Frequently Asked Questions about traveling to Haiti

We are asked the following questions when people are preparing to make trips to Haiti. The following responses are being provided based on our experience and the recommendations of others. For additional information when traveling to a third world country, the traveler can visit the website of www.cdc.gov.

1. Do I need a passport to travel to Haiti?

Yes, Haiti does require you to have a valid passport. You should allow 6 to 8 weeks to have it processed. It may be possible to pay a fee if you need to expedite the processing time. While in Haiti you should keep your passport in a safe and dry place. It is also a good idea to keep one copy of it with you at all times. (Due to HaitiÅfs climate, keep your passport (and copy) protected from rain, sweat and humidity.) In addition, bring a driverÅfs license as an additional means of identification.

2. Are there any departure fees?

Haiti has a $30.00 (US) dollar "Return Tax" that is required to be paid prior to departing the country. The overall fee for the group trips covers the departure fee.

3. What immunizations are required?

It is important to understand that Haiti, and other third world countries, have poor sanitation and general health risks. Therefore, it is important that visitors to these countries take proper precautions. Unfortunately, even under the best of intentions, it is not uncommon to experience diarrhea, nausea and other uncomfortable bodily symptoms. The traveler may want to go to www.cdc.gov/travel/caribean.htm for additional information and precautions on traveling in this part of the world.

FOCAS Ministries will take every reasonable precaution to protect the team from sickness. However, we recommend discussion with your personal physician for immunization or preventative prescription decisions.

Immunizations/Rx:
Tetanus (DPT) shot H
epatitis A & B
Malaria Pills
Typhoid

Personal Medicines - If you have a medical condition or take a maintenance prescription, we request that you inform the leader of the team. Your information will be kept confidential. This is only done as a precaution in the event there is an emergency.

Other Over the Counter Medicines Some people take daily doses of Pepto-Bismol as a diarrhea preventative. Imodium AD is an effective over-the-counter solution for mild diarrhea. Your doctor can prescribe stronger medication if necessary.

4. Should I take additional medical insurance?

That is up to you. You may want to call your medical insurance company and find out what their procedures are when a person incurs a claim in another country. However, medical insurance (including medical evacuation) is provided as part of the cost on group trips.

5. How should I pack my personal belongings?

We ask each person to bring one checked bag and one carry-on. It is recommended to keep your essential toiletries and one change of clothes in your carry on in case your suitcase does not make it. Wearing a money belt under your shirt to store your money and a copy of your passport is a good precaution. It is also a good precaution for children to keep a copy of their passport and information pertaining to where they are staying with them at all times.

6. What else should I pack?

Be mindful that you are in another culture and we are guests of Haiti. Our witness is vitally important, so we should be prepared accordingly. Many of our past travelers have found that they end up donating their clothes and suitcases. Due to the rough terrain and living conditions, some have purchased clothes at a consignment shop with the intention of leaving their clothes in Haiti at the end of the trip.

You are encouraged to travel as light as possible and wear the same clothes more than once. No one will care. Just keep something reasonably fresh to travel home.

Men should consider taking the following: (The list does not take into account clothing for building projects.):

Women should consider taking the following: (The list does not take into account clothing for building projects.)

7. Luggage Luggage WILL be treated roughly. After airline handling it may ride in the back of pickups and be exposed to rain, dust, bumpy roads, and people sitting on it.

Never go barefoot anywhere
Do not drink the tap water, shower water, or faucet wate
r ONLY drink water or brush your teeth with bottled water provided.
Ice MUST also be "Culligan" ice. If in doubt, leave it out.
If you get carsick, you may want to bring Bonine pills. (Test them first in the US to see how your body reacts.)

(It is sometimes difficult to get through in Haiti due to the phone system. Keep trying!)
US Consulate - 011-509-223-7011
011-509-223-8971
US Embassy - 011-509-222-0200
011-509-222-0368
011-509-222-0354
011-509-222-0612

If you have any suggestions that would be helpful to add to this list, please send us your comments to focas@focas-us.org. REVISED MAY 2002


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