Haiti

Key facts

• Region: The Caribbean
• Capital: Port-au-Prince
• Currency: Haitian gourde (HTG)
• Languages: Haitian Creole and French
• Main airport: PAP — Toussaint Louverture International Airport, serving Port-au-Prince
• Best time to visit: November to March, the driest and coolest stretch; check current government travel advice before planning, as security conditions are volatile

Overview

Sharing the island of Hispaniola with the Dominican Republic, Haiti was the site of the first successful slave revolution and became the first independent black republic. It has major historic sites and a distinctive tradition in art and music, but it is currently subject to a US State Department Level 4 "Do Not Travel" advisory because of crime, kidnapping and civil unrest, and travel is not advisable at present.

Airports

Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) serves Port-au-Prince. Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP) serves the northern city and the route to the Citadelle. Antoine-Simon Airport (CYA) serves Les Cayes in the south. Air service has been disrupted by the security situation, and several international airlines have suspended flights.

Main cities

Port-au-Prince is the capital and largest city, with the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien and the Iron Market. Cap-Haïtien on the north coast is the country's second city and the base for visiting the Citadelle. Jacmel on the south coast is known for its colonial ironwork and carnival. Les Cayes and Jérémie are southern port towns, and Gonaïves lies in the Artibonite valley.

Places to go

The Citadelle Laferrière and the ruins of Sans-Souci Palace, near Milot outside Cap-Haïtien, together form a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Bassin Bleu, near Jacmel, is a set of blue pools and waterfalls. Labadee on the north coast is a privately operated cruise port. Île-à-Vache is an island off the southern coast. Saut-Mathurine, near Camp-Perrin, is one of the country's largest waterfalls, and La Visite National Park lies southeast of Port-au-Prince.

Getting there

Cheapest cached round-trip fare into Haiti, refreshed every 6 hours:

Where to stay

Practical information

Frequently asked