When traveling to around the world, many people overlook the impact that visiting particular destinations could have on their ability to visit other places in the future. One such instance where this frequently occurs is with Cuba and its relationship with the USA.
Cuba and the US have had a tumultuous relationship since Fidel Castro ascended to power in 1959. Despite periods of improving relations, President Trump’s decision to halt diplomatic ties with Cuba has created significant obstacles for individuals from or those who have visited Cuba in recent years and now wish to enter the USA for any purpose.
Previously, travelers wanting to visit the US after visiting Cuba would have been eligible to enter under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA). However, due to Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) by the U.S. Department of State in January 2021, any traveler found to have visited Cuba on or after this date is unable to travel using an ESTA under the VISA Waiver Program. Instead, they must now apply for a VISA to travel to the United States.
This is crucial information that many travelers wishing to visit the US may not be aware of and could result in them applying for an ESTA instead of a VISA. The high volume of people attempting to apply for US visas through the VISA website has made it nearly impossible and causes frequent crashes. Consequently, many struggle to apply for VISAs in time for holidays or work trips, often leaving it until the last minute due to a lack of understanding regarding the issues surrounding ESTA applications.
It is important to note that obtaining an appointment at the US embassy in London can take up a large portion of a day, depending on where in the country you reside. Additionally, US VISA applications can cost upwards of £250 and do not guarantee approval. The embassy can be quite busy, so be prepared for long queues and security procedures followed by a brief interview with an embassy official.
If the embassy official is satisfied and your VISA application is successful, you will hand over your passport and receive it back around 2 weeks later with a VISA inside, valid for up to 10 years. However, the current average wait time for a visitor interview at the US embassy in London is 110 calendar days, so plan accordingly before traveling to the US.
So, if you had plans to visit Cuba within the next few years and then need or want to visit the US for any reason, be aware that your ESTA application will be denied, requiring you to apply for a full VISA. This process can take several months due to the high number of applications received by the US embassy as a result of this decision. Therefore, it’s important to plan ahead and obtain your VISA before it’s too late.