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: 2026-10-06
⌕
Currency CodeRate
1INCH 0.072388
AAVE 0.000042
ADA 0.028400
AED 0.028105
AFN 0.494454
AKT 0.010000
ALGO 0.059588
ALL 0.627711
AMD 2.768586
AMP 11.934712
ANG 0.013761
AOA 7.010016
APE 0.047765
APT 0.009321
AR 0.001698
ARB 0.037539
ARS 11.631580
ATOM 0.004203
ATS 0.093897
AUD 0.010982
AVAX 0.000674
AWG 0.013698
AXS 0.005843
AZM 65.049267
AZN 0.013010
BAKE 29.815122
BAM 0.013346
BAT 0.072550
BBD 0.015306
BCH 0.000024
BDT 0.940753
BEF 0.275270
BGN 0.013346
BHD 0.002877
BIF 22.992089
BMD 0.007653
BNB 0.000010
BND 0.009792
BOB 0.091802
BRL 0.038254
BSD 0.007653
BSV 0.000383
BSW 18.597295
BTC 0.000000
BTCB 0.109529
BTG 0.011600
BTN 0.737863
BTT 20,584.712499
BUSD 0.007651
BWP 0.105327
BYN 0.023346
BYR 150.014659
BZD 0.015390
CAD 0.010919
CAKE 0.003129
CDF 17.685474
CELO 0.073585
CFX 0.139468
CHF 0.006365
CHZ 0.457492
CLP 7.446349
CNH 0.051297
CNY 0.051313
COMP 0.000312
COP 24.478387
CRC 3.501798
CRO 0.112694
CRV 0.020759
CSPR 3.000131
CUC 0.007654
CUP 0.183313
CVE 0.752455
CVX 0.003457
CYP 0.003994
CZK 0.166936
DAI 0.007656
DASH 0.000135
DCR 0.000415
DEM 0.013346
DFI 8.373268
DJF 1.361432
DKK 0.051001
DOGE 0.080710
DOP 0.458638
DOT 0.006185
DYDX 0.052377
DZD 1.028732
EEK 0.106769
EGLD 0.001712
EGP 0.401219
ENJ 0.231167
EOS 0.075306
ERN 0.114791
ESP 1.135377
ETB 1.244811
ETC 0.000862
ETH 0.000003
EUR 0.006824
EURC 0.006823
FEI 0.007656
FIL 0.006411
FIM 0.040572
FJD 0.017219
FKP 0.005791
FLOW 0.241873
FLR 1.061687
FRAX 0.007730
FRF 0.044761
FTT 0.029625
GALA 3.158593
GBP 0.005791
GEL 0.019863
GGP 0.005791
GHC 899.707520
GHS 0.089971
GIP 0.005791
GMD 0.566388
GMX 0.000872
GNF 67.284269
GNO 0.000063
GRD 2.325194
GRT 0.262825
GT 0.000684
GTQ 0.058401
GUSD 0.007669
GYD 1.597507
HBAR 0.076020
HKD 0.060055
HNL 0.205200
HNT 0.014748
HOT 16.710532
HRK 0.051414
HT 0.209816
HUF 2.506727
ICP 0.002195
IDR 137.100857
IEP 0.005374
ILS 0.023403
IMP 0.005791
IMX 0.041736
INJ 0.001010
INR 0.737863
IQD 10.004735
IRR 13,763.672733
ISK 0.934386
ITL 13.212632
JEP 0.005791
JMD 1.211013
JOD 0.005426
JPY 1.209987
KAS 0.178382
KAVA 0.110389
KCS 0.001008
KDA 0.783839
KES 0.993395
KGS 0.669299
KHR 31.002086
KLAY 0.183747
KMF 3.357067
KNC 0.053427
KPW 6.888431
KRW 10.273542
KSM 0.001494
KWD 0.002366
KYD 0.006362
KZT 3.484135
LAK 171.717998
LBP 690.144991
LDO 0.016706
LEO 0.000861
LINK 0.000553
LKR 2.524124
LRC 0.745387
LRD 1.305933
LSL 0.127410
LTC 0.000110
LTL 0.023561
LUF 0.275270
LUNA 0.149860
LUNC 144.730709
LVL 0.004796
LYD 0.049101
MAD 0.076380
MANA 0.074003
MBX 0.258751
MDL 0.137153
MGA 33.889768
MGF 169.448840
MINA 0.056801
MKD 0.419842
MKR 0.000004
MMK 16.064459
MNT 27.512981
MOP 0.061856
MRO 3.063928
MRU 0.306393
MTL 0.002929
MUR 0.362757
MVR 0.118309
MWK 13.245606
MXN 0.138325
MXV 0.015725
MYR 0.031266
MZM 488.469281
MZN 0.488469
NAD 0.127410
NEAR 0.001464
NEO 0.003019
NEXO 0.008999
NFT 32,070.102996
NGN 10.117278
NIO 0.281339
NLG 0.015038
NOK 0.073450
NPR 1.181135
NZD 0.013672
OKB 0.000059
OMR 0.002945
ONE 0.052250
OP 0.056928
ORDI 0.001682
PAB 0.007653
PAXG 0.000002
PEN 0.026349
PEPE 1,769.490189
PGK 0.034478
PHP 0.480947
PI 0.087668
PKR 2.115988
PLN 0.029892
POL 0.069981
PTE 1.368040
PYG 44.707284
QAR 0.027856
QNT 0.000030
QTUM 0.007807
ROL 364.753509
RON 0.036475
RPL 0.004002
RSD 0.801480
RUB 0.649258
RUNE 0.009857
RVN 3.119088
RWF 11.279931
SAND 0.116377
SAR 0.028698
SBD 0.061748
SCR 0.108392
SDD 459.303256
SDG 4.593033
SEK 0.076869
SGD 0.009792
SHIB 1,307.323612
SHP 0.005791
SIT 1.635245
SKK 0.205572
SLE 0.176433
SLL 176.433315
SNX 0.030565
SOL 0.000064
SOS 4.354051
SPL 0.001275
SRD 0.288553
SRG 288.553206
SSP 43.824513
STD 168.366757
STN 0.168367
STX 0.020422
SUI 0.006412
SVC 0.066962
SYP 99.514828
SZL 0.127410
THB 0.257589
THETA 0.033049
TJS 0.070433
TMM 134.281961
TMT 0.026856
TND 0.022903
TOP 0.018431
TRL 376,328.519032
TRX 0.022774
TRY 0.376329
TTD 0.051815
TUSD 0.007659
TVD 0.010982
TWD 0.243219
TWT 0.013405
TZS 20.190919
UAH 0.344674
UGX 30.765171
UNI 0.000864
USD 0.007653
USDC 0.007655
USDD 0.007658
USDP 0.007698
USDT 0.007657
UYU 0.309141
UZS 90.020105
VAL 13.212632
VEB 666,343,752.062406
VED 6.663438
VEF 666,343.752062
VES 6.663438
VET 0.876945
VND 198.936057
VUV 0.919953
WAVES 0.025652
WEMIX 0.039961
WOO 0.559070
WST 0.021299
XAF 4.476090
XAG 0.000126
XAU 0.000002
XAUT 0.000002
XBT 0.000000
XCD 0.020715
XCG 0.013761
XCH 0.004890
XDC 0.227726
XDR 0.005657
XEC 959.663298
XEM 12.189229
XLM 0.035459
XMR 0.000014
XOF 4.476090
XPD 0.000007
XPF 0.814291
XPT 0.000004
XRP 0.005093
XTZ 0.022905
YER 1.807562
ZAR 0.127410
ZEC 0.000006
ZIL 2.097168
ZMK 151.297556
ZMW 0.151298
ZWD 2.769530
ZWG 0.204876
ZWL 511.928170

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.