Securing a UAE visa for Haitian citizens is a mandatory step before any travel to the United Arab Emirates. Haitian passport holders are not granted a visa on arrival and must obtain a prearranged visa or eVisa through an approved sponsor, such as an airline, hotel, or employer. Understanding the specific requirements for either a UAE tourist visa or a UAE work visa is essential for a smooth travel process.
UAE Tourist Visa and Entry Permits
The easiest and most common way for Haitian citizens to apply for a UAE tourist visa is through a major international airline (like Emirates or Etihad Airways) or an accredited travel agency operating in the UAE. These entities act as the official sponsor for your entry permit. The process is handled electronically, resulting in an eVisa that is printed and presented upon arrival.
Available Tourist Visa Types:
- 30-Day Single Entry Visa: Suitable for short holidays or visits.
- 60-Day Single Entry Visa: Ideal for longer stays.
- 48-hour or 96-hour Transit Visas: Available for layovers through the sponsoring airline.
Required Documents for Tourist Visas:
- Passport Copy: A clear color copy of the main page of your Haiti passport, which must be valid for at least six months from the date of intended entry into the UAE.
- Color Photograph: A recent, high-quality, passport-sized color photograph with a plain white background.
- Confirmed Tickets: A copy of your round-trip or onward flight itinerary.
- Accommodation Details: Proof of your intended stay, such as a confirmed hotel booking or details of a resident sponsor.
Where to Apply for a Tourist Visa:
Since the UAE does not maintain a direct embassy or consulate in Haiti that processes these visas, the application must be facilitated by a sponsor:
- Emirates Airline Visa Services: A primary facilitator for travelers flying with them. Emirates UAE Visa Information
- Official UAE Government Visa Information: Check the official source for policy updates and general requirements. Official UAE Government Entry Permit Information
UAE Work and Residency Visa for Employment
For Haitian citizens planning to work and live in the UAE, the path involves obtaining a Work and Residency Visa, which is always employer-sponsored. You cannot apply for this visa type independently; a licensed UAE employer must secure the permits on your behalf.
The Work Visa Process:
- Employment Offer: You must first sign a contract with a company in the UAE.
- Work Permit Application: The company applies to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for your initial work permit, which acts as your entry permit.
- Entry and Medical Screening: Once the permit is approved, you enter the UAE. Within the first 60 days, you must undergo mandatory medical fitness tests (including screening for communicable diseases like HIV and Tuberculosis) at a government-approved facility.
- Residency Visa: The employer finalizes the application for the Residency Visa (typically valid for two years) and the Emirates ID.
Essential Document Attestation:
A critical step for all employment visas is the attestation of your academic qualifications. Any degree or diploma obtained outside the UAE must be officially authenticated to be recognized for employment.
- Procedure: Your certificates must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Haiti, followed by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in your region, and finally by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation in the UAE. This process must be completed before the final residency application.
Important Note on Employment:
It is strictly illegal under UAE law to work in the country while holding a UAE tourist visa or any other short-term entry permit. The employment process must be initiated and sponsored by your employer from the outset.
