Here are some things to keep in mind as you plan your trip to Haiti:
Getting There: Served by Air Canada, Air France, Air Caraibes, ALM, American Airlines, American Eagle, Copa, Haiti Trans Air, Halisa Air, Hanair, and Lynx.
Entry Documents: Americans & Canadians need proof of citizenship i.e. passport. Visas are not required for nationals of Mexico, Israel, Sweden, Switzerland, Canada, all Caricom countries & U.S.
Do U.S. citizens need a visa to visit Haiti? Visitors from the U.S. to Haiti may not require a visa depending on the length of stay and/or onward passage being assured. An airport tax of $30 plus $5 is currently required from foreigners departing Haiti, but is generally included in the price of airline tickets. Visitors are required to have a valid passport.
Airport: Two international Airports, in the capital (P-A-P) & in Cap-Haitien. Main Ports: Port-au-Prince, Cap- Haitian, Miragoane.
Departure Tax: $25 U.S.
Driving: On the right – Canada and U.S. driver’s license is valid.
Tap-taps are a colorful and common means of traveling short distances in and between towns.
Local Transportation: Tap-taps (minibuses and flatbed trucks brightly painted) are the means of public transportation. Fixed routes & fares, approx. US $.75 per person. Public taxis and rental cars are another means of getting around. Full size buses are used for traveling between major cities. Traveling between Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitian via small plane cost approximately US $100.
Electric Current: 110 volts, 60 cycle AC.
Medical Emergencies: Numerous Hospitals & Clinics – Hopital Francais DíHaiti Rue du Centre Tel. 22-2323; Saint Francois de Salles Rue de la Revolution Tel: 22-2110; Hopital du Canape Vert Tel: 45-1052/3
Time:
Standard time zone: UTC/GMT -5 hours
No Daylight Saving Time adjustments
Climate: Temperatures range from 68° to 95° F. averaging 81° F; Average rainfall per year is 50 inches.
Official Language: French and Creole; English is spoken widely in the capital.
Currency: Haitian Gourde – U.S. dollars widely accepted.
Tipping and Taxes: There is a government tax of 10% and hotels will add a service charge of 5% to your bill. Restaurant tabs should be tipped 6 – 10%, if not already added. Tip taxi drivers if you find them helpful.
Telephone: Local area code is 509. From the U.S. dial 011-509 plus local number.