Traveling to Cuba
Cuba has long been an attractive tourist destination. Not only does it have beautiful weather nearly all year round and world-class beaches, but Cuba is also home to a diverse national cuisine, vibrant cultural scene, and welcoming local population.
Who Needs a Cuba Visa?
The following nationalities must obtain a tourist visa prior to traveling to Cuba:
Afghanistan, Albania, Algeria, Andorra, Angola, Argentina, Armenia, Australia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Bahamas, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belgium, Belize, Bhutan, Bolivia, Botswana, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, Burundi, Cambodia, Cameroon, Canada, Cape Verde, Central African Republic, Chad, Chile, China, Colombia, Comoros, Congo, Congo (Dem. Rep.), Costa Rica, Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast), Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Djibouti, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Estonia, Eswatini, Ethiopia, Fiji, Finland, France, Gabon, Gambia, Georgia, Germany, Ghana, Greece, Guatemala, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, Iceland, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Kiribati, Kosovo, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Latvia, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Macao, Madagascar, Malawi, Maldives, Mali, Malta, Marshall Islands, Mauritania, Mauritius, Mexico, Micronesia, Moldova, Monaco, Morocco, Mozambique, Myanmar, Nauru, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Niger, Nigeria, North Korea, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Palau, Palestinian Territories, Panama, Papua New Guinea, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Samoa, San Marino, Sao Tome and Principe, Saudi Arabia, Senegal, Seychelles, Sierra Leone, Slovakia, Slovenia, Solomon Islands, Somalia, South Africa, South Korea, South Sudan, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Togo, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Tunisia, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Tuvalu, Uganda, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States of America, Uruguay, Uzbekistan, Vanuatu, Vatican City, Venezuela, Viet Nam, Yemen, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
Cuba Tourist Visa Validity
Depending on the applicant’s nationality, there are two types of tourist visas available: the Tourist Card and the Tourist Visa. The Tourist Card is a separate piece of paper that counts as a visa but is not affixed to their passport. The Tourist Visa is a sticker visa that is stuck inside the holder’s passport.
The validity of the Tourist Card or Visa will vary depending on the applicant’s nationality. Both visa types are single-entry visas that can be extended in Cuba after arrival.
Cuba Tourist Visa Requirements
To apply for either the Cuba Tourist Card or Visa (A-1), you will have to submit some basic requirements.
The following documents are required for each visa type:
Tourist Visa (A-1)
A complete application form
Application forms can be found on the relevant embassy website. Forms should be completed accurately with all personal and travel information.
A personal photo
Photographs must be passport-sized, in color, and submitted in hard copy.
A valid passport
The passport must be valid for six (6) months from the date of entry into Cuba.
Flight itinerary
Applicants must submit their entire flight itinerary that clearly shows their name and all flights included in their trip.
Proof of accommodation
The booking or itinerary should include the name and address of the hotel or other accommodation. If applicable, applicants can include the name of the tour they are going on.
Notarized declaration of tourism
Applicants must include an authorized (notarized) document stating their purpose of travel to Cuba is solely tourism.
Proof of subsistence
A bank statement or other document can be used to show that the applicant will be financially solvent for the duration of their stay in Cuba.
Payment of visa fees
Applicants must be able to pay the necessary visa fees to ensure their application is processed.
Tourist Card
A complete application form
Complete all forms accurately and ensure that any personal or travel details match your official documents.
Passport copy
Applicants must submit a copy of the bio-data page of their passport. The bio-data page is the primary page of the passport containing the key identification information and photo.
Copy of flight tickets
Applicants must submit a copy of their round-trip or onward flight itinerary clearly showing they will not stay in Cuba longer than permitted.
Payment of visa fees
Applicants must be able to pay the necessary visa fees to ensure their application is processed.
Cuba Tourist Visa Application
Depending on the visa type and the method of submission, the steps to apply for a Cuba tourist visa may vary. The following are the basic steps that applicants can take to apply for their Cuba tourist visa:
- Complete the visa application form
Application forms must be completed accurately with all personal and travel details. Forms can be submitted by post or in person.
- Gather all supporting documents
Applicants should ensure they have all the required documents to include with their visa application.
- Pay the visa fee
The payment method will depend on the Consulate of Cuba where the applicant submits their visa application.
- Submit the application
Applications can be submitted by post or in person at the relevant Consulate of Cuba.
**In some cases, the Tourist Card can be obtained at the airport of departure or an authorized travel agency before leaving for Cuba.
Cuba Tourist Visa Fees
The fees for a Cuba tourist visa will vary depending on the visa type, the applicant’s nationality, and the location of the application submission. Applicants should contact the relevant Consulate of Cuba for more information about the fees for their visa type.
Where to Apply
Applications for the Cuba tourist visa can be submitted to the nearest Cuban foreign mission (embassy/consulate) according to their guidelines.
Cuba Tourist Visa Processing Time
The processing time for a Cuba tourist visa will depend on the visa type and the location of the application submission. Tourist Cards are typically processed more quickly than Tourist Visas.
Approved Visa Applications
If the Tourist Card or the Tourist Visa is approved, the applicant will be notified and can pick up their visa from the relevant foreign mission (embassy/consulate). Applicants are advised to review their visa information and make sure that it matches their passport or travel documents.
Cuba Visa Extension
It is possible to extend the Tourist Card and the Tourist Visa after arrival in Cuba. The duration of extended stay will depend on the visa type and the applicant’s nationality.
