From the Dominican Republic to Cap-Haïtien: What Works in 2026

Short answer: As of late September 2026, you cannot cross between the Dominican Republic and Haiti by land or sea as a traveler. The Government of Canada reports that those borders remain closed to travelers. What you can do is fly: commercial flights between the Dominican Republic and Haiti resumed on May 30, 2026, and they serve Cap-Haïtien International Airport (CAP), not Port-au-Prince. Check with the airline for the current schedule before you plan.

For years, the classic route to Haiti’s north was a bus from Santiago or Santo Domingo to the Dajabón–Ouanaminthe crossing, then onward to Cap-Haïtien. Many travelers still search for that route. Here is what has changed and how to get to Okap today.

Is the Dominican Republic–Haiti border open?

Land and sea: closed to travelers

Canada’s Haiti travel advice, updated September 24, 2026, states: “On May 30, 2026, the Government of the Dominican Republic reopened its air border with Haiti. Land and sea borders between the two countries remain closed to travellers.” It adds that the Embassy of Canada cannot help you enter the Dominican Republic from Haiti.

Recent U.S. State Department advisories for Haiti have likewise told U.S. citizens not to cross the land border between Haiti and the Dominican Republic, citing the threat of kidnapping and violence on roads to the border.

What about trade at Dajabón?

You may see news about the Dajabón–Ouanaminthe market and trucks crossing. Cross-border trade has continued, with a brief dispute over certain products in mid-September 2026 that Dominican officials said was resolved. Trade traffic is not the same as an open crossing for travelers, so do not plan a trip around it.

Air: reopened, via Cap-Haïtien

Flights have resumed, and they connect to the north. According to El Inmobiliario, which cited the Dominican airport operator Aerodom in July 2026, Sunrise Airways was flying between La Isabela International Airport in Santo Domingo and Cap-Haïtien International Airport, with six weekly frequencies at the time. Flights had been suspended since March 2024. Schedules change, so confirm current days, times and fares directly with the airline.

How to get from the Dominican Republic to Cap-Haïtien, step by step

1. Check the advisories first. The U.S. State Department rates Haiti at Level 4: Do Not Travel (issued July 10, 2026). Canada advises against all travel. Make sure your insurance covers your trip.
2. Book your flight to CAP. Look for current flights from Santo Domingo, and check whether flights from other Dominican airports have been added.
3. Register on iKat. The State Department says all travelers to Haiti must complete the iKat Electronic Entry and Exit Form at least 72 hours before arrival.
4. Check your passport. It should be valid at least six months beyond arrival.
5. Arrange your airport pickup before you fly. Do not plan to find transport at arrivals. At Hidden Palace, our free airport shuttle meets guests at CAP.
6. Plan your return. If you are flying back to the Dominican Republic, check the Dominican entry rules for your nationality, and remember that you cannot return overland.

Why not drive or take the bus?

Even before the formal closure, the roads to the border were a concern. Canada strongly advises against road travel between Haiti’s main cities because of gangs and a volatile security situation, and it notes that the international airport in Cap-Haïtien is “your best option to leave the country”. The bus-and-border route that many travelers remember is not an option today.

Coming from the United States via the Dominican Republic?

Many travelers used to fly to Santiago or Santo Domingo, where there were more flight options, and then cross overland. Now it usually makes more sense to fly directly to Cap-Haïtien from South Florida, or to connect through the Dominican Republic on a flight into CAP. Our guide to Miami and Fort Lauderdale flights to Cap-Haïtien covers the routes. If your connection leaves you with a night between flights, we can host you for the layover.

Landing at CAP: your first night in the north

Arriving on a regional flight, you want the next step to be simple. Hidden Palace Guest House and Resort is on RN1 in Vaudreuil, in Nord Haiti, and we are open 24 hours.

• Free airport shuttle from Cap-Haïtien International Airport. Send us your flight number when you book.
• Dinner waiting: a restaurant with buffet dinner and table service, a bar, and 24-hour room service for late arrivals.
• Free buffet breakfast the next morning.
• Getting around: private car service, a local shuttle, car rental on site and free parking.
• Unwind: the outdoor hot tub in the garden, the outdoor tiki bar, and the grand lounge with its billiards table.
• Concierge and full-service laundry for travelers on longer regional trips.

Our Cap-Haïtien airport arrival guide explains what happens after you land, and our guide to choosing a hotel near Cap-Haïtien airport compares your options.

What to see once you are here

The north has a lot to offer, but plan around current closures. The Citadelle Laferrière has been closed to visitors since April 11, 2026, and on September 6, 2026 Haiti’s Minister of Culture confirmed that visits remain suspended while interim works continue, with no reopening date announced. Royal Caribbean has also paused cruise calls at Labadee through June 2027. The city, its food and the coast are still here to enjoy.

Book your arrival

Flying in from the Dominican Republic? Call (561) 484-4210 with your flight details, and we will arrange your free pickup at CAP. Or book at hiddenpalaceokap.com/book.

Frequently asked questions