Offices & Departments

Consular Section

We hope the following information will provide our clients with a better understanding of the Consular Section's procedures and policies for obtaining visas and other services. We are here to serve you according to the laws of the United States of America. Please click on any highlighted link for further specific information.

The Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Port-au-Prince is one of the largest and busiest Consular Sections in the world.  The American Citizen Services (ACS) Unit provides services to Americans visiting and living in Haiti. One can also read the most recent warden message, which details the latest security concerns for U.S. citizens in Haiti.  The Immigrant Visa (IV) Unit processes applications and petitions approved by the Immigration and Naturalization Service for Immigrant Visas (i.e. permission to live in the United States as a Legal Permanent Resident). The Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Unit processes applications for visas that provide permission to enter the United States on a temporary basis.  

•  The Immigrant Visa Unit processed over 31,161 cases in fiscal year 2007. Given the high volume of legal immigration to the United States, the Diversity Visa program was discontinued in Haiti after 1998.

• The Nonimmigrant Visa Unit processed more than 56,000 applications in fiscal year 2007. Visas are required for all Haitian travelers to the U.S. who do not have permanent residence in the U.S. The purpose of travel may be for tourism, business, study, or work on a temporary basis. Categories of visas available are described in more detail below. Applicants must set an appointment prior to the day of their interview at any branch of Sogebank. Those who have a multiple entry B1/B2 (tourist) visa, valid for at least one year, which expired less than six months ago, may apply via our travel agency program.

•  The American Citizen Services Unit serves the American community in Haiti. Approximately 15,000 U.S. citizens are registered at the Consular Section, but many more are believed to reside in the country.  In addition, several thousand Americans visit Haiti each year for business or pleasure. The ACS Unit issues passports, prepares birth and death certificates for American citizens in Haiti, and provides notarial services. ACS also assists U.S. citizens who are in distress, e.g. arrested, hospitalized or destitute. It also maintains lists of doctors, dentists and attorneys for reference.