Europe is gearing up to implement the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS), an electronic travel requirement that will cost travelers 20 euros, impacting millions who currently enjoy visa-free short stays.
However, for Cubans, there is a significant distinction: ETIAS will not replace the Schengen visa for those traveling solely with a Cuban passport.
Cuba remains on the list of countries whose citizens require a visa to cross European external borders. Consequently, the new system will primarily affect Cuban-Americans and Cubans with dual citizenship in a visa-exempt country, such as the United States or Canada, when they use their second passport for travel.
The official ETIAS website of the European Union indicates that the system will become operational in the last quarter of 2026, although a specific date has not yet been announced.
The European Union warns that ETIAS is not yet in operation, and applications are currently not being accepted.
Understanding ETIAS
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization aimed at citizens of countries currently eligible for short-term visa-free entry into certain European nations. It is not a visa.
The authorization will be electronically linked to the passport used for application and will allow short stays of up to 90 days within any 180-day period. However, an approved authorization does not automatically guarantee entry, as travelers must still meet immigration requirements at the border.
Cubans Traveling with a Cuban Passport
This is likely the most crucial point for the Cuban audience. The European regulations that determine which nationalities require visas keep Cuba on the list of countries subject to visa requirements.
Thus, a Cuban national traveling solely with a Cuban passport cannot replace the Schengen visa with an ETIAS authorization. They will continue to need the appropriate visa for short stays in countries like Spain, France, Italy, or Germany.
In Cuba, Spain will begin operating a new Visa Application Center in Havana starting October 5. CiberCuba recently explained which Schengen visa procedures will take place at this new location.
Cubans with U.S. Passports: ETIAS Requirement
The situation changes for Cubans who also hold U.S. citizenship. The United States is among the countries whose citizens can travel to Europe without a visa for short stays and will be subject to ETIAS.
Therefore, a Cuban-American traveling to Europe with a U.S. passport must apply for ETIAS once the system is up and running. This also applies to those with Canadian, Argentine, Brazilian, Chilean, Mexican, Colombian, Uruguayan, or other nationalities included in the European visa exemption regime.
Dual Passport Holders
The European Union has a crucial rule for dual citizens: the ETIAS authorization is linked to the passport used for the application.
If someone holds citizenship from a visa-required country and another from a visa-exempt nation, they can choose which passport to travel with. For instance, a Cuban with U.S. citizenship could:
- Travel with a U.S. passport: They will need ETIAS once the system is operational.
- Travel with a Cuban passport: They will require the appropriate European visa.
If ETIAS is obtained using the U.S. passport, travel must be conducted with that passport. Using another document might prevent the airline from confirming the authorization before boarding.
Cubans with Spanish Citizenship
The scenario is different for Cubans with Spanish citizenship. A Spanish citizen is a European Union citizen and does not require ETIAS for travel within the European countries covered by the system.
The EU stipulates that individuals with EU citizenship and another nationality should use the document issued by the European country for such travels. For example, someone with Cuban and Spanish citizenship should travel with their Spanish passport and will not need an ETIAS authorization.
ETIAS Exemptions for European Residents
There are also exceptions for certain individuals who, though not European citizens, hold a residence permit or card issued by one of the European countries covered by ETIAS.
The European Union includes these travelers in categories exempt from the ETIAS requirement. This means that a Cuban with legal residence in Spain or another participating country should review the conditions related to their residence permit and travel with the necessary documentation for their situation, rather than assuming they need ETIAS.
ETIAS Application Fee and Payment
The official fee for submitting an ETIAS application will be 20 euros. The European Union initially planned a 7-euro fee but later increased it to the current 20 euros. Payment will be made electronically during the application process.
Some travelers will be exempt from the fee, including:
- Minors under 18 years old.
- Individuals over 70 years old.
- Certain family members of European Union citizens who meet established conditions.
Being exempt from the fee does not necessarily mean being exempt from requiring ETIAS. For instance, a minor from the U.S. might need the authorization even if they don't have to pay the 20 euros.
ETIAS Validity and Processing Time
An approved ETIAS authorization will be valid for a maximum of three years. However, if the passport used for the application expires before then, the ETIAS will also expire. If the traveler obtains a new passport, a new authorization linked to the new document must be requested.
The European Union states that most applications should be processed within minutes. However, some cases might take longer. If additional review is required, the decision could take up to four days. This period can extend to 14 days if additional documentation is requested and up to 30 days if the traveler is called for an interview.
Therefore, European authorities recommend not leaving the application for the day of travel.
Information Required for ETIAS Application
The electronic form will request personal information and travel document data. Details include:
- Full name.
- Date and place of birth.
- Nationality.
- Residence and contact details.
- Passport information.
- Educational level and occupation.
- Basic information about the planned trip.
- Certain criminal convictions.
- Previous travel to war or conflict zones.
- Specific previous immigration decisions.
Minors will also require their own authorization when they fall under the mandatory categories, although the application must be completed by their legal guardian or custodian.
Countries Requiring ETIAS
ETIAS will be mandatory for visa-exempt travelers visiting 30 European countries. These include Spain, France, Italy, Germany, Portugal, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, and Sweden, among others within the European Union and associated countries.
This is particularly relevant for Cuban-Americans using Spain as a gateway to Europe.
ETIAS vs. EES: Knowing the Difference
ETIAS should not be confused with the Entry/Exit System (EES). The EES electronically records the entry and exit of non-European travelers, gradually replacing the traditional manual passport stamping. This system has been fully operational since April 2026.
CiberCuba explained how the new European entry and exit registry affects travelers from Cuba. The fundamental difference is straightforward: EES records the traveler at the border crossing; ETIAS is an authorization that certain passengers must obtain before embarking on their journey.
Current Status of ETIAS Implementation
The European Union currently plans to launch ETIAS in the last quarter of 2026, but it has not yet communicated the exact start date. European authorities will announce the specific date several months before implementation and remind that applications are not yet being accepted.
Once activated, the procedure will need to be completed via the official ETIAS website or its official mobile app. The warning is particularly important given the proliferation of private websites offering supposed ETIAS processes: if the official system is not yet accepting applications, no intermediary can currently obtain a valid authorization for a traveler.
Summary: What Each Cuban Traveler Should Know
Only Cuban passport: Will continue to need a visa for short stays in the European area; ETIAS will not replace it.
Cuban and U.S. passport: Can travel with the U.S. passport and will need ETIAS once it becomes effective.
Cuban and Canadian passport or other exempt nationality: Will need ETIAS if using that visa-exempt passport.
Cuban and Spanish or other EU citizenship: Does not need ETIAS if traveling with the appropriate European passport.
Legal resident with a card or permit issued by a participating European country: Should review the rules of their residence document, as these categories fall outside the ordinary ETIAS scope.
The key will not simply be having been born in Cuba or retaining Cuban citizenship, but rather which nationality and passport the person uses to enter Europe.
ETIAS and Cuban Travelers: Frequently Asked Questions
What is ETIAS and who needs it?
ETIAS is an electronic travel authorization required for citizens of countries that do not need a visa for short-term stays in certain European countries. Cuban-Americans and Cubans with citizenship from a visa-exempt country like the U.S. will need it when using that passport for travel.
Can a Cuban citizen travel to Europe without a visa using ETIAS?
No, a Cuban citizen traveling solely with a Cuban passport cannot use ETIAS instead of a Schengen visa. They will still require the appropriate visa for travel to European countries.
How does ETIAS differ from the Entry/Exit System (EES)?
ETIAS is a pre-travel authorization required for certain travelers, while the Entry/Exit System (EES) records the entry and exit of travelers at the border. EES is already operational, while ETIAS is not yet implemented.