Use caution in Haiti

This item appears on page 17 of the May 2014 issue.

The US Department of State reports that, in Haiti, some US citizens injured in accidents and others with health concerns have been unable to find necessary medical care and had to arrange and pay for medical evacuation to the US. It encourages obtaining evacuation insurance and using organizations that have solid infrastructure, evacuation and medical support options in place.

The incidence of homicide and kidnapping in the Port-au-Prince area dropped sharply during the last year. However, in December 2013, the embassy learned of six cases of US citizens arriving in Port-au-Prince who were robbed shortly after departing the airport — a spike tied to busy holiday travel. It is recommended that travelers have their hosts meet them at the airport and/or have transfers prearranged.

Robbery crews have been known to surveil banks in Port-au-Prince and rob customers shortly after departure.