Validity of U.S. tourist visas for Cuban nationals extended to 5 years
Effective August 1, the Department of State is changing the validity of B-2 visas from six months, single entry to five-years, multiple entries for qualified Cuban nationals. B-2 visas are issued to people coming to the United States for family visits, tourism, medical
treatment, or other personal travel. This change will not affect the validity of B-1 visas (for business) or the combination B-1/B-2 visa. The validity of those visas will remain six months, single entry. This change will only apply to visa applications submitted after August 1, 2013 and will be issued to qualified applicants at the discretion of a consular officer. Those who have recently been issued a single-entry B2 visa will not be able to exchange or transfer the visa for a multiple-entry visa. A visa does not guarantee entry into the United States.
Additionally, the visa expiration date shown on your visa does not reflect how long you are authorized to stay within the United States. Entry and the length of authorized stay are determined by the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer at the port-of-entry each time you travel. It is important to note that there are circumstances which can void or cancel the period of visa validity. If you overstay the end date of your authorized stay, as provided by the CBP officer at a port-of-entry, or United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), your visa will be automatically voided or cancelled unless you have filed an application with USCIS in a timely manner for an extension of stay or a change of status or the application is pending and not frivolous.
For specific questions on this matter please email havanaconsularinfo@state.gov or visit our frequently asked questions on visa validity.
(From the U.S. Interests Section)
