Source: New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade – Safe Travel
- Reviewed: 15 December 2021, 12:13 NZDT
- Still current at: 15 December 2021
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We currently advise that all New Zealanders do not travel overseas at this time due to the COVID-19 pandemic, associated health risks and widespread travel restrictions.
The global situation remains complex. International travel can be complicated with fewer international flights available and disruptions to transit routes and hubs. Any destination could experience a sudden increase in cases of COVID-19 and a heightened risk to travellers of contracting the virus. Strict health measures and movement restrictions could be imposed suddenly, particularly in response to new variants of concern. Should you decide to travel overseas at this time, be prepared to remain overseas longer than you intended. You should also be aware that your travel insurance may not cover travel disruption or medical expenses. Talk to your insurer about how sudden changes to the international travel environment might affect your insurance.
Managed Isolation and Quarantine in New Zealand
Travellers to New Zealand may be required to enter government-provided managed isolation and quarantine (MIQ). The length of your stay in MIQ may depend on where you are travelling from. Detailed information about MIQ requirements in New Zealand can be found at www.miq.govt.nz.
Pre-departure testing requirements for travellers to New Zealand
Most travellers must have a negative pre-departure test result and approved documentation to enter New Zealand. Detailed information about pre-departure testing requirements can be found on the Unite Against COVID-19 website here.
We recognise that some New Zealanders do continue to live and travel overseas. We continue to provide destination-specific advice about other safety and security risks below.
Haiti
Temporary Post Closure
Due to the increasing suspension of airlinks and unprecedented operational pressures, New Zealand has temporarily withdrawn staff from its Embassy in Bridgetown (accredited to Haiti). Consular services in country are unavailable until further notice.
New Zealanders who require emergency consular assistance should contact the 24/7 Consular emergency line on 0800 30 10 30 (within New Zealand) or +64 99 20 20 20 (outside of New Zealand) or email cons@mfat.govt.nz.
Violent crime
The security situation in Haiti is unpredictable and crime levels are high throughout the country. Murder, armed robbery and carjacking is prevalent and there is an increased risk at night and in isolated areas. Local law enforcement’s response to crime is often limited.
New Zealanders are advised to exercise a high degree of vigilance at all times, particularly in Port-au-Prince and near Haiti’s border with the Dominican Republic. We recommend avoiding travel after dark and the use of public transport, including shared taxis (tap-taps) and buses. We also recommend making adequate security arrangements to avoid travelling alone in Haiti. The presence of one or more travelling companions with reliable local knowledge may help mitigate the risks.
Criminals have been known to follow travellers from the airport in Port-au-Prince to carry out robberies or carjackings. We recommend travelling with doors locked and windows up at all times and arranging transport from the airport before arrival. No resistance should be given if you are the victim of an armed robbery or carjacking as this could lead to an escalation in violence.
There is a threat of kidnapping in Haiti. Most kidnappings are financially motivated and victims are often targeted due to their perceived wealth. It is therefore advisable to avoid wearing or displaying items that appear valuable, such as jewellery and mobile devices.
New Zealanders are advised to take particular care when withdrawing money from banks, as criminals have been known to target customers as they leave banks.
Civil unrest
The political situation in Haiti is unpredictable. Demonstrations and road blocks are commonplace in Port-au-Prince and other cities. We recommend you avoid all demonstrations as they have the potential to turn violent. You should monitor local media and government announcements for information. Adhere to any instructions issued by the local authorities, including curfews and other security regulations issued in response to protest activity.
General travel advice
Hurricane season is June to November, during which landslides, flooding and disruption to essential services is likely to be severe.
Foreigners taking photos have sometimes been regarded with suspicion and assaulted, particularly in remote areas. Avoid taking photos of individuals without permission.
As there is no New Zealand diplomatic presence in Haiti, the ability of the government to provide consular assistance to New Zealand citizens is severely limited. We offer advice to New Zealanders about contingency planning that travellers to Haiti should consider.
New Zealanders travelling or living in Haiti should have a comprehensive travel insurance policy in place that includes provision for medical evacuation by air.
New Zealanders in Haiti are encouraged to register their details with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Travel tips
The New Zealand High Commission Bridgetown, Barbados is accredited to Haiti
Street Address Lower Collymore Rock, Bridgetown, BB11000,Barbados Postal Address PO BOX 676, Lower Collymore Rock, Bridgetown, BB11000,Barbados Telephone +1 246 622 7800 Fax +1 246 622 7808 Email NZHCBarbados@mfat.govt.nz Web Site https://www.mfat.govt.nz/barbados Hours Mon – Thur 7:45am – 4.00pm Fri 8.00am – 1pm
See our regional advice for the Caribbean
