Ready for Your Cuban Adventure? 6 Essential Steps for Obtaining Your Cuban Visa for Travel
While a Cuban adventure is a dream for many, behind its allure is a crucial prerequisite — the need for the right travel documents.
Navigating the process of obtaining a Cuban visa or tourist card can be a source of uncertainty for many travelers, leaving them questioning whether or not they are on the right path.
And this is where we can help!
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Planning your travel to Cuba can be overwhelming as the requirements vary for different nationalities.
- The Cuban visa application process is straightforward, but it's important to know which type of visa you need and why.
- There are new updates in 2024 for Americans traveling to Cuba that need to be considered.
- Make sure you apply for your Cuban Visa/Cuban Tourist Card through a reputable agency and they can deliver it to you on time.
Traveling to a country like Cuba can be incredibly rewarding but you must make sure you’ve gotten your documents in order before you board that final leg of your journey.
Let’s explore the 6 essential steps that you will need to follow in order to make sure that your travel to Cuba is as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
What is a Cuban Visa/ Cuban Tourist Card?
Before delving into the steps for obtaining a Cuban Visa or Tourist Card, it’s essential to understand their roles.
Both documents are entry permits issued by the Cuban government, allowing foreign nationals to visit the country legally.
These documents facilitate smooth immigration processes and help regulate the influx of visitors to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Cuban Visa:
A Cuban Visa is a formal authorization granted to foreign nationals for various purposes, including tourism, business, family reunification, or academic pursuits.
In fact, only citizens from a select number of countries (roughly around 25) fall into this category and need to apply for a Cuban visa to enter Cuba.
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Libya
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Tunisia
- Yemen
- Natives of the Fujian Province in China
- Afghanistan
- Algeria
- Bangladesh
- Cameroon
- Egypt
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Ghana
- Guinea
- India
- Iran
- Iraq
- Jordan
- Kenya
- Libya
- Nepal
- Nigeria
- Pakistan
- Philippines
- Sierra Leone
- Somalia
- Sri Lanka
- Syria
- Tunisia
- Yemen
- Natives of the Fujian Province in China
Your Key to
Paradise!
Traveling from a NON-US airport? You’re in! Explore Cuba for up to 90 days within 180 days of issuance.
Cuban Tourist Card:
The Cuban Tourist Card, on the other hand, is a subset of the Cuban Visa designed specifically for tourists.
It is a simplified version of the visa requiring less documentation and a straightforward application process.
Tourist Cards are typically valid for shorter stays and cater to citizens of most European, North American, South American, or Central American countries who want to visit Cuba for leisure activities.
Understanding the nuances between these two documents is crucial for ensuring that travelers apply for the correct type based on their purpose and nationality.
At Easy Tourist Card, we pride ourselves in staying up to date with the latest changes to Cuban Visa and Tourist Card requirements, it’s still a good idea to check with the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country for the most accurate and up-to-date information tailored to your specific circumstances.
Pink or Green? How to Know Which Cuban Tourist Card is Right for You
If you know that you are traveling to Cuba from a country that needs a Cuban Tourist Card to enter the country, you have another challenge ahead…Which Cuban Tourist Card is the right one for you?
The Cuban Tourist Card comes in two distinct types: the Green Cuba Tourist Card and the Pink Cuba Tourist Card.
You will need to know the difference and which you need before you apply.
The Green Cuba Tourist Card:
The Green Tourist Card is the one you will want to apply for if you are traveling from a non-US airport AND you are not a United States citizen. These Cuban Tourist Cards are always less expensive than the Pink Cards.
The Pink Cuba Tourist Card:
The Pink Cuba Tourist Card is the one you will want to apply for if you are traveling from a United States airport AND/OR if you are a U.S. citizen.
Please note that – though some airlines and authorities will let Americans still enter Cuba with a Green Tourist Card if they are traveling from somewhere other than the U.S. – we at Easy Tourist Card recommend that ALL Americans apply for the Pink Tourist Card to avoid confusion and potential boarding denial on flights, something we have seen happen to U.S. customers who were traveling with a Green Tourist Card.
The Essentials: 6 Steps for Obtaining Your Cuban Tourist Card
As we mentioned before, applying for your Cuban Tourist Card can be pretty straightforward, if you are careful to follow the appropriate steps in the process.
Before you embark on your Cuban adventure, thorough research on the specific requirements for obtaining a Cuban Tourist Card is crucial. Ensure you have the following in order:
Cuban Tourist Card Requirements: Understand the documentation needed for your specific circumstances. Requirements may vary based on your nationality and the purpose of your visit. For details on applying for a Cuban travel visa, contact your local Cuban embassy.
Valid Passport: Confirm that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date. Passport validity is a fundamental prerequisite for travel to Cuba.
(Note: For Cuban citizens that have a Cuban passport, they will not need nor be eligible for a Tourist Card.)
Choosing the appropriate application method is the next step in securing your Cuban Tourist Card.
Consider the following options:
Online Application (Recommended): Many travelers find the online application process to be the most convenient and efficient. Online services like ours can make the entire process a breeze!
Airline Application: Some airlines offer the option to purchase a Tourist Card through third-party sites. Confirm the availability of this option with your airline.
Embassy or Consulate: If you prefer an in-person approach, identify whether or not there is a Cuban embassy or consulate in your country where you can submit your application directly.
Filling out the Cuban Tourist Card application form accurately is a critical step. Ensure you provide all necessary information that is asked on before you submit it.
Once your application form is complete, submit it through your chosen method. If you are applying for your Tourist Card through Easy Tourist Card, this process is simple to follow and is the best way to expedite the delivery of your card.
You will need to pay for Cuban Tourist Cards before they can be processed.
At Easy Tourist Card, you’ll be prompted to pay your fees online at checkout. Our Cuban Tourist Cards cost of 39 USD for the Green Card and 100 USD for the Pink Card.
After successfully completing the application process, the final step is to receive and verify your Cuban Tourist Card.
You will receive a blank card to fill in. If you choose to use our services, you will also receive a step by step guide on how to complete it.
Make sure to take your time when you fill in your details, as any errors could detain you later when presenting your documents to the Cuban authorities.
Do you still have questions about Cuban Visas, Cuban Tourist Cards, or the process for applying for either?
If so, our FAQ page is an excellent resource to help guide you through the entire process, no matter what type of documentation you need.
Cuba Pink
Tourist Card
For US nationals or those departing from a US airport. Explore Cuba for up to 90 days within 180 days of issuance
What are the Other Documents I Need in Order to Enter Cuba?
In addition to your Cuban Visa or Cuban Tourist Card, you’ll want to make sure to have the following document in order and in hand before you board your plane for the island:
1) Valid Passport: Remember that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after the departure date from Cuba in order for you to gain entry into the country.
2) Health Insurance: travelers will need to present an up-to-date insurance policy/health insurance certificate valid for their time in Cuba. The insurance plan must include coverage for medical evacuation by air, medical emergencies, and repatriation.
3) Return Air Ticket: Though it’s rare for someone traveling to Cuba for leisure to not have a round-trip ticket, you still will want to make sure you can prove that you have purchased one.
4) Accommodations: You need to have your accommodations booked and be able to show this. The Cuban government requires that this be a licensed hotel or a private accommodation such as a guesthouse (Casa Particular).
When you travel to Cuba, you know that you are in for a great experience, but that the rules and regulations could suddenly change. Make sure you monitor your local Cuban embassy’s website to ensure that there are no updates that may affect your travel plans.
Easy Tourist Card – Your One-Stop-Shop for Cuban Tourist Card Processing
Amidst the many options for obtaining your Cuban Tourist Card, Easy Tourist Card is a reliable and convenient one-stop-shop for seamless processing.
Our skilled staff knows the ins and outs of helping get your Cuban Tourist Card processed as quickly and accurately as possible.
Not only that, but we ship worldwide. International deliveries take 3-7 days, and we dispatch orders within 1 business day, so 95% of our shipments are delivered anywhere in the world in less than 1 week.
By choosing Easy Tourist Card, you not only gain a comprehensive understanding of the necessary steps but also a trusted companion that ensures your documentation is handled with precision and care.
Cuba Green Tourist Card
Traveling from a NON-US airport? You’re in! Explore Cuba for up to 90 days within 180 days of issuance.