Starting April 1, 2025, all Cuban citizens wishing to enter Cuba must do so with a valid passport.
The measure ends the extension granted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs during the Covid-19 pandemic, which allowed entry into the country with expired passports.
Ana Teresita González Fraga, the director general of Consular Affairs and Attention to Cubans Residing Abroad (DACCRE), explained to the official Granma that this temporary flexibility was implemented in 2020 in response to the restrictions imposed by the pandemic and to ensure that Cuban citizens abroad could return home without needing to renew their documents.
However, following the resumption of international flights and the normalization of operations at the consular offices, the government has set March 31, 2025, as the deadline for entering the island with expired passports. After this date, having a valid passport will be mandatory.
González also assured that the consular offices have the necessary capacity and willingness to promptly handle passport renewal requests.
This is aimed at making it easier for all Cubans who wish to travel to the country to meet the new requirement starting April 1, 2025.
In 2023, the Cuban government announced that it would continue the extension of uninterrupted stay abroad that was announced in March 2020, during the Covid-19 pandemic.
Among a package of announced measures, the regime stated that "the extension of uninterrupted stays abroad, beyond 24 months, remains in effect, automatic and free of charge; as announced in March 2020."
This decision was made "to support our nationals who were abroad during the critical period of Covid-19," the information emphasized.
Before the pandemic, the regime forced its citizens to return to the country within two years in order to maintain residency on the island, but due to the airport closures caused by the health crisis, that requirement was temporarily eliminated.
At that moment, he also announced the extension of the validity of the Cuban passport from 6 to 10 years for citizens over 16 years old, and to 5 years for those under that age.
Subsequently, the Cuban government clarified that it would not extend the validity of passports valid for six years that were issued before June 30, 2023.
Last July, the Cuban Parliament approved the new Immigration Law, which includes one of its most significant reforms: the removal of the 24-month limit for staying abroad without losing residency in Cuba, a measure that had been in moratorium since the COVID-19 pandemic. This facilitates the return to the country for those living abroad, without time restrictions.
Frequently asked questions about the new immigration regulations in Cuba
When will it be mandatory to have a valid passport to enter Cuba?
Starting April 1, 2025, all Cuban citizens will be required to have a valid passport to enter the island. This measure will be implemented following the expiration of the extension that allowed entry into the country with expired passports, which was introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic.
What changes have been made to Cuba's Migration Law?
The new Migration Law of Cuba, approved in July 2024, eliminates the 24-month limit on staying abroad without losing residency in Cuba. This will allow Cuban residents living overseas to return without temporary restrictions, making their reintegration into the country easier.
How does the new immigration regulation affect Cubans abroad?
The new Cuban immigration regulations allow Cubans residing abroad to maintain their residency on the island without the need to return every 24 months. Additionally, it introduces the concept of "effective migratory residency," which acknowledges the ties of Cubans who spend most of their time in the national territory or have other evidence of residency.
What measures has Cuba taken regarding passport renewal?
Cuban consular offices assure that they have the capacity and willingness to promptly handle passport renewals, aiming to ensure that all Cubans can meet the new requirement of entering the island with a valid passport starting April 1, 2025.
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