Haiti passport renewal: Everything you need to know

Renewing a Haitian passport can seem like a labyrinth of procedures and requirements, particularly for those undertaking this task for the first time. Our guide will offer clear and concise insights for Haitian citizens on the renewal process.

We will walk you through every step of renewing your Haiti passport, including a comprehensive breakdown of required documents, the application process, and the fees involved.

This article is your go-to resource for an efficient and hassle-free Haitian passport renewal, whether you're in Haiti or applying from abroad!

When to renew your Haitian passport

You should renew your Haitian passport once your current one has expired or is about to expire, or when you have lost your passport, or it’s been stolen. Renewing it is an important step to ensure that your travel and identification documents remain valid and up-to-date.

Haitian passports are issued with different validity periods based on the holder's age. For adults, passports are valid for 10 years, while for minors (those under 18), the validity is restricted to five years.

High demand for passports in Haiti

On January 3rd, 2023, US President Joe Biden declared that up to 30,000 individuals from Haiti, along with Nicaragua, Cuba, and Venezuela, would be permitted to enter the United States each month under a new parole program​​​​​​. This announcement has increased the number of Haitians seeking to renew or get their first passports for entry into the United States under this program.

This unprecedented demand has inevitably 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.

Haiti passport renewal requirements

Renewing a Haitian passport requires a clear understanding of the necessary documents and procedures. Here’s a detailed list of requirements that applicants must fulfill when applying for Haitian passport renewal:

• Completed and signed passport application form – You can get the form at the immigration office in Haiti or the nearest Haitian Embassy or Consulate.

• Your birth certificate issued by the Haitian National Archives, specifically the new blue and red certificate.

• Your current passport with a second valid identification document, such as a driver’s license or residence card.

• If the old passport isn’t available (for example, because it’s lost or stolen), applicants must present two valid forms of identification other than the passport.

• Two passport photos, in color, taken against a white background, and taken less than three months ago.

• An original marriage certificate is needed if the applicant is a married woman wishing to change her name on her new passport.

• The divorce certificate is required for divorced applicants who wish to change their name on their new passport.

• Widowed applicants who wish to change their name on the new passport must provide the spouse’s death certificate.

• Parental authorization signed by a parent or legal guardian is necessary if the application is filed on behalf of a minor.

• Police report in case of lost or stolen passports.

How to apply for a Haitian passport renewal

Applying for a Haitian passport renewal requires some paperwork and a visit to an official immigration office in Haiti or abroad. Follow these steps to ensure a smooth and successful renewal of your passport:

1. Head to the official immigration office in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. For those abroad, locate the closest Haitian Embassy or Consulate. Check their operating hours and any specific visitation guidelines they have in place, for example if you need to make an appointment.

2. Once there, you'll need to complete and submit a passport application form. Along with this form, ensure you submit all the required documents listed under the “Haiti Passport Renewal Requirements” section on the form.

3. The next step is to wait for confirmation from the government to pick up your old passport. This process can vary in time, so patience is essential.

Remember that the recent high demand for passports may lead to longer processing times.

Haiti passport renewal processing fees

Haitian passport fees can vary based on the following factors: age, processing time, and location. We recommend applicants consult directly the immigration office in Haiti or the nearest Haitian consulate or embassy services to get accurate and up-to-date information on the exact passport processing fees.

• The application fee for renewing a Haitian passport is categorized into two main groups: adults and minors (under 18). Generally, the fees for children are lower than for adults, reflecting the shorter validity period of passports issued to minors (five years) compared to adults (ten years).

• There are typically three categories of processing times - standard, urgent, and extremely urgent. Each category has a different fee, with standard processing being the least expensive and extreme urgent processing being the most expensive.

• Note that passport processing fees can vary from one location to another. This means that the fees at one consulate or embassy may differ from those at another or those charged in Haiti.

Processing time of your Haitian passport renewal

Like the fees, the processing time for a passport renewal isn't uniform across all locations and requires direct consultation with the immigration or consular services. 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.

Contact us for further information about renewing passports

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