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U.S. Reissues Travel Advisory for This Caribbean Island—Adding Terrorism Warnings
The U.S. Department of State renewed its Level 4 warning against the Caribbean country last week due to "kidnapping, crime, terrorist activity, civil unrest, and limited health care." The warning was reissued to add terrorism to it.
'Violent crime is rampant in Haiti, especially in Port-au-Prince, where the expansion of gang, organized crime, and terrorist activity has led to widespread violence, kidnappings, and sexual assault. The escalation of clashes between armed groups has led to a rise in sporadic gunfire incidents. There is a substantial risk of being struck by stray bullets, even for individuals not directly involved in the violence," the State Department warning reads. "There is risk of terrorist violence, including attacks and other violent gang activity in Haiti. There are gangs that are designated as terrorist organizations present in Haiti.'
Currently, Haiti is the only country in the Caribbean with a Level 4 travel advisory, which means the U.S. recommends Americans "do not travel" there.
The State Department issues travel advisories to give American travelers a sense of what they should be aware of when planning a trip. There are four warning levels: Level 1 (exercise normal precautions), Level 2 (exercise increased caution), Level 3 (reconsider travel), and Level 4 (do not travel).
When it comes to Haiti, even travelers who plan to ignore the travel advisory and visit may find it difficult. Though Reuters reported in December the country reopened the Port-au-Prince airport, Aeroport International Toussaint Louverture (PAP), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) continues to ban flights there from the U.S.
"The FAA assesses there are continuing small arms fire risks to U.S. civil aviation flying into, out of, within, or over certain portions of Haiti's territory and airspace. Armed gangs continue to control large portions of the capital, Port-au Prince, and have used small arms to fire on civilian aircraft, helicopters, airports, and related infrastructure on several occasions damaging multiple aircraft and injuring an air crew member," according to the FAA. "As a result, the FAA continues its prohibition of U.S. civil aviation operations... in specified portions of Haiti's airspace where armed gangs control territory and their activity remains prevalent."
Cruise ship travel to the island has also been impacted by the ongoing instability. Royal Caribbean, for example, canceled stops earlier this year to its private beach resort in Labadee on the northern coast of Haiti.
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