From Start to Finish: Navigating Your Way Through the Cuban Visa Forms

You’re planning a trip to Cuba and you know some specific requirements must be met for you to be able to enter the country.

But no matter how hard you search, you can’t seem to find a site that gives you the start-to-finish fundamental steps to help you navigate this oftentimes complex process.

You need a from-beginning-to-end checklist.

You need a simple-to-follow game plan that lays it all out.

Luckily, you’ve landed in the right place!

KEY TAKEAWAYS

While there are plenty of internet sites that have helpful information about traveling to Cuba, finding one that has it all laid out in a straightforward and easy-to-understand list can be hard.

Not only that, but the rules and requirements for travel to Cuba can change pretty quickly and most guidebooks and even websites simply can’t stay up to date.

But your search is over.

Here is everything you’ve wanted to know when it comes to traveling to Cuba and what you’ll need to get there…with as little hassle as possible.

Step One: Identify Your Visa Type

When planning your journey to Cuba, the first crucial step is determining the right type of visa for your travel purposes.

Cuba offers several visa categories to cater to different travelers.

Let’s look at each one more closely:

Tourism Visas: Regular Cuban Visas vs. Cuban Tourist Cards

Regular Tourism Visas: A regular Cuba visa is the official travel document issued by the Cuban government and is typically only required for individuals from around 25 countries, most of these centering in the Middle East and Africa.

An official Cuban visa can only be applied for at a Cuban embassy and can’t be obtained at the airport or through the Internet.

Cuba Tourist Cards: A Cuban Tourist Card is a more common entry document for visitors from many countries, including the United States, Europe, Canada, and Australia.

Cuban Tourist Cards are suitable for visits up to 90 days with the possibility of an extension for another 90 days, with certain stipulations.

The Cuba Tourist Card comes in two forms, the Green Tourist Card and the Pink Tourist Card.

The Green Tourist Card:

is designed for travelers flying from any country outside the United States to Cuba. It caters to tourists and visitors from a broad spectrum of nationalities worldwide, excluding those directly traveling from the U.S.

The Pink Tourist Card:

is tailored for individuals holding U.S. passports or those foreign nationals embarking on their journey to Cuba from the United States. This card, distinguished by its pink color, is specially designed for both U.S. citizens and non-U.S. citizens journeying from U.S. territory.

(For Americans, this card is the standard requisite for Cuban entry, regardless of where your travel begins.)

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

Business Visas: For Short Business Trips

Business visas are designed for individuals who don’t hold Cuban passports but are intending to engage in business-related activities in Cuba.

As the name suggests, the Cuban government has made it clear that this type of visa is necessary for any foreign nationals who wish to engage in business activities in Cuba.

To qualify for a Cuban business visa, your visit must be visiting the country for only business-related purposes.

Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, participating in conferences, engaging in contract negotiations, forging business partnerships, and conducting comprehensive market analysis.

The requirements to get this type of visa are dependent on each country of origin, so it’s important that you contact your local consulate or embassy to find out what you’ll need to obtain it.

Your trip’s agenda should be centered around these or similar professional engagements.

You’ll also need the following: :

An Invitation: A critical requirement for obtaining this visa is securing an invitation from a Cuban company or organization that will host your business activities. This invitation must detail the visit’s goals and the specifics of the planned business interactions, serving as a formal endorsement of your activities in Cub
Financial Proof: Applicants are required to prove they have adequate financial resources to cover their expenses while in Cuba. Acceptable forms of evidence include bank statements, credit card statements, or proof of comprehensive travel insurance, demonstrating an annual income of at least $25,000 or equivalent funds in your bank account.
Verification of Business Engagements: You may also need to provide proof of ongoing business operations in your home country. This could involve documentation or other evidence showcasing your active involvement in business activities outside of Cuba, reinforcing the professional nature of your visit.

Immigration Visas

For those planning to move to Cuba for work or other long-term purposes, an immigration visa is required. This process is more complex and typically involves:

A valid passport and completed long-term visa application form.
A job offer or contract from a Cuban company or government entity.
Health certification to prove you are free from contagious diseases.
Background check to ensure you have no criminal history.
Financial statements or proof of income to ensure you can support yourself in Cuba.

Given the complexity of immigration visas, it’s highly recommended to consult with an immigration lawyer or an immigrant visa services professional to help you with this more complex process.

They can provide guidance on the application process, required documentation, and any country-specific requirements or procedures.

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.

Step Two: Prepare Your Documentation

After determining the type of visa or Tourist Card you require for your trip to Cuba, the next step is to gather all the necessary documentation to support your application. If you need to apply for Cuban visa, the required documents can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

The required documents can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for.

Below is a detailed checklist for each category to help you prepare your application efficiently.

A Cuban Visa:

For those applying for a regular Visa, this must be done through a Cuban Embassy. These cannot be applied for online or at the airport before travel and usually take anywhere from 2 to 4 weeks to receive.

For a Cuban Visa Application, the typical document requirements are as follows:

Valid Passport: Must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Cuba.
Completed Visa Application Form: Obtainable from the Cuban embassy’s website or in person at the embassy.
Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos, typically two, but check the specific requirements.
Travel Itinerary: Proof of your return ticket and accommodation bookings.
Travel Insurance: Proof of health insurance that covers medical expenses in Cuba.
Visa Fee: Payment receipt for the visa application fee, which varies by country.

A Cuban Tourist Card:

While a Cuban Tourist Card can be applied for at the airport before travel, it is usually advised that you apply for these documents online well before your travel date arrives.

Because there can be delays, long lines, and even sporadic time openings, waiting to apply for your Tourist Card at the airport can result in delays and even missed connecting flights.

Instead, applying for your Cuba Tourist Card can easily be done online from the comfort of your office or home.

When applying for your tourist card through Easy Tourist Card, the steps are as follows:

You select which card you need (pink or green – link to an article that explains that)
You provide your home address
We deliver your cards along with instructions on how to fill them in 2-5 business days

Business Visa:

Business visas must be applied for if you are planning on conducting any sort of business activity while in the country.

These allow the government to have a way of monitoring foreign business activity, promote transparency in business dealings, and create some income through the processing fees.

Applicants for a business visa should prepare:

Valid Passport: As above, with at least six months validity.
Business Visa Application Form: Specific to business visas, available from the Cuban embassy.
Invitation Letter: From the hosting company or organization in Cuba, detailing the purpose of your visit.
Business Documents: Any relevant documents that support the purpose of your trip, such as company letters, conference invitations, etc.
Proof of Financial Solvency: To show you can support yourself during your stay.
Travel Itinerary and Insurance: As above, showing your travel plans and insurance coverage.

Immigration or Work Visa Documentation:

For anyone other than Cuban citizens or (those holding a Cuban passport) working in Cuba long-term is not allowed unless you hold an immigration or work visa that specifically allows for this.

Cuban authorities are hesitant to allow foreigners to work for extended periods of time in the country. For this reason, you’ll want to be very clear on the type of documentation you’ll need to obtain in order to do this legally.

Some of the typical documents you’ll need are:

Original Passport: You must also show your passport validity beyond your intended stay.
Immigration Visa Application Form: This will be specific to your visa type, usually obtainable at a Cuban embassy or Cuban Consulate.
Employment Contract or Job Offer: This may need to be notarized and on letterhead from your employer in Cuba.
Health Certificate: This may be required to show you are free from contagious diseases.
Background Check: A certificate indicating no criminal history.
Financial Documentation: Proof of your financial independence or support system in Cuba may be needed.

Remember that certain types of visas involve a more complicated process.

Not only that, but there may be additional documents required based on your specific circumstances or changes in policy.

Always verify what you need with an official source, like your local employer or the Cuban embassy for immigration and extended work visas. Knowing the documents needed is a vital step when you are applying for any of the above types of visas to Cuba.

Step Three: Fill Out Your Visa Forms Correctly

No matter what type of visa you are applying for, it’s vital that you make sure they are accurate before you submit them.

Taking time to look over your forms is going to go a long way in minimizing the risk of processing delays or denials.

Incomplete or inaccurate forms can lead to complications, including visa rejection or entry denial.

Easy Tourist Card: Your Trusted Partner in Cuban Travel

Preparing for your trip to Cuba can sometimes be complicated.

At Easy Tourist Card, we are always working to make sure our international travelers have the most up-to-date information about Cuban travel as well as any changes to the Cuban visa application process ready to pass on to you.

Embark on your Cuban journey with confidence by choosing Easy Tourist Card as your trusted Cuban travel partner.

Whether you have questions about what type of Tourist Card you need, or are looking for additional information on health insurance or length of stay, our comprehensive website offers a wealth of information.

As an authorized dealer of Cuban Tourist Cards, we guarantee official documents and streamlined application services, allowing you to begin your Cuban adventure with ease.

Contact Easy Tourist Card today to kickstart your travel plans to Cuba and make your experience truly unforgettable.

Cuba Green Tourist Card