The State Department on Wednesday warned U.S. citizens to leave Haiti as soon as possible amid the island's deteriorating security and infrastructure.
"Given the current security situation and infrastructure challenges, U.S. citizens in Haiti should depart Haiti as soon as possible via commercial or private transport," the State Department said in a statement. "Please contact ACSPAP@state.gov if you are having challenges departing Haiti or if you need to apply or request the return of a U.S. passport (or other travel document) to travel to the United States."
The security alert warned U.S. to use extreme caution when traveling in Haiti, to avoid large gatherings and to turn around and get to a safe area if roadblocks are encountered.
According to the State Department, several airlines and charter companies still have flights out of Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haitien airports, but "flights fill up quickly and seats may only be available several days or even weeks in advance of departure."
The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince Monday restricted staff to the embassy and residential compounds due to "ongoing police activity and gunfire" in the area.
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