Online or In Person? How to Apply for a Cuban Visa
You are in the middle of planning your trip to Cuba and everything is coming together.
One thing remains…
Do you apply for your Cuba visa online or in person?
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Online applications for a Cuban visa offer convenience, time-saving benefits, and access to customer support.
- In-person applications provide personalized assistance, immediate clarification, and the cultural experience of visiting the embassy or consulate.
- When choosing between online and in-person methods, factors such as location, technological comfort, and urgency should be considered.
International travelers have to jump through a variety of hoops in order to make sure the trip they are about to embark on is safe, relatively seamless, and successful.
Let’s explore two ways to obtain a Cuba tourist visa — online or in person — and which method is going to work best for your travel plans, based on a number of various factors.
Understanding the Cuban Visa and Cuban Tourist Card Application Process
Before you can figure out how to apply for Cuban tourist visa, you’ll want to know what type you need to apply for and why.
In order to enter Cuba, you’ll need to apply for either a Cuba visa or a Cuba Tourist Card. (Only Cuban citizens or Cuban nationals are exempt from this rule.
Here is how you can determine which type you need:
Cuban Visa: A Cuban Visa is an official permit issued by the Cuban government to foreign nationals for diverse purposes such as tourism, business engagements, family reunification, or academic endeavors.
A Cuban visa is different from a Cuba tourist card and only citizens of approximately 25 countries are required to obtain a Cuban visa to enter the country for their intended activities.
Currently, these are the countries that will need to apply for Cuba Visas in order to visit the country:
- 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
It is important to note that a Cuba visa application form cannot be processed online and a person who needs a Cuba Visa will need to visit their local Cuban consulate or Cuban embassy in order to apply for one.
Cuban Tourist Card: A Cuban Tourist Card is a document that also serves as an entrance document to Cuba, but is a simpler application process and has fewer documentation requirements.
Tourist Cards are available to passport holders from many European, North American, South American, and Central American countries who wish to travel to Cuba for recreational purposes.
They are also available online, making the entire process easier and more efficient.
The Green Tourist Card or the Pink Tourist Card?
There are two variations of the Cuban Tourist Card travel document.
Depending on your nationality and where you begin your travels will decide which one you need to apply for.
The Green Tourist Card:
If you’re traveling from an airport that is outside of the United States AND you’re not a US citizen, the Green Tourist Card is the entry documentation that you will apply for.
The Pink Tourist Card:
For those departing from a United States airport OR who hold US citizenship, the Pink Tourist Card is the way to go.
Some airlines and authorities may allow Americans to enter Cuba with a Green Tourist Card IF they’re flying from a location outside the United States.
That said, at Easy Tourist Card, we highly recommend that ALL Americans opt for the Pink Tourist Card. This helps avoid potential confusion and boarding issues on flights, and/or being denied entry into the country upon arrival.
Are you still unsure which type of Visa is the one for you? Reach out to one of our experts for help.
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
The Benefits: Why You Should Apply for Your Tourist Card Online
Applying for your Cuban tourist card online offers several advantages that streamline the process and enhance your overall experience:
- Convenience: Applying for your Tourist Card online offers you an enormous amount of flexibility. You can submit your application from anywhere, at any time, without the need to visit a physical embassy or consulate.
- Time-Saving: By eliminating the need for in-person visits, an online application will save you some valuable time, allowing you to focus on other pre-travel preparations.
- Easy to Track: When you apply for your Cuba Tourist Card online through Easy Tourist Card, we will send you an immediate confirmation upon submission of your application. You benefit from being able to track its status online throughout the processing period.
- Support and Guidance: At Easy Tourist Card, we understand that international travel can sometimes be tricky. As an authorized Cuban Tourist Card seller, we have the most up-to-date information needed on Cuba entry requirements and can quickly pass any pertinent information on to you. On top of that, our dedicated customer is dedicated to helping make your application process a smooth and hassle-free experience.
The Perks of In-Person Applications
While online applications offer convenience, there are unique advantages to applying for your Cuban Tourist card in person.
(Remember: If you are from a country where it is required you have a Cuban visa, this must be done at your local Cuban consulate or Cuban embassy.)
For anyone who wants to apply for a Tourist Visa in person, this can be done through your airline and/or at the embassy.
(Though some sites will suggest you can also apply for your Tourist Card upon arrival, at Easy Tourist Card we do not recommend this method.)
If you choose to apply in person through your airline or embassy, here are some benefits to this method:
- Personalized Assistance: Applying in person means you can work directly with a person who can (hopefully) give you the guidance you may find more beneficial than working with someone online.
- Immediate Clarification: An in person application will allow you the opportunity to ask questions and receive immediate clarification on any aspects of the application process, ensuring a thorough understanding before submission.
- Physical Document Submission: For individuals who prefer or require physical document submission, in-person applications allow you to provide necessary paperwork directly. This is particularly beneficial for those who may lack internet access or encounter challenges with online submissions.
Applying for your Tourist Card in person may be a route you choose to take. For most of us, however, an online application process is just as accurate and much more efficient.
Some Frequently Asked Questions About the Tourist Card Application Process:
Do I need a Cuba Tourist Card if I'm a US citizen?
Yes, all US citizens need a Pinkt Cuba Tourist Card to visit Cuba for tourism purposes.
How long is a Cuba Tourist Card valid for?
A Cuba Tourist Card typically allows for a single entry and is valid for a stay of up to 90 days.
Can I extend my stay in Cuba beyond the initial 30 days allowed by the Tourist Card?
Yes, it is possible to extend your stay in Cuba beyond the initial 90 days by requesting an extension through the Cuban immigration authorities.
Can I apply for a Cuba Tourist Card online?
This is the best way to apply for a Cuba Tourist Card, especially when you do it through an authorized seller like Easy Tourist Card.
How far in advance should I apply for a Cuba Tourist Card before my trip?
It is recommended to apply for your Cuba Tourist Card at least a few weeks before your planned departure, but at Easy Tourist Card, our documents ship out within a week and can be expedited to some countries (like the U.S.) as well.
Do children need a separate Cuba Tourist Card?
Yes, children, including infants and minors, require their own individual Cuba Tourist Card for entry into Cuba.
Can I apply for a Cuba Tourist Card if I'm not a US citizen?
Yes, citizens of other countries can also apply for a Cuba Tourist Card, but the application process may vary depending on nationality, so be sure to check what type of Visa or Tourist Card you need in advance.
Can I apply for a Cuba Tourist Card if I'm already in Cuba?
No, Cuba Tourist Cards must be obtained before entering Cuba and cannot be applied for while already in the country.
Is travel insurance required to obtain a Cuba Tourist Card?
While travel insurance is not required to obtain a Cuba Tourist Card, you will need to have proof of health insurance coverage for your trip to Cuba.
Easy Tourist Card: Your One-Stop-Shop for All Your Cuban Travel Needs
While applying for your Tourist Card in person is possible, why take that time and effort when you can do it right here at Easy Tourist Card?
Our online processing system is straightforward, accurate, and easy to track.
Not only that, but at Easy Tourist Card, you will always know that your Cuban visa application is being handled by a trusted and authorized seller and that you’ll be well-prepared for your Cuban adventure.
Ready to apply? Hit submit today!
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.