At a glance
E-visa available
Yes
Visa-free countries
6 listed
Visa-on-arrival
See guide
Updated
2026-01
Recent changes for 2026
Cuba launched its e-Tourist Card portal in 2022 for online application of the Tarjeta del Turista (Tourist Card). The Cuban tourist card system continues unchanged through 2026. US travelers continue to face the 12-category restriction (Family Visit, Educational Activities, Journalistic Activity, etc.) under US law; Cuba itself permits all visitors regardless of US restrictions.
Visa types
| Visa | Duration | Cost | Requirements | Processing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) | 30 days, extendable to 60 | USD 20-100 depending on origin | Valid passport, return ticket, basic application | Same-day from airlines or 3-5 days from e-portal |
| Cuba e-Tourist Card | 30 days, extendable to 60 | USD 50-100 | Online application at evisas.cu | 3-5 business days |
| Tourist Visa (Embassy) | Varies | USD 50-150 | Application, passport, photo | 5-15 business days |
Visa-free countries (6)
Russia, Mongolia, Singapore, Slovakia, Antigua and Barbuda, Most CARICOM countries.
Cuba Visa Overview 2026
Cuba maintains its straightforward Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) system. USD 20-100 for 30 days entry, extendable to 60 days from inside Cuba. Online application via the e-Tourist Card portal launched 2022.
Tourist Card System
The Tarjeta del Turista is Cuba's tourist visa equivalent. USD 20-100 depending on country of origin:
- USD 20-25: Most European countries (sold by airlines like KLM, Lufthansa, Air France at the gate or check-in)
- USD 25-30: UK and Canada
- USD 50-100: US-departing flights (due to US commercial restrictions)
Sold by most airlines flying to Cuba (Aeromexico, Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Iberia, Cubana, Aero Cuba) at the airport check-in or gate. Alternatively, apply online at the Cuba e-Tourist Card portal at evisas.cu for USD 50-100. Processing 3-5 business days for online; same-day for airline issuance.
30-Day Initial Entry
The Tourist Card grants 30 days entry on arrival. Cuban immigration is professional; the entry stamp is granted automatically. Required: valid passport (6+ months remaining), return or onward ticket, Tourist Card, proof of accommodation (hotel booking, Casa Particular reservation, or invitation letter from a Cuban host).
Extension to 60 Days
The 30-day Tourist Card can be extended for 30 more days at any Migration office in Cuba. USD 25 (paid in CUC or USD cash). The Havana Migration office at Calle 17 e/I y J, Vedado is the standard application point. Bring passport, current Tourist Card, and the extension fee. Processing same-day to 3 days. The maximum total stay on a Tourist Card is 60 days.
For stays beyond 60 days, you must exit Cuba and re-enter (typically a short flight to Mexico City, Cancun, or Panama).
US Travelers and the 12 Categories
US citizens can travel to Cuba but must travel under one of 12 authorized US Treasury Department categories. The most-used by independent travelers is "Support for the Cuban People," which requires staying at Cuban-owned (not government-owned) accommodations like Casa Particulares, eating at privately-owned restaurants (paladares), and engaging in meaningful interactions with Cuban people.
The US government enforces the categories through:
- Pre-trip self-certification at booking
- Post-trip record retention (5 years) of receipts and activities
- Restriction of flights to Havana, Cienfuegos, and other specific airports
US citizens cannot legally engage in pure tourism in Cuba; the activity must fall under one of the 12 categories.
Practical Notes
The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs site is minrex.gob.cu. The Cuba e-Tourist Card portal is evisas.cu. The US Treasury Department's Cuba travel page is treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Pages/cuba.aspx.
Cuba's dual-currency system was simplified in 2021 (CUP became the only legal currency). The Cuban peso has high inflation; USD or EUR cash is the practical currency for tourists. Cuba is one of the few countries where US debit/credit cards do not work (US bank-issued cards are blocked). Bring sufficient USD or EUR cash for your entire stay.
Beyond the visa
This page covers the entry process only. For the broader picture, legal framework, nightlife, costs, and city breakdowns, see the main TDG Cuba country guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Source disclosure. Visa rules change. This page is current as of 2026-01 based on the country's official immigration portal and IATA Travel Centre. Before booking a non-refundable flight, confirm with the official embassy or e-visa portal linked in the guide above.