ESTA Applications: Cuba Remains on U.S. Terrorism-Support List
Cuba's reinstatement on the U.S. terrorism-support list under Trump has major consequences for travelers, especially those who visited recently and now face ESTA ineligibility and must apply for a traditional U.S. visa.
President Donald Trump has reinstated Cuba on the U.S. list of state sponsors of terrorism immediately upon assuming office, reversing Joe Biden’s final-hour decision to remove the island from that list. This reversal has significant implications for international travelers, particularly those who have recently visited Cuba.
Implications for travelers
Travelers who visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021 are no longer eligible to apply for an ESTA to enter the United States. Affected travelers must now apply for a traditional U.S. visa, a process that is significantly longer, more complex, and more costly. Visa applications must be submitted through a U.S. embassy or consulate.
Visa vs ESTA: What’s the difference?
Individuals who visited Cuba or other restricted destinations must obtain a B-2 tourist visa or B-1 business visa for U.S. entry.
This change especially impacts European travelers, who must now plan trips well in advance and prepare for additional administrative procedures.
If your travel history excludes the listed countries or dates, you may still apply for an ESTA. The fully online application is typically approved within 72 hours before departure.
Who else is affected?
Travelers from the 42 countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) should also be aware that visiting Iraq, North Korea, Syria, Iran, Sudan, Libya, Somalia or Yemen on or after March 1, 2011 may result in ESTA ineligibility. Trump’s decision therefore maintains travel restrictions that have been in place for years.
En tant que chargée de relation client, mes missions sont la gestion et le suivi des demandes de visas. Je reste informée des actualités concernant les nouvelles formalités de voyage ainsi que les spécificités des nouveaux visas.
