State Department Renews Travel Advisory for Haiti Amid Civil Unrest

The U.S. State Department renewed its Travel Advisory for Haiti on Tuesday, July 9, due to civil unrest and increased crime. The Level 4: Do Not Travel advisory comes in response to “frequent and unpredictable” violent protests, tire burning and road blockages.

On Monday, July 9, the U.S. government authorized the voluntary departure of non-emergency U.S. government personnel and their families.

“Right now, the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens,” the Office of the Spokesperson wrote PPD in an email. “Violent crime, such as armed robbery, is common. Local police may lack the resources to respond effectively to serious criminal incidents or emergencies.”

Gasoline prices were set to rise 38% in Haiti, while diesel and kerosene prices were to increase 47% and 51%, respectively. Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant on Saturday announced a temporary halt to the price increases and called for calm, but those calls have thus far done unanswered.

“Embassy employees are discouraged, and in some instances prohibited, from walking in city neighborhoods, including Pétion Ville,” the State Department said. “After dark, Embassy personnel are prohibited from visiting establishments without secure, on-site parking.”

The State Department said even under normal circumstances the U.S. government has limited ability to provide emergency services to U.S. citizens in some areas of Haiti. Several U.S. missionary groups are stranded after protestors burned barricades to prevent them from reaching the airport in the nation’s capital, Port-au-Prince.

“Travel outside of Port-au-Prince is prohibited after dark,” State added. “Embassy employees are under a curfew from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m. The use of public banks and ATMs by Embassy employees is prohibited at all times. Embassy personnel are prohibited from using any kind of public transportation throughout the country.”