Customs and Border Protection Announces ESTA Ineligibility for Travelers Who Have Been Present in Cuba

In January 2021, the Secretary of State designated Cuba as a State Sponsor of Terrorism, making individuals who have been present in Cuba on or after this date ineligible for travel under the visa waiver program (VWP). The restriction on VWP travel also applies to individuals who are dual nationals of both a VWP country and Cuba at the time of applying. On July 6, 2023, the Department of Homeland Security updated the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) application to reflect these changes. If an ESTA application 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, ESTA will be revoked, with very limited exceptions for certain military and government employees.