What actually changed
Before July 2024, a Cuban-born traveler holding a foreign passport could in many cases purchase a standard tourist eVisa to visit Cuba. Cuba's MINREX has since closed that route. Today, the only legal way for someone born in Cuba to enter is one of:
- A current Cuban passport (renewed if expired) — the default path for Cuban citizens, including dual nationals.
- Consular travel authorization processed through a Cuban consulate abroad.
- Habilitación of an older Cuban passport if you have one but it has lapsed.
How to know which path applies to you
Almost every Cuban-born traveler should start by asking: do I currently hold a valid Cuban passport? If yes, your path is to ensure it is renewed and current. If no, your path is to contact a Cuban consulate for the appropriate document — which will depend on when you left Cuba, whether you ever held a Cuban passport, and your current citizenship.
Don't try to use the standard eVisa portal
If you complete an online eVisa application as a Cuban-born traveler, your application may be rejected or — worse — issued and then refused at the airport. Boarding denial in Miami because of a wrong-format travel document is the most common bad outcome we see.
Decree-Law 117 and the new investor / business migrant status
Cuba's Decree-Law 117, signed April 15, 2026, creates a new "investor" or "business" migration status for emigrants who want to return temporarily for commercial activity. Processing fee is 3,500 CUP with a 30 business-day target. Read more in our Cuba for Americans section.