US ESTA and CUBA

[HarmonieSky]

Hi, Hoping someone has encountered similar. From UK and due to travel to US in just over a months time. Applying for ESTA's as I have in the past and there is a new question about travel to Cuba after 2011. To which I needed to reply yes after a holiday to Cuba in 2014. The question was added after Cuba was added to terrorism list. This is where I am confused.
The ESTA application asks if you've traveled to Cuba after 2011 (which we have) but the website says you are not eligible if you traveled to Cuba after 2021. So why are they asking if you've travelled after 2011?

Has anyone applied for Esta and been approved in a similar situation? Panicking as I'll need to apply for US travel visa which is a long and costly process.

Thank you

Yep, I just put the month I travelled and the ESTA was approved about 10 mins later.

Thank you so much for replying, I can stop panicking now. I've applied with the dates, hopefully they get approved soon.

Travelling to Miami with a friend in January 2026 for Caribbean cruise. Because my friend has visited Cuba she needs a visa . Appointment was booked for October 2025 but the US Embassy has now moved her appointment to the end of January which is too late for our cruise . Has anyone had a similar situation or know what we can do ? Thanks in advance.

Has she contacted them and asked for an earlier appointment?

I work at a travel agent and we had someone have to cancel their cruise as they couldn’t get a
visa appointment in time. I think it was a 10 month wait at the time. I would call and explain but if they won’t give you an earlier appointment there’s not much you can do.

Has she contacted them and asked for an earlier appointment?

she has but we don’t hold out much hope think you need exceptional circumstances ☹️