Online Visa for Cuba: New Rules for 2024

Traveling to a country as complex as Cuba can be a fantastic experience.

That said, the journey to get there may be more complicated than you planned.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

While traveling with a visa has long been the standard for entering Cuba, there are new rules around what type of document you need, how you can get it, and who needs which kind.

Let’s sort out the details of the entry process to make sure you’re fully prepared for this trip of a lifetime.

Navigating the Changes: What's New for 2024

Unless you are a Cuban citizen, there’s a good chance you need some sort of travel documentation to enter the country.

The Cuban government has strict requirements around this rule.

Along with a valid passport, most people will need to apply for a Cuban visa before they begin their travels.

While there are a handful of countries that will need to apply for an embassy visa through a Cuba embassy or Cuban consulate, most individuals will instead apply for a Cuba visa online.

The Cuban eVisa

Up until recently, anyone from the U.S., Canada, Australia, Europe, or most of Latin America who wanted to travel to Cuba would have applied for a Pink or Green Tourist Card.

Instead, those eligible for the Green Tourist Card will now be able to apply for the eVisa, a travel document that's available exclusively online.

Through sites like Easy Tourist Card, the eVisa can be applied for from your computer. These will be processed in 3 days, but can be done in one day if needed. You will receive your eVisa code in your email and complete the D’VIAJEROS form 7 days before you enter Cuba.

The Relationship Between the U.S. and Cuba

The relationship between Cuba and the United States has been a historically complicated one and the visa application process still reflects that.

While Americans are not permitted to travel to Cuba for tourism purposes, they can travel with a Pink Cuba Tourist Card under one of the 12 OFAC guidelines.

The OFAC (the Office of Foreign Assets Control), is a division of the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This department is responsible for implementing and enforcing economic and trade sanctions in alignment with U.S. foreign policy and national security objectives.

When it comes to Cuba, the OFAC has outlined 12 reasons why Americans can travel to Cuba. These areas include:

Support for the Cuban People: Participating in activities that improve the lives of the Cuban people, bolster civil society, and encourage independent initiatives.
Humanitarian Projects: Engaging in projects that directly benefit the Cuban people, such as medical and environmental efforts.
Educational Activities: Taking part in educational programs or activities that involve interaction with the Cuban people.
Journalistic Activity: Traveling for journalistic purposes and activities that support news reporting.
Family Visits: Visiting close relatives in Cuba.
Official Government Business: Traveling for official purposes related to the U.S. government, foreign governments, or intergovernmental organizations.
Professional Research and Meetings: Traveling for research purposes or to attend professional meetings.
Religious Activities: Traveling for religious purposes, including attending services or participating in missionary work.
Public Performances and Competitions: Taking part in public performances, sports competitions, or similar events.
Activities of Private Foundations or Institutes: Participating in activities organized by private foundations, research, or educational institutes.
Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Information: Traveling for purposes related to the export, import, or transmission of information or informational materials.
Certain Export Transactions under Department of Commerce Regulations: Traveling for specific transactions authorized under existing Department of Commerce guidelines.

For most Americans, it’s suggested that they travel to Cuba under the “Support for the Cuban People” guideline, as it aligns best with most leisure travel. Keeping tax receipts from items purchased in the country will prove the support.

Being Prepared: Why Travel Insurance is a Must

Having travel insurance with medical coverage is mandatory for visitors to Cuba.

Upon arrival, authorities may conduct spot checks to ensure you have sufficient travel insurance for your stay, including coverage for any potential medical treatment.

If you cannot provide proof of insurance upon entry, you may be denied entry or required to purchase a policy from the state’s tourist assistance company.

At Easy Tourist Card, we offer Cuban travel insurance through our partner, IATI, which you can select during checkout.

You may also choose to purchase comprehensive travel insurance in advance or check to see if you are already covered through your current health insurance.

You’ll want to be able to show that your insurance covers emergency medical treatment, evacuation, and repatriation in case of a medical crisis. Be sure to carry a printed copy of your insurance certificate in your hand luggage.

Travel Is Easy With Easy Tourist Card

Traveling to Cuba is an exciting adventure, but obtaining your visa can sometimes feel overwhelming.

This is where Easy Tourist Card comes in.

With Easy Tourist Card, the visa application is streamlined and straightforward, ensuring you can focus on planning your trip and not worry about the documents you need to get there. For more details on the application process, visit our Cuba visa online application to get started easily.

Whether you’re an American citizen who needs a pink tourist card, or a citizen from a country that requires an eVisa, Easy Tourist Card is here to make your journey as smooth as possible.

Here is where Easy Tourist Card can help you obtain your Cuban eVisa online:

Log on to our site and select the visa.
Fill out the necessary information.
Decide if you need to purchase health insurance at checkout.
Pay for your documents through our secure, online payment portal.
Expect to receive your eVisa by email within a few days. (You can get it in 12 hours if needed.)
Sit back, relax, and prepare for your trip to Cuba!

At Easy Tourist Card, we stay up-to-date on all the latest information about Cuba and the traveling process. Not only that, we are the authorized dealer of tourist cards and eVisa for Cuba.

When Cuba is calling you, Easy Tourist Card is ready to help you get there.

Reach out to us today to start your visa application process.