HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

October 2, 2013. Government Warning Issued for Haiti

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

This Security Message is an update to the message released by the Embassy on September 11 regarding violence on Route National 2 between Petit Goave and Miragoane. This message informs U.S. citizens residing and traveling in Haiti that the level of violence on National Route 2 in the Petit Goave area has dropped significantly due to the ongoing MINUSTAH and HNP operations in the area. The Embassy is now approving travel to the affected area for its personnel on a case-by-case basis.

We continue to urge all U.S. citizens to exercise caution when traveling in this area, and to consider alternate routes when possible. We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Haiti enroll in the Department of State's Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency.

Travelers are advised to regularly monitor the travel information page of the State Department's website where you can find current Travel Warnings for Haiti, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read the Country Specific Information for Haiti. For additional information, refer to "A Safe Trip Abroad" on the State Department's website.

Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call +1.888.407.4747 toll-free from within the United States and Canada, or +1.202.501.4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays).

For any emergencies involving U.S. citizens, please contact the U.S. Citizen Services unit of the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section, located at Tabarre 41, Boulevard du 15 Octobre, Tabarre, Haiti; telephone +509.2229.8000; after hours emergency telephone +509.3464.3998.

Haiti travel tips: - You may visit Haiti without a visa for a total of ninety days within a six-month period. - Register your presence abroad by enrolling in STEP (Smart Traveler Enrollment Program) online at https://step.state.gov/step/. - Additional information for U.S. citizens travelling in Haiti is available in the Country Specific Information on Haiti at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1134.html.