no travel to USA after Cuba

[jaxw17]

After we booked the cruise for next March, I found out that if visiting Cuba even if you don't get off the ship you cannot then visit the USA on an ordinary ESTA you have to get a full visa that includes a face-to-face interview at the American embassy. That is London for England. 

Just wanted to give the heads up for anyone on a cruise that visits and then intends to visit the USA.

Trump brought this in in 2021. I thought that Biden would drop it.

I know you need to know about visas yourself but thought that Marella could advise at the time of booking as I imagine that a lot of people will fallk foul of this.

There is a 3-month waiting list for the visa and a cost of around £160 per person.

[Mike.S]

The rule only applies if you visit Cuba after the ban was introduced, it's not an issue if you've travelled before January 2021

https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/can-we-still-visit-the-us-with-an-esta-after-travelling-to-cuba-ncp8cnjsr

"Cuba was placed on that state sponsors of terrorism list on January 11, 2021 (joining Iran, North Korea and Syria), and if you’ve visited the island since then you’ll have to apply for a visa, which will entail a visit to the US embassy in London and costs £141pp. The situation could change at any time (President Biden pledged to re-establish relations with Cuba during his election campaign) but you do have plenty of time before the trip, so erring on the safe side seems to be the sensible option."

[Miller Cruiser]

Some confusion about dates with this. Simon Calder said a couple of weeks ago that the date was 2011, not 2021. US embassy in France seems to indicate 2021. As we've booked USA for next June, I'm keeping a close eye on developments.

[Weboos2]

People on another social media site have discussed this at length and have phoned and emailed the US embassy and the advice is that if you have travelled to Cuba since January 2021 then you need a full visa. Prior to that date then an Esta is sufficient.

[Scotstravellers]

Just received from TUI via email.

 

Dear customer,

We are writing to inform you of some important information about your holiday to the USA. You’ll need to purchase an Electronic System for Travel Authorisation (ESTA) at least 72 hours before your date of departure. In some cases, you may not be eligible to participate in the Visa Wavier Program (ESTA). If you’ve visited certain countries, for example Cuba on or after 12th January 2021, you’ll need to apply for a visa and allow more time for your application. For more information go to: Official ESTA Application Website, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (dhs.gov) and the FCDO for the latest advice and costs.