This is what Cubans need to know about the Visa Waiver Program and the ESTA application.

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) allows citizens of certain countries to travel to the United States without the need to obtain a traditional visa.

This program is designed for tourist or business visits of up to 90 days. However, although the program facilitates entry to the U.S. without a visa, it is necessary to obtain prior authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).

Cubans and the Visa Waiver Program

For Cubans, it is important to note that Cuba is not part of the list of countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program, so they cannot access the ESTA or benefit from this program.

However, the information about the VWP is relevant for those Cubans who reside in other countries that are part of the list, such as Spain, or for those who have acquired a second citizenship in one of those countries.

Who qualifies for the ESTA?

Citizens of countries that are part of the Visa Waiver Program do not need to apply for a visa, but they must obtain ESTA authorization before traveling to the United States.

For those who qualify, the ESTA application process is relatively simple. They must complete an online form and pay the corresponding fees: $4 USD to process the application and, if approved, an additional payment of $17 USD for the authorization.

Requirements to apply for the ESTA

For a person to be eligible for the Visa Waiver Program and apply for the ESTA, their passport must meet certain requirements.

The traveler needs an electronic passport or e-Passport, which has a chip containing the holder's biometric information. This is an essential requirement for all travelers applying for the ESTA.

Verification and duration of the authorization

Once the ESTA application process is completed, the applicant will receive a confirmation number that will allow them to check the status of the application.

It is important to note that it may take up to 72 hours to receive a response. If approved, the ESTA authorization is valid for two years, allowing multiple entries to the United States without the need for a new application, provided that the duration of stay on each visit does not exceed 90 days.

If the applicant's passport expires within a period of less than two years, the validity of the ESTA authorization will also be adjusted to the passport's expiration date.

Necessary documents to enter the U.S.

To enter the United States under the Visa Waiver Program with a valid ESTA authorization, the traveler needs a valid passport with a minimum of six months of validity from the date of entry, unless their country of origin has an agreement that exempts them from this requirement.

Final considerations

Although this program does not apply to Cubans who still reside in Cuba, it is useful for those who have dual citizenship or who reside in a participating country.

For any additional inquiries regarding the ESTA process or the VWP, it is recommended to visit the official website of the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, where frequently asked questions in Spanish can also be found.

The ESTA from its implementation to the present.

In 2021, it was reported that Cubans with European passports would need to apply for a visa to travel to the United States.

Although many used to travel without the need for a visa thanks to their dual nationality, the new federal provisions eliminated this benefit for those with ties to countries that sponsor terrorism, such as Cuba.

In July 2023, it was confirmed that a new version of the ESTA mobile application would not change the restrictions for travelers linked to Cuba, leaving many affected individuals without options to restore their access to the program.

The U.S. government reaffirmed that the limitations for those who have visited Cuba or hold dual nationality would remain in effect, even after the app update.

In that same month, there was an increase in the mass cancellations of ESTA for Cubans with dual nationality, who have seen their travel authorization requests to the United States denied.

This restriction affects both those who reside in Cuba and those who have simply traveled to the island in recent years.

The affected individuals have turned to U.S. embassies and consulates to obtain a traditional visa, but the wait times are long, worsening the situation. Numerous travelers are seeking legal alternatives to resolve this issue.

In April 2024, it was reported that more than 300,000 European citizens had their access to the United States ESTA program restricted because they had previously traveled to Cuba.

This measure was implemented after the U.S. government re-added Cuba to the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism in 2021, which has affected Europeans who visited the island since that date.

Despite international criticism, the restriction continues to affect the mobility of travelers, and Cuban authorities have unsuccessfully requested that the United States restore access to ESTA for dual Cuban nationals.