Non-Immigrant Visa (NIV) Application Procedure in Cuba

Cuban citizens wishing to apply for a non-immigrant visa are instructed to visit the U.S. Interests Section between noon and 2:00 p.m. Monday through Friday to deposit their valid passports into a drop-box. Prospective visa applicants will not need to write or contact the Consular Section in advance and may approach the drop box by simply showing their valid Cuban passport to the Cuban guard outside the Interests Section. Once the passports are dropped off, applicants will receive application forms and instructions to return the next working day to pick up their documents and/or to be interviewed. When the prospective visa applicants return the following day, they should carry with them their non-immigrant visa application forms, completely and accurately filled out; a $45 non-refundable fee, payable in U.S. currency only; and any supporting documents.

Each day, the Cuban authorities at the entrance to the Interests Section will have a list of the individuals who deposited their passports in the drop-box the previous day. Only those Cuban nationals whose names appear on the list will be allowed to enter the Consular Section at 8:30 a.m. to present their completed applications.

This procedure does not affect the U.S. Interest Section's processing of visa applications submitted by third-country nationals. Non-Cubans need only show their passport by 8:30 a.m. in order to gain access to the Consular Section to apply for visas. Third-country nationals may opt to use the drop-box if they wish, however.