The Canadian government on Friday reiterated its call to its citizens in Haiti to take shelter in a safe place, in view of the worsening situation in the country, particularly in the capital, Port-au-Prince, which is almost entirely controlled by armed gangs. For the time being, however, Canada is ruling out repatriation of its citizens.
Canadians in Haiti are advised by their government to remain sheltered in a safe place until the situation stabilizes; ensure they have sufficient supplies of food, water and fuel, and then limit travel if they are unable to shelter in place, according to the latest update of the Travel Report for Haiti page on March 13, 2024.
“If there are no safe means of protection, the national should consider leaving the country immediately,” recommends the Government of Canada, which takes the safety and security of Canadians abroad very seriously.
Currently, 2,941 Canadians residing in Haiti are regularly registered with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service, according to a press release from the Canadian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stressing that registration is voluntary and that all Canadians in Haiti should register to receive up-to-date information.
“Our immediate priority remains the safety of Canadians, as we continue to monitor the security situation closely,” says the Global Affairs release, further noting that Canada is committed to supporting Haiti and the Haitian people.
Global Affairs Canada said it had responded to 100 inquiries since March 3, 2024. Most of the requests concern general information on travel and the security situation in Haiti.
According to the release, Ottawa is not planning any departure assistance or repatriation flights for Canadians in Haiti. However, it continues to closely monitor and assess the security situation, and says it will coordinate with its allies as the situation evolves.
Canadian nationals in Haiti requiring emergency consular assistance should contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Response and Monitoring Centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week: by calling +1 613-996-8885, by SMS at +1 613-686-3658, by Signal at +1 613-909-8087, by Telegram to Emergency Canada Abroad, by WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881 or by email at sos@international.gc.ca.
The Government of Canada continues to issue updates to Canadians in Haiti through its Travel Reports and Warnings page and the Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
“Global Affairs Canada constantly assesses the security of its personnel and assets abroad through a rigorous risk analysis. Due to the volatility of the situation, the lack of reliable supplies and the need to ensure an effective presence in an unstable context, Canada is temporarily reducing staff at its embassy in Port-au-Prince to essentials,” the press release further states.
However, in these difficult times, the Canadian Embassy will continue to support Canadians who remain in the country, as well as Haiti and the Haitian people. Canada’s ambassador to Haiti will also remain in the country.
While the Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince remains temporarily closed to the public, it will continue to provide consular services to Canadians in need of assistance in Haiti.