The United States Embassy in Havana continues to process immigrant visa applications and certain consular services, although current immigration restrictions limit the issuance of visas to Cuban citizens.
As of November 3, 2026, the Consular Section informs that it processes all categories of immigrant visas and offers limited non-immigrant visa services.
Routine appointments for tourist and business visas (B1/B2) remain suspended.
The possibility of submitting an application or attending an interview does not guarantee the issuance of a visa.
The Presidential Proclamation 10998, effective from January 1, 2026, restricts both entry into the United States and the issuance of certain visas for Cuban citizens.
These are the available procedures in Havana, the applicable restrictions, and the official channels to request consular services.
What visas are suspended for Cubans?
The Proclamation 10998, signed on December 16, 2025, and effective from January 1, 2026, keeps Cuba among the countries subject to a partial entry and visa issuance suspension, continuing the restrictions established by the Proclamation 10949, dated June 4, 2025.
The measure affects immigrant visas as well as non-immigrant categories B-1/B-2 (business and tourism), F and M (students), and J (exchange programs).
Immigrant visas for immediate family members of U.S. citizens, including the IR-1/CR-1, IR-2/CR-2, and IR-5 categories, no longer have a general exception under the new proclamation.
The restrictions include exceptions, such as for legal permanent residents of the United States, individuals with dual nationality traveling with a passport from a country not subject to the suspension, and certain diplomatic or official categories.
There are also specific exceptions and possible individual authorizations for national interest.
Proclamation 10998 applies to individuals who were outside the United States on January 1, 2026, and did not have a valid visa on that date.
Visas that were already valid at that time were not revoked by this proclamation.
To learn about the affected categories and exceptions, please refer to our guide on which U.S. visas are still suspended for Cubans.
Immigrant visas: the procedures and interviews will continue
The U.S. Embassy in Havana informs that it processes all categories of immigrant visas.
However, the State Department warns that applicants subject to Proclamation 10998 may submit their applications and attend scheduled interviews, even if they are not eligible to receive a visa or enter the United States.
Therefore, a case can continue its processing and reach the consular interview without this implying the approval of the visa
The decision will depend on the applicable immigration requirements, current restrictions, and possible exceptions.
According to the consular information published by the Embassy, applicants should keep the following in mind:
- Form: the DS-260 is used for immigrant visas.
- Rates: the published fee for a family-based immigrant visa is $325; for the visa lottery, $330; and for the fiancé(e) visa, $265. The amounts depend on the category and must be confirmed before payment.
- Payment: fees can be paid at the National Visa Center (NVC) or, in certain procedures, directly at the Embassy. For in-person consular payments specified by the office, cash in dollars is required.
- Appointments: applicants must follow the instructions corresponding to their category and avoid payments to intermediaries. Requesting a consular appointment does not incur any additional fee.
Medical examinations: where to get them and how to schedule an appointment?
Immigrant visa applicants must undergo a medical examination before the visa can be issued, regardless of their age.
The Embassy only accepts exams conducted by authorized physicians and institutions.
The corresponding hospital depends on the province of residence and the type of case.
Fiancé(e) visa applicants have specific instructions regarding the authorized center.
The Department of State publishes the official list of hospitals and instructions for medical examinations in Havana.
Medical appointments are requested directly from the corresponding hospital, from Monday to Friday, between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
Before calling, the applicant must have their personal information, case number, and consular interview date readily available.
Exams conducted in unauthorized institutions will not be accepted for immigration processing.
Non-immigrant visas: who can request an appointment in Havana?
The Embassy maintains limited services for non-immigrant visas. According to their consular instructions, appointments are focused on four scenarios:
- Diplomatic and official visas: categories A and G.
- Temporary work visas: categories H, L, O, P, Q, and R, with an approved petition and the corresponding documentation, including the I-797B notice of action when applicable.
- Exchange Visas: category J, with the approved DS-2019 form and the DS-7002 when required.
- Medical emergencies: cases supported by medical documentation from Cuba and the United States, as well as proof of financial capability.
Interested parties must complete the Consular Navigator form, available through the official visa information page, and submit the required documents for their category.
The Embassy warns that requesting an appointment does not guarantee its allocation, and attending an interview does not ensure the issuance of the visa.
The published rates are $205 for certain temporary work visas and $185 for the J category.
Although Havana accepts J visa applications, this category is included among those suspended for Cuban citizens under Proclamation 10998. Therefore, the availability of an interview does not lift the issuance restrictions.
B1/B2 Visas: suspension of appointments and bond of up to $20,000
Routine appointments for B1/B2 tourist and business visas remain suspended at the U.S. Embassy in Havana.
Furthermore, as of January 21, 2026, Cuba is included among the countries in the bond program for certain B1/B2 visas, according to the Department of State.
When a Cuban applicant is deemed eligible for one of these visas, despite the applicable restrictions, the consular officer may require a bond of up to $20,000 before its issuance.
The requirement to post a bond does not automatically exempt one from visa suspension. Eligibility requirements and the relevant immigration provisions must first be met.
The applicant should only make the payment when explicitly instructed by the consular officer and through the authorized official procedure. This requirement may be enforced regardless of the country where the interview takes place.
For other categories of non-immigrant visas that are not processed in Havana, applicants should review the instructions regarding applications in their country of residence or nationality. They can also consult our guide on the .
Services for American citizens in Cuba
The U.S. Citizen Services Unit of the Embassy handles passport applications, consular reports of birth abroad (CRBA), notary services, and certain emergencies.
- Passports: las citas se solicitan mediante American Citizens Services Navigator, enlazado en la official passport page. No se ofrecen servicios ordinarios durante los fines de semana ni los días feriados de Cuba o Estados Unidos.
- Lost or Stolen Passports: those affected must write to ACSHavana@state.gov, explain their situation, and follow consular instructions. A police report, proof of U.S. citizenship, a photo identification, and the DS-11 and DS-64 forms, as applicable, are required.
- Emergencies: the Embassy phone number is +53 7 839 4100. Outside of regular hours, please dial 1 for English and then 0 to contact an operator.
The State Department also provides assistance lines for U.S. citizens: 1-888-407-4747 from the United States and Canada, and +1-202-501-4444 from other countries.
What to do if you are a permanent resident of the U.S. and you are in Cuba?
The U.S. Embassy in Havana does not issue or replace permanent resident cards (green cards). These documents fall under the jurisdiction of the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
However, the consular office provides guidance and specific services related to the return of permanent residents to the United States, according to their information on lost, stolen, or expired green cards.
- Lost or Stolen Card: a resident who has been outside the United States for less than 12 months can request a transportation document (boarding foil) if they meet the requirements. The indicated contact is VisasHavana@state.gov, with the subject "L11: TRANSPORTATION DOCUMENT".
- Document deadline: Consular information indicates an estimated issuance of one or two business days when the application is complete and the corresponding fee has been paid. The document is valid for 30 days.
- 10-year expired card: it can generally be used to board transportation to the United States, provided that the other requirements are met. It is advisable to confirm the conditions with the airline in advance.
- Prolonged absence: those who have been outside the United States for more than a year cannot use that transportation document as an ordinary solution. Depending on their situation, they may need a returning resident visa (SB-1).
The possibility of returning depends on individual circumstances, available documentation, and applicable immigration regulations. Extended absence may raise issues related to the maintenance of permanent residency.
Address, hours, and phone numbers of the U.S. Embassy in Havana
The diplomatic office is located on Calzada, between L and M streets, in El Vedado, Havana.
According to the contact information published by the Embassy, these are the reference hours and phone numbers:
- General phone: +53 7 839 4100.
- Consular Section: Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
- Services to U.S. citizens: Monday to Thursday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.; Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
- Visa inquiries: +53 7839 4152, from Tuesday to Thursday, between 9:00 and 11:00 a.m.
The Embassy remains closed during official holidays of Cuba and the United States. Access is restricted to applicants with an appointment, authorized individuals, and American citizens needing consular services, in accordance with the security regulations of the premises.
What procedures does the Embassy not carry out?
The Embassy does not manage cases for the Cuban Family Reunification Parole (CFRP) Program. Inquiries regarding this procedure should be directed to USCIS.
Interested parties can consult our to learn about its characteristics and the appropriate information channels.
Routine appointments for B1/B2 visas are also not available, nor are U.S. permanent resident cards replaced at the diplomatic office.
In-person services may experience temporary changes for security reasons or other circumstances.
On October 28, for example, the Embassy suspended in-person services for U.S. citizens starting at 11:00 a.m. due to a protest called in front of its facilities.
Before attending an appointment, it is advisable to review the official alerts from the Embassy and confirm that the corresponding service is still available.
Legal notice: this article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. U.S. immigration laws and policies may change. To evaluate a specific case, it is recommended to consult with an authorized immigration attorney or a representative accredited by the U.S. Department of Justice.
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