Traveling With An Almost-Expired Haitian Passport: Is It Possible?

The Haitian passport is a machine-readable document issued by the Ministry of Interior, Haitian Immigration. It is available in diplomatic, regular, and official formats, with blue, red, and green colours, respectively. The passport is valid for 10 years and can be renewed by submitting the old passport, a recent passport photo, and the renewal fee.

Haiti requires all non-Haitian citizens to have a passport that is valid for at least six months from the date of arrival. However, the passport requirements for Haitian citizens to enter the United States are stricter, as their passports must be valid for at least six months when entering or re-entering the country.

Where to renew a Haitian passport

To renew a Haitian passport, you must submit the following documents to the Consular Service of the Embassy or Consulate General authorised to serve you:

• A completed and signed passport application form
• A birth certificate issued by the Haitian National Archives (new blue and red certificate)
• Your old passport and a second piece of valid identification (e.g. driver's license, student card or residence card)
• Two valid pieces of identification if the old passport is not available
• Two colour passport photos on a white background, taken within the last three months
• An extract or original marriage certificate if the applicant is a married woman wishing to change her name
• The original divorce certificate if the applicant is divorced and wishes to change her name
• The husband's death certificate if the applicant is widowed and wishes to change her name
• Parental authorisation signed by a parent or legal guardian if the application is filed on behalf of a minor

Passports are issued for a period of 10 years for adults and five years for minors (under 18s). No changes are permitted during this period.

The U.S. Embassy in Haiti provides passport services for U.S. citizens visiting or residing in Haiti. These services are by appointment only and are not available on a walk-in basis.

Documents required for renewal

The documents required for the renewal of a Haitian passport vary depending on the age of the applicant. Here is a list of the documents needed for each case:

Adult Passport Renewal:

• The passport renewal application (DS-82) form completed, signed, and dated the day of drop-off.
• Your current passport, provided that it was issued when you were aged 16 or older, was issued in the last 15 years, is in your possession (not lost or stolen), is undamaged (other than normal wear and tear), and was issued in your name or you can provide documents to support a name change.
• Recent passport photos (taken less than 6 months ago).
• The passport renewal fee, which is 130 USD payable in gourdes, cash, debit card, or credit card.

Passport Renewal for Children Under 16:

• Child's original birth certificate (showing parents' names).
• Proof of the child's U.S. citizenship (e.g., Consular Report of Birth Abroad, Naturalization Certificate, or Certificate of Citizenship), along with photo identification.
• Minor Passport renewal Application form (DS-11) completed, including the child's social security number, but not signed until requested to do so by a Consular Officer.
• The child's most recent U.S. passport.
• Application fee of 135.00 USD (U.S. dollars or Haitian gourdes).
• Two (2) color photos (2"x2") (front view, full face, and plain white or off-white background).
• Photo identification for both parents (photo IDs must be state-issued and cannot be past their listed date of expiration).
• If a parent cannot be present on the day of the appointment, bring that parent's notarized Statement of Consent (DS-3053).
• If a parent is present in Haiti, they must appear for the scheduled interview.
• If a parent listed on the applicant's original birth certificate is overseas and cannot appear in person for the interview, they must complete and submit the original notarized DS-3053: Statement of Consent – Issuance of a Passport to a Minor Under Age 16, along with a copy of their identification.
• For children who have changed substantially in physical appearance, bring photos showing the child in the years since the issuance of the previous passport.

Please note that children must appear in person and be accompanied by both parents.

Fees for renewal

The fees for renewal of a Haitian passport for adults are as follows:

• The passport renewal application (DS-82) form completed, signed, and dated the day of drop off.
• Your current passport.
• Recent passport photos (Taken less than 6 months ago).
• The passport renewal fee which is 130 USD payable in gourdes (cash or debit/credit card).

Please note that, to be eligible for this service, you must meet the following criteria:

• Your current passport was issued when you were aged 16 or older.
• Your current passport was issued in the last 15 years.
• Your current passport must be in your possession (not lost or stolen).
• Your current passport must be undamaged (other than normal wear and tear).
• Your current passport was issued in your name or you can provide documents to support a name change.

If you do not meet the above criteria, you must schedule an appointment online.

Processing times

The processing time for a Haitian passport renewal is not uniform across all locations and requires direct consultation with the relevant Haitian authority. This variability is due to several factors, including the volume of applications being processed at each location, staffing levels, and specific administrative procedures.

For example, the standard processing time to renew a Haitian passport in Chicago is approximately 40 working days. Check the exact processing time at your location by checking their website or calling the location before you apply.

The high demand for passports in Haiti, caused by the 2023 announcement from US President Joe Biden that up to 30,000 individuals from Haiti would be permitted to enter the United States each month under a new parole program, has led to longer processing times for passport renewals and new applications. The limited capacity of Haiti's immigration services, compounded by the sudden increase in applicants, means that those requiring passport services may experience delays.

Applicants must consider this situation and plan accordingly, especially if they depend on a renewed passport for travel or other urgent needs.

What to do if your passport expires abroad

If your passport expires while you are abroad, you should contact the embassy or consulate of your country and apply for an emergency travel document. It is important to remember that most emergency travel documents are only valid until you re-enter your home country. After that, you will need to apply for a new passport.

To avoid being stranded abroad, it is recommended that you renew your passport before travelling if it has less than 3 or 6 months until its expiry date. Some countries require your passport to have at least 6 months left before you depart for international travel, while others require 3 months. This requirement changes depending on where you are travelling and sometimes based on your nationality. Airlines may also have their own requirements regarding passport validity.

If you are a US citizen, you can renew your passport by scheduling an appointment with the American Citizen Services online. If you are an adult renewing your 10-year passport, you can also drop off your application at the US Embassy on Friday mornings between 9am and 11am.

Frequently asked questions