- U.S. Department of State renews Level 4 warning against Haiti.
- The travel alert was issued in response to “crimes, terrorism activity, civil unrest, kidnappings, and limited healthcare.”
The United States issued a travel warning again, urging Americans to avoid Haiti.
Department of State of The United States renewed its Level 4 warning Against the Caribbean Last week, the country was affected by “kidnappings, criminal activity, terrorist activities, civil unrest and limited health care.” The warning has been reissued with terrorism added.
“Violent crimes are rampant in Haiti. This is especially true in Port-au-Prince where gangs, organized crime and terrorist activities have led to a rise in violence, kidnappings and sexual assault. As armed conflicts escalate, sporadic shootings have increased. The State Department warns that there is a significant risk of being hit by stray gunshots, even if you are not directly involved in violence. “There is a threat of terrorist violence including attacks and violent gang activities in Haiti. In Haiti, there are gangs which are terrorist organizations.
Haiti is currently the only country that has a symbiotic relationship with the Caribbean Sea. country in the Caribbean with a Level 4 travel advisoryThe U.S. advises Americans to “not travel” to the country.
State Department Travel Advisories give American travelers an idea of what to be aware of before planning a trip. There are four warnings levels: Level 1, (exercise normal caution), Level 2, (exercise greater caution), Level 3, (reconsider travel), or Level 4, (do no travel).
Even travelers who ignore the travel advisories and decide to visit Haiti may have a difficult time. Even though Reuters reported In December, the country reopened Port-au-Prince Airport, Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture PAP (PAP). Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to ban flights there From the U.S.
“The FAA estimates that there are ongoing small arms fire threats to U.S. aviation flying in, out of or within Haiti’s territorial and airspace. Armed groups continue to control a large portion of Port-au-Prince’s capital and have repeatedly used small arms fire to damage multiple aircraft as well as injure an aircrew member. according to the FAA. “As such, the FAA has continued to ban U.S. civil aircraft operations…in certain areas of Haiti’s skyspace where armed bands control territory and are active.”
The ongoing instabilities have also affected cruise ship travel to the Island. Royal Caribbean for example. canceled stops earlier this year to its private beach resort Labadee, on the north coast of Haiti.
