The vast majority of UK visitors to America enter through the Electronic System for Travel Authorisation – Esta. This is the swift, cheap and easy online permit. But the US government insists that any visit to Cuba since 1 March 2011 disqualifies British holidaymakers from the Esta scheme.
Instead, they must spend $160 (£143) on a full visa – and attend an interview at the US Embassy in London or the Consulate-General in Belfast. The backlog for appointments is stretching for months.
Why is this happening and what are the consequences? These are the key questions and answers.
What’s the problem?
Sixty years ago, on 3 February 1962, the US introduced its first economic sanctions against Cuba. The emergence of a communist nation so close to American shores, combined with the seizing of US-owned property and infrastructure in Cuba, prompted the first round of sanctions to be introduced. These have gradually expanded to the tangle of Treasury regulations that bind US-Cuba dealings today.
In one of his last acts as US president, Donald Trump added Cuba to the American list of “state sponsors of terrorism” (SST). His successor, Joe Biden, has left the designation in place.
Effectively, the Americans are saying: if you were foolish enough to take a holiday in the Caribbean’s biggest and most beautiful island at any time over the past 11 years, you have written off the chance of smooth travel to the US. And, in future, travellers will have to decide between travel to Cuba or easy access to America.
But is there confusion over the date of travel?
Yes. The US State Department insists that the designation is backdated 11 years. In a statement, The Independent was told: “Any visit to an SST on or after March 1, 2011, even if the country was designated yesterday, renders the applicant ineligible for Esta.”
Confusingly, other official sources – including the American Embassy in Paris, and some travel agents – say the ban on using the Esta scheme applies only from 12 January 2021. This was when the outgoing president ranked Cuba alongside Iran, North Korea and Syria.
The International Air Transport Association (Iata) is also stating: “Passengers who have been in Cuba on or after 12 January 2021 are not allowed to enter with an Esta authorisation.”
This may be working to some travellers’ advantage. In theory, any transatlantic airline will check travellers’ passports.
Anyone who is seeking to enter the US on an Esta, but who also has a stamp showing…
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