Haiti Entry Requirements

Haiti Entry Requirements

Visa, immigration, and customs information

Important Notice Entry requirements can change at any time. Always verify current requirements with official government sources before traveling.
Information last reviewed December 2024. Always verify with official government sources before traveling.
Landing in Haiti hits you the instant the cabin door opens, thick, humid air laced with sea salt and the charcoal perfume of roadside griot stalls drifts through the jet bridge. Inside Toussaint Louverture International Airport, the immigration hall buzzes with Creole greetings and the soft shuffle of passports as officers in crisp khaki uniforms move travelers through tropical murals. Most visitors need only a valid passport and return ticket for stays up to 90 days, though visa policies vary sharply by nationality. Expect a clean, orderly drill: digital signs steer you to the right queue, and officers usually fire three questions, purpose of visit, length of stay, accommodation address, before thumping your entry card with a satisfying stamp. Haiti's entry routine pairs brisk efficiency with tight security. You edge past baggage carousels where the sweet scent of tropical fruit mingles with jet fuel, watching uniformed staff guide passengers through temperature scanners. From aircraft door to taxi stand, count on 45-60 minutes. Afternoon flights from Miami can stretch the wait. Keep documents handy, passport, the white immigration form handed out on the plane, customs declaration, and carry crisp US dollars for any surprise fees.

Visa Requirements

Entry permissions vary by nationality. Find your category below.

Haiti operates a tiered visa system favoring regional neighbors while requiring advance authorization for several major source markets.

Visa-Free Entry
90 days

Citizens of CARICOM member states and several partner countries enjoy visa-free access

Includes
United States Canada United Kingdom Germany France Netherlands Belgium Switzerland Italy Spain Brazil Argentina Chile CARICOM member states

Entry card issued on arrival, must be retained for departure

Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA/eVisa)
90 days

Citizens of countries with diplomatic relations but requiring pre-screening

Includes
Australia New Zealand China India Russia South Africa Japan South Korea
How to Apply: Apply through Haitian embassy website 5-7 business days before travel
Cost: Mid-range processing fee paid online

Print ETA approval to present at immigration with passport

Visa Required
30-90 days depending on visa type

Citizens of countries without diplomatic relations or specific security concerns

How to Apply: Apply in person at Haitian embassy or consulate with passport photos, bank statements, and hotel booking

Processing takes 7-14 days; tourist visas typically valid for single entry

Arrival Process

The arrival experience at Port-au-Prince airport engages all senses: the whoosh of automatic doors releasing cool air-conditioned relief, Creole announcements crackling overhead, and the sight of palm fronds swaying beyond floor-to-ceiling windows.

1
Immigration Control
Present passport and completed white entry card to officer who scans documents, takes fingerprints electronically, and stamps entry permission
2
Baggage Claim
Collect luggage from carousels while Haitian music plays softly. Baggage carts require a small USD fee
3
Customs Declaration
Choose green (nothing to declare) or red (items to declare) channel; officers may conduct random bag checks
4
Final Exit
Exit through sliding doors into arrival hall where taxi drivers call out destinations and currency exchange counters line the walls

Documents to Have Ready

Passport valid 6+ months
Primary identification required at every step from check-in to immigration
Return/onward ticket
Airlines verify this before boarding. Immigration may also request proof
Completed immigration card
Distributed on arriving flights. Keep yellow receipt portion for departure
Customs declaration form
Declare cash over $10,000 USD or restricted items

Tips for Smooth Entry

Print accommodation address clearly, officers often call hotels to verify
Keep $10-20 USD in small bills accessible for baggage cart and potential fees
Download offline maps before arrival as airport WiFi can be unreliable
Pack patience, afternoon flights from Miami create the longest queues

Customs & Duty-Free

Haitian customs enforcement balances revenue collection with tourism facilitation, focusing on agricultural products and high-value electronics.

Alcohol
1 liter spirits or 2 liters wine
Must be 18+ years; bottles must be sealed and for personal use
Tobacco
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250g loose tobacco
Must be 18+ years; Cuban cigars permitted despite US restrictions
Currency
Declare amounts exceeding $10,000 USD equivalent
Declaration forms available at customs. Undeclared amounts subject to seizure
Gifts/Goods
Up to $500 USD value duty-free
Excludes electronics, jewelry, or items for commercial use

Prohibited Items

  • Fresh fruits/vegetables - strict agricultural protection against pests
  • Narcotics of any kind - severe penalties including imprisonment
  • Counterfeit currency - immediate seizure and legal action
  • Pornographic material - confiscated and potential deportation

Restricted Items

  • Firearms - import permit required from Haitian National Police, 30-day process
  • Prescription medications - carry original prescription and doctor's letter
  • Business equipment - temporary import documentation needed for professional tools

Health Requirements

Haiti's health entry requirements prioritize yellow fever prevention while recommending standard tropical precautions.

Required Vaccinations

  • Yellow fever (if arriving from endemic country)

Recommended Vaccinations

  • Hepatitis A
  • Typhoid
  • Hepatitis B
  • Routine vaccines (MMR, DPT)

Health Insurance

Travel insurance with medical coverage strongly advised. Some resorts require proof of coverage before check-in

Current Health Requirements: No COVID-19 testing or vaccination requirements as of December 2024; monitor embassy advisories as policies change rapidly with global health developments

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Read our complete Haiti Travel Insurance Guide →

Important Contacts

Essential resources for your trip.

Embassy/Consulate
US Embassy: Route de Tabarre, Port-au-Prince; UK Embassy: 18 Rue Rigaud, Petion-Ville
Check your government's travel advisory website for updated contact information and security alerts
Immigration Authority
Direction Générale de l'Immigration - Port-au-Prince Airport office
For visa extensions and official immigration information
Emergency
Emergency services: 116 (police), 118 (fire), 122 (ambulance)
These numbers work nationwide in Haiti

Special Situations

Additional requirements for specific circumstances.

Traveling with Children

Minors need passport. Single parent traveling requires notarized consent letter from non-traveling parent plus child's birth certificate

Traveling with Pets

Health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, current rabies vaccination, and import permit from Haitian Ministry of Agriculture 14 days in advance

Extended Stays

Visit Direction Générale de l'Immigration in downtown Port-au-Prince before 90-day expiry. Tourist visa extensions granted for 30-90 additional days with fee payment

Know What to Pack

Climate-specific clothing, travel documents, electronics, and gear — with shopping links for every item.

View Haiti Packing List →