Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
If you are considering joining a Haiti International Alliance work team, you’re bound to have a lot a questions. Good! Here are a few of the most common questions we hear:
What can I expect?
HIA has been hosting short term work teams and mission trips to Haiti since 1996. We have established a highly developed program for volunteers which is based upon the following:
Who can participate?
Work teams are available to anyone who is at least 14 years old and willing to step outside of their “comfort zone”. Our trips are open to all people, regardless of race or ethnicity. No prior experience is needed! Many of our work team volunteers are people who have never tried anything like this before.
What is the cost to join a work team?
Typically our work teams require a per person financial commitment of $850, plus the cost of round-trip airfare to Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP). While in Haiti, HIA will provide transportation to and from the airport, transportation to and from work site, three meals a day, purified drinking water, and sleeping accommodations. Please contact us for up-to-date financial commitment amounts for our upcoming work teams.
Is there any kind of insurance included as part of trip?
No. However, HIA recommends that all work team volunteers consider purchasing emergency travel insurance, one which includes some coverage for emergency medical and political evacuation. Liason Majestic Travel Insurance is just one example of a travel medical insurance known to have been purchased by team members.
Do I need any special shots or medication prior to leaving for Haiti?
For advice and information in this area, please check online with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or call them at 1-877-FYI-TRIP. You should also consult with your local physician or travel doctor. They can check your inoculation history and determine if any shots are required and/or recommended. HIA requires that you be up-to-date in regards to your tetanus shot.
Do I need a passport to travel to Haiti?
Yes! You must have a U.S. Passport Book in order to enter the country of Haiti. A U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international travel by air, so it must be the booklet style. If you already have one, please be sure to check its expiration date. Not only does your passport need to be valid for the duration of your visit, but the U.S. Government recommends that it be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return date from a foreign country. If you do not already have a U.S. Passport Book, then please check online with Travel.State.Gov to get the latest information on how to obtain one. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. If you are applying for a new passport or renewing your existing one, you should allow 4 to 6 weeks for these processes.
What language is spoken in Haiti?
French and Haitian Creole are the two official languages of Haiti. Haitian Creole is the most prevalent language and, for a majority of the population, it is the only language they know. There is not much English spoken in Haiti.
Will it be hot in Haiti?
Yes! The average yearly temperatures in Haiti range from 88-94 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It is also very humid.
I still have questions. Can you answer them for me?
Certainly! If you have any questions concerning Haiti International Alliance’s work team opportunities, please contact us through any of the following:
Mail us at Haiti International Alliance, PO Box 641289, Miami, Florida 33164-1289 USA
E-mail us at info@HaitiInternationalAlliance.org
What can I expect?
HIA has been hosting short term work teams and mission trips to Haiti since 1996. We have established a highly developed program for volunteers which is based upon the following:
- meaningful interaction with the children at Wayom Timoun / Kingdom of Kids Orphanage
- tangible work projects
- participation in an inclusive community
Who can participate?
Work teams are available to anyone who is at least 14 years old and willing to step outside of their “comfort zone”. Our trips are open to all people, regardless of race or ethnicity. No prior experience is needed! Many of our work team volunteers are people who have never tried anything like this before.
What is the cost to join a work team?
Typically our work teams require a per person financial commitment of $850, plus the cost of round-trip airfare to Port-au-Prince, Haiti (PAP). While in Haiti, HIA will provide transportation to and from the airport, transportation to and from work site, three meals a day, purified drinking water, and sleeping accommodations. Please contact us for up-to-date financial commitment amounts for our upcoming work teams.
Is there any kind of insurance included as part of trip?
No. However, HIA recommends that all work team volunteers consider purchasing emergency travel insurance, one which includes some coverage for emergency medical and political evacuation. Liason Majestic Travel Insurance is just one example of a travel medical insurance known to have been purchased by team members.
Do I need any special shots or medication prior to leaving for Haiti?
For advice and information in this area, please check online with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention or call them at 1-877-FYI-TRIP. You should also consult with your local physician or travel doctor. They can check your inoculation history and determine if any shots are required and/or recommended. HIA requires that you be up-to-date in regards to your tetanus shot.
Do I need a passport to travel to Haiti?
Yes! You must have a U.S. Passport Book in order to enter the country of Haiti. A U.S. Passport Card cannot be used for international travel by air, so it must be the booklet style. If you already have one, please be sure to check its expiration date. Not only does your passport need to be valid for the duration of your visit, but the U.S. Government recommends that it be valid for at least 6 months after your scheduled return date from a foreign country. If you do not already have a U.S. Passport Book, then please check online with Travel.State.Gov to get the latest information on how to obtain one. U.S. citizens may also obtain passport information by phone by calling the National Passport Information Center toll-free at 1-877-487-2778. If you are applying for a new passport or renewing your existing one, you should allow 4 to 6 weeks for these processes.
What language is spoken in Haiti?
French and Haitian Creole are the two official languages of Haiti. Haitian Creole is the most prevalent language and, for a majority of the population, it is the only language they know. There is not much English spoken in Haiti.
Will it be hot in Haiti?
Yes! The average yearly temperatures in Haiti range from 88-94 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and 68-74 degrees Fahrenheit at night. It is also very humid.
I still have questions. Can you answer them for me?
Certainly! If you have any questions concerning Haiti International Alliance’s work team opportunities, please contact us through any of the following:
Mail us at Haiti International Alliance, PO Box 641289, Miami, Florida 33164-1289 USA
E-mail us at info@HaitiInternationalAlliance.org
