The Mexican Consulate in Havana has declared that, beginning May 5, 2025, all consular services will require payment exclusively in cash using U.S. dollars. This announcement, made public through the consulate's official account on X, specifies that payments via credit or debit cards will no longer be accepted. Individuals must bring the exact amount in well-maintained bills to complete their transactions.
This change affects all services provided by the consulate, as emphasized in the official statement. "Please ensure you bring the exact amount for all services. Only bills in good condition will be accepted," the notice highlighted. Additionally, the consulate reminded users that the costs of various services can be checked on their website.
The new requirement significantly impacts users, who now need to plan well in advance to secure cash in a country facing a shortage of circulating U.S. dollars and challenges in obtaining physical currency.
Fees for Consular Services
According to information available on the Mexican Consulate's official site in Havana, the following are the fees effective from January 1, 2025:
Documentation for Mexican Nationals
INE Voting Credential for Mexicans Abroad: No charge
Passport (1 year, for those under three years old): $42.00 USD
Passport (3 years): $99.00 USD
Passport (6 years): $133.00 USD
Passport (10 years): $203.00 USD
Civil and Nationality Records
Certified Copy of Civil Registry Act (birth or death): $19.00 USD
Marriage Proceedings: $64.00 USD
Mexican Nationality Declaration: $23.00 USD
Request, Analysis, and Issuance of Certified Copy of Nationality Documents: $33.00 USD
Public Notary Services
Individual Notarial Power or Revocation: $173.00 USD
Corporate Notarial Power or Revocation: $257.00 USD
Subsequent Testimonies per Page: $12.00 USD
Renunciation of Inheritance Rights: $173.00 USD
Open Public Will: $439.00 USD
Parental Authority Agreement: $65.00 USD
Comparison Certificate: $19.00 USD
Immigration Services
Ordinary Visas in Foreign Passports: $54.00 USD
Long-Term Visitor Visas Without Work Permit: $53.00 USD
Visitor Visas With Work Permit: $313.00 USD
Other Consular Services
Household Goods List for Mexicans: $142.00 USD
Household Goods List for Foreigners: $190.00 USD
Certificate on Request: $93.00 USD
Legalization of Signatures or Stamps: $54.00 USD
Medical Certificates: $64.00 USD
Back in 2022, the Mexican Embassy in Havana mandated that all consular fees be paid using cards in freely convertible currency (MLC) or credit and debit cards accepted in Cuba. "Effective July 1, payments for consular services will only be accepted via MLC card or credit/debit card valid in Cuba, which must be in the name of the service applicant," the embassy had announced at the time. That same year, Mexico's government revealed plans to open a consulate in Cuba to enhance service capabilities on the island.
FAQs about Mexican Consulate Payment Changes in Havana
Why is the Mexican Consulate in Havana switching to cash payments only?
The consulate has decided to accept only cash in U.S. dollars to streamline the payment process and possibly due to challenges with electronic payment systems in Cuba.
What are the implications for individuals needing consular services?
Individuals will need to ensure they have the exact cash amount in U.S. dollars, which could be challenging given the current scarcity of dollars in Cuba.
Can payments be made with any other currency?
No, payments at the Mexican Consulate in Havana must be made exclusively in U.S. dollars.