Cuban Visa General Information – Everything You Should Know Before You Go
Cuba offers an unmatched blend of rhythmic culture, lush countryside, and vibrant city life. The energy of local music, the scent of fresh sugarcane juice, and the taste of ropa vieja simmering on the stove all come together to welcome you to an island full of discovery. If you’re planning a visit, understanding how to enter the country legally is the first step to making your experience unforgettable.
At EasyTouristCard.com you’ll find everything you need to know about Cuba visa information—including who needs one, how to apply, and what to expect in 2025. From updated travel policies to application tips and practical advice, our guide is designed to help you get travel-ready with confidence.
Who Needs a Visa for Cuba and Why It Matters
Travelers visiting Cuba for tourism must obtain official authorization before departure. Citizens of most countries, including those flying from the United States, are required to secure an approved travel visa in advance.
Cuba now uses a fully digital visa system, making the application process faster and easier. By switching to electronic visas, the government has eliminated the old Pink and Green Tourist Cards, ensuring travelers arrive with the correct documentation already in hand.
What Makes the Cuban e-Visa Different?
The Cuban e-visa functions as your digital entry document. Instead of dealing with physical paperwork or making last-minute airport arrangements, this online authorization is designed to speed up your arrival process and reduce the risk of denial at boarding.
Once issued, the e-visa allows you to:
The digital format also offers enhanced verification, faster delivery, and increased security for travelers.
Understanding the New Visa System in 2025
In 2025, Cuba streamlined its immigration process by fully transitioning to digital visa approvals. The move eliminated physical Tourist Cards and introduced a centralized electronic application portal.
The update benefits travelers in several ways:
- No need to obtain visas from consulates or embassies
- Application can be completed from anywhere in the world
- Digital delivery via email means you’ll receive your visa faster
To explore how this transition affects your travel plans, visit the Cuban Tourist Visa Guide.
Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Cuban Visa
Applying for your e-visa through a reputable platform ensures a smooth, secure experience. Follow these steps to get started:
Typically, Your e-visa will be sent to you by email within 12 hours. This code must then be entered into the D’Viajeros online platform, which generates a QR code that you’ll print and present upon entry to Cuba.
Benefits of Applying in Advance
Planning ahead reduces stress and ensures your travel timeline remains intact. Submitting your application early gives you room to correct any errors and select the right processing speed for your needs.
Visas are processed within 72 hours, giving you time to complete the D’Viajeros form up to 7 days before departure.
Ideal for urgent travel—visas can be processed in as little as 12 hours, making same-day trips possible.
Need more details? Our complete Cuba eVisa guide can help.
Everything You Need for a Smooth Arrival in Cuba
Before applying for your Cuban e-visa, take a few moments to gather the necessary documents and travel details. Doing so helps avoid delays and ensures your trip begins without unnecessary stress.
Here’s what you should have ready:
Valid Passport Required
A passport valid for at least six months beyond your planned arrival in Cuba
Travel Details
Your travel information, including arrival date, airline, and destination city
Pay Securely Online
A credit or debit card to complete secure online payment
Online Application & Delivery
Internet access to complete the application and receive digital delivery
Ensure Accurate Submission for Smooth Processing
When you submit your visa request, make sure all information is accurate. Mistakes like typos or missing details can slow the process or lead to rejection. Once your application is reviewed and approved, your e-visa will be emailed - often in as little as 12 hours - and ready to use in your D’Viajeros form.
In addition to their visa, travelers entering Cuba may be asked to present the following at the airport or during their stay:
You are also required to complete the D’Viajeros form, short for Declaración de Viajeros, or “Traveler’s Declaration.” within 7 days of your departure to Cuba. This mandatory online form was created by Cuban authorities to streamline immigration, health, and customs procedures. It include health-related questions and a customs declaration. Upon completion, you will receive a QR code by email that must be presented at your airline check-in and customs.
Learn more about how it works by visiting our full D’Viajeros guide.
Local Advice for First-Time Visitors
Make the most of your trip with a few key insights:
Carry cash, as card machines are rare outside of major hotels.
Learn a few basic Spanish phrases to engage with locals.
Travel light and bring sunscreen, reusable water bottles, and insect repellent.
Don’t rely on public Wi-Fi—buy a local internet card if needed.
Most importantly, be respectful and curious. Cubans are proud of their heritage and eager to share it with visitors.
What You’ll Experience in Cuba
From the rolling hills of Viñales to the sunlit boardwalk of Malecón, Cuba’s atmosphere captivates every sense. The island buzzes with live music, flavorful dishes, and breathtaking landscapes.
You’ll hear the sounds of laughter and salsa, feel warm sand between your toes, and see neighborhoods painted in hues of tangerine, sky blue, and lemon yellow. Street vendors serve churros and guava pastries, while the smell of tobacco and ocean air drifts across open markets and village roads.
Whether exploring the cobbled streets of Trinidad or enjoying a mojito in Santiago de Cuba, the experience is as rich as the island’s history.
Where Tourists Love to Go in Cuba
Many travelers begin their journey in Havana, a city full of vintage charm, colorful buildings, and pulsing energy. Wander through Old Havana to see colonial architecture and lively street performances, or head to the Malecón to watch locals fish and couples stroll along the seawall.
If you’re seeking peace and sun-soaked beaches, head east to Varadero. The clear, shallow waters are perfect for snorkeling or lounging under a palm tree with a good book. The beach resorts here offer everything from fresh seafood to live entertainment.
Trinidad, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is beloved for its cobblestone roads and pastel houses. This preserved city feels like a living museum and is surrounded by lush mountains and waterfalls, which nature lovers can explore.
Nature enthusiasts often visit Viñales Valley to see tobacco fields, limestone cliffs, and dramatic cave systems. Horseback riding, hiking, and scenic tours offer endless ways to discover Cuba’s green countryside.
For a more local, less tourist-heavy vibe, consider cities like Cienfuegos or Camagüey, where friendly faces and relaxing town squares let you slow down and soak in authentic Cuban life.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes. Travelers from the U.S. must apply for a Cuban e-visa in advance.
No. You must secure your visa before departure.
You’ll need your printed D’Viajeros form (which includes your e-visa number), a valid passport, and proof of lodging, such as a hotel reservation or private rental confirmation.
Yes. Cuba requires medical insurance coverage for all visitors.
The e-visa allows you to stay for up to 90 days.
Yes. Extensions are granted for an additional 90 days by local immigration offices. However, the process can be challenging. These offices are often busy, and the staff may not speak English. If you're not fluent in Spanish, it’s strongly recommended to bring someone who can assist you with translation. Be sure to bring your passport, your original visa details, proof of accommodations, and allow extra time for the visit, as processing can take several hours.
Yes. All travelers, regardless of age, must have their own approved e-visa.
For U.S. travelers, the cost is €85 for standard processing and €115 for expedited service. For travelers from all other nationalities, the cost is €45 for standard and €75 for expedited processing. (At current exchange rates, that’s approximately $90–$122 USD for U.S. travelers.)
Yes. EasyTouristCard.com is fully accessible from phones and tablets.
You'll be notified to correct the issue. Apply early to allow time for revisions.
Begin Your Cuban Adventure with Confidence
Now that you clearly understand Cuba visa information, you can move forward with ease. By applying through EasyTouristCard.com, you’ll enjoy a faster, more secure process with customer support ready to help when needed.
Start planning today and prepare to discover Cuba’s warmth, color, and rhythm firsthand. For details on past travel forms, check out our D’Viajeros guide. To apply quickly, visit our Cuba Tourist Visa Online now.