How much does it cost to get a Cuban passport in the United States? Here's how you can do it faster and easier

Cubans in the United States will be required to renew their passport if they want to enter Cuba. This is the cost of the process, and this is how you can obtain it more easily.

Thousands of Cubans living in the United States will have to renew their passports if they wish to return to the island. Starting April 1, 2025, they will no longer be allowed to enter Cuba with an expired document, as was permitted since 2020 during the pandemic.

The measure, announced by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs in December, ends the exceptional extension that was in effect for four years. From now on, it does not matter if the Cuban citizen resides abroad or has another nationality: entry will only be allowed with a valid passport.

How to renew the Cuban passport from the United States?

Procedures can be carried out through Cuban consulates, by postal mail, or with authorized agencies. One of the most used services is DimeCuba, which estimates a waiting time of between two and three months from the complete submission of the documents.

The cost of the passport is $239 for adults and $209 for minors under 16 years old. These prices apply both for renewals and first-time applications.

Documents required for the renewal

• Photocopy of the photo ID
• Photocopy of the main page of the previous passport (if you have one)
• Dos fotos tipo pasaporte
• Completed and signed application form
• In case of loss: police report of loss and birth certificate or document proving Cuban citizenship

If the procedure is done by postal mail, $20 must be added for non-face-to-face processing and an additional $5 for processing. It is also necessary to include a prepaid envelope with a tracking number for the return of the documents.

Where to apply for the Cuban passport?

Among the available offices are:

• Washington D.C.: 2639 16th St NW
• Hialeah, FL: 3750 West 16 Ave 100 and 3705 W 20th Ave, Suite 125
• Tampa, FL4040 West Waters Ave, Suite 103

It is advisable to apply for the passport at least two months in advance, especially if a trip to Cuba is planned soon.

A decision that impacts thousands

The requirement of a valid passport applies without exception, even for those who left the country before 2014 or have additional nationalities. The Director General of Consular Affairs of Cuba, Ana Teresita González Fraga, assured that the consulates have the capacity to process applications quickly, although users warn that processing times may vary depending on the office.