Haitian National Police Protection Response and Living Conditions in Haiti Make Visiting Risky

Haiti National Police is supported by the UN stabilization peacekeeping police, who keep barely acceptable security levels in Haiti in place. Because the HNP lacks the capacity--even with an adjunct policing body in the UN forces--to investigate every crime committed towards visitors to the island, they remain largely ineffective. The HNP warns travelers landing at Port-au-Prince Airport to not use public transit, but to call someone ahead of time to come and pick them up.

Because moving about Port-au-Prince is considered dangerous, the U.S. Embassy operates under a self-imposed curfew. As a result, embassy personnel's capacity to offer emergency help to U.S. visitors is limited. Mass protests and dangerous behavior are frequent happenings in Port-au-Prince, and police recommend staying away from any large gathering. They also advise taking precautions whenever political events are scheduled in Haiti.

Haiti National Police response in high-crime neighborhoods in Port-au-Prince is infrequent and city authorities advise staying away from Croiz-des-Bouquets, Carrefour, and Martissant areas. Another very dangerous area is Route Nationale #1, a place of many thefts, muggings, carjackings, and killings.

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