United States Visa RequirementsFor Haiti passport holders
The US B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa is required for Haitian passport holders, with applications submitted at the US Embassy in Port-au-Prince.
Haiti passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Monitor the US Embassy Port-au-Prince website (ht.usembassy.gov) for current visa appointment availability. Create a profile at ceac.state.gov and complete the DS-160 online application form. Pay the USD 185 MRV fee at an authorized payment location. Schedule an interview appointment. Attend the interview at the US Embassy with all required documents including original bank statements, employment letter, property documents, and any prior US or international visas.
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
Current Travel Situation
Haiti to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States requires Haitian passport holders to obtain a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa for tourism and business visits. The application fee is USD 185 (MRV fee) which is non-refundable regardless of the outcome. The United States has historically applied strict scrutiny to B-1/B-2 visa applications from Haitian nationals, resulting in high refusal rates. The primary reason for refusals is the determination that an applicant has not overcome the presumption of immigrant intent under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act.
The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince is the primary application point for Haitian nationals. Due to the ongoing security situation in Haiti, embassy operations have been subject to interruptions and reduced capacity. Applicants should monitor the embassy's website for current appointment availability and operational status. The Embassy has at times suspended routine visa services and prioritized emergency cases.
A strong B-1/B-2 application from a Haitian national should include compelling evidence of ties to Haiti that would compel the applicant to return: property ownership deeds, employment confirmation from a reputable employer with salary details, bank statements showing consistent long-term balances, family ties (minor children, elderly parents), business ownership documentation, and a clear and specific travel itinerary with hotel reservations and return tickets.
Practical Tips
The interview is central to the US visa process, so prepare thoroughly. Be concise and honest when answering the consular officer's questions. Demonstrate your ties to Haiti clearly and confidently. If you have previously traveled internationally (to countries like Egypt, India, or Turkey), bring copies of those entry stamps as they serve as evidence of your ability to travel responsibly. A history of international travel helps demonstrate you are a genuine temporary visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Haitian nationals need a visa to visit the United States?
Yes, Haitian passport holders require a B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa for tourism and business visits to the US. The non-refundable application fee is USD 185. Approval rates for Haitian applicants have historically been lower than average due to strict assessment of immigrant intent.
Where do Haitians apply for a US visa?
The US Embassy in Port-au-Prince is the primary application point for Haitian nationals. Applications are submitted online through ceac.state.gov (DS-160 form), and an interview appointment is required. Monitor the embassy website at ht.usembassy.gov for current appointment availability given the security situation.
Why is the US B-1/B-2 visa difficult for Haitian passport holders to obtain?
Under Section 214(b) of the US Immigration and Nationality Act, all visa applicants are presumed to have immigrant intent until they demonstrate otherwise. For Haitian nationals, officers pay close attention to whether the applicant has strong reasons to return to Haiti. Unemployment, lack of property, or family abroad can contribute to refusals.
What evidence helps a Haitian applicant get a US tourist visa?
Strong evidence of ties to Haiti is essential: property ownership deeds, an employment letter from a reputable employer with salary confirmation, bank statements showing consistent long-term balances, family ties (minor children, elderly parents), and prior international travel stamps (including Egypt, India, or Vietnam) all significantly support the application.