Wayzata World Factbook 1995/World Factbook - 1995 Edition - Wayzata Technology (1995).iso/mac/text/Build/tvltxt/HAITI.TVL

Text File | 1994-12-07 | 4KB | 65 lines

Haiti - Consular Information Sheet
October 28, 1994

Country Description:  Haiti is one of the economically least developed
countries in the Western hemisphere.  Throughout the country, there are
shortages of goods and services, including electrical power, gasoline and
diesel fuel, and propane.  While the embargo and sanctions have been lifted
these shortages will continue for the foreseeable future.

Medical Facilities:  Medical care is limited.  Travelers to Haiti face the
range of diseases normally found in a tropical country including malaria,
typhoid, polio and dengue fever.  Human immunodeficieny virus (HIV) poses a
significant health risk and is prevalent in tourist areas.  The level of
community sanitation is low.  Public water sources often contain impurities
that can cause severe intestinal disorders.  In larger cities there are
usually restaurants with generally sanitary conditions.  Bottled water and
bottled drinks are usually safe.

Medical facilities outside the capital are few, far between, and almost
always below U.S. standards.  None of the medical facilities in Haiti have
the equipment and expertise to which U.S. citizens may be accustomed, and
life-threatening emergencies may require evacuation by air ambulance at the
patient's expense.  Doctors and hospitals often expect immediate cash
payment for health services.  U.S. medical insurance is not always valid
outside the United States.  In some instances, supplemental medical
insurance with specific overseas coverage has proved useful.  For additional
health information, travelers can contact the Centers for Disease Control's
international travelers hotline at [phone].

Crime Information:  Foreigners in Haiti are at risk from criminal attacks,
particularly in urban areas, owing to their relative affluence.  Although
crime remains a problem in Port au Prince and the provinces, there have been
few reported incidents involving U.S. citizens.  Crime victims are often
frustrated by the lack of response and enforcement capabilities of the local
police and judiciary.

The loss or theft of a passport overseas should be reported to the local
police and the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.  Lost or stolen U.S. birth
certificates and/or driver's licenses used as entry documents generally
cannot be replaced outside of the United States.

Drug Penalties:  U.S. citizens are subject to the laws of the country in
which they are traveling.  Criminal penalties for possession, use, and
dealing in illegal drugs are strict.  Those accused of drug-related crimes
can expect lengthy legal proceedings, irregular application of Haitian law,
and delayed due process.  If convicted, offenders may face long jail
sentences and substantial fines.

Embassy Location/Registration:  All U.S. citizens in Haiti should register
with the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy.  The Embassy is located on
Harry Truman Blvd., P.O. Box 1761, Port au Prince; telephone [phone],
22-0354, 22-0368, or 22-0612; fax [phone].  The Consular Section is
located on Rue Oswald Durand, Port au Prince; telephone [phone] or 23-
8971; consular annex fax [phone].  U.S. citizens may obtain updated
information form the U.S. Embassy on travel and security within Haiti.

No. 94-256

This replaces the Consular Information Sheet dated August 3, 1994 to delete
the Travel Warning, language on sanctions which have been lifted, and amend
the country description, medical and crime information sections.