Canada Visa RequirementsFor Haiti passport holders
Canadian visa applications from Haitian nationals face significant scrutiny, with a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) required before travel.
Haiti passport holders require a visa to enter Canada.
Apply online through the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) portal at canada.ca/visa. Create a GCKey account and complete the online application for a Temporary Resident Visa. Pay the CAD 100 application fee online. After submitting, you will receive instructions for biometric enrollment at a VAC. Processing times currently range from several weeks to several months for Haitian applicants.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Biometrics
Required at first application
Current Travel Situation
Haiti to Canada: What You Need to Know
Canada requires Haitian passport holders to obtain a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) before arriving. The visa application fee is CAD 100 (approximately USD 74). Canada has historically received a large number of asylum claims from Haitian nationals, which has contributed to elevated refusal rates for tourist visa applications. Visa officers carefully evaluate whether applicants will return to Haiti at the end of their authorized stay.
The Canadian Embassy in Port-au-Prince has been affected by the security situation in Haiti, with intermittent changes to service availability. Many Haitian applicants submit their applications online through the IRCC portal. Biometric enrollment may need to be completed at a Visa Application Centre (VAC), which may require travel to a neighboring country.
Strong supporting documentation is essential: bank statements covering at least six months, property titles, employment letters, evidence of family in Haiti, travel history, and a well-structured cover letter explaining the visit purpose and intent to return. Applicants with prior travel history to countries with strict immigration standards tend to have better outcomes.
Practical Tips
Apply as early as possible given long processing times. Prepare an exceptionally thorough application package: the stronger the documentation of ties to Haiti and financial stability, the better your chances. If the VAC in Port-au-Prince is not fully operational, you may need to travel to the Dominican Republic to complete biometrics. Track your application status through the IRCC portal after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Haitians need a visa to visit Canada?
Yes, Haitian passport holders require a Temporary Resident Visa (TRV) to enter Canada. The application fee is CAD 100 and the application is submitted online through the IRCC portal.
Why do many Haitian visa applications to Canada get refused?
Canada has historically seen a high number of asylum claims from Haitian nationals, leading visa officers to carefully assess whether applicants will return to Haiti. Strong documentation of ties to Haiti, financial stability, and a clear travel purpose significantly improves approval chances.
Where do Haitians complete biometrics for a Canadian visa?
Biometrics must be provided at a Visa Application Centre (VAC). If the VAC in Port-au-Prince is not fully operational, applicants may need to travel to the Dominican Republic or another country with a Canadian VAC.
How much does a Canadian tourist visa cost for Haitian passport holders?
The Temporary Resident Visa application fee is CAD 100 (approximately USD 74). Biometric fees (CAD 85 for individuals) are charged separately. These fees are non-refundable regardless of the outcome.