Among other issues, Haiti has long had a reputation for violence in the country, dating back to the 1970s and 80s under then-President Baby Doc Duvalier.
Apparently, not much has changed.
The United States Department of State has issued a Level 4 travel advisory for the Caribbean nation, which is beset by gang-related violence that includes periods of sustained gunfire.
Several areas in the capital city of Port-au-Prince have been affected. It also includes areas around the airport, the seaport and the U.S. Embassy.
Because of the violence and the civil unrest, the U.S. Embassy is advising American citizens not to travel to Haiti. Those already in the country are advised to take extreme caution. Observers are hopeful that the violence doesn’t spread beyond the capital or to neighboring countries such as the Dominican Republic.
Travelers are warned that the embassy could be compromised, and that there may be a disruption in emergency services.
And if the airport and seaport are impacted, there could be a huge problem in getting out of the nation. It’s obviously best not to travel to Haiti right now or, if you are already there, to shelter in place.
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