THE HAGUE - Travelers with a Dutch passport must apply for a visa to visit the United States if they have previously been to Cuba. This information was provided by the Directorate of Foreign Relations. 

The Directorate received various reports from travelers with an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization), which grants access to the United States. The ESTA is revoked by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection if there is a stamp from Cuba in the passport. 

Since January 12, 2021, the U.S. Department of State designated Cuba as a state sponsor of terrorism, leading to several changes in the requirements for countries participating in the Visa Waiver Program when their residents travel to Cuba. 

These changes apply not only to Dutch passport holders but also to other nationalities within the EU. Travelers who have visited Cuba on or after January 12, 2021, are no longer eligible to use the ESTA if they wish to travel to the U.S. They must instead apply for a visa at the U.S. consulate. 

Travelers attempting to enter the U.S. with an ESTA after visiting Cuba risk having their ESTA revoked by border control, interrupting and preventing their travel plans to the United States.