Uruguayan Citizens to Enjoy Visa-Free Travel to the U.S. Starting 2025
In a move set to strengthen ties between the two nations, Uruguay is on the verge of joining the U.S. Visa Waiver Program. This program, currently enjoyed by only Chile in Latin America, allows citizens of participating countries to enter the United States for tourism or business for up to 90 days without the need for a traditional visa.
News reports indicate that negotiations between the Uruguayan and U.S. governments have yielded significant progress, paving the way for this visa-free travel agreement likely to take effect in 2025. "Abolishing the visa would seek to facilitate the flow of people between the two countries," according to a recent statement.
To qualify for the Visa Waiver Program, countries must meet stringent security and cooperation requirements, ensuring strong immigration policies aligned with U.S. standards and robust counter-terrorism measures.
Once Uruguay joins the program, Uruguayan citizens will need an electronic passport with biometric data and must apply for travel authorization through the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
This process, costing $21, is significantly faster and more affordable than the traditional visa application. While it doesn’t guarantee entry, it simplifies the travel process considerably. “They said,” referring to the program benefits.
Implications for Cubans with Uruguayan Citizenship
More than 20,000 Cubans who have immigrated to Uruguay are eligible to apply for Uruguayan citizenship after meeting the necessary requirements. However, a distinction exists between “legal” and “natural” citizens in Uruguay. While those born in Uruguay are considered natural citizens, naturalized immigrants are classified as legal citizens. As such, Cubans who acquire Uruguayan citizenship will have their original nationality noted on their passport, potentially affecting their eligibility for the Visa Waiver Program.
This situation is currently under debate, with advocates pushing for equal benefits to be extended to all Uruguayan passport holders, regardless of their origin.
The news of Uruguay’s imminent Visa Waiver Program inclusion comes at a time when discussions about immigration and its impact on both sending and receiving countries are ongoing. While the program aims to facilitate travel, it also raises questions about the future of Cuban nationals seeking easier access to the United States.
