When heading to Cuba, a tourist must have a valid passport or travel document issued in his name and a Visa or Tourist card.
With the exception of countries with which Cuba has visa-free agreements.
Tourist cards can be ordered at Cuban customs offices. Also, in travel agencies and airlines. There are two types: for individual tourists or for tourists traveling in groups.
All tourists, including Cuban citizens residing outside of Cuba, must have valid return tickets and proof of health insurance. Non-Cuban passport holders must also provide proof of financial solvency of at least 50 US dollars per day. Visitors from many countries must have a passport valid for at least two months from the date of arrival.
All travelers must fill out a digital form on the new "DViajeros" portal. The digital form will include personal information, health information, immigration and customs information in a 5-step digital format. After completing the form, a QR code will be emailed in a PDF file that the traveler must show upon arrival in Cuba (on device or printed). The use of the portal will be mandatory.
More information: https://salud.msp.gob.cu/nota-informativa-del-ministerio-de-salud-publica-5/
Visa-free regime
Citizens of the following 19 countries can visit Cuba without a visa:
- 90 days: Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kenya, Malaysia, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, United Arab Emirates
- 60 days: Grenada, St. Vincent and the Grenadines
- 30 days: Antigua and Barbuda, Belarus, Mongolia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, Singapore
- 28 days: Barbados, Dominica
- indefinite term: Namibia
Tourist card
Citizens of all other countries must purchase a Visa / Tourist Card (Visa - Tarjeta de Turista) prior to arrival, which can be purchased at Cuban offices, travel agencies, airlines or licensed online stores. The tourist card allows a maximum stay of 30 days (90 days for Canadian citizens) and can be extended once for the same period in Cuba. Those flying to Cuba from US airports should purchase a "Pink Tourist Card", which is mainly available in the US, and fill out a form, US airlines will be able to provide more information on how to purchase a Pink Tourist Card. These pink tourist cards are required for anyone flying directly from the US to Cuba. Those entering Cuba from non-US airports must purchase a "green tourist card." They are not stamped or placed in the passport.
Visa
Citizens of the following 20 countries are not eligible for a tourist card and must obtain a Cuban visa: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Uzbekistan, Yemen
However, they are eligible to travel to Cuba with a tourist card if they also have a valid visa or permanent residence permit issued by Canada, the United States, or an EU member state.
More information: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_policy_of_Cuba#Tourist_card_required
You can apply for a visa to Cuba in one of the following ways:
- Submit the application yourself to the Cuban consulate in your country, if there is one.
If not, you can go to the nearest one, for example, to a neighboring country.
Mail the application and required documents to the Cuban consulate.
In this case, check the consulate's website to see if they require you to send copies of documents or originals, as different consulates have different requirements.
Include a prepaid envelope with sufficient stamps and an address where the consulate can return your documents.
Appoint a representative to apply on your behalf (ie an authorized visa application agency).
If you are applying for a Cuban tourist visa (tourist card), you can get a Cuban visa in one of the following ways:
- At the Consulate of Cuba, as described above.
- You can get it online through an authorized visa agency.
- Through a travel agency or travel group that organizes trips to Cuba.
- At the airport, but not all airports offer this service.
When applying for a Cuban visa, you must pay the Cuban visa fee in cash or by bank transfer, depending on the requirements of the specific consulate. Fees range from 25 to 75 dollars, but if you apply through a visa agency or online, you may have to pay an additional fee for the service.
To apply for a visa to Cuba, you must have:
- The questionnaire for obtaining a visa to Cuba, which can be downloaded from the website of the Cuban consulate.
- A recognized passport or travel document valid for at least two months from the date of departure from Cuba.
- Proof of travel medical insurance covering sudden illness, accidents and repatriation.
- Your passport size photo.
- Any documents related to the purpose of your trip.
More information: https://visaguide.world/north-america-caribbean/cuba-visa/
For a child (under 18):
- 2 color photos (3.5 x 4.5 - 60-70% of the face, on a light background).
- Original + copy of birth certificate (notarized)
- Notarized permission (original) of the parents for the departure of a child traveling without parents or with one of the parents, indicating the accompanying person and the phrase "for travel to the countries of the Schengen Agreement" (issued at the notary's office if the child's birth certificate and parents' passports are available).
(APHIS 7001) is an integral part of a cat or dog's passport.
This document must also be translated into Spanish, which is the official language in Cuba. The translation must be completed prior to approval by the government.
Requirements for animals traveling with tourists:
- Proof of current rabies vaccination given at least 30 days and no more than 12 months prior to entry.
- Veterinary certificate for Cuba completed by a licensed veterinarian shortly before entry. It is recommended that a USDA or CFIA licensed veterinarian complete the APHIS Form 7001 and have it approved by the USDA or CFIA if traveling from the United States or Canada. If you are traveling from another country, the animal import and export authority must validate the forms.
- A copy of the rabies certificate should also be attached for verification.
- Screening: All domestic dogs and cats must be free of any disease that can be transmitted to humans when screened for entry into Cuba. If your dog or cat is not in good health, a further examination by a licensed veterinarian may be required at the tourist's expense.
- Other animals: birds, invertebrates, tropical fish, reptiles, amphibians, mammals such as rodents and rabbits are not subject to rabies vaccination but may need to meet other requirements and have a health certificate to enter Cuba. If your pet is not a dog, cat or ferret, you should make sure that it is not protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. If so, you will need to apply for additional permits.
Failure to comply with these rules will mean that your pet will be refused entry or returned to the country of origin or placed in quarantine at the expense of the person responsible for your pet.
More info: http://www.thecaribbeanpet.com/pet-travel-to-cuba/