mode for public transportation. There are also taxis and rental cars that can be used to get around. If traveling long distances, smaller planes can be used. (4)

Go to the Trip Checklist page.

Many items are difficult to find in Haiti, so it is beneficial to bring some of your own. Some of these items should include over the counter medicine for diarrhea, sunblock, and anti-bacterial wipes or hand sanitizer. See more on the Trip Checklist page.

Yes, everyone must have a valid passport. You should allow 6-8 weeks for it to be processed. (4)

U.S. Consulate- 011-509-223-7011
United States Embassy- 011-509-2229-0200
011-509-2229-0368
011-509-2229-0354
011-509-2229-0612

Packaged foods are safe to eat. Also, food that is served to you freshly prepared and served hot should be safe. Take bottled water, or you can boil tap water over a stove or fire for several minutes. Don't drink unboiled tap water, fountain drinks or anything with ice cubes. (6)

Use bug spray to protect against disease carrying insects. Wear Long-sleeved, lose fitting clothes. Avoid direct contact with animals, including common pets like dogs and cats. They could injure you, or carry bacteria that cause serious illness. (6)

The Gourde (HTG) is the currency in Haiti, but most refer to this as the Haitian Dollar. The people in Haiti accept both American dollars (USD) and Haitian cash. The currency exchange rate in Haiti fluctuates frequently. Currency exchange can be done at the Haitian airport when arriving. Click Here to see the current exchange rate from USD to HTG. (2)

The time zone of Haiti is Eastern Standard Time (GMT-5), same as New York City when Daylight Saving Time is not in effect and St. Louis, MO (CDT) when DST is in effect. Haiti has no Daylight Saving Time commitments through 2019. (3)
Current time in Haiti:

The main religion is mostly Roman Catholic, but roughly half of the population practices Voodoo. (3)

Bartering is a common way to shop at markets in Haiti. (1)