
How to Get a Cuban Visa: A 4-Step Guide for Americans
- Step #1: Determine if you qualify for a "Tourist Card" Americans traveling to Cuba need a Cuban Tourist Card ("Tarjeta del Turista"), which is often referred to as a "Cuban ...
- Step #2: Purchase your plane ticket. ...
- Step #3: Purchase a Cuban Tourist Card. ...
- Step #4: Keep your Cuban visa with your passport at all times. ...
- Apply for visa. Fill in the simple online application form for the Cuba visa.
- Pay online. Pay for the visa safely and easily with Visa, MasterCard, American Express or PayPal.
- Travel to Cuba. Receive the visa by mail and keep it with your passport during your trip.
What are the requirements to fly to Cuba?
What To Know About Travel To Cuba With A US Passport In 2021
- Declare a Valid Travel Category. US travelers to Cuba must declare a travel category before departure. ...
- Get a Tourist Card. The Cuban government requires travelers from most countries, including the US, to have a Cuban Tourist Card (sometimes called a Cuba Visa) in order to ...
- Get Valid Health Insurance. ...
- Prepare an Itinerary. ...
What are the requirements to enter Cuba?
Entry requirements
- All travellers. Entry requirements may be subject to change at short notice. You should also check requirements with your airline.
- Check your passport and travel documents before you travel. Your passport should be valid for at least two months after your departure date from Cuba. ...
- Returning to the UK. Check what you must do to return to the UK.
What are the Visa requirements for Cuba?
- A certificate of police clearance from your country, issued in the past three months and legalized.
- Medical screening, including blood tests, AIDS test, and radiographic examinations of the thorax. ...
- A letter which states what is the reason that you are applying.
Can Americans travel to Cuba legally?
Yes, Americans can travel to Cuba — there are multiple ways to do so. You can visit Cuba in a completely legal way, obtaining a visa in advance, or you can do what many Americans do — simply book a flight from another country, like Mexico. Read on for the ways to visit Cuba legally when you hold a US passport.

Is it hard to get a visa to Cuba?
Every American tourist needs a Cuban Tourist Card (sometimes called a Cuba visa). This is a Cuban government requirement and has nothing to do with the 11 Legal Categories of Travel required by the US government. Luckily, it's very easy to get one. It's just a card that you purchase and fill out.
Do you need a visa to go to Cuba?
Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba? The Cuban government requires all citizens traveling to Cuba to obtain a Cuban visa prior to their arrival into Cuba. A Cuban visa is also known as a "tourist card.” The Cuban visa is valid for a single entry and allows the holder to stay in Cuba for 30 days.
How much is a Cuban visa?
Do I have to pay a Cuba visa fee? Yes, everyone who applies for a Cuba visa has to pay a non-refundable Cuba visa fee upfront. The cost of the fee changes depending on the method you are applying in. If you apply in person at a Cuba consular office, you only have to pay the fee, which can range from $25 to $75.
Can I get my visa for Cuba at the airport?
You can still get a Cuba visa on arrival but only if you land on the airport in Havana. Other airports cannot grant you a visa, and as a result, you will be put on a plane back to where you came from.
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
All travelers to Cuba must possess a valid passport, a return ticket, travel insurance policy with medical coverage, and a visa or tourist visa. Unlicensed U.S. citizens may be allowed a stay of up to 90 days upon entry.
Is Cuba open for travel 2022?
January 2022 update: Cuba is open to fully vaccinated American travelers only. Travelers must bring proof of COVID vaccination and a negative PCR test taken in the past three calendar days. Beyond that, there are no major new restrictions.
Can I go to Cuba right now?
Even during the coronavirus pandemic? Yes, Americans can travel to Cuba—there are flights between the United States and Havana. Anyone traveling to Cuba just has to keep a couple of things in mind. Vaccinated travelers can enter Cuba without a negative PCR test.
How long does a Cuba visa last?
Cuban Tourist Cards are valid for one entry and one exit with a maximum of 30 days in Cuba. You can extend your stay as a Tourist (local fee required) for a maximum of 30 more days, giving you 60 days in Cuba as a tourist. This extension will have to be requested locally with a fee at your nearest Immigration office.
How long can you stay in Cuba on a tourist visa?
An essential Cuba Tourist Card will enable you to stay in Cuba for a maximum of 30 days unless you are Canadian, in which case you stay for 90 days. You can also use it within 180 days of receiving it and remember that it can only be used for single-entry.
Can you get a Cuban tourist card on arrival?
There is no such a thing as an electronic tourist Cuba card or Cuban Tourist card on arrival. Check with your tour operator, in case they do provide them with your holiday, before buying online. Everyone, including adults, children and infants, need to have a Cuban Tourist Card.
How much is a visa to Cuba from USA?
All consular fees are expressed in United States Dollars (USD). The consular section accepts payment in USD or Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) at the current consular exchange rate (1.00 USD = 1.00 CUC)....Immigrant Visas Consular Fees.Type of VisaFeeFamily-Based Immigrant Visas$325Diversity Visa$330Fiancé(e) Visa$265Returning Resident$180
Is a Cuban tourist card the same as a visa?
If you're wondering whether you'll need a Cuba tourist card or a Cuban visa to enter Cuba, the answer is that both terms are widely used interchangeably to mean the same. But they're actually different. Most people refer to the Cuban tourist card as a Cuban visa, but a Cuban visa is rarely needed.
Can US citizens travel to Cuba right now?
Today, Cuba is open for travel — even for Americans. Anyone traveling to Cuba just has to keep a couple of things in mind. Vaccinated travelers can enter Cuba without a negative PCR test. Unvaccinated travelers will need to present a negative PCR test no more than 72 hours old.
Can you enter Cuba with a US passport?
Valid US passport You can travel to Cuba with your standard U.S. passport. To avoid any issues going through customs, ensure your passport is valid for at least six months after your Cuba trip.
Can Americans enter Cuba?
Americans have been allowed to visit the island under categories that remain legal, including family visits, religious activities, competitions, educational activities and professional research, and meetings.
Why can't Americans go to Cuba?
The U.S. government state department placed an embargo on trade between Cuba and the United States of America in 1962. Until this day, it makes travel to Cuba harder than you might think, but not impossible.
Do I need the tourist card for Cuba?
Yes, depending on your nationality. You can check with our eligibility verifier if you need to apply.
Do I need a visa to go on vacation to Cuba?
In most cases, a visa is required to enter the country. You should check if you are eligible to apply for your visa.
How do I get a tourist card to travel to Cuba?
It is easy, you have to fill out an online form with your passport and in a few days, you will be given the physical card by courier. Start the pro...
When will I receive my tourist card?
It takes 24 hours to deliver the card in Europe. For other countries, it takes between 3 and 5 days.
What are the requirements to obtain the Cuban tourist card?
You must have a passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival in Cuba and a valid card to pay for the card.
How can I check the status of my application for a Cuban tourist card?
After completing your application, you will receive an email with an identification number to track the status of your shipment.
Can I change the details of my Cuba Tourist Card?
If we find an error, we will contact you. Once the card is issued and sent, unfortunately we cannot make any changes.
What documents are needed to travel to Cuba?
The documents required for travelling to Cuba are a valid passport and travel insurance . Note that each government reserves the right to deny entry to the country even if the visa has been approved. Each traveler will be treated individually upon arrival by the immigration officer at the airport, port, or border.
How to get a tourist card for Cuba?
To receive the Tourist Card for Cuba, prepare the following documents: - passport. - home address to receive approval. - payment card to pay the visa fees. If you are unable to provide any of this information, your application will be saved so that you can complete it later.
How to get a physical passport card?
It is easy, you have to fill out an online form with your passport and in a few days, you will be given the physical card by courier. Start the process here.
How long does it take to get a tourist card?
The application process is 100% online and once the tourist card is approved, you will receive it within 2-4 business days by courier.
How long does it take to receive an approved document?
You will receive the approved document by ordinary mail in a couple of days.
Can a government deny entry to a country even if the visa has been approved?
Note that each government reserves the right to deny entry to the country even if the visa has been approved. Each traveler will be treated individually upon arrival by the immigration officer at the airport, port, or border. This case normally occurs when the person represents a threat to security or national interests.
What are the requirements?
iVisa does not require you to upload any documents. All you have to do is fill in an application form. However, keep in mind that when you arrive in Cuba, you need to provide the following documents:
What is a tourist card in Cuba?
Tourist Card – this is the equivalent of a Cuba visa that iVisa will send to you via postal mail.
How long does it take to complete an ivisa application?
iVisa has designed one of the most accessible and comprehensive application forms you will ever have to handle. It should not take you more than 10 minutes to complete it, and if you have any questions or need some help, iVisa has a fantastic support service that you can contact 24/7.
How long does it take to get a tourist card?
Standard processing – your application will be processed and your Tourist card delivered in 3 to 5 business days. This option costs $110.
How much does an international tourism card cost?
For an International Tourism Card, the fees are $55, $75, and $95 respectively. The second step of the application form requires you to do a quick revision of step one and make the payment. The revision is essential because you cannot correct your mistakes once your application reaches processing.
How many steps are there in the application form?
The application form consists of two simple steps:
Who Has to Apply for a Cuba Visa?
Almost everyone has to apply for a Cuba visa, except citizens of certain countries.
How to Get a Long-stay Visa for Cuba?
To be allowed to stay in Cuba long-term, you have to get the right for residency at the Cuban consulate. When applying for residency, you must have:
How to Travel to Cuba from the USA?
US nationals have a harder time obtaining a Cuba visa than other countries, due to a trade ban the US government imposed on Cuba back in the 1960s.
What documents are needed to get a Cuban visa?
Any documents which support your request, such as marriage or birth certificates (for family visas), work contract (for a work visa), enrollment in a Cuban university and proof of language proficiency (for a student visa), etc.
What color tourist card do you get in Cuba?
If you are travelling from the US, you’ll receive a pink Tourist Card, which is different from the green Tourist Card everyone else receives. So, another “loophole” that some use is travelling to another country, and then entering Cuba from there since the color of the Tourist Card depends on the country you’re entering from, not your nationality.
What does it mean to have a general license to travel to Cuba?
A general license is nothing more than you declaring that your purpose of travel falls under one of those categories and submitting prof if it. There is no actual physical “license” that you receive.
Do You Need a Visa to Go to Cuba?
Only citizens of certain countries in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia will need a Cuba Visa. A Cuba Visa is required if you’re traveling from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka.
How to Get a Visa for Cuba?
If you are a citizen of one of the countries mentioned above, or you are traveling for purposes other than tourism, you will need to contact the Consulate or Embassy of Cuba in your country to apply for a visa for Cuba.
Do You Need a Special Visa to Cuba from the USA?
Nope! Americans get the same Cuba Tourist Card as travelers from Canada or Europe.
What Are the Cuba Tourist Card Requirements?
The application process is easy, and you only need a few requirements. Here’s what you need to get a Cuba Tourist Card:
How Much Does the Cuba Tourist Card Cost?
You can expect the Cuba Tourist Card to cost anywhere between 25 USD and 85 USD, depending on how you apply for it. While the price of the card itself isn’t high, you may have to pay additional fees from airlines or shipping costs if you order it online.
How to Get a Cuba Tourist Card?
You can get the Cuba Tourist Card online, from your airline or travel agency, or at the Cuban embassy in your country. There’s no right or wrong way, but you’ll probably find that some methods are easier or less expensive than others.
Can You Get the Tourist Card for Cuba on Arrival?
Technically, you can get the Cuba Tourist Card at Havana Airport, or any other Cuban airport, for the equivalent of about 25 USD (you won’t be able to buy it in Cuban currency or US dollars). However, in most cases, you can’t even board your flight if you don’t have a Cuba Tourist Card.
How many categories of travel licenses are there in Cuba?
However, the Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has issued general licenses for 12 categories of travel. Individuals who meet the regulatory conditions of the general license they seek to travel under do not need to apply for an additional license from OFAC to travel to Cuba. The 12 categories of authorized travel ...
Is Cuba a dual citizen?
Dual Citizens. All U.S.-Cuban dual citizens should note that the Government of Cuba treats U.S. citizens born in Cuba as Cuban citizens and may subject them to a range of restrictions and obligations. The Cuban government requires U.S.-Cuban dual citizens who departed Cuba on or after January 1, 1971 to enter and depart Cuba using a Cuban passport.
What determines what type of visa is required?
The purpose of your intended travel and other facts will determine what type of visa is required under U.S. immigration law. As a visa applicant, you will need to establish that you meet all requirements to receive the category of visa for which you are applying.
Where is the consulate located?
The entrance to the Consular Section is located on the south side of the U.S. Embassy building along Calzada Street.
Do you have to pay visa processing fees to third parties?
Warning: DO NOT pay any visa processing fees to third parties. There is no additional fee to make an appointment. Visa processing fees are paid to NVC (Immigrant Visas), Scotiabank Guyana (NIV & Fiancé Visas) or in limited cases, directly to the Embassy’s cashier. Please e-mail us at [email protected] if you are asked to pay any extra fees for an appointment.
What Do You Need to Travel to Cuba with a US Passport?
Here is a list of entry requirements to Cuba that you need to comply with before you arrive at a Cuban airport:
Why shouldn't you stay in Cuba?
You shouldn’t stay at most hotels in Cuba because the Cuban government owns them. We suggest you stick to private accommodations known as casas particulares
What is Cuba filled with?
Cuba is filled with tour guides ready to introduce you to the island, its culture, and history. Plus, there are tours for everyone–from riding around Havana in a vintage car to horseback riding in rugged Viñales or hiking in the Sierra Maestra mountains.
What license do you need to travel to Cuba?
All Americans traveling to Cuba need a “license”, technically referred to as a “general license,” or a category of authorized travel to Cuba. These categories are defined by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).
What are some ways to support local businesses?
Supporting local businesses includes staying in casas particulares, eating at paladares, attending a performance by a local musician or artist, or taking a cooking or salsa dancing class.
How long do you have to keep travel receipts in Cuba?
You are also required to avoid spending money at some restricted businesses and to keep your travel receipts and records for 5 years. We’ll fill you in on what you need to do, step by step, to legally travel to Cuba from the US.
What is tour republic?
Tour Republic is a travel marketplace where local entrepreneurs offer memorable experiences in Cuba. We also write about our passion for Cuba, from in-depth travel guides to myth-busting articles. Some articles may contain affiliates links at no cost to you.
