Overview
Haiti occupies the western third of Hispaniola, sharing the Caribbean island with the Dominican Republic. It is a mountainous, French- and Creole-speaking nation with a proud history as the world's first black republic. There are no direct flights from the UK to Haiti, so every journey connects through the United States or Paris. Check the latest FCDO travel advice before booking, as guidance for Haiti has changed frequently in recent years, and make sure your insurance reflects it.
Best time to fly to Haiti
Haiti is warm all year, with coastal temperatures usually between 28 and 32C. The drier, more pleasant months run from December to March, which is also the peak season for flights and the priciest time to travel. Hurricane season lasts from June to November, with the highest storm risk between August and October. For the current fare pattern, see the When to book chart above.
Main gateway cities & airports
Toussaint Louverture International Airport (PAP) in Port-au-Prince is the main gateway for UK travellers. In the north, Cap-Haitien International Airport (CAP) sits closer to the Citadelle Laferriere and the beaches near Labadie. Both are compact airports, so a pre-arranged transfer is the sensible way to reach your accommodation.
Airlines and routes
From the UK the usual choices are Air France from Paris-Charles de Gaulle to Port-au-Prince, or a US routing with American Airlines via Miami, JetBlue via New York or Fort Lauderdale, or Spirit via Fort Lauderdale. From London, allow about 1 hour 15 minutes to Paris and a further 9 to 10 hours onward; from Manchester you would connect via Paris, Amsterdam or a US hub. Total journey time is typically 15 to 20 hours including the layover. Sunrise Airways links Haiti with nearby Caribbean islands for onward travel.
Popular places to visit in Haiti
- Citadelle Laferriere: a vast early-19th-century mountaintop fortress and UNESCO World Heritage Site near Cap-Haitien.
- Sans-Souci Palace: the romantic ruins of King Henri Christophe's royal residence at Milot.
- Jacmel: a south-coast town known for handicrafts, papier-mache carnival masks and iron-lace gingerbread houses.
- Bassin Bleu: a chain of cobalt, spring-fed pools and waterfalls in the hills above Jacmel.
- Cote des Arcadins: a strip of calm-water beach resorts within easy reach of the capital.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Haiti
- Compare the Paris routing against the US hub options, as the cheapest choice shifts with the season.
- Fly midweek and travel in the shoulder months of April, May or November where you can.
- Book the whole itinerary on one ticket so your connection is protected if a flight runs late.
- Use the price charts on this page to spot the lower-fare windows before you commit.
Travel essentials
British passport holders do not need a visa for tourist stays of up to 90 days; a small tourist fee is usually collected on arrival, and your passport should be valid for the duration of your trip. The currency is the Haitian gourde (HTG), but US dollars are widely accepted and card use is limited, so carry cash. Book two to three months ahead for the best connections, take out comprehensive travel insurance, and read the current FCDO advice for Haiti before you travel.
