Haiti
Travel Destination – Haiti
Haiti occupies the western third of Hispaniola, sharing the island with the Dominican Republic. Its history is closely tied to the Haitian Revolution, which led to independence in 1804.
In the north, the UNESCO-listed Citadelle Laferrière and Sans-Souci Palace reflect Haiti’s revolutionary history. Port-au-Prince is home to the Musée du Panthéon National Haïtien, Marché de Fer and a distinctive tradition of street art and murals. Jacmel is known for its gingerbread architecture, carnival and arts community, while Bassin Bleu and Île-à-Vache highlight Haiti’s natural landscapes.
Before travelling to Haiti, it's worth learning more about preventive health strategies and planning to see a travel doctor for advice regarding your specific circumstances.
Health Risks
Pre-travel preparation
Before travelling to Haiti, secure a travel medicine appointment as early as possible, at least four to six weeks before departure. Haiti presents a complex constellation of infectious disease risks including year-round malaria, active cholera, ongoing dengue transmission, and multiple vaccine-preventable conditions that require careful assessment and advance preparation.
Healthcare infrastructure in Haiti is limited, and reliable access to medicines and emergency care cannot be assumed. All prescription medications, antimalarial tablets, and basic medical supplies should be brought from Australia before departure. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended, as standard policies may not provide an adequate level of cover.
Insect avoidance
Mosquito-borne disease is a central health concern throughout Haiti. Malaria is present year-round, with Anopheles mosquitoes active from dusk to dawn. Dengue, chikungunya, and Zika are all transmitted by Aedes mosquitoes that feed primarily during daylight hours. Because these mosquito species bite at different times, protection is necessary from first light through to well after dark, not simply in the evenings.
Insect repellent containing DEET, picaridin or oil of lemon eucalyptus applied to all exposed skin, and reapplied consistently throughout the day and evening, provides the most reliable protection. Wearing long-sleeved clothing and trousers reduces skin exposure at all hours, and is particularly important at dawn and dusk. A permethrin-treated bed net is advisable in any sleeping environment without reliable fly screening. Treating outer clothing with permethrin before travel adds a further layer of protection that is particularly valuable in field and community settings where insect exposure is prolonged.
Food and water hygiene
Haitian cuisine draws on African, French, and Caribbean influences, but requires careful proportions to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal illness.
A high risk of gastroenteritis exists throughout Haiti. Food that is freshly cooked and served hot carries the lowest risk. Avoid food left at room temperature, reheated dishes, raw produce from street vendors, and anything of uncertain preparation. Peel fruit yourself immediately before eating.
Tap water is best avoided. Only sealed bottled water, or water that has been boiled and cooled, should be consumed, and ice from any uncertain source should be avoided entirely. Hands must be washed with soap before eating and after using the toilet, and alcohol-based hand sanitiser carried consistently when running water is unavailable.
Rabies prevention
Rabies is present in Haiti and is carried by dogs and other mammals. The rabies virus is essentially always fatal once clinical symptoms develop, and access to reliable post-exposure treatment within the country is limited.
All contact with animals throughout the visit should be avoided, including stray dogs in urban areas and wildlife in rural environments. Children are at particular risk and should be specifically taught not to approach or touch animals. Pre-departure rabies vaccination is recommended for many travellers to Haiti, and is particularly important for humanitarian and health workers, those spending extended time in the country, those working in rural or remote areas, and children, given the difficulty of accessing post-exposure treatment.
Any bite, scratch, or lick to broken skin from any animal requires the wound to be washed immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water, followed by prompt medical assessment, regardless of vaccination status.
Our Travel Doctors
Our fully qualified doctors have an interest in travel medicine and immunisations. And they know travel. Their expert advice will be tailored for you, your travel companions and your trip.
Which shots do I need for Haiti?
Hepatitis A
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Hepatitis A is a viral liver infection acquired through contaminated food or water, producing fatigue, nausea, and jaundice ranging in severity from mild to prolonged serious illness.
Vaccination is recommended for all previously unvaccinated travellers, and represents one of the most important immunisations for this destination. Two doses provide lasting protection, and a travel health consultation is the appropriate time to confirm whether the course is complete.
Typhoid
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Typhoid fever is a bacterial illness caused by Salmonella Typhi in contaminated food or water, producing sustained fever, headache, fatigue, and abdominal discomfort that can progress to serious complications without antibiotic treatment.
Vaccination is recommended for most travellers to Haiti, particularly those visiting smaller cities, rural areas, or staying with friends and relatives. Food and water hygiene remains an important complementary measure throughout the trip regardless of vaccination status.
Rabies
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Rabies is present in Haiti and is carried by dogs and other mammals. The rabies virus is essentially always fatal once clinical symptoms develop, and access to reliable post-exposure treatment within the country is limited.
All contact with animals throughout the visit should be avoided, including stray dogs in urban areas and wildlife in rural environments. Children are at particular risk and should be specifically taught not to approach or touch animals. Pre-exposure rabies vaccination is recommended for many travellers to Haiti, and is particularly important for humanitarian and health workers, those spending extended time in the country, those working in rural or remote areas, and children, given the difficulty of accessing post-exposure treatment.
Any bite, scratch, or lick to broken skin from any animal requires the wound to be washed immediately and thoroughly with soap and running water, followed by prompt medical assessment, regardless of vaccination status.
Mpox
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Mpox is a viral infection that can cause a rash or sores, fever, swollen lymph nodes, headache, muscle aches and tiredness. It spreads mainly through close physical contact, including contact with skin lesions, bodily fluids or contaminated materials.
Most people recover within a few weeks, although complications can occur. Travellers with increased exposure risk should discuss mpox vaccination with a travel doctor before departure.
Measles
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Measles is a highly contagious viral infection that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or breathes. It usually causes fever, cough, runny nose and red, irritated eyes, followed by a characteristic rash that typically begins on the face and spreads down the body. Complications can include pneumonia, dehydration and inflammation of the brain, particularly in young children and people with weakened immune systems.
Measles continues to circulate internationally, with outbreaks occurring in many countries. International travel can increase exposure through airports, flights, accommodation and other crowded settings. All Australian travellers born during or since 1966 should have two documented doses of a measles-containing vaccine before travelling overseas.
Cholera
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Cholera is a bacterial gut infection caused by Vibrio cholerae in contaminated food or water, producing sudden, profuse, watery diarrhoea that can cause severe and rapidly progressive dehydration, becoming life-threatening within hours without prompt treatment.
Cholera ouitbreaks occur periodically throughout Haiti. Oral cholera vaccine is recommended for some travellers to Haiti, and is particularly important for humanitarian workers, health personnel, and those operating in areas with severely compromised sanitation. Careful food and water hygiene provides a critical baseline of protection for all travellers regardless of vaccination status.
Routine vaccinations
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International travel can increase exposure to vaccine-preventable infections through airports, crowded settings, accommodation and contact with local communities. Ensuring routine vaccinations are up to date before departure helps protect you and reduces the risk of transmission.
All standard immunisations should be confirmed fully current before visiting Haiti, including measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, and polio. A tetanus booster is advisable if more than ten years have passed since the last dose. Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for all travellers, and COVID-19 vaccination should be current in accordance with Australian public health guidance.
Haiti
Other health risks in Haiti
Malaria
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Malaria risk due exclusively to Plasmodium falciparum exists throughout the year in the entire country, but is especially high in the southern departments of Grand'Anse, Nippes, and Sud-Est. Multiple prophylactic medications are available, so consult a travel doctor to receive a prescription for the most appropriate antimalarial based on individual health history and itinerary. Fill the prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip, following your doctor's instructions carefully.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness, so any fever during or up to four weeks after travel requires immediate medical assessment with full travel history disclosed.
Gastroenteritis
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A high risk of gastroenteritis and gastrointestinal illness exists throughout Haiti, including in some established accommodation. Bacteria, viruses, and parasites in contaminated food and water produce diarrhoea, nausea, stomach cramps, and vomiting within one to three days of exposure.
Oral rehydration with commercially prepared solutions is the primary treatment for uncomplicated cases. Medical assessment must be sought without delay if symptoms are severe, contain blood, or are accompanied by fever. Prevention through consistent food and water hygiene throughout the entire trip is highly recommended.
Dengue and Zika
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Dengue and Zika are viral infections spread by Aedes mosquitoes, which can bite throughout the day. Dengue can cause sudden high fever, severe headache and muscle and joint pain, and may occasionally progress to serious illness. Zika is often mild or causes no symptoms, but infection during pregnancy can cause congenital abnormalities, including microcephaly. Zika can also be transmitted sexually, including from people who have had no symptoms.
There is no specific treatment or widely available vaccine for dengue or Zika. Consistent insect-bite protection throughout the day is therefore important when travelling in Haiti. Pregnant travellers or those planning pregnancy should seek medical advice before travel and follow current Australian guidance on preventing sexual transmission after returning from a Zika-risk area.
Tuberculosis
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Tuberculosis (TB) is an airborne bacterial infection spread when a person with active disease coughs or speaks in a shared space, primarily affecting the lungs and causing persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
There is a higher risk of tuberculosis transmission in Haiti, compared with many other destinations. Humanitarian workers, health personnel, and those in close and sustained contact with local communities face a meaningful level of exposure risk. TB screening before departure and after returning to Australia is advisable for higher-risk travellers. A cough that persists after any visit to Haiti should be assessed without delay.
Leptospirosis
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Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection caused by Leptospira bacteria, which can be found in water or soil contaminated with urine from infected animals, particularly rodents. Infection can occur when contaminated water or soil contacts broken skin or the eyes, nose or mouth. Risk increases with flooding and activities involving freshwater, mud or wet soil.
Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, muscle aches, chills, nausea and vomiting. Most people recover with treatment, but severe infection can affect the kidneys, liver or brain. Avoid contact with potentially contaminated water or soil where possible and cover cuts or broken skin. Seek medical attention if you develop a fever or flu-like illness after freshwater, flooding or muddy-water exposure and mention your travel history.
Non-infectious conditions
Crime and unrest
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Haiti's security conditions can change rapidly. Risks include violent crime, kidnapping, civil unrest and disruption to transport, healthcare and access to essential services. These risks may vary between regions and can affect roads, airports and other public areas.
Travellers should avoid demonstrations and areas of unrest, remain alert in public and follow local authorities' instructions.
Australia has limited consular capacity in Haiti, so travellers should not rely on consular assistance in an emergency. Check Smartraveller before departure and throughout your stay for current security advice, entry requirements and information on local conditions. Comprehensive travel insurance with appropriate medical and evacuation cover is strongly recommended.
Safety on the roads and elsewhere
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Road travel anywhere in Haiti is high risk. Travel by road between cities is inadvisable due to the presence of gangs and the highly volatile security situation.
Even within Port-au-Prince, movement by vehicle is hazardous due to gang activity, roadblocks, and the risk of carjacking. Any road travel should be in safe vehicles and avoided after dark. Demonstrations, protests, and strikes occur frequently and can turn violent rapidly. Check the Australian Government's Smartraveller website before departure and throughout your stay for current security advice
Deep vein thrombosis
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Reaching Haiti from Australia involves long-haul travel through at least one connecting hub, typically in North America or the Caribbean, with total journey times commonly exceeding twenty hours. Extended immobility during these flights can raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), where reduced blood flow allows clots to form in the deep leg veins.
Moving regularly during flights, performing seated exercises including ankle rotations and calf raises, and staying well hydrated throughout the journey reduce this risk. Travellers with predisposing factors including prior clotting events, recent surgery, pregnancy, hormonal contraceptive use, or significant overweight should discuss whether compression stockings are appropriate with a travel doctor before departure.