The Cuban passport is a document enabling Cuban citizens to travel abroad. It is valid for six years from the date of application and can be extended twice (for another 2 years each time).
Since 14 January 2013, the Cuban government allows citizens to leave the island without an exit permit, after a period of more than 50 years in which migration controls have remained almost unchanged. The lifting of this controversial requirement triggered a huge demand for passports issuance by citizens wishing to travel abroad legally.
Extension of the Cuban passport, everything you need to know
In accordance with Cuban Immigration Law, even if Cuban nationals hold residency and/or citizenship in another country, they must keep their Cuban passport valid and up to date in order to enter the island’s territory; this is extremely important for those who are permanently established in the United States. The extension procedure must be performed every two years; since the Cuban passport has a duration of six years, the document must be extended for the second and fourth year, counting from the date on which the document was issued. If the first extension is not completed and the second extension is applied for in the fourth year, two extensions are required to update the passport, this is called a Double Extension.
Important: Cuba states that Cuban residents can travel without the renewal, however in practice, this is not actually true…
According to an informative note issued by the Cuban Foreign Ministry, nationals residing in Cuba can enter the island’s territory without a renewal. However, since the airlines cannot know who is a resident or non-resident in Cuba, they will not allow anyone whose passport is expired to board the plane, resulting in a great deal of complications since, if the airline allows an emigrant to enter Cuban territory without the renewal, the Cuban government would fine the airline in accordance with international practices. For this reason, holding your passport valid is extremely important.
How to obtain the Cuban Passport renewal?
Opapeleo was the first agency to provide this service by means of a 100% online system by which you will be able toperform your procedure. For those who prefer the telephone Opapeleo is the only agency covering seven days a week from 8AM to 8PM; you can file your application by calling 202-800-4141.
The first step to apply for this procedure is to select Passport extensionon our website. From there, please provide the required information to complete the consular form required by the Cuban authorities. All that remains at this point is to confirm the information provided and then proceed to payment.
You will immediately receive an e-mail with detailed instructions concerning the next steps and your shipping label already paid for. Please go to your USPS or FedEx office with the printed label and then send us your passport, making the label you received clearly displayed on the envelope.
Afterwards Opapeleo will notify you by SMS and/or email when your passport has been received and delivered to the consulate, and lastly we will notify you when your passport is delivered to your home.
The extension of the Cuban passport costs 260 dollars. Once we have the documents in our hands, the consular process starts immediately with the Cuban authorities.
With Opapeleo, you are always guaranteed the fastest receipt, submission to the consulate and return shipment. Once at the Consulate, times may vary depending on the operational situation, taking from two to fifteen days and occasionally a little longer. We can give you a clearer picture of the current deadlines at the time you apply.
About us
Opapeleo is your agency for paperwork procedures 100% online or by phone. We are in Washington DC 150 meters away from the Cuban Consulate. We provide services of Extension and Cuban passport renewal, Legalisations, Powers of attorney of all kinds, Authorisation for minors to leave the country, DVT, Cuban visas, top-ups, requests for Cuban certificates, delivery of official documents and all kinds of procedures related to Cuba.
