Several countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada, have advised their citizens not to travel to Haiti due to the country's continued occupation by gangs.
Earlier this month, gangs attempted to take over Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince, breaking into a nearby port service terminal. At one point, armed men attacked police stations across the country and forced thousands of prisoners to escape from Haiti's national prison.
Ariel Henry, who ran the country as prime minister and acting president until he resigned on Tuesday under international pressure, fled to Puerto Rico last week after being refused entry to the Dominican Republic, which shares the island of Hispaniola with Haiti. . . The Dominican Republic's air, land and sea borders are closed to travelers.
What is the situation at Haiti's airports and ports?
No flights have arrived in the country as one of its international airports remains closed following the attack and Monday's decision to form a caretaker government following Henry's resignation. It is unclear whether cruise ships plan to continue calling in the country, and one international port is closed.
Spirit Airlines, JetBlue Airways and American Airlines typically fly to the country, but those flights have been suspended. All airlines are waiving change fees for customers who wish to depart the country. It is not clear when commercial flights will resume.
Two cruise lines, Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises, will stop at Labadee, a private resort about six hours from Port-au-Prince. It is unclear whether cruise ships plan to continue operating in the country in the current political climate. independent person We asked each company for comment.
A state of emergency has been declared
Haiti has declared a state of emergency until April 3. A daily curfew is in place in the capital from 6pm to 5am.
The US State Department urged Americans to avoid traveling to the country in a safety alert issued on Sunday.
“The current security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and dangerous,” the statement said. “We recognize that there are few to no commercial options to safely exit Haiti at this time. We urge U.S. citizens to take advantage of these as they become available. Highly recommended.”
U.S. citizens currently in the country should prepare for an extended period of shelter-in-place and seek assistance from the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince. Citizens should be aware that the United States cannot facilitate international travel.
US military evacuates embassy staff
U.S. military officials moved to evacuate non-essential personnel from the embassy over the weekend. German and EU embassies have taken similar measures.
The governments of the United Kingdom, Ireland and Canada are advising their citizens not to travel to Haiti, but residents of the country should contact their nearest diplomatic mission. The UK has an embassy in Santo Domingo, the capital of the Dominican Republic. Meanwhile, Irish citizens should contact the country's embassy in Washington, DC.
The Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince is closed, but citizens can call the embassy for emergency assistance.
