Havana, 19 March 2020.- In view of the serious international epidemiological situation arising from the high rate of spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS CoV 2/Covid-19), and its rapid expansion, Cuban Consulates abroad have adopted measures aimed at protecting Cuban nationals requesting services and the Cuban officials working in our country’s consular offices overseas against potential spread of the disease.
Effective Thursday, 19 March, the following measures will enter into force on a temporary basis:
• Remote consular services will be enhanced.
• Cuban citizens who are currently abroad in countries offering biometric data collection, will be able to have their passports made up until 30 April 2020, without going to the Consulate and Consular Office. To this end, the application form available in the website of each Consulate or Consular Office must be submitted. All requirements must be observed in respect of photo quality and signature. After the above-mentioned date, whether this measure shall continue or not will be reassessed taking into account the development of the international epidemiological situation.
• Cuban citizens who are about to complete 24 months of uninterrupted stay abroad will not be required to request extensions as of 19 March 2020, and will be able to remain outside Cuba until further notice, while maintain their status as Permanent Residents in the national territory.
The Consulates have kept in touch with Cubans living in each country in order to learn about their health status and, at the same time, disseminate the measures adopted by the health authorities of the countries where they are located, thus contributing to restrain the spread of the disease.
The measures adopted by Cuba in order to contain the spread of Covid-19 and reverse its effects on our population also apply to our nationals abroad.
In face of emergency measures adopted by several governments in order to restrict movement in their territories, the Cuban authorities suggest that Cuban citizens avoid international travel for personal reasons, as they may be exposed to contagion of this novel coronavirus and subject to situations preventing their return to our country by the scheduled date.
Due to similar reasons, where feasible, it would be advisable that Cuban citizens living abroad postpone their trips to third countries, including Cuba, which may also contribute to reducing the risk of spread and contagion of the disease.
The community of Cubans living abroad is advised to comply with the instructions and recommendations provided by the local health authorities of the countries where they reside, while reiterating the need to stay informed through official sources.
For greater detail, please contact the local Consulate or Consulate Office in your area.
(Cubaminrex)