Cuban Passport Extensions: Everything You Need to Know, Updated 2023

2024-01-03 19:32:44

The Cuban government announced at the end of 2023 that it is extending the measure that allows Cubans residing abroad to remain outside the country without losing their resident status and without having to pay for the extension of stay.

In this article, we tell you everything you need to know regarding this topic.

According to the current Immigration Law, a Cuban is considered an immigrant if he or she travels for personal reasons and stays more than 24 months without authorization. Also, if you settle in another country without complying with immigration regulations.

Previously, Cubans had to request and pay for an extension each month they exceeded the allowed period. In Spain, for example, the cost was €25 per month.

This provision, which has been criticized by many Cubans who call for its elimination, was temporarily suspended in March 2020, due to the pandemic that affected international travel.

Now, Cubans who find themselves in this situation will not have to pay any fee to extend their stay, and will be able to maintain their residence in Cuba, according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX). Let us remember, however, that it is a temporary provision.

CUBAN PASSPORT EXTENSIONS

The director of Identification, Immigration and Immigration of the Ministry of the Interior, Mario Méndez Mayedo, assured that this measure has a “great impact” and suggested that there might be changes.

The official stated in the Round Table program that “the 24-month extension is maintained,” but that “the new Immigration Law will establish the rules of the game.”

“Undoubtedly, there is no turning back from that, that is, the 24 months. We will look for some formula, because it is important to know how many of us there are in Cuba, what the real population of Cuba is,” he added.

So that you are clear. These are the measures related to the Cuban passport:

• Since March 2020, Cubans who travel abroad no longer have a time limit to stay outside the country and can maintain their residence in Cuba regardless of the time they are absent.
• From July 2023: the cost of the passport decreased, the need to renew it every two years was eliminated, and its validity increased from six to ten years.

As always, we recommend that you contact the Cuban consulate closest to your place of residence to ask any important questions before a trip to Cuba. This way you will avoid surprises.

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