U.S. Urges Citizens to Flee Haiti Amid Escalating Violence

As Haiti grapples with soaring violence, the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is urging American citizens to leave the Caribbean nation immediately. This advisory comes amidst a surge in gang-related attacks and a deepening humanitarian crisis that has left millions displaced and imperiled.

Urgent Departure Advisory

The U.S. Embassy has advised all American citizens in Haiti to depart as quickly as possible using commercial or private transport. The statement, distributed across social media, also cautions against gatherings and encourages staying informed through reliable media sources. Citizens are asked to avoid areas where unrest is reported.

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“American citizens in Haiti must leave the country by commercial or private means of transport when they consider that it is possible to do it with total security,”

—U.S. Embassy, Statement

Since the beginning of 2024, the number of internally displaced persons has risen to over 360,000, an increase of more than 30% in just three months, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM, 2024).

Logistical Concerns and Risks

The Embassy has noted the resumption of commercial flights between Cap-Haitien and Les Cayes airports, as well as the Port-au-Prince terminal. Helicopter transport is also discouraged due to potential dangers, particularly for citizens. Furthermore, U.S. government staff cannot use commercial flights to Port-au-Prince because of Federal Aviation Administration restrictions and security concerns.

Ongoing Crisis in Haiti

For years, armed gangs have terrorized the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area and other regions. They are responsible for attacks, murders, kidnappings, and sexual assaults. Between January and May of this year, at least 2,680 people died due to the violence. The situation has worsened in recent months, and Doctors Without Borders had to close some centers. The Red Cross warns that life is becoming increasingly precarious.

The travel ban, implemented at the beginning of the month, restricts people from 12 countries, including Haiti, from entering the United States, citing national security risks. The continuing turmoil in Haiti underscores the fragile situation and the urgent need for safety measures.