The U.S. Embassy in Cuba reported that Cubans can apply for a B-2 nonimmigrant tourist visa, which allows legal entry into the country for tourist trips, shopping, medical consultations and family visits. In addition, since August 25, 2023, these documents issued to Cuban citizens are valid for five years.
"Tourist (B-2) visa validity for Cuban nationals has changed. As of August 25, 2023, B2 visas issued to Cuban nationals are valid for five years and permit multiple entries into the United States," the Embassy said on its X account (formerly Twitter).
📍Importante: Hay un cambio en la validez de la visa de turista B-2 para ciudadanos cubanos. A partir del 25 de agosto de 2023, las visas B2 emitidas a ciudadanos cubanos son válidas por cinco años y permiten múltiples entradas a EE.UU. Los ciudadanos cubanos que tengan la visa…
— Embajada de los Estados Unidos en Cuba (@USEmbCuba) August 30, 2023
Despite the resumption, the Embassy explained that visa requests must be made at any U.S. Embassy outside of Cuba, except in specific cases such as to address health issues. "Please note that the U.S. Embassy in Havana does not currently process B-2 nonimmigrant visas for tourist travel," the agency recalled.
" Cuban citizens and residents wishing to apply for a B2 tourist visa can request a visa appointment at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside of Cuba that provides nonimmigrant visa services," the Embassy added.
The Embassy stopped granting these types of visas in 2019 when then-President Donald Trump made the decision after several U.S. Embassy officials experienced Havana Syndrome.
