Security Alert: U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti (November 9, 2020)
Location: Port au Prince
Events: Pronounced increase in kidnappings, including U.S. citizens has led the U.S. Embassy in Port au Prince to temporarily restrict personal travel after dark (5:30pm) to the Tabarre area only.
Actions to take:
· Always ensure your communications equipment is functioning and charged before you travel.
· Always carry your cell phone.
· Always ensure that you have important phone numbers programmed into your phone.
· Travel in groups of at least two people.
· Be aware of your surroundings. If you notice something suspicious, try to retreat to a safe area.
· Do not travel in areas unfamiliar to you and be aware that navigation apps are highly unreliable in Haiti.
· Travel at times when traffic is expected to be lighter, such as early in the morning.
· Ensure adequate spacing between vehicles to provide options for evading a potentially dangerous situation.
· Patronize shops or restaurants that provide secure, enclosed, and well-lit parking.
· Install window tint/mylar film on personal vehicles.
· If being confronted by armed perpetrators, do not resist. Comply with their instructions and avoid any movement or action that would give them reason to believe you are resisting.
· Always make sure your vehicle is in good driving condition. Check the vehicle fluids and spare tires.
· Avoid travel after dark in Port au Prince.
· Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks.
· If you encounter a roadblock, turn around and get to a safe area.
· Read the full Level Four travel advisory for Haiti at : https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/traveladvisories/haiti-travel-advisory.html
Assistance:
U.S. Embassy Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Tabarre 41, Route de Tabarre
Emergencies: +509-2229-8000
Non-emergency inquiries:
Website: https://ht.usembassy.gov/
· Contact the State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs
1-888-407-4747 toll-free from the United States and Canada
1-202-501-4444 from other countries
· Haiti Country Information
· Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) to receive security updates
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