US embassy in Haiti evacuated following state of emergency
The US and several foreign embassies have now evacuated staff from Haiti, which maintains a level 4 ‘do not travel’ alert
At the beginning of March, the government of the Caribbean nation of Haiti declared a state of emergency following two prison breaks. In recent events, just days after the Caribbean Port Services announced an indefinite closure to the seaport of Port-au-Prince on 7 March, the US and several foreign embassies have now too evacuated staff from the country.
The ongoing instability and violence in the area has forced the US and other countries to reduce diplomatic activities within Haiti for the safety of embassy officials. Interruptions and severe risk to ground and air transportation through Toussaint Louverture International Airport are considered likely.
The US State Department maintains a level 4 ‘do not travel’ alert for the country of Haiti, and travellers to the neighbouring nation of the Dominican Republic are advised to exercise caution around the border.
Advice for travel
- Leave any affected areas immediately
- Exercise extreme caution around Dominican borders to Haiti
- Monitor local media for updates and information.