Haiti’s historical progress has not been bright. After the 2010 earthquake that pit the nation against a battle with nature, much of what has been built thus far was reduced to rubble. However tragic these losses were, Haitians have remained strong and true to their culture. Parts of the country have even flourished despite its murky past. And expats have heard and have come to see and be a part of Haiti’s rebuilding. We have some information for you that could help through your move.
- Expat Clubs
- Schools
- Local News Sources
- Country Information
- Resident and Work visa information
- How to get a driving license
- Where to live and about the accomodation types
- Healthcare information including Hospitals and Insurance
Expat Clubs
There are no expat meet up clubs as such in Haiti and most expats communicate online through websites such as ExpatWoman.com.
International Schools
Union School
Union School is a private, co-educational, and non-sectarian Pre-K to 12 institution established in Haiti for the purpose of providing an American accredited program of studies in both English and French for students of all nationalities. The school consists of an elementary school (grades pre-k to 5), a middle school (grades 6 -8), and a high school (grades 9 to 12).
Curriculum: American
Address: Route du Canape-Vert, Petion-Ville, Haiti
Tel: +509 2943 2193
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.unionschool.edu.ht/
Quisqueya School
QCS is an international Christian school that uses an American-style, college preparatory curriculum to students from pre-kindergarten through high school. QCS holds full accreditation with two accrediting agencies: ACSI, the Association of Christian School’s International, and AdvancED. QCS offers a college preparatory program and universities such as Calvin, Baylor, Biola, University of Chicago, Cornell, Brown, Duke, University of North Carolina, Eastern, Florida State, Rice, Indiana University, University of Florida, Virginia Tech, Purdue, McGill, University of British Columbia, and similar institutions have accepted recent graduates.
Address:
Tel: +509 2816 3000, (509) 2816 4000
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.quisqueya.org
Local News in English
Haiti Libre
This is an English-language website that publishes local news and events within the country.
Website: www.haitilibre.com/en/
The Haitian Times
The Haitian Times was founded in 1999 as a weekly English language newspaper based in Brooklyn, NY. Since 2012, it has morphed into an online only publication broadening its audience to include Haitians from all over the world. The newspaper is widely regarded as the most authoritative voice for Haitian Diaspora. It is also considered one of the best ethnic media publications in the United States.
Website: haitiantimes.com/
Country Information
Location: Caribbean
Capital City: Port-au-Prince
Other Important Cities:
Currency: Gourde
Language: French
Calling Code: +509
Internet TLD: .ht
Electricity: The country runs on 110V 60Hz. The major electricity provider is the state-owned Electricité d’Haïti (EDH).
Address: Angle Rue Charéron, Blvd Harry Truman Cité de l'Exposition P.O. Box 1753
Tel: +509 2813 1641, +509 2813 0157, +509 2813 0197, +509 2223 0837
Email: [email protected]
Website (French): [email protected]
Emergency Numbers:
Ambulance: 118
Police: 114
Embassy Information
www.embassypages.com/haiti
Residents Visa and Work Permit information
Visitors from all countries may enter and stay in Haiti for three months. Only nationals from Panama, Colombia and the Dominican Republic are required to have a visa, which can be done through a Haitian embassy or consulate.
Visitors wishing to extend beyond 90 days must obtain a permit from the Department of Immigration and Emigration.
These documents must be submitted:
- The request letter Residence permit addressed to the Directorate of the Immigration and Emigration (DIE)
- The letter from the applicant's employment
- A photocopy of the biographical page of the passport of the applicant
- The address and telephone number of the applicant
- A medical certificate is older than 30 days
- Two (2) passport photos in color
- The photocopy of the landing at the last entry into the country
- A photocopy of the birth certificate and its translation into French
- A bank statement from a bank serving in Haiti with a minimum deposit of Seven Thousand Five Hundred (7,500.00) gourdes
- A criminal record
- The sum of Five thousand gourdes (Gdes5.000.00) payable by check to the Treasury Department.
- From the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti site: www.haiti.org/index.php/consular-section/consular-services/26-the-embassy/content/138-visas
- Immigration and residence visas are also available should your stay be indefinite and beyond three months. Three copies of the application form must be submitted, that has the following information:
- The name(s) of the applicant;
- The date and place of birth;
- Applicant’s current nationality and nationality of origin;
- His or her present profession or occupation, and in the past ten (10) years;
- Applicant’s current address;
- The name(s), current nationality and nationality of origin of applicant’s father and mother;
- If the person is married, name(s), occupation and nationality of the spouse before marriage;
- The reasons why the applicant wants to go to Haiti and the length of stay in Haiti;
- Applicant’s proof of income and bank statements;
- Applicant’s diplomas or certificates of technical knowledge along with an employment contract;
- Information on the people in Haiti whom the applicant knows and for how long, and also the associations to which the applicant is or was a party; and
- Also provide any other useful information.
From the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti site: www.haiti.org/index.php/consular-section/consular-services/26-the-embassy/content/138-visas
Accommodation
Expats in Haiti are mainly concentrated in Port-au-Prince, the capital, and Petionville, a wealthy suburb off southeast.
Port-au-Prince is a large, bustling city. The wake of the 2010 earthquake is still evident as reconstructions go on. Most expats here are volunteers and aid workers. A one bedroom apartment near the city center averages to $800 dollars per month, while outside the city center it’s much cheaper at $600 per month. While a larger, 3 bedroom apartment is at $1,500 near the city center and $1,200 as you move away.
Petionville is another area popular with expats. This district is largely residential and touristy. Expats mostly make up diplomats, foreign businessmen and wealthy residents. Petionville is very metropolitan, known for restaurants, commercial establishments and nightlife. Apartment rentals here are more expensive with an average of $1,000 per month on 1 bedroom apartments in the city center, and $850 living away. 3 bedrooms go for an average of $1,750.
Driving License
Foreign drivers may use their domestic license in conjunction with an international license to drive legally in Haiti. This is valid only for three months, thereafter, you must obtain a Haitian driving license.
However the US State Department has issued a warning about driving in Haiti:
‘Driving in Haiti must be undertaken with extreme caution. Traffic is usually chaotic; those with no knowledge of Haitian roads and traffic customs should hire a driver through a local tour operator or hotel. Roads are generally unmarked, and detailed and accurate maps are not widely available. Lanes are not marked and signs indicating the direction of traffic flow seldom exist. Huge potholes may cause drivers to execute unpredictable and dangerous maneuvers in heavy traffic. The Haitian government lacks adequate resources to assist drivers in distress or to clear the road of accidents or broken-down vehicles blocking the flow of traffic. While drinking and driving is illegal in Haiti, people frequently drive after drinking, especially at night.’ travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/country/haiti.html
Healthcare
Medical facilities in Haiti are limited and are below western standards. Emergency services are also poor. In extreme cases, medical evacuation was sought as the facilities in the country were not adequate to handle the situation. Expats are also advised to stock up on personal medications before travelling as these may not be available. Dengue fever is endemic in the area, so precautionary vaccinations are advised.
It is highly recommended to obtain health insurance that can cover or reimburse medical costs including medical evacuation and repatriation.
Insurance Companies
Global Rescue
This is an international medical service that deploys certified paramedics, physicians to handle local and remote medical emergencies. They have a partnership with professionals from Johns Hopkins Medicine.
Address: 177 Milk Street, Suite 700, Boston, MA 02109
Tel (Toll Free): +1 800 381 9754
Fax: +1 617 507 1050
Website: www.globalrescue.com/index.cfm
Cigna Global Health Options
Cigna provides international insurance coverage for expats. International medical evacuation is also available in cases where emergency treatment must be sought outside of the host country.
Website: www.cignaglobal.com/
Hospitals
Partners in Health
PIH was founded in 1987 to deliver health care to the residents of Haiti's mountainous Central Plateau region. In the 25 years since then, PIH has expanded in Haiti's Artibonite and Central Plateau regions, and launched additional projects around the world.
Address: Route Départmentale 11, Mirebalais, Haiti
Website: www.pih.org/
NPH Haiti Saint Damien Pediatric Hospital
St. Damien Hospital is the premier pediatric hospital in Haiti and provides all services on a sliding scale. It is funded through donations from benefactors all over the world, primarily in Europe and the United States.
Address: Tabarre, Haiti
Email: [email protected]
Website: saintdamienhospital.nph.org/
Hopital de l'Universite d'Etat d'Haiti
Address: Rue Monseigneur Guilloux, Port-au-Prince, Haiti
Tel: +509 221 221
Citymed-Petion-Ville
Address: 27 Rue Darguin, Petion-Ville, Haiti
Tel: +509 571 084
Hopital Pediatrique Pere Damien
Address: 117 Avenue Panamericaine, Petion-Ville, Haiti
Tel: +509 576 594
Fax: +509 576 594
