Dramatic travel warning: Cruises to Haiti canceled until 2026!

Dramatic travel warning: Cruises to Haiti canceled until 2026!

The current security situation in Haiti is increasingly forcing travelers to avoid the island. Royal Caribbean has canceled all cruises to its private Labadee resort until at least May 2026. This decision came after stricter travel warnings from the US State Department and German authorities. The security situation has deteriorated significantly since March 2024, with many areas under control by armed gangs and ongoing violent clashes.

Port-au-Prince International Airport, important for travel, was closed after a shelling by criminal groups. This increasingly dangerous situation has resulted in the German embassy in Haiti being closed and only a limited level of consular assistance being available to travelers. Holidaymakers are strongly advised to leave the country and not enter as there is a high risk of kidnapping and violent conflict.

Economic impact

The suspension of cruises not only impacts travelers, but also the Haitian economy. Labadee was a key economic sector and provided numerous jobs in the region. Royal Caribbean is offering alternative destinations such as Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic to affected passengers.

The security situation in Haiti remains tense, with ongoing fighting between the National Police and criminal gangs since March 2024. Attacks on police stations and storming of prisons are just as commonplace as attacks on government buildings. There are reports of numerous deaths and injuries, including in what were once safe suburbs of Port-au-Prince. These developments have led to the German embassy now also operating from Santo Domingo.

Travel recommendations and precautions

A travel warning has been issued for German citizens. Travelers should leave the country safely, primarily via commercial flight capacity. Air traffic is severely restricted; Road connections to Port-au-Prince are under gang control, which encourages frequent robberies and kidnappings. Travelers are therefore urgently urged to register on a crisis preparedness list and to carry out individual safety considerations.

The situation is not made more stable by the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM), which increases the concerns of the international community. The high crime rate, particularly in Port-au-Prince, as well as the risk of violent conflict make traveling to Haiti extremely risky. Foreigners are considered preferred targets for robberies.

In addition, health authorities report inadequate medical care in Haiti. It is recommended to take out health insurance for foreign travel and to pay attention to hygiene measures to prevent health risks such as diarrheal diseases.

In summary, travelers should be well informed about the current situation before traveling to Haiti and take all necessary preparations to ensure they are protected.

For further information on the security situation in Haiti, those interested can read the reports from Mercury and Foreign Office consult.