Port-au-Prince: what to see and whether to move there

The city in 2026: what to know first

Port-au-Prince is the capital of Haiti, with almost 3 million people in the metropolitan area. The places listed above are part of the city's history and culture, but in 2026 many of them are inaccessible: armed groups control, by various estimates, 70 to 90% of the capital, including the historic centre. More than a million people in the country have fled their homes because of violence, and some businesses, embassy services and organisations have moved to Pétion-Ville, other Haitian cities or the neighbouring Dominican Republic.

This guide is not an invitation to move. Port-au-Prince currently suits only staff of humanitarian and international organisations, journalists and specialists on contracts where the employer provides security, housing and evacuation.

History and culture

Haiti became independent in 1804 after a slave revolt, the first republic in the world founded by former slaves. The capital is known for naive painting and metal sculpture, music and carnival, and the 19th-century Iron Market was one of the city's symbols. The earthquake of 12 January 2010 destroyed the presidential palace, the cathedral and much of the centre, and many buildings were never rebuilt. In 2026 cultural life has largely moved to Pétion-Ville and to Haitian communities abroad.

Districts

• Historic centre - the Champ de Mars, the cathedral ruins and government buildings. In 2026 the area is controlled by armed groups and inaccessible.
• Pétion-Ville - a hillside suburb where many offices, restaurants and hotels have moved, though it too has been attacked.
• Tabarre - a northern district where the US embassy is located.
• Delmas - a long thoroughfare and residential neighbourhoods between the centre and Pétion-Ville; the situation varies from block to block.
• Kenscoff - mountain villages above the city with a cool climate, once popular for weekends.

Safety

The US rates Haiti at its highest level, four, with a do-not-travel recommendation: kidnapping, gang violence and armed crime. Kidnappings for ransom also target foreigners. Since 2026 a new UN-backed force to fight armed groups has been operating in the country, but the situation changes quickly and remains dangerous even in areas once considered calm.

• Move only with security on agreed routes and do not walk.
• Live in a secure compound or a hotel with guards.
• Stay in contact with your employer's security team and consulate, and have an evacuation plan.
• Do not post your routes or place of residence on social media.

Entry and getting there

Port-au-Prince international airport operates with interruptions: in April 2026 flights were suspended because of gunfire near the airport, and some airlines have stopped flying there. Many people enter through Cap-Haïtien in the north or via the Dominican Republic. Before travelling, check the current schedule and the entry rules for your passport.

Money and prices

The local currency is the gourde, about 131 gourdes to the dollar in early October 2026. US dollars are widely used, especially for housing, security and transport. ATMs work unreliably, and many transactions are in cash or via mobile payments. Imported food and fuel are expensive and periodically disappear because of road blockades, and housing for foreigners in guarded compounds is costly and usually paid by the employer.

Health and daily life

• Healthcare has been devastated by the crisis: many hospitals are closed or working partially, and serious treatment requires evacuation abroad, so insurance with evacuation is essential.
• Power and water. Power cuts are constant, a generator and water storage are needed, and only bottled water is safe to drink.
• Language. The official languages are Haitian Creole and French; English is common among staff of organisations.
• Climate is tropical, hot all year, with a hurricane season from June to November.

Work and legal status

Foreigners in Port-au-Prince almost always work on contracts with an international organisation, embassy or company that handles documents, security and housing. Opening your own business in the capital in 2026 is extremely risky: roads are blockaded, warehouses and shops are looted, and work depends on the front line between armed groups. Entrepreneurs dealing with Haiti usually run their business from the Dominican Republic.

If you are still going for work

• Contract. Make sure the employer provides security, armoured transport, housing in a secure compound and an evacuation plan.
• Insurance with medical evacuation and cover for a country at the highest danger level: ordinary travel policies do not cover such trips.
• Health. Haiti has a malaria risk and cholera outbreaks, so see a doctor, get vaccinations and take a supply of medicines before travelling.
• Money. Cash dollars in small notes, and paper and electronic copies of documents.
• Connectivity. A local SIM card, a satellite or backup channel, and contacts for the consulate and security team.

An alternative for living

If the Caribbean appeals to you, there are calmer options for living. The neighbouring Dominican Republic offers residence and a remote work visa, a warm climate, affordable living and direct flights to Europe and the Americas. More on the pages about the Dominican Republic remote work visa and taxes in the Dominican Republic. Write in the chat and we will find a country for your budget and goals.