United States Tourist Visa
B1/B2 Visitor Visa · For Haiti citizens
Planning a trip to the United States as a Haitian citizen? This guide covers everything you need for the B1/B2 visitor visa application: required documents, current fees of $185, processing times, and strategies to improve your chances. Due to limited embassy services in Haiti, most applicants must apply at a third-country consulate.
USA Tourist Visa for Haitian Citizens (2025) - Document Checklist
For Haiti citizens · VisaBeat.com
Document Checklist
Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the United States
Complete the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (Form DS-160) on the consular electronic application center
Recent passport-style photograph meeting US visa requirements
Bank statements demonstrating sufficient funds to cover your trip expenses
Documentation proving your employment status and ties to Haiti
Evidence demonstrating your intention to return to Haiti after your visit
In-person interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate
Recommended (Optional)
Detailed itinerary of your planned activities in the United States
Application Process
All applications for the B1/B2 visitor visa require completing the DS-160 online application and attending an in-person interview.12 Due to the current security situation in Haiti, routine visa services at the U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince are extremely limited.1
1. Complete DS-160 Online Application
Fill out Form DS-160 on the Consular Electronic Application Center. Provide accurate information about your travel plans, employment, and background. Upload your passport photo during this process.2
2. Pay the Visa Fee
Pay the $185 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee. Keep your receipt number as you will need it to schedule your interview.3
3. Schedule Your Interview
Due to limited services at the U.S. Embassy in Haiti, you may need to schedule your interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in another country.1 Options include the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or other Caribbean nations where you have legal status or can travel.
4. Attend Your Interview
Bring your passport, DS-160 confirmation page, fee receipt, and all supporting documents. Be prepared to explain your travel purpose and demonstrate strong ties to Haiti.2
5. Wait for Processing
If approved, your passport will be returned with the visa. Processing times vary based on the consulate and individual circumstances.1
Fees
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| MRV Application Fee (B1/B2) | US$185 |
| Visa Issuance Fee | May apply based on reciprocity |
Additional costs may include:
- Travel expenses if applying at a third-country consulate
- Document translation and courier services
- Optional visa expediting services where available
What You Need to Prove
To qualify for a B1/B2 visitor visa, you must demonstrate that you are a genuine temporary visitor who will return to Haiti.2 This means showing:
- Genuine purpose: Your trip is for tourism, business, medical treatment, or other permitted activities
- Temporary intent: You plan to stay only for a limited time and will depart before your authorized stay expires
- Strong ties to Haiti: You have compelling reasons to return, such as family, employment, or property
- Sufficient funds: You can pay for your trip without working in the United States
- No immigrant intent: You do not intend to remain permanently in the US
Processing Times
Processing times for U.S. visa applications from Haiti are currently unpredictable due to limited embassy operations.1 The U.S. Embassy in Port-au-Prince is primarily processing emergency appointments only.
For applicants interviewing at third-country consulates, processing typically takes:
- Standard processing: 2-4 weeks after interview
- Administrative processing: Several months if additional review is required
Check the specific consulate’s website for current wait times before scheduling your appointment.
After Your Visa is Approved
Once approved, your visa will be placed in your passport. The visa shows the validity period and number of entries allowed. Note that visa validity is different from your authorized stay period.
At the U.S. port of entry, a Customs and Border Protection officer will:
- Review your documents
- Ask about your travel purpose
- Determine your length of stay (recorded on Form I-94)
- Stamp your passport
Keep your I-94 record as it shows your authorized stay period.
If Your Visa is Refused
If your application is refused, you will receive a letter explaining the reason under Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act or another applicable section.2
Common next steps:
- Review the refusal reason carefully to understand what was lacking
- Gather additional documentation that addresses the concerns raised
- Reapply when you have stronger evidence of ties to Haiti
- Consider consulting an immigration attorney for complex cases
A visa refusal does not permanently bar you from future applications, but you should address the specific concerns before reapplying.
Common Rejection Reasons
Based on official refusal data for this corridor
Weak Ties to Haiti
Unable to demonstrate compelling reasons to return to Haiti, such as stable employment, property ownership, or family obligations.
How to avoid: Provide strong evidence of employment, property, family dependents, or business ownership. Show that your life and livelihood are firmly established in Haiti.
Insufficient Financial Evidence
Bank statements do not show adequate funds or demonstrate suspicious patterns like large unexplained deposits.
How to avoid: Show 6 months of consistent bank statements with regular income. Your balance should comfortably cover all trip expenses with a buffer.
Immigration Concerns
Consular officer has concerns about the applicant's intention to return based on current conditions in Haiti or personal circumstances.
How to avoid: Be prepared to clearly articulate your travel purpose and demonstrate compelling reasons to return. Previous travel history to other countries helps.
Incomplete Documentation
Missing documents, inconsistent information, or unexplained gaps in employment or travel history.
How to avoid: Double-check all documents are complete and consistent. Provide explanations for any gaps in employment or unusual circumstances.
Unconvincing Interview
Answers during the interview were vague, inconsistent, or raised concerns about the true purpose of travel.
How to avoid: Practice answering common interview questions clearly and concisely. Be honest and confident about your travel plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long can I stay in the US on a tourist visa?
The B1/B2 visa typically allows stays of up to 6 months per visit. The exact duration is determined by the Customs and Border Protection officer at your port of entry and recorded on your I-94 form.
Can I work on a US tourist visa?
No, the B1/B2 visa does not permit any form of paid employment in the United States. Working without authorization can result in deportation and future visa denials.
Where can Haitian citizens apply for a US visa?
Due to limited embassy services in Haiti, many Haitian applicants must apply at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in a third country where they have legal residence or can travel to, such as the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, or other Caribbean nations.
How long is the US tourist visa valid?
B1/B2 visas are typically issued for up to 10 years with multiple entry privileges. However, the visa validity does not determine how long you can stay per visit.
What is the US visa approval rate for Haitian citizens?
Approval rates for Haitian applicants have historically been lower than average due to immigration concerns. Strong documentation of ties to Haiti and financial stability is essential for approval.
Do I need to book flights before applying?
No, you should not book non-refundable travel until your visa is approved. A travel itinerary is helpful but not required for the application.