Which Countries Can Now Enter the U.S. Visa-Free and What About Cubans?

Key Takeaways

• Cuban nationals cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA to enter the United States as of May 2025.
• Dual Cuban nationals with VWP citizenship must apply for a regular U.S. visa; no exceptions allowed.
• Visitors who traveled to Cuba after January 12, 2021, are also ineligible for VWP or ESTA.

As of May 2025, the United States 🇺🇸 has made important changes to its Visa Waiver Program (VWP), affecting who can travel to the country without a visa. These updates are especially important for Cuban nationals and people who hold dual nationality with Cuba and another country. Many travelers are asking: Who can now enter the United States 🇺🇸 without a visa, and what does this mean for Cubans with dual nationality? Here’s what you need to know about the latest rules, how they work, and what steps Cuban nationals and dual citizens must take if they want to visit the United States 🇺🇸.

Who Can Enter the United States 🇺🇸 Without a Visa?

The Visa Waiver Program (VWP) lets citizens of certain countries visit the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days without getting a visa. This is allowed for tourism or business trips. However, travelers must get approval through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before they go. As of May 2025, the VWP covers 42 countries, including places like Spain, Italy, Germany, Japan, and Australia.

Recent changes to the VWP include:
– Romania’s removal from the program, effective June 1, 2025.
– The addition of Israel and Qatar in previous years.

Cuba is not, and has never been, a part of the Visa Waiver Program. This means Cuban nationals cannot use the VWP or ESTA to enter the United States 🇺🇸.

What About Cubans With Dual Nationality?

A big question for many is whether having dual nationality—being a citizen of Cuba and another VWP country—makes a difference. The answer is clear: Dual nationals of Cuba and a VWP country are not allowed to use the VWP or ESTA to enter the United States 🇺🇸.

Why Are Dual Cuban Nationals Excluded?

This rule comes from the Visa Waiver Program Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act of 2015. Under this law, people who are nationals of, or have visited, certain countries that the United States 🇺🇸 considers State Sponsors of Terrorism (SST) cannot use the VWP. Cuba was added to the SST list on January 12, 2021. Because of this, anyone with Cuban nationality—even if they also have citizenship from a VWP country like Spain or Germany—must apply for a regular visa.

Key points for dual nationals:
– If you are a dual national of Cuba and a VWP country, you cannot use ESTA or the VWP.
– You must apply for a regular nonimmigrant visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
– There are no exceptions for dual nationality with Cuba.
– If you get ESTA approval and it is later found that you have Cuban nationality, your ESTA will be canceled.

How Does This Affect Cuban Nationals and Dual Citizens?

Visa Application Is Required

All Cuban nationals, including those with dual nationality, must apply for a visa to visit the United States 🇺🇸. The most common visa for short visits is the B-1/B-2 visitor visa, which covers tourism and business trips.

The steps for Cuban nationals and dual citizens are:
1. Check your eligibility: If you have Cuban citizenship, you cannot use the VWP or ESTA.
2. Apply for a visa: Complete the DS-160 form online, pay the visa fee, and schedule an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
3. Prepare your documents: Bring both passports (if you have two), proof of ties to your home country, and any documents that support your reason for visiting.
4. Attend the interview: Be ready to answer questions about your travel history, your reasons for visiting, and your dual nationality.
5. Wait for processing: Visa processing times can vary, so plan ahead.

There are no shortcuts or special rules for dual nationals with Cuban citizenship. The only exceptions are for military or government workers from VWP countries who visited Cuba for official duties—not for people with dual nationality.

What If You Have Visited Cuba Since 2021?

Even if you are not a Cuban national, but you have visited Cuba since January 12, 2021, you are also not allowed to use the VWP or ESTA. You must apply for a visa, just like Cuban nationals.

Background: Why These Rules Exist

The Visa Waiver Program was created to make it easier for people from countries that are considered low-risk to visit the United States 🇺🇸 for short stays. The idea is to encourage tourism and business, while still keeping the country safe.

However, after the United States 🇺🇸 added Cuba to the list of State Sponsors of Terrorism in 2021, the rules changed. The government decided that anyone with Cuban nationality, or anyone who has visited Cuba since that date, could pose a higher security risk. That’s why these travelers are not allowed to use the VWP or ESTA.

Recent changes to the VWP include:
– Romania was removed from the program in June 2025 because of issues with reciprocity.
– Israel and Qatar were added in 2023 and 2024.
– Cuba has never been on the VWP list and is unlikely to be added soon.

What Does This Mean for Travelers?

For Cuban Nationals

If you are a Cuban citizen, you must always apply for a visa before traveling to the United States 🇺🇸. This process can take time and may require you to show strong ties to your home country, such as a job, family, or property, to prove that you will return after your visit.

For Dual Nationals (Cuba + VWP Country)

If you have both Cuban and, for example, Spanish citizenship, you still cannot use the VWP or ESTA. You must apply for a visa, just like someone with only Cuban citizenship. If you try to use ESTA and it is discovered that you have Cuban nationality, your travel authorization will be canceled, and you may face problems with future travel.

For VWP Country Citizens With No Cuban Ties

If you are a citizen of a VWP country and have not visited Cuba since January 12, 2021, you can still use the VWP and ESTA to travel to the United States 🇺🇸 for up to 90 days.

For VWP Country Citizens Who Have Visited Cuba Since 2021

If you have visited Cuba since January 12, 2021, you are not eligible for the VWP or ESTA, even if you are not a Cuban national. You must apply for a visa.

Practical Tips for Affected Travelers

If you are a Cuban national or a dual national with Cuba:
– Start your visa application early. Visa appointments can fill up quickly, and processing times can be long.
– Gather all required documents. This includes both passports, proof of your ties to your home country, and any documents that support your reason for visiting.
– Be honest during your interview. U.S. consular officers will ask about your travel history and dual nationality. Giving false information can lead to a visa denial or future travel bans.
– Check the latest rules. Immigration policies can change, so always check the U.S. Department of State’s official visitor visa page for the most up-to-date information.

If you are a VWP country citizen who has visited Cuba since 2021:
– Do not try to use ESTA. Your application will be denied, and you may face problems with future travel.
– Apply for a visa instead.

Why Is There No Exception for Dual Nationality?

Some people wonder why having a second citizenship from a VWP country does not help. The answer is that the law is very clear: Anyone with Cuban nationality is not allowed to use the VWP or ESTA, no matter what other citizenship they have. The only exceptions are for military or government workers from VWP countries who visited Cuba for official duties, not for people with dual nationality.

VisaVerge.com reports that immigration lawyers and advocacy groups have called for more flexibility, but so far, the United States 🇺🇸 government has not made any changes. The rules are strict and apply to everyone equally.

What Are the Implications for Stakeholders?

For Cuban-Americans and Dual Nationals

Many Cuban-Americans and people with dual nationality are frustrated by these rules. They must go through a longer, more complicated visa process, even if they have strong ties to a VWP country. This can make it harder to visit family, attend business meetings, or take vacations in the United States 🇺🇸.

For Employers and Businesses

Companies that want to bring Cuban or dual national employees to the United States 🇺🇸 for short-term work or meetings must plan ahead. The visa process can take weeks or even months, so last-minute travel is not possible.

For U.S. Immigration Lawyers

Lawyers are advising clients to be very careful when filling out ESTA applications. If you have Cuban nationality or have visited Cuba since 2021, you must answer truthfully. Lying on an application can lead to serious consequences, including being banned from the United States 🇺🇸.

For the U.S. Government

The government says these rules are needed for security reasons. By keeping strict controls on who can use the VWP, they hope to reduce risks and keep the country safe.

What Does the Future Hold?

At this time, there are no plans to change the rules for Cuban nationals or dual nationals. Cuba’s status as a State Sponsor of Terrorism makes it very unlikely that the country will be added to the VWP in the near future. The United States 🇺🇸 continues to review the VWP list based on security and diplomatic reasons, but for now, the rules remain strict.

Summary Table: U.S. Entry Options for Cubans and Dual Nationals

Where to Find Official Information

For the most accurate and up-to-date information, always check official government websites. Here are some helpful links:
– ESTA and VWP Information: U.S. Customs and Border Protection ESTA Portal
– Visitor Visa Application Guidance: U.S. Department of State – Visitor Visas
– Green Card Information for Cubans: USCIS – Green Card for a Cuban Native or Citizen
– For specific questions: Contact your nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.

Final Takeaways

• Cuban nationals, including those with dual nationality, cannot use the Visa Waiver Program or ESTA to enter the United States 🇺🇸.
• All such travelers must apply for a visa at a U.S. embassy or consulate.
• There are no exceptions for dual nationality with Cuba.
• If you have visited Cuba since January 12, 2021, you are also not eligible for the VWP or ESTA, even if you are not a Cuban national.
• Always use official government sources for the latest information and start your visa application early to avoid delays.

By understanding these rules and planning ahead, Cuban nationals and dual citizens can avoid travel problems and make their journey to the United States 🇺🇸 as smooth as possible. For more detailed analysis and updates on U.S. immigration policies, analysis from VisaVerge.com suggests staying informed through both official and trusted independent sources.

Learn Today

Visa Waiver Program (VWP) → A U.S. program allowing citizens of certain countries to visit without a visa for up to 90 days.
ESTA → Electronic System for Travel Authorization; a required online approval for travelers under the VWP before entering the U.S.
Dual Nationality → When a person holds citizenship of two countries simultaneously, affecting eligibility for the VWP.
State Sponsor of Terrorism (SST) → Designation by the U.S. for countries implicated in supporting terrorism, restricting travel privileges.
B-1/B-2 Visa → A U.S. nonimmigrant visa for temporary business (B-1) or tourism (B-2) visits.

This Article in a Nutshell

Starting May 2025, Cuban nationals and dual citizens cannot use the Visa Waiver Program. They must apply for a visa, as Cuba is on the State Sponsor of Terrorism list, disqualifying them from visa-free travel to the United States under updated security rules.
— By VisaVerge.com