Cuban Tourist Card

In order to stay in Cuba legally, you need a tourist card to enter the country. Our online application makes the process as easy as possible.

Discover Cuba: Travel planning for unforgettable experiences

Cuba is a fascinating Caribbean island with a rich history, vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. From the colorful streets of Havana to the beautiful beaches of Varadero, Cuba offers unforgettable experiences. Experience Cuba in all its diversity and let yourself be enchanted by the unique atmosphere of this Caribbean island!

Everything you need to know about the Cuba Tourist Card

The Cuban Tourist Card, also known asthe "Tarjeta del Turista", is an official document required by foreign visitors to enter Cuba. It serves as an entry permit and is required for most foreign travelers, regardless of their nationality or the purpose of their visit.

The Cuba Tourist Card allows visitors to stay in Cuba for a limited time and explore the country, whether for tourist activities, business trips or cultural excursions. It is an important part of the entry formalities and should be carefully applied for and completed before traveling to ensure a smooth entry process.

Short and sweet

The Cuba tourist card is an entry permit for 30 days with an option to extend. It can be applied for online or via Cuban embassies, is not valid for Cuban citizens and does not include a work permit. We will be happy to help you with your application for a carefree stay on the island.

Fast and inexpensive tourist card for Cuba!

Contact our travel experts now and get your Cuba tourist card at Sprachcaffe! We support you in all matters so that your entry into Cuba is relaxed and effortless. Start your vacation stress-free!

Official partner of the Cuban consulate

Switch to e-visas on 01/01/2025

Travellers can still enter Cuba with a tourist card until 30 June 2025. After this date, the tourist card will be replaced by an electronic visa (e-Visa). This new system simplifies and speeds up the entry process to Cuba considerably.

Apply for the e-Visa conveniently online:
To the e-Visa application

It is not yet possible to apply for an electronic visa for Cuba in German. We will therefore be happy to assist you with the application when you book your trip with us! Our team will ensure that you go through the new application process without any problems and can start your holiday in Cuba relaxed.

What is a Cuba visa?

A Cuba visa is required in certain cases, depending on the purpose and duration of your stay. If you wish to stay in Cuba for longer than the 30 days allowed by the tourist card (extendable to 60 days), you will need a visa. A visa is also required for work purposes, be it as an employee, freelancer or for an international organization. If you want to study in Cuba or take part in an educational program, you will also need a student visa.

For business activities, such as attending conferences, business meetings or conducting commercial activities, a business visa is required. Journalists and media representatives require a special journalist visa in order to work in Cuba. If you wish to visit family members living in Cuba, a special visa may also be required.

Unforgettable group trips to Cuba

Experience Cuba with Sprachcaffe! Discover the island in group tours, learn Spanish, immerse yourself in the culture and enjoy unforgettable adventures. Don't miss out on our offers:

Group Tour
8 days / 7 nights

Highlights of Cuba

  • 8 selected highlights in 8 days
  • Havana, Viñales, Trinidad, Cienfuegos etc.
  • Hiking in the Topes de Collantes National Park
More »
Group Tour
15 days / 14 nights

Treasures of the Caribbean

  • green Viñales Valley with its tobacco plantations
  • Mexico's Mayan sites, e.g. Chichén Itzá
  • Dream beaches Tulum and Playa del Carmen
More »
Active Group Tour
8 days / 7 nights

Cuba's green west

  • Cuba's most beautiful landscapes
  • Dreamlike white sandy beaches on Cayo Levisa
  • Orchid gardens, waterfalls and the tobacco factory in Pinar del Río
More »

Applying for your Cuban tourist card

The preparation steps

Preparation

Find out about the requirements, obtain the application form and collect the necessary documents.

Application

Fill out the application form correctly, pay the fees and submit the application with all documents.

Receipt

Wait for processing, check the permit and receive your tourist card in good time before you travel.

What do you need to apply for the Cuba Tourist Card?

Passport: A valid passport that is valid for at least 6 months beyond the planned travel date.

Visa application: A completed visa application form. You can obtain this either online or from the Cuban diplomatic mission in your country.

Passport photo: One or two passport photos according to the requirements of the Cuban authorities.

Travel confirmation: A confirmation of your travel plans, such as flight booking or hotel reservation.

Health insurance: A valid health insurance policy that is valid for the entire duration of your stay in Cuba.

Financial means: Proof of sufficient financial means to cover your stay in Cuba.

Invitation letter (if required): If you have been invited by a Cuban citizen or organization in Cuba, a letter of invitation may be required.

Fees: There are fees to apply for the visa, the amount of which may vary depending on your nationality and type of visa.

Fill in the Cuba Tourist Card

Where can you buy the Cuba Tourist Card?

Sprachcaffe

At Sprachcaffe Reisen you can get your tourist card quickly and cheaply.

Contact our Cuba travel experts for more information.

Official partner of the Cuban consulate
Online provider

There are various commercial online providers that make filling out the Cuba Tourist Card a simple process. You can apply for and fill out the Cuba Tourist Card from the comfort of your own home via their websites.

Some airlines

Some airlines offer the option of purchasing the Cuba Tourist Card together with your flight ticket. Ask your airline about this option.

Cuban Embassy/ Consulate

This is the official place to apply for the Cuba Tourist Card. You can go to the embassy or consulate in person or submit the application by post.

Frequently asked questions about the Cuba Tourist Card

Filling out a tourist card for Cuba is usually a relatively simple process. Here are the steps that are usually required:

  1. Personal Information: Start by filling out your personal information, including your name (just like on your passport), date of birth, gender and nationality.

  2. Trip Details: Provide the details of your planned trip to Cuba, including the expected date of entry, the expected date of departure and the purpose of your visit (usually indicated as "tourism").

  3. Passport Information: Complete the passport information fields, including passport number, date of issue and passport expiration date.

  4. Signature: Sign the tourist card where indicated. The signature should match the one on your passport.

  5. Verification: Check all information carefully for accuracy and completeness before submitting or presenting the tourist card.

The processing time for a tourist card for Cuba can vary depending on the issuing office. In general, however, it can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks to receive your tourist card. Here are some factors that can affect the processing time:

  1. Application process: The processing time may vary depending on whether you apply for the tourist card in person at the Cuban embassy or online through a commercial provider.

  2. Workload: The workload of the issuing office can affect the processing time. During busy periods, it may take longer for your tourist card to be processed.

  3. Mailing time: If the tourist card is sent by post, the time for mailing can also contribute to the overall processing time.

⚠️ Make sure you apply for your tourist card in good time so that you can start your trip to Cuba without unnecessary stress or delays.

The cost of a tourist card for Cuba can vary depending on the issuing office and the country you are in. In general, the cost of a tourist card for Cuba is often between 20 and 50 US dollars. However, it is important to note that these prices can fluctuate depending on factors such as where you apply for the tourist card and any additional fees or service charges that may be levied by the issuing office. It is recommended to find out the exact costs in advance before applying for your tourist card.

Normally, tourist cards for Cuba cannot be purchased directly at the airport. It is common for travelers to apply for and obtain their tourist card in advance, either at the Cuban Embassy or another authorized issuing office, before traveling to Cuba.

It is important to note that the availability of tourist cards at the airport may vary depending on the country and its entry requirements. Some airports in certain countries may make exceptions and offer tourist cards on the spot, but this is not the rule.

It is strongly recommended that you check the applicable entry requirements in advance and apply for your tourist card well in advance of your planned trip to avoid any inconvenience.

The Cuba Tourist Card is usually required by most foreign visitors who wish to travel to Cuba, regardless of their nationality. This usually includes tourists from countries all over the world, including Europe, North America, Latin America and many other regions.

It is important to note that the exact entry regulations and requirements may vary depending on nationality. It is highly recommended to find out in advance about the specific entry requirements for your nationality to ensure you have all the necessary documents and permits before you embark on your trip to Cuba.

No, a visa and a tourist card for Cuba are not the same thing, although they are both documents that allow entry into the country.

  • Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista): The Tourist Card for Cuba is an official document required by most foreign visitors to enter Cuba. It serves as an entry permit and allows tourists to stay in the country for a limited period of time, usually up to 30 days. The tourist card is specifically intended for tourist purposes and is often applied for before the start of the trip.

  • Visa: A visa is a document that allows a foreigner to enter a country, stay there and, if necessary, carry out certain activities. In the case of Cuba, travelers who are not entering for tourism purposes or who wish to stay in the country longer than the time allowed on the tourist card require a visa. This can be a business visa, a work visa or a family reunification visa, for example.

Discover fascinating Cuba

Join us on an exciting journey through Cuba, where the picturesque coastal landscape and vibrant culture will enchant you. Discover the colorful city of Trinidad with its cobblestone streets and inviting art galleries. Immerse yourself in the untouched nature of the Vinales Valley and the Zapata Marsh, where you will find a variety of plant and animal species. Sample local specialties such as grilled fish and tropical fruits and let yourself be carried away by the sounds of traditional Cuban music.

The most beautiful sights in Cuba

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Visit our travel information page and discover everything you need to know for your upcoming trip to Cuba. Here you will find details on the best time to travel, information on the time change and recommendations for important health precautions you should take before you leave.

We have compiled all the necessary information for you to ensure that your stay in Cuba is pleasant and smooth. You can also find out more about local customs, safety advice and tips for an authentic and unforgettable stay.

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