Hands holding passports over travel documents and accessories.

Essentials

The 2 kinds of Cuban Touristic Visas

If you want to visit Cuba from the United States, Europe, Australia, New Zealand, or South America, you will need a Cuban Tourist Card, often called a Visa.

The Cuba Tourist Card has 2 variations:

To obtain your tourist card, you will need to fill out your information online and you will receive your card through a delivery service before traveling to Cuba.

Traveling to Cuba directly from the USA

If you fly to Cuba directly from the USA, you will need to have a Pink Cuban Tourist Card.

All nationalities traveling from or via USA will need the pink card to enter Cuba. So for example, if you come from UK with a stopover in USA, you’ll be concerned.

This card is valid for visits of up to 30 days and can be used within 180 days of issuance.

Traveling to Cuba from any country except the USA

All nationalities can get a Green Tourist Card to visit Cuba when flying from any country except the USA.

This visa  is valid for visits of up to 30 days and it can be used within 180 days of issuance. You will need to show this visa before boarding your flight.

How to get the Cuban Visa

You have 3 options to get the tourist card :

1. With a reputable online Visa retailer

If you travelling to Cuba from Europe, taking your visa online is much more convenient and time saving because it allows you to receive your card with enough time in advance, and they deliver your visa directly to your home.

We personally recommend Easytouristcard.com because they handle both Pink and Green tourist cards.

Getting the visa online is very easy, you just need to select your visa type, green or pink, pay online and your visa will be shipped within 1-3 business days worldwide via tracked mail.

2. Through your Airline

Travelers flying to Cuba from Latin America or the Caribbean, such as Mexico, Panama, or the Cayman Islands, can acquire their visa at the airport check-in. This process typically takes a few minutes and costs about US$25-30. Payment options usually include credit cards or local currency, but it’s advisable to confirm with your airline for any updates. Additionally, visas can be procured beforehand through a third-party visa service.

If you are departing from the Miami airport, you can buy this card at the Cuba Ready checkpoint, located at checkpoints 1 and 2. You will be asked for this card upon arrival in Cuba, during immigration control at the airport.

3. With a Cuban embassy

You can also go through through a local Cuban embassy in your country. You’ll have to get there in person.

Extending the Visa in Cuba

Before heading to the migration office it is important to know that you need to pay the tourist card fee in any bank because they don’t accept payment in the migration offices. The tourists card fees are €25

Consider bringing the following documents :

Make sure that you’re dressed correctly before heading to the office because they don’t hello allow shorts

Passport

Valid passport, valid for the duration of the stay. In order to be prepared for any eventuality, make sure that you have a passport with the required or sufficient number of blank pages (generally 3, 2 of which are opposite each other).

Emergency passport

As this document is not accepted everywhere, before applying for one, make sure that it is recognized by the country you are traveling to; also check whether it requires a visa (which may be the case even for countries where it is not required with an ordinary passport).

Health Insurance

Health insurance is compulsory for travelers to Cuba. They must be taken out in the country of origin; the proof may be required at the airport. If, however, for an exceptional reason, a traveler is not covered, he or she will be obliged to take out insurance at the airport of arrival in Cuba.

Upon Arrival at Cuba

Custom Regulation in Cuba at the entrance

All passengers have the right to import their personal effects, exempt from the payment of customs duties.

Custom Regulation in Cuba At the Exit

Note: If you buy paintings and sculptures in the points of sale where these are offered, you must make sure that they have the Seal that authorizes their Export or request the corresponding Permit.

About the author

At the helm of Remote Expeditions, Tristan adeptly combines exploration, photography, tour design, web development, and tour leadership, encapsulating the essence of a versatile travel entrepreneur. His mission is to offer a limited number of high-quality tours each year, ensuring an unparalleled travel experience steering clear of mass tourism. He aims to guide you towards the true essence of each destination, facilitating a deep connection with both nature and yourself.