Cargo plane leaves Haiti with passengers headed to the U.S.

We know many people are anxious to get to Haiti and help with search and rescue efforts, but before you pack your bags it’s essential to know who can and can’t enter Haiti at this particular time. The information below is direct from the U.S. Department of State and gives clear guidelines about upcoming travel to Haiti.

“The Department of State warns U.S. citizens of the situation in Haiti and urges them to avoid travel to Haiti in the aftermath of a powerful earthquake that struck Haiti on January 12… The U.S. Embassy is working to ascertain the extent of the damage and check on the status of U.S. citizens around the island.  The Department of State has ordered nonemergency U.S. government personnel to depart Haiti.  This Travel Warning expires on February 13, 2010.”

Evacuation flights are underway at the International Airport in Port-au-Prince and U.S. citizens wishing to depart Haiti are asked to arrive at the airport during daylight hours as quickly as possible.  Bring your passport and any identification, and if possible, contact any relatives and friends in the U.S. to inform them of your plans.

The U.S. Embassy in Port Au Prince is working to identify U.S. citizens in Haiti who need urgent assistance and to identify sources of emergency help.  U.S. citizens are urged to contact the Embassy via email at ACSPaP@state.gov to request assistance.  U.S. citizens in Haiti can call the Embassy’s Consular Task Force at 509-2229-8942, 509-2229-8089, 509-2229-8322, or 509-2229-8672.  

 People in the U.S. or Canada with information or inquiries about U.S. citizens in Haiti may reach the Haiti Task Force at 888-407-4747.  Outside of the U.S. and Canada, call 202-501-4444. 

For further information and updates, please see the State Department’s Consular Affairs website.