The Government of Cuba issued exceptional guidelines to the population after announce on February 25 the temporary suspension of the issuance of new identity cards and minor cards, due to the lack of supplies for their preparation.
The measure, which is presented as temporary, is the result of the worsening of the crisis suffered by the island under the US oil siege that has impacted the logistics of essential services.
In this context, the Ministry of the Interior (Minint) explained that the shortage of polycarbonate cards with security measures, necessary for the personalization of documents, is due to the financial difficulties derived from Washington sanctions.
The institution assured that the situation is “temporary” and that the population will be informed “opportunely” when the materials are available again to restart the production of minor cards and IDs.
Meanwhile, those who had requested renewals due to loss, deterioration or change of address may receive an Identity Certification, a document that will have the same legal value as the official card.
The Minint clarified that expired identity cards and minor cards will remain valid exceptionally until the issuance is resumed. This includes both the old notebook format and the laminated model.
The measure does not affect passports, which continue to be issued normally. Nor does it directly modify the hours of the processing offices, although attention to the population may vary depending on the electro-energy crisis that the country is going through.
Summary of what has been established
The official note included a compendium of frequently asked questions to guide citizens, of which we offer a summary.
Duration of the measure: It will be temporary and will be resolved gradually, with public notice when cards become available.
Expired licenses: They may continue to be used until further notice.
Passports: They are not affected.
Offices and births: Proof issued by public health institutions will be accepted to certify births and access food for six months.
Procedures at embassies: An Identity Certification may be requested, recognized with equal legal value.
Central Bank of Cuba: Alternative documents such as passport, driving license or digital certification will be accepted along with the Identity Certification.
Previous requests: Those who had already requested a license or card will be able to obtain provisional certification to carry out procedures.
Identity Certification: a provisional resource that may be presented in procedures before embassies, banks and other institutions, accompanied in some cases by additional documents.
The MININT stressed that the temporary modifications will be communicated to all bodies and agencies of the Central State Administration, with the aim of adjusting their care protocols for the population.
No tariffs, but Washington can prolong the energy siege of Cuba with other tools
A reflection of the crisis
The suspension of the issuance of identity cards is not an isolated event. It adds to a chain of difficulties that public services in Cuba, the economy and life in general are going through, in a scenario radically impacted by fuel shortages.
The executive order signed by President Donald Trump on January 29, 2026, which sanctions the sale and delivery of oil to the island, has generated a domino effect: from the reduction of operations of large companies to the paralysis of basic procedures.
Although Trump backed down on the threat of imposing tariffs on countries that send fuel to the island, due to a recent decision by the Supreme Court, he still maintains other avenues to pressure Havana and torpedo any energy aid that the country may receive.
The lack of energy affects production, transportation and now also the ability to acquire supplies for official documents, among other difficulties. The Interior Ministry recognized that the financial crisis limits the purchase of polycarbonate cards, an imported input that depends on supply chains that are now interrupted.
For citizens, the measure implies delays in essential procedures such as identity renewals, registrations in consumer registries, banking procedures and appointments at embassies. Although Identity Certification offers a provisional solution, its acceptance depends on institutional adjustments that are still in process.
The Minint enabled the email [email protected] and the telephone number 18808 for inquiries, in addition to apologizing for the inconvenience that this situation may cause.
