Haiti

Formalities

The visa, step by step

Visa-free

Allowed stay

Up to 90 days (3 months)

Cost

Free, but a USD 10 tourist tax in cash on arrival

Processing

Immediate (on arrival)

How to apply

Visa-free entry for tourism. On arrival at the airport, you pay the USD 10 tourist tax in cash (a booth before immigration; keep the receipt) and receive the entry stamp.

Required documents

Passport valid 6 months beyond the stay
Round-trip or onward flight ticket
USD 10 in cash for the tourist tax

Good to know

•The visa exemption is real but largely theoretical: access and security make travel very difficult in 2026.
•Port-au-Prince international airport (PAP) is closed to commercial flights because of gang attacks; any realistic arrival is via Cap-Haïtien (CAP).
•Verify the rules with the embassy before any departure: policies can change.

How much it costs

A one-week budget

Backpacker

210 000 FCFA

/ week, excl. flight

Comfort

420 000 FCFA

/ week, excl. flight

Round-trip flight from Douala / Yaoundé

960 000 FCFA–1 620 000 FCFA

No direct flights, and Port-au-Prince (PAP) is NOT a viable destination: commercial flights there are suspended (gangs). Aim for Cap-Haïtien (CAP) in the north, via Europe or Istanbul then a US/Caribbean hub and a regional flight (Sunrise Airways). Expect 24 to 40 h+ and 2-3 connections.

Indicative round-trip price: it varies widely by season, layover and how early you book.

Where the money goes (backpacker estimate)

🏨270 000 FCFA

🍽️72 000 FCFA

🚕48 000 FCFA

🎟️66 000 FCFA

Hostel

12 000 FCFA–30 000 FCFA

Mid-range

36 000 FCFA–72 000 FCFA

Nice hotel

78 000 FCFA–126 000 FCFA

Tailored

Budget simulator

Duration (days)Travelers

Comfort level

Include flight

Estimated total budget

1 170 000 FCFA

Must-sees

What to do there

1

The Citadelle Laferrière (UNESCO)

The largest fortress in the Americas, perched at 900 m near Milot, about 27 km from Cap-Haïtien. The north is noticeably calmer than the capital.

2

The Sans-Souci Palace (UNESCO, Milot)

The ruins of King Henri Christophe's royal palace, in the same National History Park as the Citadelle.

3

The old town of Cap-Haïtien

Colonial architecture and a port-town atmosphere: the most realistic base for a stay, relatively peaceful.

4

Jacmel, town of artists (south)

Famous for its papier-mâché masks and its carnival. Access means crossing risky central areas: verify security beforehand.

5

Bassin Bleu (near Jacmel)

A series of turquoise pools fed by waterfalls where you can swim.

6

Labadee (north coast)

A private beach enclave near Cap-Haïtien, frequented by cruise ships: secured but isolated.

Itinerary

One week, day by day

D1
Arrival in Cap-Haïtien (CAP), settling in and the old town
D2
Excursion to the Citadelle Laferrière (full day)
D3
Sans-Souci Palace and the Milot National History Park
D4
Cap-Haïtien: markets and cathedral
D5
Beach day at Labadee / the north coast
D6
Cormier and Plage Coco beaches, local cuisine
D7
Departure from Cap-Haïtien (CAP)

✓