Haiti Crime Rate & Safety
Homicide statistics, crime trends, and travel safety for Haiti
Haiti recorded 41.1 intentional homicides per 100,000 people in 2023, a rate that is among the highest in the world. That places Haiti #8 of 195 countries by homicide rate, compared with the Americas average of 20.8 per 100,000 and a world average of 5.2. Homicide rates have risen 305% over the past decade (from 10.2 in 2013). For travelers, the US State Department currently rates Haiti at Level 4 of 4: Do Not Travel.
Homicide Rate
41.1 /100k
Safety Rank
#188 of 195
Travel Advisory
Level 4 of 4
Data Year
2023
Homicide Rate Trend (2007-2023)
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people. Homicide rates have risen 305% over the past decade (from 10.2 in 2013). Source: UNODC via World Bank.
How Haiti Compares
Intentional homicides per 100,000 people, latest available year per country.
Who Is Affected
In Haiti, the homicide rate for men is 8.5× higher than the rate for women — 74.2 vs 8.7 per 100,000 (2023).
Homicide victims per 100,000 of each sex. Source: UNODC via World Bank.
Armed Conflict Context
Haiti has recorded battle-related deaths in recent years. Conflict deaths are counted separately from homicides — a country can have a moderate crime rate but significant conflict risk, and travel advisories weigh both.
Battle-Related Deaths
193(2024)
Military Spending
0.1% GDP(2024)
Safety for Travelers
Summary of the current US State Department advisory for Haiti:
There was no change to the advisory level or risk indicators. Advisory summary was updated. Do Not Travel to Haiti due to the risk of crime , terrorism , kidnapping , unrest , and limited health care . Read the entire Travel Advisory. Advisory Summary On July 27, 2023, the Department of State ordered non-emergency U.S. government employees and their family members to leave Haiti due to safety risks. Haiti has been under a national state of emergency since March 2024. This state of emergency remains in effect. U.S. government employee travel restrictions U.S.
Level 1
Exercise Normal Precautions
Level 2
Exercise Increased Caution
Level 3
Reconsider Travel
Level 4
Do Not Travel
Safety Guidance for Haiti
Practical safety information for visitors, from US State Department country information (last updated January 09, 2024).
Crime
Embassy employees are prohibited from using public transportation and visiting certain areas of Port-au-Prince due to high crime. Political violence and violent crimes are common in Haiti, including murders, kidnappings, robberies, assaults, vehicle break-ins, and home invasions. Travelers are often targeted, followed, and violently attacked and robbed shortly after leaving the Port-au-Prince international airport. For this reason, Embassy personnel are prohibited from traveling in personal vehicles to and from the airport. Also, the Embassy has procedures in place to detect surveillance and deter attacks on its employees. Labadee, a port near Cap Haitien in the north - only accessible by cruise ship passengers - has private security and lower rates of reported crime. Travelers should exercise heightened precautions,however, due to increasing insecurity nationwide.
Safety Precautions
Be careful about providing your destination address in Haiti. Do not provide personal information to unauthorized individuals located in the immigration, customs, or other areas inside or near any airports in Haiti. Arrange airport transfers and hotels in advance, or have your host meet you upon arrival. As you leave the airport, make sure you are not being followed. If you notice you are being followed, drive to the nearest police station immediately. Be aware of your surroundings. Keep a low profile. Do not display signs of wealth, such as jewelry or watches. Embassy employees are prohibited from visiting banks and using ATMs. U.S. citizens are often followed, attacked and robbed soon after withdrawing money. If you must use an ATM, select one that is out of sight from the general public (such as inside your hotel), and be cautious at all times.
Victims of Crime, Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault
Local authorities are responsible for investigating and prosecuting crimes. Police investigations may not meet U.S. standards and forensic medical services are very basic. While rape kits exist in Haiti, there is generally no capacity to collect or utilize samples for police investigation. Report crimes to the local police at (+509) 3838-1111 or (+509) 3733-3640, then call the U.S. Embassy at (+509) 2229-8000. See our webpage on help for U.S. victims of crime overseas .
Demonstrations
occur frequently. They may take place in response to political or economic issues, on politically significant holidays, and during international events. Demonstrations can be unpredictable, avoid areas around protests and demonstrations. Past demonstrations have turned violent. Check local media for updates and traffic advisories.
Domestic Violence
U.S. citizen victims of domestic violence are encouraged to contact the Embassy for assistance.
Tourism
No formal tourism industry infrastructure is in place on any level in most locations. With the exception of Labadee, tourists are participating in activities at their own risk. Emergency response and subsequent appropriate medical treatment is not available in-country. U.S. citizens are encouraged to purchase medical evacuation insurance. See our webpage for more information on insurance providers for overseas coverage
Hurricanes
Hurricane season runs from June 1 – November 30 in the Atlantic. Roads and bridges may become impassible. Poor rescue services and weak infrastructure hamper the government’s ability to respond to storms. For information on how to prepare and respond to storms and hurricanes: https://www.ready.gov/hurricanes Haiti Météo website Local media broadcasts in Creole or French National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency
Earthquakes
Haiti is prone to earthquakes. For information on what to do before, during, and after an earthquake, visit https://www.ready.gov/earthquakes .
About This Data
Homicide figures are intentional homicides per 100,000 people, compiled by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and published by the World Bank (indicator VC.IHR.PSRC.P5). Homicide is the most reliably comparable crime statistic across countries because definitions of other offences (assault, theft, robbery) vary widely between national legal systems and reporting practices.
Travel advisory levels are issued by the US Department of State and updated continuously. They reflect risks to travelers including crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, and natural disasters — not only crime rates. Countries report crime data with different lags; the most recent available year is shown for each metric.
Haiti Population & Demographics
Population of 11,772,557, growth trends, economy, and more.
Crime & Safety in Neighboring Countries
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Haiti safe to visit?
The US State Department rates Haiti at Level 4 of 4 (Do Not Travel). The homicide rate of 41.1 per 100,000 is among the highest in the world.
What is the crime rate in Haiti?
Haiti has an intentional homicide rate of 41.1 per 100,000 people (2023, World Bank/UNODC), ranking #8 of 195 countries.
What is the US travel advisory level for Haiti?
Haiti is currently at Level 4: Do Not Travel. Advisory levels range from Level 1 (Exercise Normal Precautions) to Level 4 (Do Not Travel).
How does crime in Haiti compare to other countries?
Haiti's homicide rate of 41.1 per 100,000 is above the world average of 5.2 and above the Americas average of 20.8.