Travel Vaccines and Advice for Haiti
Although damaged by natural disasters, Haiti remains a strong and unique country. Haiti remains a top producer of various produce and plants. It is a common destination for foreign aid workers.
On This Page:
Do I Need Vaccines for Haiti?
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Haiti?
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Haiti?
What Is the Climate Like in Haiti?
How Safe Is Haiti?
Voudo in Haiti
What Should I Take to Haiti?
Canadian Embassy in Haiti
Do I Need Vaccines for Haiti?
Yes, some vaccines are recommended or required for Haiti. The PHAC and WHO recommend the following vaccinations for Haiti: typhoid, cholera, hepatitis A, polio, yellow fever, rabies, hepatitis B, influenza, pneumonia, meningitis, chickenpox, shingles, Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis) and measles, mumps and rubella (MMR).
See the bullets below to learn more about some of these key immunizations:
- Typhoid –
Food & Water –
Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. - Cholera –
Food & Water –
Haiti has been the site of ongoing cholera outbreaks for many years. Vaccination is recommended for most travellers. - Hepatitis A –
Food & Water –
Recommended for most travellers. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. - Yellow Fever –
Mosquito –
Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. - Rabies –
Saliva of Infected Animals –
High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. - Hepatitis B –
Blood & Body Fluids –
Recommended for travellers to most regions. - Influenza –
Airborne –
Vaccine components change annually. - COVID-19 –
Airborne –
Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. - Pneumonia –
Airborne –
Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. - Meningitis –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. - Chickenpox –
Direct Contact & Airborne –
Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. - Shingles –
Direct Contact –
Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. - Polio –
Food & Water –
Considered a routine vaccination for most travel itineraries. Single adult booster recommended. - TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) –
Wounds & Airborne –
Only one adult booster of pertussis required. - Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) –
Various Vectors –
Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended.
See the table below for more information:
Recommended Travel Vaccinations for Haiti |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Typhoid | Food & Water | Shot lasts 2 years. Oral vaccine lasts 5 years, must be able to swallow pills. Oral doses must be kept in refrigerator. |
| Cholera | Food & Water | Haiti has been the site of ongoing cholera outbreaks for many years. Vaccination is recommended for most travellers. |
| Hepatitis A | Food & Water | Recommended for most travellers. |
| Polio | Food & Water | Due to an increase in cases globally, an additional adult booster is recommended for most travellers to any destination. |
| Yellow Fever | Mosquito | Required if travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever transmission. |
| Rabies | Saliva of Infected Animals | High risk country. Vaccine recommended for long-term travellers and those who may come in contact with animals. |
| Hepatitis B | Blood & Body Fluids | Recommended for travellers to most regions. |
Routine Vaccinations for Haiti |
||
| VACCINE | HOW DISEASE SPREADS | DETAILS |
|---|---|---|
| Influenza | Airborne | Vaccine components change annually. |
| COVID-19 | Airborne | Recommended for travel to all regions, both foreign and domestic. |
| Pneumonia | Airborne | Two vaccines given separately. All 65+ or immunocompromised should receive both. |
| Meningitis | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to anyone unvaccinated or at an increased risk, especially students. |
| Chickenpox | Direct Contact & Airborne | Given to those unvaccinated that did not have chickenpox. |
| Shingles | Direct Contact | Vaccine can still be given if you have had shingles. |
| TDAP (Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis) | Wounds & Airborne | Only one adult booster of pertussis required. |
| Measles Mumps Rubella (MMR) | Various Vectors | Given to anyone unvaccinated and/or born after 1957. One time adult booster recommended. |
Specific Vaccine Information
- Typhoid – Typhoid, caused by Salmonella Typhi, spreads via contaminated food and water, especially in areas with poor sanitation. Protect yourself by practicing good hygiene and safe food habits. Vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of typhoid infection, especially when travelling to endemic areas.
- Cholera – Spread through contaminated food or water, cholera is a potentially deadly infection. It often leads to severe diarrhea and dehydration. The cholera vaccine provides protection by stimulating the immune system to combat the bacteria. The vaccine is mainly recommended for travellers and in areas with high infection rates.
- Hepatitis A – Hepatitis A is an infectious liver disease caused by the hepatitis A virus, often spread through contaminated food or water, or via direct contact with someone infected. It leads to liver inflammation, potentially impairing its function, and manifests as symptoms like tiredness, stomach pain, nausea, and yellowing of the skin or eyes. The vaccine for hepatitis A offers robust protection against this virus. It is typically given in two doses over a six-month period and is advised for those travelling to regions with higher risk or for people more likely to come into contact with the virus.
- Yellow Fever – To shield against yellow fever, travellers should prioritize vaccination, as it offers robust and durable immunity. The vaccine is recommended for those visiting endemic areas, ensuring their safety by reducing the risk of contracting the virus from infected mosquitoes.
- Rabies – Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting mammals, including humans, primarily transmitted through bites or scratches from infected animals. Vaccination is key to preventing rabies, with pre-exposure shots effectively preventing infection.
- Hepatitis B – The hepatitis B virus leads to liver infection through contact with infected fluids. The most effective safeguard is the hepatitis B vaccine, administered in a series of shots that stimulate the body to produce antibodies, providing long-term immunity. It is crucial for infants and those at an increased risk of exposure.
- Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) – Measles, mumps, and rubella are preventable diseases that require a proactive approach through vaccination. The MMR vaccine, given in two doses, is a powerful tool in stopping the transmission of these viruses. Ensuring widespread vaccination coverage is essential to protect vulnerable populations and prevent outbreaks.
Malaria in Haiti
Antimalarials are recommended for travellers to all regions of Haiti. Atovaquone, chloroquine, doxycycline, mefloquine and tafenoquine are suggested as antimalarials if travelling to the region. Consult with a travel health specialist on which antimalarial will best fit your needs.
Zika is a high risk in Haiti. Zika in a pregnant individual can cause severe birth defects and pregnant women are strongly cautioned against travelling to Haiti. Zika can be passed through mosquitoes and through sexual intercourse.
Medical facilities in Haiti are rare and usually not of the highest quality. You should purchase medical evacuation insurance before travelling to Haiti.
Visit our vaccinations page to learn more. Travel safely with Passport Health and schedule your appointment today by calling or book online now.
Other Ways to Stay Healthy in Haiti?
Prevent Bug Bites in Haiti
Prevent bug bites by covering up and using insect repellents with DEET or picaridin. If bitten, wash the bite, resist scratching, and soothe with hydrocortisone or antihistamines. Seek urgent care for severe reactions.
Food and Water Safety in Haiti
Abroad, make wise food choices by familiarizing yourself with local cuisine and favoring established restaurants. Frequent hand-washing is crucial, and it’s advisable to steer clear of street food, opting for thoroughly cooked options.
Altitude Sickness in Haiti
Altitude sickness, or acute mountain sickness (AMS), results from oxygen deprivation at high altitudes, leading to symptoms like headaches and nausea. Prevent AMS by ascending slowly, staying hydrated, and considering medication. If symptoms worsen, descend immediately to lower altitudes and seek medical assistance.
Infections To Be Aware of in Haiti
- Dengue – Dengue fever is a significant global health concern. Symptoms can escalate from mild fever to life-threatening conditions. Preventing mosquito bites is key to avoidance, with recommendations including repellent and netting use.
- Zika – Zika, a mosquito-borne virus, is primarily spread through mosquito bites and can cause serious health issues. Prevention strategies include using mosquito repellent and practicing safe sex.
Do I Need a Visa or Passport for Haiti?
A visa is not required for business or tourism stays under 90 days. A valid passport is required in order to enter Haiti. A $10 USD entry fee must be paid upon arrival.
Haiti Entry Requirements |
||
| Do I Need A… | For My Trip to Haiti? | |
|---|---|---|
| Passport |  |
|
| Tourist Visa | ||
| Business Visa | ||
| Vaccinations | |
|
Sources: Embassy of Haiti and Canadian Travel and Tourism
Visit the Canadian Travel and Tourism website for more information on entry and exit requirements.
What Is the Climate Like in Haiti?
Haiti has a warm and tropical climate with consistent temperatures throughout the year. The country has two seasons: a rainy season from May to October and a dry season from November to April. Some of Haiti’s popular tourist destinations include Port-au-Prince, Jacmel, Cap-Haïtien, and Labadee.
Port-au-Prince has temperatures that range from 25 to 30 degrees throughout the year, with the rainy season from May to October. Jacmel, located on the southern coast of Haiti, has a climate similar to Port-au-Prince with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 throughout the year and a rainy season from May to October.
Cap-Haïtien, a historic city on the northern coast of Haiti, is cooler than Port-au-Prince and Jacmel with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30. Its rainy season is from May to October. Labadee, a private resort on the northern coast of Haiti, has a climate similar to Cap-Haïtien with temperatures ranging from 20 to 30 throughout the year.
It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast before planning a trip to any destination to ensure that you are prepared for the current conditions.
How Safe Is Haiti?
The Canadian government has issued a travel warning for Haiti. Travellers are cautioned from travelling to Haiti due to health concerns of zika and cholera. There are limited medical facilities in the country, making travel here dangerous.
Although the potential for terrorist activity is low, the potential for political crime is high.
You should arrange airport and hotel transfers in advance.
Only use cameras with permission.
Voudo in Haiti
Avoid an Embarrassing Stop
Over 70% of travellers
will have diarrhea.
Get protected with Passport Health’s
travellers’ diarrhea kit!
Voudo is one of the most widely practiced religions in Haiti. Originally brought to Haiti by slaves from Africa. Many slaves disguised their Voudo practices by giving spirits different Catholic names.
The basic belief of Voudo is that everything is spirit. There are different spirits in the visible and unseen world.
Voudo temples are often unassuming and tucked away. As a traveller you will need a local guide to locate and find a Voudo ceremony. Most places accept tourists, but it’s always good to create a good relationship with the priest first. As a tourist, you may be asked for a cash donation.
What Should I Take to Haiti?
Here are some essential items to consider for your trip to Haiti:
- Loose-Fitting Clothes – Practical clothing to stay cool in Haiti’s heat.
- Close-Toed Shoes – Streets and sewers fill quickly during the rainy season and it’s not safe to walk barefoot in these conditions.
- Swimwear – Haitians are more conservative than Canadians when it comes to the beach.
- Sunscreen and Mosquito Repellent – To help repel mosquitoes.
- Spare Batteries and Travel Chargers – Electricity is not always available in Haiti.
Canadian Embassy in Haiti
Canadian consular services can help travellers with many issues they may face including passport services. Once in Haiti, the information for the Canadian Embassy is:
Canadian Embassy in Haiti
Delmas between Delmas 75 and 71
Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Telephone: 011 (509) 2812-9000
Ready to start your next journey? Call us at or book online now!
Customer Reviews
Passport Health – Travel Vaccines for Haiti
“I went to the Passport Health Clinic to find out what vaccinations my fiance and I need for our upcoming trip to Haiti. I left with so much information and all my questions were answered. It was highly beneficial in helping me make the right decisions on what I need to have a safe trip.”
“Very thorough and comprehensive review of requirements for Haiti. Answered all our questions with very knowledgeable answers.”
“I found the link to your company from travel.gc.ca and your website was easy to navigate. Love that! Got the information I needed and I completed the required form easily from my smart phone. Awesome! Called the number for help and was greeted promptly by a live agent who took care of my needs with expediency, efficiency and effectively. When I showed up for my appointment, the staff there was ALL very courteous, kind, concerned, and HELPFUL. The nurse who took care of me, Alice, was sterling. She was so prepared for our meeting, so organized, so helpful, so professional, and she is a very good listener and was able to addressed my questions and concerns very knowledgeably. I found an email with the DIN for the vaccines which, to me, was above and beyond the kind of service I expected. She thought to do everything. I can’t say enough how grateful I am for the help I got today. I would definitely use your services again when I travel. AND the handout with all kinds of useful information about Haiti. Thank you all.”
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