United States Visa RequirementsFor Cuba passport holders
Cuban citizens need a US non-immigrant visa to visit the United States. Due to the complex US-Cuba political relationship, obtaining a US visa from Cuba is extremely difficult, as the US Embassy in Havana has severely reduced visa services since 2017. Cuban applicants typically must travel to a third country to apply.
Cuba passport holders require a visa to enter United States.
Cuban citizens must apply for a US B-1/B-2 non-immigrant visa. Due to the US Embassy in Havana's reduced services, most Cuban applicants must travel to a third country for their visa interview. Common third countries used: Guyana (Georgetown, which has full US Embassy services), Colombia (Bogota or other cities), Mexico (Mexico City or Monterrey), or Ecuador (Quito or Guayaquil). Steps: (1) Complete DS-160 online at ceac.state.gov. (2) Pay USD 185 MRV fee. (3) Schedule interview at a US Embassy in a third country. (4) Interview with: valid Cuban passport, DS-160 confirmation, MRV fee, evidence of strong ties to Cuba and reasons to return, bank statements, and purpose of visit. Cuban nationals face particularly high scrutiny for immigration intent.
Entry Requirements
Passport Validity
6 months beyond date of entry
Blank Pages
2 blank pages required
Multiple Entry
Single entry only
Work Permitted
No - requires work visa
Required Documents
Valid Cuban passport (minimum 6 months validity)
Completed DS-160 online application form (ceac.state.gov)
MRV visa fee receipt (USD 185, non-refundable)
Recent passport photo (51mm x 51mm, white background)
Evidence of strong ties to Cuba (employment, property, family)
Bank statements showing sufficient financial means
Purpose of visit documentation and travel itinerary
Current Travel Situation
Cuba to United States: What You Need to Know
The United States and Cuba have had a fraught political relationship since the 1959 Cuban Revolution and the subsequent trade embargo (which remains in force). The US Embassy in Havana drastically reduced visa services in 2017 following alleged "sonic attacks" on US diplomatic personnel, and has not fully restored services since. Cuban citizens wishing to visit the US face extraordinary hurdles: limited appointment availability, requirement to travel to a third country for an interview, and high visa refusal rates due to concerns about immigration intent. Despite this, Cuban emigration to the US is a major feature of both countries' demographics, with over 2 million Cuban-Americans living in the US, concentrated in Miami ('Little Havana'), Tampa, and New York.
How to Get There
No direct Cuba-US commercial flights operated for decades, though limited services resumed briefly (2016-2019). Currently, direct Cuba-US flights are limited to charter services between Havana and Miami/other Florida cities, operated by companies like American Airlines (charter), Eastern Airlines (charter), and others. Most Cuban travellers going to the US transit via Mexico City (Aeromexico), Cancun, or Panama (Copa Airlines). Havana's Jose Marti International Airport (HAV) is Cuba's main hub.
Money & Banking
The US uses USD. Notably, USD is also used in Cuba (alongside the Cuban peso), making the currency transition easy. For Cuban-Americans visiting family, remittances in USD are a major aspect of Cuba-US economic ties. US credit cards may be usable in the US by Cubans visiting on a US visa (though US banking has restrictions on Cuba-related transactions). Carry USD cash.
Practical Tips
For Cuban visitors to the US, Miami is the first destination: Little Havana (Calle Ocho, Domino Park, cafes with Cuban coffee and food) is a Cuban-American cultural institution. The Cuban exile community in Miami has built a replica of Cuban culture and is a living connection to pre-revolutionary Cuba. New York, Los Angeles, and other major US cities also have Cuban communities. The US offers extraordinary natural experiences (Grand Canyon, Yellowstone, Appalachian Trail) and cultural institutions very different from Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Cuban citizens get a US visa?
Technically yes, but it is extremely difficult. The US Embassy in Havana has drastically reduced services since 2017. Most Cuban applicants must travel to a third country (Guyana, Colombia, Mexico, Ecuador) to interview at a US Embassy. Wait times are long and refusal rates are high due to immigration intent concerns. MRV fee is USD 185.
Where do Cuban citizens apply for a US visa?
Due to the US Embassy in Havana's severely reduced services, most Cuban applicants travel to a third country to apply. Common options: Georgetown, Guyana; Bogota, Colombia; Mexico City or Monterrey, Mexico; Quito, Ecuador. Guyana is often cited as having available appointment slots.
Are there flights from Cuba to the USA?
Limited charter services operate between Havana (HAV) and Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, and other Florida cities. American Airlines, Eastern Airlines, and other charter operators serve these routes. Cuba-US direct air connections are politically sensitive and subject to change.