Cuba Visa

Comprehensive information guide about visas to Cuba, the visa types, visa policy, and FAQs

VisaGuide / North America / Cuba Visa

Who Needs to Obtain a Cuba Visa?

Almost everyone who travels to Cuba must get a Cuba visa (tourist card) beforehand.

Citizens of the following countries can travel to Cuba without applying for a visa before hand, as long as they are staying short-term (for a maximum of 30 to 90 days):

The following countries can stay in Cuba without applying for a tourist visa (tourist card) for up to 90 days:

  • Bosnia and Herzegovina
  • Kenya
  • Malaysia
  • Montenegro
  • North Macedonia
  • Russia
  • Serbia

The following countries can stay in Cuba without applying for a tourist visa (tourist card) for up to 60 days:

  • Grenada
  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

The following countries can stay in Cuba without applying for a tourist visa (tourist card) for up to 30 days:

  • Antigua and Barbuda
  • Belarus
  • Mongolia
  • Saint Kitts and Nevis
  • Saint Lucia
  • Singapore

The following countries can stay in Cuba without applying for a tourist visa (tourist card) for up to 28 days:

  • Barbados
  • Dominica

Namibia citizens can stay in Cuba without applying for a tourist visa for an undisclosed period of time.

Which are the Types of Cuba Visas?

Cuba visas are divided based on the purpose of your travel. As such, the most common types of visas for Cuba are:

  • Cuba Tourist Visa (Tourist Card), which is issued to foreign nationals who wish to enter the country for tourism purposes.
  • Cuba Family Visa (A-2), which is issued to foreign nationals who wish to enter Cuba in order to join a family member living there. This type of visa is only available for immediate family members (spouses or minor children) of Cubans.
  • Cuba Journalist Visa (D-6), which, as the name suggests, is issued to foreign journalists travelling to Cuba for work-purposes. The journalist has to request authorization for this type of visa the press office at the Cuban Embassy. Once authorized, they may apply for the visa at the Cuban consulate.
  • Cuba Business Visa, which is issued to foreign nationals who want to travel to Cuba to conduct business. As with the Journalist Visa, the applicants have to get authorization for a Business Visa from the commercial office at the Embassy of Cuba before applying for the visa itself at the consulate.
  • Cuba Work Visa (D-1), which is issued to foreign nationals who have a work contact with a Cuban company or organization, such as technicians and scientists.
  • Cuba Student Visa (D-2), which is issued to foreign nationals who have been accepted into a Cuban educational institution. To apply for this type of Cuban visa, you need the help of your Cuban educational institution as well.
  • Cuba Medical Treatment Visa (D-10), which is issued to foreigners who need to receive treatment in a Cuban medical institution.

What Documents Do I Need to Collect for a Visa to Cuba?

The Cuba travel requirements differ depending on what type of visa you’re applying for. Some types of visas require more documentation than others.

Requirements for Cuba Tourist Visa

The required documents when applying for a Cuba Tourist visa include:

  • A Cuba Visa application form.
  • A recognized passport/travel document which is valid for at least two more months from the date you intend to leave Cuba.
  • Two passport-size pictures of yourself.
  • Flight ticket which includes the arrival and departure date.
  • Travel health insurance. The Cuba travel insurance requirements state that the insurance plan must cover sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation for the duration of your stay.
  • Proof of accommodation in Cuba, such as a hotel.
  • If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
    • Find out whether you must send photocopies of the required documents or the originals.
  • Payment of the Cuba Tourist Visa.

Requirements for Cuba Business Visa

The requirements for a Cuba business visa include:

  • Authorization to travel for business purposes issued by the commercial office at the Embassy of Cuba.
  • Your valid passport, which has a minimum of 2 months’ validity after you leave Cuba.
  • A passport-size picture of yourself.
  • The completed Cuba Business Visa application form, available on the website of the Cuba diplomatic mission through which you are applying.
  • Proof of travel health insurance, covering sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation.
  • Proof you have paid the Cuba visa fee. The method of payment differs on the specific consulate, so make sure to learn about payment requirements beforehand. However, all payments must be made either in cash, through a certified bank or a bank transfer.
  • If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
    • Do not include cash for the Cuba visa fee on the envelope. If you apply by mail, pay the fee by bank.

Requirements for Cuba Journalist Visa

The requirements for a Cuba journalist visa are:

  • Authorization to travel for journalism purposes, issued by the Cuban Press Office of the Cuban Embassy.
  • Your valid passport, which has at least 2 more months’ validity after you leave Cuba.
  • A passport-size picture of yourself
  • The completed Cuba Journalist Visa application form, available on the website of the Cuba diplomatic mission through which you are applying.
  • A letter of sponsorship from your employer in Cuba.
  • A list containing the equipment you intend to bring with you, such as filming or photographic equipment.
  • A letter detailing the reason you are travelling (your journalistic project).
  • Proof of travel health insurance, covering sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation.
  • Proof you have paid the Cuba visa fee. You have to pay either in cash, through a certified bank or a bank transfer.
  • If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
    • Do not include cash for the Cuba visa fee on the envelope. If you apply by mail, pay the fee by bank.

Requirements for Cuba Family Visa

The requirements for a Cuba family visa include:

  • Proof of permission for residency in Cuba, issued by the Cuban consulate
  • A valid passport, which has at least two more months of validity from the date you intend to leave Cuba.
  • Complete Cuba Family Visa application form, which you can download from the website of the Cuba consulate through which you are applying.
  • A passport-size picture of yourself.
  • Proof of family relationship, such as birth and marriage certificates.
  • Proof of having paid the Cuba visa fee, either in cash or through a certified bank or a bank transfer.
  • Proof of travel health insurance, covering sudden illness, accidents, and repatriation.
  • If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
    • Do not include cash for the Cuba visa fee on the envelope. If you apply by mail, pay the fee by bank.

Requirements for Cuba Study Visa

The requirements for a Cuba student visa include:

  • Your Birth Certificate.
  • Your High School Diploma.
  • Proof of proficiency in the Spanish language, if you aren’t from a Spanish-speaking country.
  • A valid passport, which has at least two more months of validity from the date you intend to leave Cuba.
  • Complete Cuba Study/Academic Visa application form, which you can download from the website of the Cuba consulate through which you are applying.
  • A passport-size picture of yourself.
  • Health certificate, which includes blood tests, AIDS test, and radiographic examinations of the thorax, proving you are in good health. The results cannot be older than six months, and must be legalized.
  • Proof of having paid the Cuba visa fee, either in cash or through a certified bank or a bank transfer.
  • If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
    • Do not include cash for the Cuba visa fee on the envelope.

Requirements for Cuba Work Visa

The requirements for a Cuba work visa are:

  • Proof of permission for residency in Cuba, which you can get at the Cuban consulate.
  • Certificates, diplomas, or other qualifications which prove you have the relevant experience for the job.
  • Proof of financial solvency, which indicates you can support yourself and any family members coming with you in Cuba.
  • Two passport-size pictures of yourself.
  • Certificate of police clearance, issued in the past three months.
  • Medical certificate, which includes results of your blood tests, AIDS test, and radiographic examinations of the thorax. The results cannot be older than six months, and must be legalized.
  • A valid passport, which has at least two more months of validity from the date you intend to leave Cuba.
  • Proof of having paid the Cuba visa fee, either in cash or through a certified bank or a bank transfer.
  • If you apply by mail, include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
    • Do not include cash for the Cuba visa fee on the envelope.

Requirements for Cuba Residency

You must apply for a Cuba residence permit at the Cuba consulate nearest to you, where you have to submit the following:

  • A certificate of police clearance from your country, issued in the past three months and legalized.
  • Medical screening, including blood tests, AIDS test, and radiographic examinations of the thorax. The results cannot be older than six months, and must be legalized.
  • A letter which states what is the reason that you are applying.
  • Any documents which support your request, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.
  • A passport-size picture.
  • A photocopy of your passport.

Cuba Visa Documents Guidelines

The documents you submit for your Cuba visa application have to be in Spanish. If they are not, they have to be translated by a sworn translator. You must submit both the original document and the translation.

All the documents you submit (original and translation) have to be legalized by the competent authorities in your country and then by the Cuban Consulate as well.


What Should I Do After I Collect These Documents?

You have to submit these documents at a Cuban consulate, except in the case of Tourist visas, which you can also receive from travel or visa application agencies or even at certain airports.


Do I Have to Collect Documents for a Cuba Visa?


Everyone who is not exempt from holding a Cuba visa must collect the documents required for a Cuba visa and submit them at the Cuba consulate in their country or one nearest to them.

There are certain nationals who do not have to apply for a Cuba tourist card (tourist visa) but can receive it after they enter Cuba. However, for work or studying purposes, everyone has to apply for a visa.

How to Get a Visa for Cuba?

You can apply for a Cuba visa in one of the following ways:

  • Submit the application yourself at the Cuban consulate in your country, if there is one.
    • If there is not, you can travel to the nearest one, for example in a neighboring country.
  • Send the application and required documents by mail at the Cuban consulate.
    • In this case, check with the consulate’s website to see whether they require you to send copies of your documents or the originals, as different consulates have different requirements.
    • Include a pre-paid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
  • Appoint a representative to apply in your behalf (ie. an authorized visa application agency).

If you are applying for a Cuba Tourist Visa (Tourist Card) you can get the Cuba visa in one of the following ways:

  • At the Cuban consulate, as described above.
  • You can get it online, through an authorized visa application agency.
  • Through a travel agency or tour group organizing trips to Cuba.
  • At the airport before you are scheduled to travel to Cuba, although not all airports offer this service.

Keep in mind:

When you submit your Cuba visa application, you have to pay a Cuba visa fee, either in cash or through a bank transfer, depending on the specific consulate’s requirements. The fee prices range from $25 to $75 but if you apply through a visa agency or online, you may have to pay additional fees for the service.

You can only get Tourist Cards online or through travel agencies and airports, not actual visas, such as for studying or working. The Cuba Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista) is a separate document, either in a green or pink color – it is not stamped or affixed to your passport.

What is a Cuba Tourist Card?

A Cuba Tourist Card (tarjeta turista), also known as a Cuba Tourist Visa, is issued to all visa-required foreign nationals who wish to enter the country for tourism purposes.

In many cases, you will see the process of obtaining a Cuba tourist visa referred to as “buying a tourist card.” This may be confusing, but it simply means that you are applying for a tourist visa and getting it, regardless of the method (at the consulate, online, airport, or a visa application agency).

What is the Difference Between a Green Cuba Tourist Card and a Pink Cuba Tourist Card?

A Cuba tourist card is issued in a light green color to all countries except the USA.

If you are from the US, you will receive a pink Tourist Card when you travel to Cuba. This is done due to the not-so-great relationship between Cuba and the USA (read more about traveling to Cuba from the US below).

So the difference between the green and pink Tourist Card is this

  • Pink: for US nationals or anyone traveling from the US.
  • Green: for all other nationals who are not from the US.

What is the Validity of a Cuba Visa?

A Cuba visa is valid for a maximum duration of 30 days of entering the country. You may only enter the country once.

Can You Extend a Cuba Visa?

Yes, after your 30 days in Cuba are up, you may apply for a Tourist Card extension from the hotel in which you are staying or from the Cuba immigration authorities.

If accepted, the extension is issued for an additional 30 days, which means you can stay in Cuba for a maximum of 60 days, while on a visa.

How Long Does it Take to Get a Cuba Visa?

The Cuba visa processing time depends on several factors, such as the consulate where you submit your application, the time of year, and your own specific case. However, a Cuba visa is processed within 30 days, give or take. As such, you are advised to apply for a visa 1-2 months before the time you intend to travel to Cuba.

If you apply through application agencies, you may be able to get this time shortened, but it will also cost you more.

How Can You Apply for a Long-term Cuba Visa?

The requirements for applying for a long-term Cuba visa differ from country to country. As such, if you want to travel to Cuba for employment or studying purposes, you must contact the nearest Cuban consulate and request information on how to proceed. To receive a long-stay Cuba visa, you must have the following documents when applying to the Cuba consulate:

  • A certificate of police clearance from your country, issued in the past three months and legalized.
  • Medical screening, including blood tests, AIDS test, and radiographic examinations of the thorax. The results cannot be older than six months, and must be legalized.
  • A letter which states what is the reason that you are applying.
  • Any documents which support your request, such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, etc.
  • A passport-size picture.
  • A photocopy of your passport.

Foreigners who are family members (spouse and/or child) of a Cuban citizen are eligible for Permanent Residence in Cuba.

All other categories (employment, studying) fall under Temporary Residence.

Do I have to pay a Cuba visa fee?

Yes, everyone who applies for a Cuba visa has to pay a non-refundable Cuba visa fee upfront.

The cost of the fee changes depending on the method you are applying in.

If you apply in person at a Cuba consular office, you only have to pay the fee, which can range from $25 to $75. If you’re applying by mail, you must pay the additional postal fees.

If you apply online through a visa application agency, you must also pay for the service fees in addition to the visa fee itself.

Do I Need a Cuba Visa if I am Travelling by Sea?

Yes, you do. If you normally need to have a visa to enter Cuba, you must apply for one regardless of the method through which you are entering.

Can US Citizens Travel to Cuba?

Yes, they can. However, travel to Cuba is much more restricted for US citizens than it is for the rest of the world.

If you are a US citizen, you cannot technically travel to Cuba just for tourism purposes. Your travel purpose must fall under one of the 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba (see them below).

That’s the result of a trade ban that the US placed in Cuba back in the 1960s due to the latter  nationalizing American-owned oil refineries and not giving compensation. This ban has not been lifted ever since, only modified.

As such, when US nationals travel to Cuba, they get a pink Tourist Card, rather than a green one. Additionally, the pink Tourist card costs more than a regular green one, though they both have the same validity.

Another method that US nationals use to travel to Cuba is by travelling to another country first, and getting a tourist card from there. That’s because the card’s color changes depending on the country you are travelling from, not your nationality.

That means that even if you are not a citizen of the US, you will still get a pink Tourist Card if you travel to Cuba from the US.

12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba

The 12 categories of authorized travel to Cuba are now the 11 categories of authorized travel, after the Trump administration removed the People to People category in June 2019. Now, US citizens may only travel to Cuba if their reason of travel falls under one of these 11 categories:

  1. Support for the Cuban people
  2. Humanitarian activities/projects
  3. Educational activities (teachers, students, etc)
  4. Family visits
  5. Journalism
  6. Professional research and professional meetings
  7. Certain authorized export transactions
  8. Activities of private foundations/research/educational institutes
  9. Public performances, workshops, clinics, athletic competitions, and exhibitions
  10. Religious activities
  11. Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informative materials

If your reason for travel is one of those aforementioned ones, then you will have a general license to travel to Cuba – which is nothing more than you declaring that your purpose of travel falls under one of those categories. There is no actual physical “license” that you receive.

Previously, the People to People category served as a loophole for Americans to travel to Cuba. However, as of June 5th, 2019, that category was removed. Only People to People trips that were booked before June 5th, 2019 are allowed to carry on.

The categories of authorized travel to Cuba from the US are imposed by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

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