Cubans and other travelers in the U.S. will have to pay $45 with these changes at airports starting in February 2026. Beginning February 1, 2026, Cuban passengers—and travelers of any nationality—flying within the United States without a REAL ID or alternative identity document will be required to pay a mandatory $45 fee to board a flight.
The measure was announced by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and seeks to strengthen the air safety standards established after the attacks of September 11, 2001.
Until now, those without a REAL ID could complete the secondary verification process at no additional cost. However, with the implementation of this new fee, the TSA aims to incentivize passengers who have not yet updated their documentation.
According to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), 94% of travelers already meet the requirement.
The REAL ID is a state-issued driver's license or identification card that incorporates federally endorsed security features.
It is recognized by a white star inside a yellow circle and is mandatory for all those over 18 years of age who travel on domestic flights or need to access federal buildings.
Passports, residence cards, military credentials, and digital IDs available on Apple Wallet, Google Wallet, and Samsung Wallet are also accepted at more than 250 airports.
The $45 payment will manage through the Confirm.ID system, an alternative verification method that allows validating the passenger's identity for up to 10 days.
However, authorities warn that payment does not guarantee successful verification; if identity cannot be confirmed, boarding may be denied. The process can be completed online before travel or directly at the airport, where it could take up to 30 minutes.
Initially, the TSA had proposed a lower fee of $18, but the system's operating costs forced them to raise it.
This decision is part of a progressive tightening of requirements, announced since the beginning of the year with campaigns aimed at alerting immigrants and travelers, including many Cubans who face greater bureaucratic difficulties in obtaining licenses compatible with REAL ID.