Haiti Travel Guide

  • Tourism’s best kept secret

    Independent since 1804, Haiti was the first black republic in the world. Tropical vegetation, coral reefs, multicoloured fish, waterfalls and grottos are just a few reasons to book a flight to Port-au-Prince airport and tour this beautiful country.

Discover Haiti

 
  • Port-au-Prince and Pétionville

    Seeing Port-au-Prince, Haiti’s capital city, aboard a tap-tap (minibus) is a must. Numerous art galleries, artisanal boutiques, good restaurants and quality hotels can be found in Pétionville.

  • Beaches

    The 2-km Pointe-Ouest Beach is Haiti’s most legendary. It’s ideal for swimming, snorkelling or relaxing on the white sand. Coco Beach, near Labadie, is one of the Caribbean’s principal seaside resorts.
  • The islands

    Many of Haiti’s islands are acclaimed, notably Gonâve Island and TortugaÎle à Vaches, in addition to its beauty, is overflowing with archaeological relics. Several boats have also sunk on the reefs to the north-east of the island.

  • Mountains

    Haiti is endowed with two mountain ranges, in the north and in the south. The Pic la Selle peaks at a height of 2680 metres. Bassin Bleu and its mountain river can be found just north of Jacmel.
  • Waterfalls and grottos

    The Hinche caves are a must-see when visiting Haiti. 30 metres high, the Zim waterfall pours into a dazzling blue pool. Pictograms attributed either to the Amerindians or to African slaves can be seen in the caves.
  • Cap Haitien

    Cap Haitien is a town situated in the north of Haiti. Rich in history and architecture, this community is a draw for tourists interested in getting to know the country’s culture.
  • Côte des Arcadins

    Situated 45 minutes north of Port-au-Prince, Côte des Arcadins is essentially a long stretch of white-sand beaches bordered by hotels and seaside resorts. Foodies love the area’s seafood and Creole cuisine.
  • Carnavals

    Jacmel’s Carnival is very popular, and the one in Port-au-Prince is a draw because of its music and dancing. At Easter, there’s a celebration of the sea in Pestel. In all of Haiti’s towns, “rara” processions (voodoo) begin during Lent. Country fairs and patron saint festivities coincide with voodoo celebrations.

Book your Haiti vacation

How to discover Haiti with Transat

Important Information

 
  • Airport in Haiti serviced by Air Transat

    • Toussaint-Louverture International Airport (PAP)

    Currency

    Haiti’s official currency is the Haitian Gourde (HTG), but American dollars are also accepted, especially in centres of tourism. Canadian money cannot be exchanged at destination. The ATMs only provide local currency (Haitian gourde). Credit cards are also often accepted. However, it is best to notify your bank before your trip to avoid declined transactions.

    Official Language

    Haiti’s official languages are Haitian Creole and French. English is also understood in centres of tourism.

    Vaccination

    Visit the Government of Canada travel website or ask your health professional about vaccination requirements.

  • Entry/exit requirements

    All foreign nationals arriving in Haiti will be required to pay a US $10, CA $10 or €10 tourist fee in cash only (subject to change). Must be made by passengers upon their arrival at the Port au Prince airport.

    For more information about passport and visa requirements, visit the  Government of Canada travel website.

    Presence of Sargassum in Mexico and the Caribbean

    Depending on the weather conditions, winds and tides may bring large quantities of Sargassum to shore. Since seaweed moves with the ocean currents, quantities may vary by place and day. Transat would like to inform its clients that this natural phenomenon beyond its control affects several parts of Mexico and the Caribbean. Although the presence of this brown seaweed is greater than usual, our hotel partners are making every effort to clean the beaches when necessary.