U.S. Imposes Visa Restrictions on Haitian Officials After Attempt to Oust Prime Minister

Washington targets members of Haiti’s transitional leadership, citing actions that enabled armed groups and deepened national instability.

By:Haitian Prime News|January 29, 2026|Washington, D.C. / Port-au-Prince, Haiti

The United States has imposed new visa restrictions on three Haitian officials following political actions linked to an attempted removal of Prime Minister Alix Didier Fils-Aimé, the U.S. government announced on Tuesday.

In a statement, the U.S. Department of State confirmed that the sanctions apply to two members of Haiti’s Transitional Presidential Council and one Haitian government minister. The individuals were not publicly identified.

According to U.S. officials, the sanctioned figures engaged in conduct that allowed Haitian armed groups—some designated by the United States as foreign terrorist organizations—to further destabilize the country and undermine regional security.

“These measures are part of our continued efforts to promote accountability for those whose actions contribute to instability in Haiti and across the hemisphere,” the State Department said.

The visa restrictions were implemented under Section 212(a)(3)(C) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, a provision that bars entry into the United States for foreign nationals whose presence or activities are considered detrimental to U.S. foreign policy interests. As part of the action, all valid U.S. visas held by the sanctioned officials, as well as those of their immediate family members, will be revoked.

U.S. authorities stressed that the move reflects growing concern over political infighting within Haiti’s transitional governance framework at a time when the country continues to face severe gang violence, institutional paralysis, and a worsening humanitarian crisis.

The statement added that the Trump administration remains prepared to impose additional measures on any individuals found to be contributing to Haiti’s destabilization.

The sanctions follow weeks of heightened tension within Haiti’s executive leadership, as disputes over authority and governance have stalled efforts toward restoring security and advancing a credible political transition.

Sources

• U.S. Department of State official statement

• U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act, Section 212(a)(3)(C