How to Get a Cuba Visa (Tourist Card) in the US [2024]
Last Updated December 13, 2024
The Cuban Government requires an electronic visa (e-Visa) for travellers from every country; check the entry requirements for your nationality to determine whether this information applies to you.
This required document goes by many names: tourist visa, e-visa, tourist card, entry permit, they are all the same thing.
Cuba's New eVisa for US travelers
In August 2024, Cuba rolled out its new electronic visa to replace the 'pink' or 'green' paper visas required to enter the country. Travellers going to Cuba in 2024 will now purchase an eVisa, although if you have already purchased a pink visa it will still be valid until June 30, 2025.
When you receive the e-visa you will also receive a link to the D’Viajeros online customs and immigration form, you must fill this out in order to validate your e-visa. The form is only available starting 7 days before your arrival date. If you don’t see your arrival date on the form it is because you are too early. Follow our step-by-step instructions for filling in the form.
How to get the e-Visa for Cuba
US travellers have three options for purchasing the e-visa that vary in price and convenience
Buy at the Airport
The most expensive but most convenient option is to purchase the eVisa at the airport in Miami, Tampa, or Houston. All airlines with flights to Cuba contract with Cuba Travel Services (CTS) to sell the e-visa at the airport so you can buy it day of travel at the check-in desk. If you have a layover in any of these airports, the visa is sold at the gate, it is easy to spot where to buy it and it takes only a few minutes. The cost is US$85-100, depending on the airline, and you will pay with a credit card.
Buy in Advance from a Reseller
CTS and other retailers sell the e-Visa in advance. This method assures that your check-in won’t be held up due to technical issues on the day of travel, which avoids a potentially stressful situation. You can also pay with a credit card, which makes it easier than purchasing directly from the Cuban Embassy.
You can shop around for the lowest price, just make sure they are selling the special e-visa for US, some may still call it the ‘pink visa’. EasyTouristCard sells the US e-visa as well as the regular e-visa. CTS sells only the US e-visa and has special pages for passengers of the following airlines:
United Airlines doesn’t have a special page
Buy in Advance from the Cuban Embassy
The cheapest way to get a Cuba e-Visa is also the least convenient. You can buy in advance directly from the Cuban Government on the eVisa website. The website should walk you through the procedure, but here is a summary:
- Fill out the form for the e-Visa
- Purchase a US$50 money order and make it out to:
Embassy of Cuba in Washington D.C., U.S.A
As of now, this is the only option for payment; you cannot pay by check or credit card. - Take a photo of the money order and upload it to the website.
- Mail the money order to:
Embassy of Cuba in Washington D.C., U.S.A.
2630 16th Street,
NW Washington D. C. 20009 USA - Once you have submitted the form and the money order is received they will email you your e-visa and a link to the D’Viajeros form. If you have questions about the process or are experiencing technical difficulties, you will need to email or call the Cuban Embassy, we are unable to assist you.
The eVisa for Travelling to Cuba from a Third Country
If you are a US citizen but are flying from Mexico, Canada, Panama, Colombia or any other country except for the US, you can use the regular e-visa, which has a base rate of US$20, instead of the US-issued e-visa with a base rate of US$50. Purchasing a regular e-visa from reseller will usually cost US$50 with their markup.
Contacting the Cuban Embassy
The Cuban Embassy usually does not answer the phone, travellers have had more luck emailing them. This is the contact information from the visa website recepcion@usadc.embacuba.cu, phone number 202-797-8520.
Visa vs License
Many Americans use these words interchangeably, but they are not the same thing. The general license for Cuba is a legal requirement of the US government, the visa is a Cuban Government requirement.
Entry Requirements for Cuban Citizens
All Cuban born citizens require a special Visa. Visit the Cuba embassy website for current information.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Cuba e-Visa
When should I get my Cuba visa?
You can buy the e-visa the day of travel, but sometimes the website may be glitchy or down, which could add stress to your travel day, so we recommend purchasing a few weeks in advance.
When does the Cuba e-visa expire?
The e-visa is good for one year, for one entry of 90 days or less.
Do I still need a tourist card if I have the e-Visa?
No, these are the same.
My e-Visa isn’t linking to my D’Viajeros form, what should I do?
Email or call the Cuban embassy using the contact information on the visa form, or if you are purchasing from a reseller, contact the company you purchased from.
I’m a US Citizen but am not flying from the US to Cuba, which visa do I need?
The US-issued e-visa is for travellers of all nationalities flying directly to Cuba from US. If you are not flying direct US-Cuba, you do not need the US-issued e-visa, you can purchase the regular e-visa from your airline (in the Americas) or from a reseller.
I activated my e-visa on the D’Viajeros form, but now I need to postpone my trip, what should I do?
The e-visa should still be valid if you travel within the year if you haven’t submitted the D’Viajeros form. If you have submitted the form, contact the Cuban embassy or your provider for assistance.