Cuba Unveils New Measures to Simplify Travel for Foreign Visitors

Key Takeaways

  • Cuba has launched the digital registration platform D’Viajeros, which allows foreign visitors to register their information online before arrival.
  • The deadline for using the "Tarjeta del Turista" has been extended, giving holders until June 30, 2025, to utilize their cards.
  • The digital registration platform D'Viajeros has extended its registration window from 48 hours to seven days before arrival.

In a move to boost tourism, the Cuban government has announced two key measures to simplify travel for foreign visitors. These changes focus on the digital registration platform D’Viajeros and the extension of the validity period for the tourist card known as “Tarjeta del Turista.”

Regarding the “Tarjeta del Turista,” holders of these cards were initially given a deadline of December 31, 2024, to use them. However, this deadline has now been extended to June 30, 2025, VisaGuide.World reports.

D’Viajeros Registration Now Open for 7 Days

The D’Viajeros platform, an online registration portal established by the Cuban government, allows travelers to register before they arrive in the country. Previously, visitors were required to complete their registration and provide their e-Visa number within 48 hours of entering Cuba.

As of October 1, 2024, this registration window has been extended to seven days, offering tourists greater flexibility to prepare and submit their information.

In addition, the Cuban authorities have addressed concerns regarding the “Tarjeta del Turista,” a tourist card issued before the recent implementation of the electronic visa system last August. 

These measures are designed to streamline administrative processes and alleviate last-minute pressures for visitors, ultimately encouraging increased tourism to the island. 

In July 2024, Cuba planned to launch its new electronic visa issuance system, replacing the traditional tourist card. Since its introduction in 1993, the tourist card, also known as the tourist visa, allowed travelers to stay in Cuba for up to 30 days, extending to 90 days in 2022, with the option to renew for the same period. However, the e-Visa system was activated in August 2023, requiring international tourists to apply for an electronic visa prior to their trip.

Over 1.3 Million Travelers Visited Cuba in First Half of 2024

Recognizing the need to simplify and expedite administrative procedures in the digital age, Cuba is taking significant steps to enhance the travel experience for international visitors. In May, the government announced the forthcoming transition to e-visa, which would be implemented while still allowing the use of tourist cards until the end of 2024.

According to figures from the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI), Cuba welcomed 1,309,836 international visitors in the first half of 2024, marking a remarkable increase of 100.9 percent compared to last year. This surge translates to approximately 11,284 more visitors, signaling a resurgence in tourism on the island.

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