Haiti Vacation Guide

Introduction

Haiti is a poverty-stricken land of urban overpopulation, denuded hillsides and a people suffering the wounds of civil strife and oppression. It is also a vibrant country of colourful art, fantastic music, cloud forests and an intensely spiritual people whose humour and passion are legendary. The modern world's first black-led republic, it boasts a unique culture and an incredible artistic tradition. The language, dance and music of the Haitian people reflect a syncopation between the spiritual and material worlds that shouldn't be missed.

Vodou, long misunderstood, is a richly textured religion smuggled from Africa and hidden among the Catholic rituals of European missionaries. Haiti's colonial architecture, all gingerbread and plazas, is alive with the music of Africa. Its surprisingly fine cuisine, of Caribbean ingredients prepared according to classical French methods, attracts gourmets from the other side of the island. And, though human need has torn down much of Haiti's forests and jungles, there is still unspoiled nature that ecotourism can preserve. Haiti is not yet set up for the Club Med crowd, but the open-minded adventurer will find a country whose contradictions will linger in mind, heart and spirit.
Travel warning

Full country name: Republic of Haiti
Area: 27,750 sq km
Population: 7 million
Capital City: Port-au-Prince
People: 95% African descent, 5% mulatto and European descent
Language: French
Religion: 80% Catholic, 16% Protestant (an estimated 50% of Haitians also practice Vodou)
Government: republic
Time Zone: GMT/UTC -4
Dialling Code: 509
Electricity: 110V ,60Hz
Currency: Gourde

We constantly update vacation deals and flights + hotel packages for Haiti and the Caribbean. You can also check out some of the best hotels and resorts in Haiti with exciting attractions like golf, casino, scuba diving and other water sports. Popular hotels & resorts in Haiti are IT Hotel Montana and El Rancho.

All visitors require a valid passport; citizens of Argentina, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Germany, Israel, Liechtenstein, Monaco, South Korea, Switzerland, UK and USA do not require visas. Others must have a three-month tourist visa, which can be obtained upon arrival with a completed application (provided by an embassy or consulate), two passport-size photos and a fee of 5.40. Check with any Haitian embassy for the latest requirements.
More Information About Visa Requirements

Haiti has one international airport, officially called the Guy Malary International Airport, but better known as Port-au-Prince International Airport, particularly when booking tickets from abroad. Cap-Haïtien has the second-largest airport, but it serves only a few international flights.

There are two primary points where you can cross between Haiti and the Dominican Republic. The crossing between Ouanaminthe and Dajabón in the north is convenient between Santiago and Cap-Haïtien, while the Malpasse/Jimaní crossing in the south links Santo Domingo to Port-au-Prince. A crossing in the centre of the island, between Beladere and Elías Piña, is difficult to reach using public transportation.

There are two flights a day between Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien on Caribintair that will save you an arduous eight-hour drive. There are also regular flights from Port-au-Prince to Hinche, Pignon and Dame Marie. The cheapest way to get around Haiti is by bus. There are no timetables; buses leave the town's specific departure point (Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien have several) when they are full. Driving in Haiti is an adventure on a good day: the roads are notoriously potholed, many private cars are in disrepair. Port-au-Prince has a brilliant system of collective taxis called publiques.

Haiti has two rainy seasons, from April to May and from September to October, with most rain falling in the mountains. If you plan to do much hiking, trekking or even driving, these might be months to avoid. The June-to-September hurricane season might be worth missing as well; though the chances of one blowing through are miniscule, remember that one little hurricane can wreck your whole holiday. The temperature is fairly constant year-round, with highs averaging around 34°C (95°F) in the summer and 30°C (85°F) in the winter.

It's worth planning your visit to coincide with Haiti's special events. Carnival, or Mardi Gras, cranks up the days leading up to Ash Wednesday, with Port-au-Prince as ground zero for the festivities. Haiti's top bands load up floats with massive sound systems and cruise streets that are packed with people dancing, singing and blowing off steam.

Unspoiled and pristine, the coastline of Haiti is the ideal haven for sun-worshippers. From the black-sand beaches near Jacmel to the numerous and lovely palm-lined beaches near the capital, Haiti has a beach for everyone. For a true visit to paradise, spend some time in Labadie, a strip of land on the secluded Pointe Ste. Honore near Cape Haitien. This is the ideal location for swimming, snorkeling and nature walks.

Kyona and Ibo beaches (Ibo is on Cacique Isle) are best for swimming, snorkelling, spearfishing, sailing, boomba racing in dugout canoes and water-skiing. La Gonve is a popular location for fishing.

There is a 9-hole golf course at the Ptionville Club. Tennis courts can be found at the Club Med in Montraus, El Rancho, Habitation Le Clerc, Ibo Beach, Ibo Lake, Kaloa Beach, Pétionville Club and Royal Haitian hotels. The national parks of La Visite and Parc Macaya offer excellent hiking opportunities.

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