Haiti: Increase in robberies near Toussaint Louverture International Airport /update 1

Event

Criminals continue to target travelers near Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince despite increased security measures around the airport. On Monday, April 16, US officials issued a travel warning regarding the rising number of violent armed robberies against US citizens departing from PAP. The US Embassy also said that new procedures are in place to deter attacks against its employees.

Context

In early April, Haitian authorities announced the deployment of additional security measures around the airport to combat crime. Officials also announced that police operations will be routinely carried out at PAP at least through June and motorcycles will be banned from traveling on Avenue Maïs Gaté between PAP and the Port-au-Prince's Gérald Bataille neighborhood.

Crime rates are very high in urban areas throughout Haiti due in part to gang activities. Theft, kidnapping-for-ransom, and extortion are all common. Foreigners are often specifically targeted due to their assumed wealth.

Advice

Individuals traveling through PAP are advised to remain alert, anticipate heightened security measures, and report any suspicious activity or behavior to the local authorities.