Thomas Gould (Cork North Central, Sinn Fein)
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56. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade if he can provide support to a person (details supplied) who cannot get an ESTA due to having previously visited Cuba. [3294/24]

Micheál Martin (Cork South Central, Fianna Fail)
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As the Deputy will appreciate, United States immigration regulation and operations are a matter solely for the relevant US authorities.

In January 2021, the United States designated Cuba as a 'State Sponsor of Terrorism'. My understanding is that travellers who have visited a country with this designation may no longer be eligible to participate in the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA), and must apply for a visa to enter the United States.

Travel advice for those visiting Cuba is available on the Department of Foreign Affairs' Travel Advice website (www.ireland.ie/en/dfa/overseas-travel/advice/cuba/) and this advice includes information on the impact that travelling to Cuba may have on subsequent travel to the United States.

I understand that ineligibility for an ESTA does not automatically make an individual ineligible for a US visa, and that any applicant who is denied an ESTA may apply for a visa through the United States Embassy.