Traveling to Cuba and its impact on ESTA applications

Hi there,

Yes, it’s a classic move, and it didn’t start with Trump. It’s an indirect way of waging war on states they want to weaken—mostly symbolic, though. With the world fragmenting again, you’ll soon see some countries putting up barriers for travelers who’ve visited the U.S., putting them in an impossible situation that’ll make them think twice about traveling. Not for any good reason, just because they’ll need a cheap political gesture that affects almost no one but "speaks" to public opinion. Because let’s be clear: going to Paris to get a visa—taking two days off if you can, with two round trips—is prohibitive for non-Parisians. You’re quickly looking at 1000 €.

l'administration Américaine a les moyens de savoir si vous êtes allé a Cuba

They mostly have the means to *make you believe* they have the means. Around two million undocumented migrants have entered the U.S. in the last five years—if their systems were that effective, you’d have noticed.

Michel

Hi

You can request a new passport at your town hall; it’s the easiest way.

This is NOT news!

Pretty much since the ESTA existed, it’s been written in BIG LETTERS on the first page of the form.

On most USA-specialized sites, you start by checking the entry requirements...

And FYI, there are other countries on the Red List, not just Cuba.

The access restrictions aren’t unique to Trump or the USA—many other countries have them too...

See you around!

Hello,

Access restrictions aren’t unique to Trump or the USA but apply to many other countries...

I just mentioned above that we might unfortunately see this kind of thing popping up more with the world fragmenting and this new kind of "iron curtain" emerging, but that doesn’t mean it’s normal for a state to restrict access to its territory based on previous visits to other countries. It’s still a peculiarity of the United States. In other cases that exist or have existed, it was just a matter of stamps in the passport, and since those are rare these days .

But once again, at the risk of repeating myself, the point of these measures is to serve as a political communication tool—a political gesture made to a population that actually costs nothing and has no real practical or operational effectiveness.

Michel

Hi,

Two round trips from the far-flung province to Paname to apply for and then pick up a visa—luckily, it doesn’t cost or even come close to 1000 euros! And even in first class... For example, from my beloved Brittany, a round trip is around 100 to 120 € (just checked for August...). It’s something I’ve had to do several times for the DRC (and I could’ve just made one trip and had my passport/visa mailed back to me).

It’s still a quirk of the United States.

Oh no—our very charming neighbor, the United Kingdom, and its ETA... simply put.

In other cases that exist or have existed, it was just a matter of stamps in the passport, and since there aren’t many left

Was it? Not sure that’s over. Because those "blacklisted" countries are also the ones that stamp passports... Plus, I know at least two people who aren’t diplomats or secret agents... who legally have two (French) passports for these reasons. So when you say the U.S. mostly has the means to *make* people believe they have the means... I kinda agree. But without absolute certainty, though...

As for undocumented immigrants, that’s another topic—I doubt most of them entered using a European tourist ESTA.

Good evening,

Sounds like a controversial mood. I don’t have much time, nor much desire to get into it. So, a round-trip from Brest or Quimper to Paris, with fixed dates and times—obviously—plus the cost of getting to and from the station, two lost days that are hard or impossible to plan, making it very difficult, if not impossible, to negotiate with an employer. Add the visa fee, and for me, we’re talking around 1000 €. So, if you’re better than me at handling this, I congratulate you. [:)]

Nope: our very charming neighbor, the UK, and its ETA... quite simply.

Is the ETA conditional on not having visited certain countries? I don’t know—do we have the list?

Michel

PS: If you live in Rennes, have no problem taking time off, and can afford to cover the lost income, of course we don’t see things the same way.

and for info, there are other countries on the Red List, not just Cuba.

True, but slightly less touristy...

Iran, Iraq, Syria, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, or Sudan (travel after 01/03/2011)

Sounds like a controversial mood.

[;)] Yeah, of course. You know I love this, but only with you, obviously.

Okay, more seriously,

with set times and days

Not entirely: usually, you’re offered a schedule of appointment slots. I thought we were just talking about the direct cost of getting to Paris. But:

the two lost days, impossible or difficult to plan, so very hard, even impossible to negotiate with an employer,

Ah, right, sorry. Being retired myself, I stupidly thought like a retiree! Mea culpa.

So, if you’re still working. Well, it’s going to be more complicated because there are so many different situations! It’s not just employees who travel—far from it! You could be self-employed, for example, a business owner or an organized executive, and "make the most" of these trips, or even more if you’re "clever" (overhead costs), etc. And then, some employees work in professions where these "availability" days are easier to find than others... But in the toughest cases, which might not be yours... it can indeed be a real problem.

For what I’ll call the "additional" costs: Living 60 km from Rennes, for example: the slow train to Rennes costs around 12 €, otherwise the bus (meh...) or a taxi (ouch! around 120 €). Or maybe a sympathetic friend, a helpful colleague, a regular carpool... Finally, when an in-person appointment is mandatory, it’s for the visa application. Once it’s approved, most of the time you can have your passport sent to you. So the cost is then cut in half...

Is the ETA conditional on not having visited certain countries? I don’t know; do we have the list?

Roughly the same as for the ESTA (before the latest Trump-era restrictions): Afghanistan, Eritrea, Yemen... My passport has a beautiful stamp from one of them. Will I have to get a new one?

Hi Kougarok,

I tried to explain it to you: you're retired, you live in Rennes with at least ten shuttles to Montparnasse every day... In that case, of course, it's doable. If the traveler works for an SME, for example, how do you think they’ll manage to request last-minute vacation days like that? If the traveler is a civil servant—even locally—or a teacher, how do you think they can arrange a one-day absence on such short notice? After that, it’s easy and cheap for the U.S. to make travel impossible for people who, deep down, won’t complain loudly and don’t carry any economic weight. It’s not a very glorious policy, and the intended effectiveness is domestic, a bit populist. A certain mindset, let’s say.

By the way, how are the ZFEs in Rennes doing these days?

Michel

It’s not one more or one less day of leave that makes a difference for someone wanting to travel to the US.

This visa requirement isn’t exactly a surprise for a traveler who plans ahead.

As for taking time off, unexpected things happen: a medical appointment, a car breakdown, an administrative or bank meeting, a visa application...

Besides, Brittany isn’t any farther from Paris than other regions. From Clermont-Ferrand, you’re never sure you’ll arrive on time given the SNCF’s repeated delays—let alone cancellations...

Hi Agnès,

No, I don’t know what world you’re living in, but no. For a public-school teacher, especially in early grades, for a retail or SME employee, or for a factory worker, it’s simply impossible. I think you’re seriously underestimating the pressures, the blackmail, the rigidities. Maybe you’re lucky enough to be able to do it easily—personally, I might be able to negotiate it, but most people can’t. Not at all.

Brittany isn’t just far in kilometers; it’s also held by the throat by the SNCF monopoly right now. There’s practically no Plan B except taking your car.

Michel

Hello

Where to apply for a new passport at your town hall; it’s the easiest way.

Hi, I’ve done that, but I wouldn’t risk getting turned away and losing the ticket and the bookings.

For a public-school teacher, especially in early education, for a retail or SME employee, for a factory worker,

The typical profile of a worker who first traveled to Cuba before considering the U.S. in under ten years—now that’s your sociologist side talking. What kind of polygon are you? Let’s take, at random, another example: a vocational high school teacher nearing retirement in a private school in Lower Brittany. Four months without the obligation to show up for work leaves plenty of time to sort out this kind of contingency.

(As for the rest of your comments, same old obsessive rants disguised as geopolitical reasoning)

@Manon: sorry for hijacking the thread! [:)]

.held by the throat by the SNCF monopoly

At least the trains run properly there...

Go to Clermont-Ferrand...

No, I don’t know what world you live in, but no.

You know, slavery ended a long time ago.

And the boss risks ending up without employees if they don’t step up—new generations won’t hesitate to walk out if things aren’t working.

Plus, as Jean Luc mentioned, people who travel to the US and Cuba usually aren’t in the categories mentioned.

After all, a teacher doesn’t spend their whole life at school. A meet-up on a day off or during the previous school holidays, and you’re all set.

Like with a lot of things, it’s all about preparation.

@Voyajou

No worries, it gives me something to do since I’ve been stuck in the broom closet over on the other forum

Hi Jean Luc,

At least having this kind of perspective doesn’t lead me to lash out with bitter personal attacks. You hate it when people give meaning and analyze things beyond common or initial opinions; it turns out that’s my thing, and for reasons I don’t understand, you can’t stand it.

@Attila You know, when I respond, I might seem like I’m theorizing, but I’m actually thinking of specific people. And I stand by what I said—for those who dream of going to the United States, having to apply for a visa in Paris because they don’t qualify for an ESTA would be a hurdle that would definitely make them give up.

Michel

who dream of going to the United States but would have to apply for a visa in Paris instead of an ESTA—it’d definitely make them think twice and probably give up.

Dreaming of the U.S. while having previously traveled to Cuba, with little money, barely any vacation time, bosses straight out of *Les Misérables*, and zero organizational skills—it’s such a bummer...

Hi everyone, and sorry if I’m not totally familiar with the forum (apparently there’s no button to reply to someone specifically, only within the thread).

Personally, I haven’t worked in ages and live in the south of France. I posted this topic partly to chat with everyone, but mostly to get feedback from those who’ve gone "all in" to the USA after 2021 (with the new rules) by bending the truth on their ESTA—and who weren’t turned away.

I really want to visit this continent, but it’d be a real obstacle course if I followed the visa process: paying 200 € (non-refundable if I don’t get the visa, which, from what I’ve heard, is handed out pretty arbitrarily or based on the officer’s mood). After filling out the form on the official site, I’d need to schedule a meet-up in Paris (round-trip flight + parking + 2-hour airport transfers each way since I live in the mountains). I’d get an appointment between 2 and 6 months later—yes, there’s a long wait—plus I don’t have a clean criminal record (you might say they don’t have the means to check it or my trip to Cuba, but I doubt it). And all that for a hypothetical visa approval. The only upside is I could visit the capital while I’m there, but on the Routard forum, people who go to NY regularly say the agents at the airport are sharp psychologists who can spot lies, and even after 15 trips there, the questions they ask feel like a full-on interrogation.

So if anyone’s fudged the details and gotten away with it, let’s talk about it here—it’d be super helpful for me and others. [:)]

Hi Manondugard,

Unfortunately, you're in a tricky situation, but trying to commit fraud is absolutely not a good idea—it would only make things worse and could jeopardize any future trips to the U.S. for years.

Bonjour

Où demandez un nouveau passeport à votre mairie ; c est le plus simple.

bonjour, c'est fait but I wouldn’t risk being turned away and losing the flight ticket and reservations.

It’s important to know that trying to bypass the ban by getting a new passport won’t change anything. There’s an information-sharing system between the U.S. and the EU for all passengers. They know everything about your previous trips.

avoir des retours de ceux qui serait allé "en force" aux USA après 2021 (et son nouveau règlement) en trichant sur l'ESTA, et qui n'aurait pas été refoulé.

I really doubt it’s possible to cheat on the ESTA, especially regarding previous destinations, since they have the means to verify. If you make a false declaration, you risk a visa ban for several years.

ce serait un véritable parcours du combattant si je suivais la procedure visa (Paiement de 200 € (non remboursé si je n'obtiens pas ce visa qui d'après ce qu'il se dit serait distribué a l'arrache ou a la tête du client)

Yes, getting a B2 visa is a real challenge, but it’s not handed out randomly or based on favoritism. You need to provide all the required documents, prove to the officer that you have strong ties to France (property, job, etc.) so you’re not tempted to immigrate illegally, that you have sufficient funds, etc. Having been to Cuba *and* having a criminal record definitely won’t work in your favor.

les agents a l'aéroport sont de fins psychologues et savent détecter les mensonges, et que même après 15 voyages là bas les questions posées sont un véritable interrogatoire.

Well, yes, they’re good at reading people, but it’s still far from a real interrogation! With my travel history, I usually just get a “welcome back” [;)]

I understand your frustration, but trying to find ways around the law isn’t an honorable approach. Wait a few years—who knows, maybe this rule will be scrapped someday.

Hi Brigitte, I simply changed my passport because it was about to expire. And despite what’s said here and there, I know very well that all my past trips can still be seen by airport authorities. For info, it was Biden who removed Cuba from the list, and Trump who put it back on. Trump isn’t eternal—neither in his life nor in government—so I’ll be patient and wait. PS: I’m not receiving email notifications for replies even though I’ve set everything up correctly and checked my spam folder. A bit complicated, this forum! [:)]

Whether Cuba is back on the okay list or not with the criminal record, it doesn’t change much.

I think it’s best to avoid lying for a trip to the USA. They’re really not messing around.

In any case, your situation is a matter for the embassy.

It’s up to you to decide if this destination is worth the cost (the visa is just a drop in the bucket compared to everything else—the US is one of the most expensive places).

For my part, I’d say no. It’s not the most memorable destination I’ve been to, far from it.

Hi,

I know full well that all my past trips can be seen by airport authorities.

Not the airport authorities. Possibly, potentially, the U.S. authorities in general—if they have a good reason to bother. As I mentioned, this isn’t a measure designed for efficiency; it’s about crafting a narrative and making a statement.

Michel

so I’ll be wise and wait.

Especially since there’s an alternative, and with the "deal king" running the country, ten receipts are enough to get an ESTA without any conditions. [;)]

@Biggie

I understand your frustration, but trying every possible way to bypass a law isn’t an honorable approach....

It’s not often we’re reminded of this fundamental principle of living in society. [:)]

Whether Cuba is now okay or not with a criminal record doesn’t change much.

I think it’s best to avoid lying for a trip to the US. They’re really not messing around.

Your case will anyway be handled by the embassy.

It’s up to you to decide if this destination is worth the cost (the visa is just a drop in the bucket compared to the rest—US travel is among the most expensive).

For my part, I’d say no. It’s not the most memorable destination I’ve been to, far from it.

Hi, I think it’s possible to go without necessarily paying full price. Between Airbnbs, local transport, and youth hostels—which I’d personally prioritize for the social aspect and the prices—including excursions that’ll be cheaper through their network. Best regards.

Between Airbnbs, local transport, and youth hostels—which I personally prefer for the social, friendly vibe

Airbnbs aren’t allowed everywhere, and the ones that exist aren’t cheap. A bunk in a crappy dorm in New York costs nearly 60 €. Local transport, sure—but only in cities...

including prices for excursions, which will be cheaper through their network.

A guided tour is always pricier than doing it solo. Whether you book it at a hostel or elsewhere. And let’s be real—not everyone loves the herd mentality.

No matter if you’re traveling on a small, medium, or big budget, the U.S. will always be more expensive than Indonesia, Morocco, or Bolivia under the same conditions.

And it’s not just accommodation that’s pricey—food is too. Even a burger.

This country has the worst value for money of any I’ve visited.

Well, you didn’t like this country, that’s all (but to put everyone off like that). In my opinion, it won’t work ;)

Hi Brigitte;

I understand your frustration, but trying by all means to bypass a law isn’t an honorable approach....

I was going to refrain from responding to avoid upsetting anyone, but still, I’ll try to do so with tact and nuance.

We shouldn’t confuse common social rules—fundamental principles that indeed allow us to live more or less peacefully in society—with mere regulations, which are far removed from natural law.

The world is built on positioning, on deals with regulations that we respect to varying degrees, on laws we bend to our advantage, and which we consciously push to the limit. Every industrialist, every merchant, every taxpayer—even the state itself, especially when it’s an employer—walks this tightrope of regulations, knowingly accepting the risks involved.

In this case, the ESTA issue after traveling to Cuba—it’s clear to everyone that this isn’t a natural law or an essential one. It’s a regulation, and a politically motivated one at that. Jean Luc, in my opinion, is missing the point when he calls it a "fundamental principle of life in society"—it’s nothing more than a secondary political measure. You even acknowledge this yourself by suggesting we wait for the law to disappear, admitting that it’s just an artificial rule without solid grounding.

I’m not advising anyone on what to do. Everyone is free and of age, capable of weighing the stakes and making their own choices. We gather information, assess the situation, decide, act, and take responsibility. When traveling, we’re often a little stressed, apprehensive, or even overestimate the difficulties. I do too, quite often.

In the U.S., of course, people bend laws and rules, walk the fine line between legality and risk—in business, politics, and economics. To the point of even triggering cascading wars based on a famous lie, whose author, rest their soul, was never punished as far as I know.

Since you have interests in and with the U.S., you tend to idealize them, mixing fear and admiration. It seems to me we can take a more detached view. But I know it’s easier for me than for you, and I acknowledge that.

Michel

hi there, what you call travel stress, I personally call excitement. And for me, it starts with researching the country I’m dreaming of online—this eager, discovery-filled state only grows stronger on the way to the airport 🤓

Personally, I only book the first night, maybe the second at most. Finding accommodations on the spot, meeting friendly staff and owners, and of course checking out the rooms beforehand are all part of the thrilling discoveries (since I’m pretty picky about hospitality, the actual place often comes second for me).

Best regards.

Hello,

And for me, it starts with searching for the desired country online, where this eager state of discovery intensifies on the way to the airport

No, I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about those more or less imagined reasons, those imaginary problems that pop up a few weeks or days before and make you reconsider everything—sometimes even cancel.

quite demanding when it comes to hospitality, often the accommodation is secondary for me

For me, it’s the opposite.

Michel

Hello,

And for me, it starts with researching the desired country online, where this eager state of discovery intensifies on the way to the airport

No, I’m not talking about that. I’m talking about those more or less fantasized reasons, imaginary problems that pop up a few weeks or days before and push you to rethink everything—sometimes even to cancel.

quite demanding about hospitality—often, the accommodation is secondary for me

For me, it’s the opposite.

Michel

Re- Personally, I’ve solved the cancellation issue by never taking out travel insurance—no overlap with the one from my bank card, which I only use for online purchases for my home, that’s it). No refundable flight tickets, airport parking, car rentals on-site, etc. Nothing refundable, so I just go (usually 10–20 days after my bookings). It’s all good [;)]

Prices in the USA don't care what some Attila thinks of the country.

It's an unchangeable fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or not having a criminal record, if you want to get an ESTA.

Prices in the USA couldn't care less about what some Attila thinks of the country.

It's an intangible fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or not having a criminal record to get an ESTA.

Hello, as mentioned earlier, I’ll wait until another, less dictat... president removes Cuba from the list. And I’ll go to the USA even if the country isn’t perfect either. Best regards.

And what about the criminal record?

And what about the criminal record?

My criminal record, which you’ve mentioned several times, won’t be an issue for the ESTA once Cuba is removed from the problematic list. Best regards,

It was you who brought up this topic. Far more important for U.S. authorities than the previous trip to Cuba.

You’re the one who brought this up. Far more important for U.S. authorities than the previous trip to Cuba.

yeah yeah, “brought it up,” but not *harped on* like we say back home 😄

You asked for information, so here’s my answer.

Whether you like my response or not, it’s still accurate. [:)]

Hi Agnès,

I don’t understand why you’re spreading this story about criminal records, along with so many others. The U.S. doesn’t check French criminal records on their own because, fortunately, they don’t have the right to do so. They *can* request an excerpt—if, for example, you’re applying for a visa—but even then, it’s not the full record, just section 3.

Michel

I’m not spreading rumors. There’s a question about criminal records in the ESTA form. And since this question is asked in the simplified procedure, it must also be asked at the embassy.

As for the actual verification of answers, I don’t know.

Lying being the biggest sin in Uncle Sam’s country, everyone will decide for themselves, but it must be really complicated to do face-to-face.

In the past, every passenger underwent a full interrogation at the airport before departure.

Now, it’s upon arrival. Or not.

If I had something to hide, I’d prefer the old system. They’d deny you access to the plane, you’d go back home, and that was that.

Hi, it's obvious that the United States has a record that goes way beyond a paper passport. In this digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there isn’t even a stamp when you go to the U.S. anymore... So, those who say you can just change your passport are really talking nonsense. Obviously, you shouldn’t take any risks because if you lie on an ESTA, not only will you be denied entry, but you’ll also face a lifetime ban from U.S. territory.

A new passport doesn’t change anything. Everything is computerized... Besides, passports don’t even get stamped anymore...

Prices in the USA couldn’t care less about what some Attila thinks of the country.

It’s an unchangeable fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or not having a criminal record to get an ESTA.

Hello, as mentioned earlier, I’ll wait until another president—one less of a dictator—removes Cuba from the list. And I’ll go to the USA even if the country doesn’t have much to offer some people. Best regards.

You’ll be waiting a long time. By the way, Democrat Biden hasn’t changed the rules during his term.

Prices in the USA couldn't care less about what some Attila thinks of the country.

It's an unchangeable fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or not having a criminal record to get an ESTA.

Hello, as mentioned earlier, I'll wait until another, less dictatorial president... removes Cuba from the list. And I'll go to the USA even if the country isn't perfect. Best regards.

You'll be waiting a long time. By the way, Democrat Biden didn't change the rules during his term.

Hello. Sorry, but that's not true—it was actually Biden who removed Cuba from the list, and Trump put it back. Did you check your facts before writing that? https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2025/01/14/joe-biden-retire-cuba-de-la-liste-noire-des-etats-soutenant-le-terrorisme-pour-encourager-des-discussions_6498224_3210.html https://www.humanite.fr/monde/blocus-de-cuba/donald-trump-revient-sur-la-recente-decision-de-joe-biden-et-ordonne-le-retour-de-cuba-sur-la-liste-des-etats-soutenant-le-terrorisme

Hello,

Hello, it’s obvious that the United States tracks travel well beyond a paper passport. In the digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there isn’t even a stamp when you enter the U.S....

As for entries and exits to the U.S., undoubtedly yes. But imagining that the officer sees all your travels around the world from the past ten years pop up on their screen is a fantasy. Could they investigate it if there were valid reasons justifying the effort? Yes, with partial access to PNRs, etc. But what counts as "valid reasons"? A law created for domestic political messaging, which—like so often—only really scares those who have nothing to hide, like a perfectly legitimate trip.

Michel

Prices in the USA don’t care what some Attila thinks of the country.

It’s an intangible fact, like not having traveled to Cuba or having a criminal record when applying for an ESTA.

Hi, as mentioned earlier, I’ll wait until another, less dictatorial president... removes Cuba from the list. And I’ll go to the USA even if that country isn’t perfect either. Best regards.

You’ll be waiting a long time. By the way, Democrat Biden didn’t change the rules during his term.

Hi. Sorry, but that’s not true—it was actually Biden who removed Cuba from the list, and Trump put it back. Did you check your facts before posting? https://www.lemonde.fr/international/article/2025/01/14/joe-biden-retire-cuba-de-la-liste-noire-des-etats-soutenant-le-terrorisme-pour-encourager-des-discussions_6498224_3210.html https://www.humanite.fr/monde/blocus-de-cuba/donald-trump-revient-sur-la-recente-decision-de-joe-biden-et-ordonne-le-retour-de-cuba-sur-la-liste-des-etats-soutenant-le-terrorisme

My mistake. Given how little I care about Cuba... I do like your journalistic references, though.

Hello,

Hello, it’s obvious that the United States keeps records far beyond a paper passport. In the digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there isn’t even a stamp when you enter the U.S...

As for entries and exits to the U.S., no doubt, yes. But imagining that the officer sees all your travels around the world from the past ten years on their screen is a fantasy. That they *could* investigate it, with valid reasons justifying the effort—yes, with possible partial access to PNRs, etc. But what "valid reasons"? A law created for domestic political messaging, which, as usual, only impresses those who have nothing to hide—a perfectly legitimate trip.

Michel

And yet, this *does* exist for real.

Hello,

Hello, it’s obvious that the United States leaves a trace far beyond a paper passport. In this digital age, everything is recorded electronically—nowadays, there’s not even a stamp when you go to the United States...

As for entries and exits in the U.S., undoubtedly yes. But imagining that the officer sees all your travels around the world from the past ten years displayed on their screen is a fantasy. Could they investigate it, with valid reasons that justify the effort? Yes, with partial access to PNRs, etc. But what are these "valid reasons"? A law created for domestic political messaging, which, as usual, only impresses those who have nothing to hide—just a perfectly legitimate trip.

Michel

Hello. As you say: "undoubtedly yes," which means you don’t actually know. I canceled my ESTA after reading comments in another forum from a woman who constantly shuttles to NY, which shows on her passport. Well, during her last trip less than a month ago, she was still questioned in depth about her job in France and asked things like "Do you like your job?" while being stared right in the eyes to detect any discomfort or lies!!! Best regards.

Yes, it’s possible that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has had access to the PNR of a European passenger since 2011, following an EU/USA agreement: it’s called the "US/EU PNR agreement."

My bad. Given how interested I am in Cuba... I really like your journalistic references...

Hello! Well, why reply if Cuba doesn’t interest you? As for my so-called journalistic references, I just took the first ones that came up on Google—I wasn’t going to spend my Sunday doing research just to prove you didn’t do any before posting your wrong answer Cheers!!!