Information for the Haitian population
On December 27, 2024, new rules defining the conditions for access to Brazilian humanitarian visas for Haitians came into effect, making the issuance of humanitarian visas subject to the support available from community sponsors. Additional information about the new procedure will be shared by the Brazilian Government soon. As of today, it is important to emphasize that UNHCR is not involved in the decision-making and/or issuance of humanitarian visas.
After the granting of the humanitarian visa for Brazil
The humanitarian visa is valid for 180 (one hundred and eighty) days, for a single entry into Brazil. Once in Brazil, humanitarian visa holders have a maximum period of 90 (ninety) days to report to the Federal Police and be entitled to (1) request asylum; or (2) request a temporary residence permit for humanitarian purposes. Please visit the respective links for additional information; differences between the two legal pathways available in Brazil and the types of document regularization, step-by-step procedure to request asylum in Brazil, and list of UNHCR’s partner institutions in several Brazilian states from where one can seek support.
Family Reunification for Haitians: A New Way to Get a Visa!
On August 12, 2025, the Brazilian government launched a new rule for obtaining family reunification visas for Haitians and stateless people living in Haiti who have family ties in Brazil.
Who can apply for the visa?
This new visa is only for those who have already applied for a “prior residence permit for family reunification purposes” (according to the old process – Interministerial Ordinance MJSP/MRE No. 38/2023) and who, for some reason, have not yet obtained the visa.
How does the new process work?
The entire visa application and issuance process will be done electronically, through an online platform, which will be announced by the government soon.
Family members living in Haiti, as visa applicants, are the ones who must carry out this process.
Furthermore, the applicant does not need to pay any fees or fines: the visa and registration in Brazil are free. The visa’s validity is confirmed by scanning a QR code.
Which documents are required?
To complete the process, the visa applicant must submit:
- A digital copy of his/her passport page.
- Proof that his/her prior residence permit was previously approved.
- A photograph.
- For children, authorization from their parents or legal guardians.
Important Rules
- The person receiving the visa must board his/her flight to Brazil exclusively from Haiti. After arrival, s/he has up to 90 days to register with the Brazilian authorities.
- The new rule takes effect in September 2025 and will be valid until December 31, 2025, or until all previously approved visas are processed.