HTH -- Haiti Earthquake

September 11, 2012. Government Warning Issued for Haiti

SOURCE: U.S. Department of State

This security message is issued by the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince to inform U.S. citizens traveling in or visiting Haiti that over the course of the last two months approximately ten armed robberies have occurred after customers made bank withdrawals in the neighborhood opposite the U.S. Embassy, across Boulevard du 15 Octobre in Tabarre. It appears that in all cases thieves have followed the victims on motorcycle and robbed them at gun point away from the bank.

The U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens about personal safety in Port-au-Prince. It is very important for you to employ sound security precautions at all times and pay close attention to your surroundings. When in and exiting local businesses, regardless of type, do not flash large amounts of currency and be on the lookout for individuals who might be following you. When traveling in your vehicle, keep the windows up, doors locked and leave space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front of you. If you believe that you are being followed proceed to the nearest police station or public building.

U.S. citizens are also urged to enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP - https://travelregistration.state.gov/ibrs/ui/) in order to receive the most up-to-date security information. While the Embassy's ability to provide emergency consular services is extremely limited, travel enrollment will enable receipt of emergency messages via email.

Current information on safety and security can also be obtained by calling 1-888-407-4747 toll free in the United States; callers outside the United States and Canada can receive the information by calling a regular toll-line at 1-202-501-4444. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday, except U.S. federal holidays.

The Embassy of the United States of America is located in Port-au-Prince at Boulevard du 15 Octobre, Tabarre 41, Tabarre, Haiti, telephone: (509) (2) 229-8000, facsimile: (509) (2) 229-8027, email: acspap@state.gov American Citizens Services (ACS) Unit office hours are 7:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. The Consular Section is closed on U.S. and local holidays. After hours, on weekends and on holidays, please call (509) (2) 229-8000. The Marine guard will connect you with the Embassy Duty Officer.

U.S. citizens can also stay informed about conditions in Haiti by following the Embassy and ACS on Twitter and Facebook.