For complete information on traveling to Haiti, please refer to the U.S. Department of State’s section on Haiti.
Passport
All North Americans traveling to Haiti are required to present a passport for entry into the country. If you currently do not have a passport, you can check with your local post office for an application or visit the U.S. Department of State or Government of Canada websites. Please allow 4-8 weeks to process and receive your new passport. All travelers should store a photocopy of the first two pages of their passport in their carry-on luggage in the rare event that the passport is lost.
Malaria Medication
We require that everyone acquire anti-malaria medication. You should consult your doctor for proper dosages. We also encourage each traveler to bring an antibiotic (such as Cipro) and an anti-diarrheal medication.
Immunization and General Health Information
All groups are encouraged to have the following vaccinations prior to traveling to Haiti:
- Required: Tetanus toxoid (DT or Td)
- Required: Preventative malaria medication (mentioned above)
- Typhoid Immunization
- Hepatitis A/B
Allergy Disclaimer
Haiti is an exporter of peanuts. If someone on your team has a peanut allergy, it may not be safe for him/her to travel to Haiti. If you have additional food allergies (gluten, dairy, etc), you will need to bring supplemental food, as we are not able to avoid cross contamination.
For severe food or substance allergies, plan to carry two EpiPens.
Pregnancy Disclaimer
Due to the potential risk of the Zika virus, we strongly advise that any women who are pregnant or think they might be pregnant avoid traveling to Haiti until further notice. While the infection is generally mild, it can be very dangerous to a developing fetus and has been linked to microcephaly in babies when the mother is infected.
Physical Condition & Medications
Trips to Haiti can be physically and mentally stressful due to high temperatures, intense sun, mosquitos, hilly terrain, and lots of walking. Anyone with physical disabilities or a history of mental illness is required to disclose such information prior to being approved for travel.
If you are at least 50 years old or have any health conditions (heart disease, diabetes, asthma, lung problems, severe allergies, mental illness, etc), please undergo a thorough medical evaluation before traveling to Haiti and communicate your conditions/needs before arriving. If you have a newly diagnosed condition or become ill right before the trip, you should delay or reschedule your trip. Medical identification (tags, bracelets, cards, etc) must be carried by anyone with a chronic illness such as diabetes or heart conditions.
Be sure to carry all prescriptions/required medications in your carry-on luggage. If you have a history of asthma or sinus/allergy problems, bring your medication, even if you think you may not need it.
Suggested Packing List
- Passport
- Personal water bottle
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
- Towels & washcloths
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Personal snacks
- Anti-diarrhea medicine
- Sneakers
- Mosquito bite ointment/hydrocortisone
Additional Cash Costs
- $10 per person tourist tax collected at the Cap Haitien Airport upon entering the country
- One-dollar bills for tipping
