Americas · Caribbean

Haiti

Republic of Haiti

Flag of Haiti
Local Time
--:--:--
UTC-05:00
🏛️ Capital
Port-au-Prince
👥 Population
11,867,032
📐 Area
27,750 km²
💱 Currency
Haitian gourde (G)
🗣️ Languages
French, Haitian Creole
📞 Calling Code
+509
🕐 Time Zones
UTC-05:00
🌐 Region
Americas / Caribbean

About Haiti

Haiti is the Caribbean's most complex, resilient, and historically significant nation — a place that has been deeply misunderstood by the world even as it produced one of history's most extraordinary acts of human courage. The first Black republic in the world, born from the only successful slave revolution in history, Haiti carries a weight of meaning and a depth of cultural pride that colors every interaction and every landscape. The country's northern mountains, jade-green and terraced with small farms, descend to the Citadelle Laferrière, a monumental fortress that stands as one of the greatest architectural achievements in the Americas and a symbol of freedom won by sheer determination.

Port-au-Prince, the capital, is a city of contrasts where art, music, and entrepreneurial energy thrive alongside profound poverty and urban density. The Pétion-Ville neighborhood perched above the capital offers galleries, restaurants, and a vibrant social scene that surprises many visitors who arrive expecting only hardship. Haiti's art movement — a tradition of extraordinary naïve painting and iron sculpture that has attracted collectors worldwide — is one of the most distinctive and original in the entire Caribbean, and navigating the studios and galleries of Port-au-Prince is a genuine artistic adventure.

The northern coast around Cap-Haïtien remains the country's most accessible and rewarding region for visitors, with the magnificent Citadelle and Palace of Sans-Souci nearby, pristine beaches on the offshore island of Labadee, and a city whose colonial atmosphere and community spirit offer a different face of Haiti entirely. Traveling here requires careful research, local guidance, and a spirit of open engagement — but those who make the effort are met with a warmth, cultural richness, and human intensity that few Caribbean destinations can match.

History & Background

Haiti's history is one of the most dramatic in human civilization. The island of Hispaniola was home to the Taíno people when Columbus arrived in 1492, and within decades the Taíno had been virtually annihilated by disease and violence. The western third of the island became the French colony of Saint-Domingue, which by the late 18th century was producing roughly 40 percent of Europe's sugar and coffee, worked by nearly half a million enslaved Africans under conditions of extreme brutality. The revolution that began in 1791 under leaders including Toussaint Louverture and Jean-Jacques Dessalines lasted 13 years, defeated both British and Napoleonic French forces, and culminated in independence on January 1, 1804 — an event that sent shockwaves of terror and inspiration around the slaveholding world.

The price of independence was enormous and ongoing. France demanded 150 million francs — later reduced to 90 million — as compensation for slaveholders' "losses," a debt Haiti paid until 1947. The United States refused to recognize Haitian sovereignty for 58 years and occupied the country from 1915 to 1934. The Duvalier family dictatorship (1957–1986) ruled through terror and killed tens of thousands. The catastrophic 2010 earthquake killed more than 200,000 people and devastated Port-au-Prince. Despite these accumulated tragedies, Haiti's spirit of revolutionary independence and cultural creativity has never been extinguished, and its contribution to global art, music, and the history of human freedom remains profound.

Culture & People

Haitian culture is among the most vibrant, original, and spiritually complex in the Caribbean. At its heart is Vodou — not the Hollywood caricature, but a rich syncretic religion that blends West African Yoruba and Fon spiritual traditions with Catholic imagery, creating a living cosmology of ancestral spirits called lwa who mediate between humans and the divine. Vodou ceremonies, conducted by houngans and mambos (priests and priestesses), involve drumming, dancing, offerings, and spiritual possession, and remain a central part of life for millions of Haitians. Understanding and respecting Vodou is essential to understanding Haiti.

Haitian Creole — a French-based creole developed by enslaved people as a common language — is the language of daily life and the truest expression of Haitian identity, spoken by all 11 million citizens. The country's artistic traditions are world-renowned: the Centre d'Art in Port-au-Prince, founded in 1944, launched a painting movement whose vivid, detailed canvases depicting Vodou spirits, everyday life, and lush tropical landscapes have entered major museum collections globally. Rara festivals — street processions with bamboo trumpets, drums, and dancing that fill the roads during Lent — express a joyful, communal spirit that is quintessentially Haitian.

Food & Cuisine

Haitian food is hearty, boldly seasoned, and deeply satisfying — a cuisine that has developed largely independently from the rest of the Caribbean and has its own distinct character. The foundation of most Haitian meals is rice and beans, but the way they are combined and seasoned varies beautifully. Riz et pois — rice cooked with kidney beans in coconut milk — is a daily staple eaten with grillot (crispy fried pork), pickled scotch bonnet pepper relish called pikliz, and fried plantains. The combination of rich pork, tangy pickled cabbage and carrots, creamy coconut rice, and sweet plantains is one of the most satisfying plates in the Caribbean.

Soup joumou — a rich, golden pumpkin soup loaded with beef, pasta, and root vegetables — is the national dish of liberation, eaten every January 1st to commemorate independence since it was once forbidden to the enslaved. Today it is a UNESCO-recognized symbol of cultural heritage and a dish eaten year-round by Haitians at home and in the diaspora. Akra, fried malanga (taro) fritters seasoned with scotch bonnet pepper, are a beloved snack eaten across the country. Barbancourt rum, aged in Limousin oak and considered one of the finest rums in the Caribbean, is the drink of national pride and makes an extraordinary evening sipping rum on any veranda.

Top Attractions

  • Citadelle Laferrière — A UNESCO World Heritage mountain fortress built after independence to defend against French re-invasion, one of the greatest architectural achievements in the Americas and a powerful symbol of freedom.
  • Palace of Sans-Souci — The ruins of King Henri Christophe's magnificent royal palace at the foot of the Citadelle, a UNESCO site evoking Haiti's brief and brilliant kingdom era.
  • Jacmel — A charming southern coastal city of 19th-century gingerbread houses and iron balconies, famous for its arts scene, papier-mâché Carnival, and beautiful bay beaches.
  • Port-au-Prince Art Scene — Galleries across Pétion-Ville and the Centre d'Art showcase Haiti's extraordinary naïve painting tradition and iron sculpture movement, among the most original art forms in the Caribbean.
  • Bassin-Bleu — A series of turquoise natural swimming pools cascading through limestone gorges in the mountains above Jacmel, one of Haiti's most beautiful natural sites.
  • Pic Macaya National Park — A remote cloud forest reserve in the southern peninsula protecting extraordinary biodiversity, including rare orchids, Haitian solenodon, and dozens of endemic bird species.

Practical Travel Tips

  • Work only with vetted local guides and tour operators — independent travel in Haiti, particularly in Port-au-Prince, is not recommended for first-time visitors due to security concerns.
  • Register with your country's embassy or consulate upon arrival and keep their emergency contact number saved in your phone at all times.
  • Carry Haitian gourdes (HTG) in cash for all purchases; credit cards are rarely accepted outside top hotels, and ATMs in functional condition are scarce.
  • Photography requires sensitivity — always ask permission before photographing individuals, and be particularly discreet near Vodou ceremonies, which are sacred spaces.
  • Cap-Haïtien and the northern region are considerably safer and more visitor-friendly than Port-au-Prince — consider basing yourself there for the Citadelle and northern beaches.
  • French is used in formal contexts and education; Haitian Creole is the language of daily life — learning a few Creole greetings is warmly received and opens doors.
  • Monitor foreign government travel advisories closely before and during your trip; the security situation can change rapidly and varies significantly by region.

Visa Overview

Citizens of most countries can enter Haiti without a visa for short tourist visits, typically for stays of up to 90 days. This includes nationals of the United States, Canada, the European Union, and the United Kingdom. A valid passport, a return ticket, and proof of accommodation may be required by immigration officers on arrival. Some nationalities do require a visa, so confirming current requirements with the Haitian embassy or consulate in your country before travel is advisable. Entry requirements can be subject to change based on the political and administrative situation.

Getting Around

Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince connects Haiti to North American and Caribbean destinations. Cap-Haïtien also has a smaller international airport with limited connections. Within Haiti, tap-taps — brightly decorated shared trucks or minibuses — are the main form of public transport, cheap but very crowded. Private taxis, arranged through hotels, are safer for tourist use. Domestic flights connect Port-au-Prince with Cap-Haïtien and a few other regional towns. Road travel can be slow due to poor road conditions; hiring a vehicle with a local driver is strongly recommended for any overland journey.

Safety Notes

Haiti currently presents serious security concerns, particularly in Port-au-Prince, where gang activity, kidnapping for ransom, and violent crime affect many neighborhoods. Multiple foreign governments have issued "do not travel" advisories for Haiti or specific areas. The security situation has been deteriorating since 2021 and remains highly fluid. If you do travel, work exclusively through vetted local operators, avoid all travel after dark, stay in secure accommodation, and maintain close contact with your embassy. The northern region around Cap-Haïtien is generally more stable but warrants the same cautious approach.

Live Exchange Rates

Current exchange rates for currencies used in Haiti.

Haitian gourde (HTG) G
Updated: 2026-05-20
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.082221
AAVE 0.000086
ADA 0.030458
AED 0.028048
AFN 0.479960
AGIX 0.090387
AKT 0.009642
ALGO 0.065111
ALL 0.627038
AMD 2.809530
AMP 9.061748
ANG 0.013766
AOA 7.002583
APE 0.052169
APT 0.007978
AR 0.003423
ARB 0.067487
ARS 10.676701
ATOM 0.003794
ATS 0.090409
AUD 0.010674
AVAX 0.000816
AWG 0.013671
AXS 0.006271
AZM 64.916135
AZN 0.012983
BAKE 8.786220
BAM 0.012850
BAT 0.076795
BBD 0.015274
BCH 0.000020
BDT 0.938821
BEF 0.265044
BGN 0.012850
BHD 0.002872
BIF 22.741520
BMD 0.007637
BNB 0.000012
BND 0.009761
BOB 0.052768
BRL 0.038227
BSD 0.007637
BSV 0.000507
BSW 10.300301
BTC 0.000000
BTG 0.023892
BTN 0.738357
BTT 23,690.114491
BUSD 0.007640
BWP 0.103598
BYN 0.020926
BYR 209.259890
BZD 0.015377
CAD 0.010502
CAKE 0.005206
CDF 17.527305
CELO 0.093307
CFX 0.128684
CHF 0.006013
CHZ 0.166271
CLP 6.863907
CNH 0.051939
CNY 0.051942
COMP 0.000334
COP 28.348279
CRC 3.453631
CRO 0.110212
CRV 0.031771
CSPR 2.573076
CUC 0.007637
CUP 0.183296
CVE 0.724505
CVX 0.004420
CYP 0.003845
CZK 0.159653
DAI 0.007642
DASH 0.000152
DCR 0.000437
DEM 0.012850
DFI 8.450050
DJF 1.361264
DKK 0.049099
DOGE 0.073011
DOP 0.449792
DOT 0.006098
DYDX 0.049977
DZD 1.013589
EEK 0.102803
EGLD 0.001925
EGP 0.408020
ENJ 0.169040
EOS 0.093703
ERN 0.114558
ESP 1.093203
ETB 1.232815
ETC 0.000841
ETH 0.000004
EUR 0.006570
EURC 0.006565
FEI 0.007683
FIL 0.007875
FIM 0.039065
FJD 0.016811
FKP 0.005681
FLOW 0.211429
FLR 0.913969
FRAX 0.007692
FRF 0.043098
FTT 0.023273
GALA 2.231678
GBP 0.005681
GEL 0.020380
GGP 0.005681
GHC 881.906447
GHS 0.088191
GIP 0.005681
GMD 0.562237
GMX 0.001142
GNF 66.999301
GNO 0.000064
GRD 2.238823
GRT 0.302279
GT 0.001078
GTQ 0.058231
GUSD 0.007654
GYD 1.597647
HBAR 0.085334
HKD 0.059822
HNL 0.203148
HNT 0.009199
HOT 18.910757
HRK 0.049504
HT 0.052965
HUF 2.362939
ICP 0.002985
IDR 134.838942
IEP 0.005175
ILS 0.022188
IMP 0.005681
IMX 0.044144
INJ 0.001503
INR 0.738357
IQD 10.005976
IRR 10,094.310600
ISK 0.942189
ITL 12.721836
JEP 0.005681
JMD 1.208584
JOD 0.005415
JPY 1.213493
KAS 0.218477
KAVA 0.129409
KCS 0.000953
KDA 0.923579
KES 0.989010
KGS 0.668047
KHR 30.634574
KLAY 0.149337
KMF 3.232366
KNC 0.053136
KPW 6.873613
KRW 11.430373
KSM 0.001524
KWD 0.002359
KYD 0.006351
KZT 3.606824
LAK 167.572103
LBP 681.778344
LDO 0.021099
LEO 0.000760
LINK 0.000790
LKR 2.631710
LRC 0.453208
LRD 1.398003
LSL 0.125785
LTC 0.000140
LTL 0.022686
LUF 0.265044
LUNA 0.119299
LUNC 99.511929
LVL 0.004618
LYD 0.048617
MAD 0.070451
MANA 0.085390
MBX 0.195177
MDL 0.132757
MGA 32.070251
MGF 160.351253
MINA 0.133133
MKD 0.405013
MKR 0.000004
MMK 16.036100
MNT 27.328127
MOP 0.061617
MRO 3.052964
MRU 0.305296
MTL 0.002821
MUR 0.362035
MVR 0.117959
MWK 13.243295
MXN 0.132117
MXV 0.015005
MYR 0.030315
MZM 487.768915
MZN 0.487769
NAD 0.125785
NEAR 0.004569
NEO 0.002623
NEXO 0.008643
NFT 27,032.493315
NGN 10.475460
NIO 0.281074
NLG 0.014479
NOK 0.070783
NPR 1.181926
NZD 0.013008
OKB 0.000094
OMR 0.002940
ONE 3.760898
OP 0.058725
ORDI 0.001782
PAB 0.007637
PAXG 0.000002
PEN 0.026107
PEPE 2,038.031652
PGK 0.033306
PHP 0.469595
PI 0.050293
PKR 2.128193
PLN 0.027908
POL 0.083928
PTE 1.317223
PYG 47.109914
QAR 0.027799
QNT 0.000103
QTUM 0.008479
ROL 344.162474
RON 0.034416
RPL 0.004366
RSD 0.771502
RUB 0.546068
RUNE 0.017297
RVN 1.385298
RWF 11.179295
SAND 0.105208
SAR 0.028639
SBD 0.061373
SCR 0.111677
SDD 458.382562
SDG 4.583826
SEK 0.071324
SGD 0.009761
SHIB 1,313.391346
SHP 0.005681
SIT 1.574502
SKK 0.197936
SLE 0.174509
SLL 174.509215
SNX 0.024045
SOL 0.000088
SOS 4.358397
SPL 0.001273
SRD 0.283611
SRG 283.611189
SSP 35.951821
STD 162.257231
STN 0.162257
STX 0.031322
SUI 0.007077
SVC 0.066825
SYP 0.844287
SZL 0.125785
THB 0.248664
THETA 0.037702
TJS 0.070993
TMM 133.989407
TMT 0.026798
TND 0.022194
TON 0.003701
TOP 0.018393
TRL 348,124.067256
TRX 0.021314
TRY 0.348124
TTD 0.051790
TUSD 0.007648
TVD 0.010674
TWD 0.241253
TWT 0.016487
TZS 19.958636
UAH 0.338105
UGX 28.808684
UNI 0.002114
USD 0.007637
USDC 0.007641
USDD 0.007642
USDP 0.007649
USDT 0.007646
UYU 0.307994
UZS 92.344475
VAL 12.721836
VEB 396,020,114.312047
VED 3.960062
VEF 396,006.154285
VES 3.960062
VET 1.143900
VND 201.379998
VUV 0.908498
WAVES 0.019650
WEMIX 0.027275
WOO 0.443197
WST 0.020680
XAF 4.309821
XAG 0.000100
XAU 0.000002
XAUT 0.000002
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.020677
XCG 0.013766
XCH 0.002111
XDC 0.217947
XDR 0.005590
XEC 1,049.878528
XEM 11.367436
XLM 0.052879
XMR 0.000019
XOF 4.309821
XPD 0.000006
XPF 0.784043
XPT 0.000004
XRP 0.005547
XTZ 0.022311
YER 1.822370
ZAR 0.125785
ZEC 0.000012
ZIL 1.920485
ZMK 145.046934
ZMW 0.145047
ZWD 2.763900
ZWG 0.200436
ZWL 500.834592

No currencies match your search.

Cities in Haiti 275
Browse all cities and towns
Acul-du-Nord Anse-a-Galets Anse-à-Galets Anse-à-Pitres Anse-à-Veau Anse-d'Hainault Anse-d'Hainault Anse-Rouge Aquin Aquin Arcahaie Aubry Bahon Baie-de-Henne Bainet Banane Bannique Baradères Bas-Limbé Bassin-Bleu Belladère Belle-Anse Beraca Bois Neuf Bombardopolis Cabaret Camp-Marie Cange Cap-Haitien Cap-Haïtien Capotille Caracol Carice Carrefour Carrefour Cavaillon Cayes-Jacmel Cerca-la-Source Chalon Chansolme Chardonnières Cité Soleil Colline des Chênes Commune Anse-à-Foleur Commune Anse-à-Galets Commune Anse-à-Pitres Commune Anse-à-Veau Commune Anse-d'Hainault Commune Arcahaie Commune Arniquet Commune Bahon Commune Baie de Henne Commune Bainet Commune Baraderès Commune Bassin Bleu Commune Beaumont Commune Belle Anse Commune Bombardopolis Commune Bonbon Commune Borgne Commune Boucan Carré Commune Cabaret Commune Cap-Haïtien Commune Capotille Commune Caracol Commune Carice Commune Cavaillon Commune Cayes-Jacmel Commune Cerca Carvajal Commune Cerca-la-Source Commune Chambellan Commune Chansolme Commune Chardonnieres Commune Corail Commune Cornillon Commune Coteaux Commune Côtes-de-Fer Commune Croix-des-Bouquets Commune d’Aquin Commune d’Ennery Commune Dame-Marie Commune de Belladère Commune de Dessalines Commune de Grand Gosier Commune de Milot Commune de Saint-Louis-du-Sud Commune de Saint-Marc Commune de Saint-Michel-de-l'Attalaye Commune de Verrettes Commune des Gonaïves Commune Desdunes Commune Dondon Commune Ferrier Commune Fonds-Verettes Commune Fort-Liberté Commune Ganthier Commune Grand Saline Commune Grand-Goâve Commune Hinche Commune Île-à-Vache Commune Jacmel Commune Jean Rabel Commune L'Estere Commune La Chapelle Commune La Vallée de Jacmel Commune La Victoire Commune Lascahobas Commune Les Anglais Commune Les Irois Commune Limonade Commune Maissade Commune Maniche Commune Marigot Commune Marmelade Commune Miragoâne Commune Mirebalais Commune Môle-Saint-Nicolas Commune Mombin-Crochu Commune Mont Organisé Commune Moron Commune Ouanaminthe Commune Perches Commune Pestel Commune Petit-Goâve Commune Petit-Trou-de-Nippes Commune Petite Rivière de l'Artibonite Commune Petite-Rivière-de-Nippes Commune Pignon Commune Plaine du Nord Commune Plaisance Commune Pointe-à-Raquette Commune Port-à-Piment Commune Port-Salut Commune Quartier-Morin Commune Ranquitte Commune Roche-à-Bateau Commune Roseaux Commune Saint-Jean-du-Sud Commune Saint-Louis-du-Nord Commune Saint-Raphaël Commune Sainte-Suzanne Commune Saut-d'Eau Commune Savanette Commune Terrier Rouge Commune Thiotte Commune Thomassique Commune Thomazeau Commune Thomonde Commune Torbeck Commune Trou-du-Nord Commune Vallières Corail Côteaux Croix-des-Bouquets Croix-des-Bouquets Dame Marie Dame-Marie Delmas Delmas Derac Dérac Deschapelles Desdunes Desdunes Dessalines Dessalines Dlemeche Dondon Ennery Étroits Fond-des-Blancs Fonds-des-Nègres Fonds-Parisien Fonds-Verrettes Fort-Liberte Fort-Liberté Ganthier Gonaives Grand-Bassin Grand-Goâve Grand-Gosier Grande Caille Grande Riviere du Nord Grande-Rivière-du-Nord Grande-Saline Gros-Morne Gros-Morne Hinche Hinche Île de La Tortue Jacmel Jacmel Jean-Rabel Jeanton Jeremie Jérémie Kenscoff L'Artibonite L'Asile La Chapelle Lascahobas Lascahobas Le Borgne Leogane Léogâne Les Anglais Les Cayes Les Cayes Les Gonaïves Liancourt Limbe Limbé Limonade Maïssade Mapou Marchand Déssalines Mare-Rouge Marigot Marmelade Milot Miragoane Miragoâne Mirebalais Mirebalais Môle-Saint-Nicolas Mombin-Crochu Mont-Organisé Moron Ouanaminthe Ouanaminthe Perches Pestel Pétion-Ville Petionville Petit Goave Petit-Goâve Petit-Trou-de-Nippes Petite-Rivière-de-l'Artibonite Pignon Pignon Plaisance Pointe-à-Raquette Pont-Sondé Port-à-Piment Port-au-Prince Port-au-Prince Port-de-Paix Port-de-Paix Port-Salut Quartier-Morin Ranquitte Saint-Louis-du-Nord Saint-Louis-du-Nord Saint-Louis-du-Sud Saint-Marc Saint-Marc Saint-Michel-de-l'Atalaye Saint-Michel-de-l'Attalaye Saint-Michel-du-Sud Saint-Raphael Saint-Raphaël Sainte Anne Tabarre Terre-Neuve Terrier-Rouge Thiotte Thomassique Thomazeau Thomonde Tilory Trou-du-Nord Trou-du-Nord Vallières Verrettes Verrettes

Visa Requirements

Check what visa a citizen of Haiti needs to enter any country.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the capital of Haiti?
The capital of Haiti is Port-au-Prince.
What currency does Haiti use?
Haiti uses the Haitian gourde (G) as its official currency.
What language is spoken in Haiti?
The official language(s) of Haiti include French, Haitian Creole.
What is the population of Haiti?
Haiti has a population of approximately 11,867,032 people.
What region is Haiti in?
Haiti is located in Americas, specifically in the Caribbean subregion.
What is the international calling code for Haiti?
The international dialing code for Haiti is +509.
What time zones does Haiti observe?
Haiti observes the following time zone(s): UTC-05:00.
What is the current time in Haiti?
The local time in Haiti is currently --:--. This time applies to the primary time zone.
What is the total area of Haiti?
Haiti covers a total area of 27,750 km².
How many states or provinces does Haiti have?
Haiti is divided into 16 states or provinces.
What are the public holidays in Haiti in 2026?
You can view the complete list of public holidays for Haiti in 2026 on the Holidays 2026 page.
What are the visa requirements for citizens of Haiti?
Visa requirements for citizens of Haiti vary by destination. Use our Visa Requirements Checker below to look up requirements for any destination country.