Travel warnings issued as Haiti protests continue

Amid protests over plans to hike the price of fuel in Haiti, the Canadian and US governments have issued warnings to citizens to “avoid non-essential travel” to the country.

“Avoid non-essential travel to Haiti due to civil unrests,” read a tweet at travel.gc.ca on Sunday.

“Protesters have set up burning barricades in the main streets of Port-au-Prince, as well as in residential neighborhoods,” the advisory added. “Limit your movements.”

Flights cancelled

The Canadian Government has also noted that several airlines have cancelled their flights to Toussaint-Louverture International Airport in the capital, Port-au-Prince. “Contact your travel agent or tour operator to confirm your travel arrangements,” the government said.

US cautions against non-essential travel

The US Embassy in Haiti has also warned Americans about “non-emergency travel. “Due to continuing demonstrations, roadblocks, and violence across Port-au-Prince, the Embassy is prohibiting all non-emergency travel into Haiti by its employees,” the statement said. “All other Embassy personnel are still under a Shelter in Place order.”

The Embassy urged Americans in Haiti to “contact your family to keep them informed of your welfare and whereabouts,” and to avoid protests and any large gathering of people.

“Do not attempt to drive through roadblocks,” it cautioned. “If you encounter a roadblock, turnaround and get to a safe area.”

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On Saturday, Haitian Prime Minister Jack Guy Lafontant said his government was instituting a “temporary stop” to the fuel hike, appealing for calm.

Reports in Port-au-Prince indicated gasoline prices were to rise by 38 per cent, diesel by 47 per cent and kerosene by 51 per cent.