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Can I go to the US if I’ve been to Cuba?
You may not be eligible for an esta if you’ve been to cuba. here’s what you need to know.
C uba is one of the most vibrant destinations in the Caribbean. You can go to soak up the history, or spend your days lounging on the beach then salsa the night away, all with a mojito or two in hand. The UK places no restrictions on entering Cuba — and it’s easy enough to get to as a tourist. However, you may not be able to enter the US on an Esta after you visit Cuba, even in transit; instead you’ll need a more expensive visa. Here’s what you should know before booking a Cuba or US trip.
Main photo: travellers at Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport (Alamy)
What’s the background?
The frosty relationship between Cuba and the US is long and complicated but can be traced back to 1959, when Fidel Castro came to power. By establishing the country as a socialist state, strengthening its ties with the Soviet Union and introducing tariffs against US imports, Castro distanced Cuba from the US. In the context of the Cold War, these actions ultimately led to a trade embargo being imposed on the country by President Kennedy — one that’s remained in place since.
Relations thawed somewhat under President Obama, with cruise ships and regular flights restarting between the two nations. US travellers were also able to visit the Caribbean island for tourism purposes for the first time. But under President Trump, the US policy toward Cuba was reversed and the ban on tourism to Cuba was reinstated. While President Biden has yet to formally abandon the sanctions against Cuba, moves have been made to ease travel between the two nations in certain circumstances.
I’ve been to Cuba — am I barred from the US?
The UK doesn’t have any sanctions against Cuba but British passport holders are still affected by US policy if they want to travel there after visiting Cuba. This is because Cuba is currently on the US’s State Sponsors of Terrorism list . And under the terms of the Esta (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), you cannot enter the US using an existing Esta, or apply for a new Esta, if you’ve previously visited a country on this list. This ban includes transit, where you’re flying on to another country.
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You’re not barred from entering the US altogether. But instead of a $21 Esta, you’ll have to apply for a tourist visa through the US embassy, which will cost you a hefty $160.
However, because Cuba was temporarily taken off the State Sponsors of Terrorism list before being reinstated, if you visited the country before January 1, 2021, you should still be eligible for an Esta. If your visit was on or after this date, you will need a visa to enter the US. Having an Esta doesn’t guarantee you entry into the US though, so you should contact your nearest US embassy if in doubt.
Could other countries cause problems for visitors to the US?
There are currently three other countries on the State Sponsors of Terrorism list: North Korea, Iran and Syria. If you’ve visited any of these countries in the past, you’ll need to apply for a tourist visa to enter the US.
• Best hotels in Cuba • Best things to do in Cuba • Best Caribbean islands
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However, because Cuba was temporarily taken off the State Sponsors of Terrorism list before being reinstated, if you visited the country before January 1, 2021, you should still be eligible for an ...