When was Cuba designated a State Sponsor of Terrorism?
The United States Department of State most recently designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism on January 12, 2021.
How does Cuba’s designation as a State Sponsor of Terrorism impact my travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program?
The U.S. Department of State designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) on January 12, 2021.
With limited exceptions, a traveler who is found to have visited Cuba on or after this date is not eligible for travel under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) using an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) and must apply for a visa to travel to the United States.
Additionally, a traveler who at the time of application for an ESTA holds dual nationality with both a VWP country and Cuba is not eligible for travel under the VWP using an ESTA and must apply for a visa to travel to the United States.
If an ESTA has already been approved and it is later determined that the traveler has been present in Cuba or holds dual nationality with both a VWP country and Cuba, the ESTA will be revoked.
Ineligibility for an ESTA is not a bar to travel to the United States. Individuals who are not eligible to travel under the VWP may apply for a visa at any U.S. embassy or consulate.
For additional information about travel eligibility under the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act
