Next July 1st, a number of new measures will come into force concerning the issuance of the Cuban passport inside and outside the national territory. According to state media, the measures are part of a situation of rapprochement between the country and its citizens living in other countries.
According to Ernesto Soberón Guzmán, Director General of Consular Affairs and Cubans Residing Abroad, the decision was made after studying the demands made by nationals abroad in meetings with officials and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He clarified that under no circumstances would these changes affect passports executed prior to the date on which the new rule will be implemented.
What are the new measures regarding the Cuban passport?
The new measures are designed to increase the validity of the travel document over time and to lower its costs. Changes performed are as follows:
- Extend the validity of passports from six to ten years for those over 16 years of age.
- In the case of minors, the document will be valid for five years, since physical changes at this age are more drastic.)
- Eliminate the two-year extension requirement for all passports issued before or after the measure.
- Lower the cost of passports at consulates. The final price was set at US$160/euro for those over 16 years of age and US$140/euro for minors.
Please note that passports issued before and after the activation of the measure will coexist until 2029, when the last six-year passports issued will reach their expiration date. The fee for passports issued in national territory remains unchanged. Should a citizen wish to obtain a 10-year passport with a six-year passport, nothing prevents him/her from doing so. The reasons for doing so may range from the loss or deterioration of the document to the decision to renew it in order to enjoy its benefits in advance.
Other measures related to residents abroad
- The automatic extension of the stay abroad, free of charge, remains in effect after 24 months.
- Emigrants who emigrated before January 1, 1971 must present a Cuban passport to enter Cuban territory. The entry permit requirement for these persons is eliminated.
- The length of stay on the island of Cubans residing abroad and their foreign relatives (spouses and children) is equalized.
- The length of stay in Cuba is extended to one year for citizens residing abroad, regardless of their category (i.e., emigrants, residence permit abroad).
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