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From January 14, 2025, Cubans with Spanish nationality will face a new scenario for traveling to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (Visa Waiver Program) following the removal of Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism.
The decision of the Joe Biden administration has generated immediate interest among thousands of Cubans with European passports, who are eager to know if they will now be able to enter U.S. soil by using the electronic entry authorization system known as ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization).
The return of this possibility prompts us to provide a step-by-step guide on how to apply for this permit and facilitate your travel to the U.S.
What is the ESTA permit?
The Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) allows citizens of countries in the Visa Waiver Program to enter the U.S. for tourism or business for a maximum period of 90 days without the need for a visa.
Requirements to apply for the ESTA permit
Valid passport: Issued by a country in the VWP (such as Spain).
Email: To receive confirmations and the application number.
Contact information: Updated address and phone number.
Payment method: Credit/Debit card (MasterCard, VISA, American Express, Discover) or PayPal.
Optional:
Current or previous employment information.
Previous names or aliases.
Contact information in the U.S.
Steps to apply for the ESTA permit
1. Access the official portal
Go to this.cbp.dhs.gov and select "Create new application." Read and accept the terms before proceeding.
2. Complete the applicant's information
Provide your passport details and other personal information:
Full name.
Date of birth.
Country of passport issuance.
Additional nationalities (if applicable).
3. Enter personal and contact information
Includes:
Residential address.
Contact information (email and phone).
Social networks (optional).
Information about your parents.
4. Detail the purpose of the trip
Provide information such as:
Date and purpose of the trip.
Emergency contact.
Contact details in the U.S. (if applicable).
5. Answer eligibility questions
Complete a questionnaire about:
Travel history to countries designated as sponsors of terrorism.
Criminal record.
Previous immigration issues.
Public health conditions.
Respond honestly, as false information could result in the denial of your application.
6. Review of the application
Verify that the provided information is correct before submitting it.
7. Make the payment
Pay the $21 using a credit/debit card or PayPal.
8. Save and verify
After completing the payment, you will receive an email with your application number. The approval process may take up to 72 hours.
Special considerations for Cuban-Spaniards
Use only your Spanish passport during the application and travel.
The ESTA does not guarantee entry to the U.S.; the final decision rests with immigration officials at the port of entry.
If your application is denied, you will need to apply for a visa at the nearest U.S. consulate.
Conclusion
The ESTA permit represents a fast and cost-effective option for traveling to the U.S. as a Cuban-Spanish. By following these steps, you will be able to complete the process smoothly and meet the necessary requirements for your upcoming visit.
Frequently Asked Questions about the ESTA Visa for Cuban-Spaniards
What is the ESTA visa and who can apply for it?
The ESTA visa is an electronic travel authorization that allows citizens of certain countries to enter the United States for tourism or business for a maximum of 90 days without the need for a traditional visa. Cuban-Spanish citizens can apply for it using their Spanish passport, provided they have no history of violating immigration laws in the U.S. and have not traveled to countries designated as sponsors of terrorism.
What are the steps to apply for the ESTA?
To apply for ESTA, you must first access the official portal esta.cbp.dhs.gov, create a new application, and accept the terms. Then, complete the applicant's information, including personal and contact details, specify the purpose of the trip, answer an eligibility questionnaire, review the application, and make the payment of 21 dollars. Finally, save and verify your application number. The approval process may take up to 72 hours.
What does it mean that Cuba is no longer on the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism for Cuban-Spaniards?
The removal of Cuba from the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism allows Cuban-Spanish individuals to access the Visa Waiver Program once again, making it easier for them to apply for ESTA to travel to the United States without a traditional visa. However, final entry into the country is at the discretion of immigration officials at the port of entry.
What should Cuban-Spaniards do if their ESTA application is denied?
If the ESTA application of a Cuban-Spanish citizen is denied, they will need to apply for a visitor visa (B-1/B-2) at a U.S. consulate. This entails a longer process and possibly the need to travel to a third country to complete the procedure, as B-1 and B-2 visas are not currently processed at the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
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