Havana (EFE).– Cuban passports issued as of this Saturday will be valid for 10 years (instead of 6) for those over 16, according to the recent reform announced by the Ministry of Foreign Relations (Minrex).
Also, from now on no passport should be extended (previously an extension was required every 2 years) and the cost of issuing this document -which previously changed depending on the country where it was requested- remains set at 180 dollars or euros for over 16 years and 140 dollars or euros for minors.
The CEO of Consular Affairs and Cuban Residents Abroad, Ernesto Soberon, He recalled on Twitter the implementation of this regulatory change, announced in May as one of the great reforms in this area and as an attempt by the Executive to “strengthen ties” with the great Cuban community abroad.
“Cuba ratifies, once again, the path undertaken with the Dialogue 78 under the guidance of (the former president) Fidel Castro) and the will of our Government to continue strengthening ties with our nationals abroad,” he wrote. soberón
Despite these regulatory changes, Cuba maintains restrictions on travel abroad for some of its nationals, often for political reasons.
In addition, several people with Cuban nationality -mainly people who have been politically significant- have denounced in recent months that they have been prevented from flying back to their country, something that violates international law.
soberon He also announced in May that “the length of stay in Cuba” of Cubans residing abroad and their direct foreign relatives, spouses and children would also be equated.
The third measure announced established the compulsory use of the Cuban passport when entering and leaving the country for citizens who emigrated before January 1, 1971. Even if they have other nationalities, Cubans must enter their country with the island’s passport.
soberon He then indicated that the extension of uninterrupted stay abroad “beyond 24 months, automatic and free of charge”, announced in March 2020 due to the pandemic, remains in force.
It is estimated that more than 2 million Cubans live abroad, mainly in Florida (United States) y Spain.
This figure has increased considerably in the last two years, due to the unprecedented exodus that the country is experiencing, mainly as a result of the serious economic crisis that Cuba is suffering. According to different estimates, the island lost between 3% and 4% of its population in 2022 alone. EFE
