Getting a visa to Cuba: documents, cost, conditions

Planning a trip to Cuba? Everyone who visits Cuba inevitably succumbs to the Cuban charm and flair. Getting a visa for Cuba is the first step to an unforgettable journey. The visa regime of this country is quite simple, but it is important to consider all the nuances.

For entry into Cuba, citizens of most countries require a visa — tourist, business, or other, depending on the purpose of the visit. From 2024, visa processing has become easier thanks to the transition to the e‑Visa electronic system. Below you will find up-to-date information about visa types, processing times, and required documents.

We will be happy to assist you with the visa application for Cuba and other documents necessary for your trip. On our website, you can easily apply for a visa or a tourist card in the shortest possible time - depending on the purpose of your trip to the Republic of Cuba.

The information is based on data from the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX), consulates, and officially accredited travel agencies.

Main information: 

  1. Types of visas for Cuba: 
  • e‑Visa (tourist) — for leisure, stay duration up to 90 days
  • Business visa — for business trips
  • Journalistic, work, study — issued separately by invitation
  1. Processing time: from 3 to 10 working days
  2. Duration of stay
  • Tourist e‑Visa: most often given for 30 days with the possibility of extension for another 30 or 60 days. 
  • Business visa: from 30 to 90 days, with the possibility of extension within the country
  1. Cost of visa: from 49 euros to 109 euros. You can find the current cost on the page "Cost"
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Main types of visas for Cuba

Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista)

  • For tourist trips
  • Duration of stay: up to 30 days
  • Extension: once for 30 days
  • valid only until July 1, 2025

Business Visa (Visa de Negocios)

  • For business meetings, conferences, negotiations
  • Term: 30 days, with the possibility of extension by agreement

Student Visa (Visa de Estudiante)

  • For studying at Cuban educational institutions
  • Validity period: for the entire period of study, with extension

Work Visa (Visa de Trabajo)

  • For employment in Cuba
  • Requires an invitation from an employer and permission from the authorities
  • The term depends on the contract, with the possibility of extension

Family Visa (Visa de Familiar)

  • For visiting relatives in Cuba
  • Requires confirmation of family ties.
  • Term: up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension if there are valid reasons.

Humanitarian Visa (Visa de Humanitaria)

  • For participants in humanitarian missions and volunteers
  • Requires documents confirming the purpose of the visit.
  • Term: usually 30–60 days, extensions possible

Journalist Visa (Visa de Periodista)

  • For media representatives
  • Accreditation and permission from the relevant Cuban authorities are required for obtaining.
  • Term: about 30 days, with the possibility of extension

Residence (Residencia Temporal o Permanente)

  • For long-term stays for family, professional or other reasons
  • Temporary residence: from 1 year with extension
  • Permanent residence: no time limit

All travelers must apply for a digital entry declaration before traveling. The digital entry declaration is NOT a visa!

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Do you need a visa to Cuba?

For entry to Cuba, citizens of most countries require a visa, however, there are a number of countries whose residents can visit the island without a visa for a limited period. Among them are Serbia, China, UAE, as well as Russia, Belarus and some others. The term of visa-free stay varies from 30 to 90 days depending on nationality. Below are lists of countries that have visa-free access to the country.

List of countries whose citizens can enter Cuba without a visa for short tourist trips:

90 days
Bosnia and Herzegovina
China
Kenya
Malaysia
Montenegro
North Macedonia
Russia
Serbia
United Arab Emirates
60 days
Grenada
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
30 days
Antigua and Barbuda
Belarus
Mongolia
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Singapore
28 days
Barbados
Dominica
Permanent residence
Namibia

List of countries whose citizens can apply for a tourist card (Tarjeta del Turista) in Cuba:

Australia
Austria
Azerbaijan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Andorra
Argentina
Bahamas
Bahrain
Belize
Belgium
Benin
Bulgaria
Bolivia
Botswana
Brazil
Brunei Darussalam
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Bhutan
Vanuatu
United Kingdom
Hungary
Venezuela
East Timor (East Timor)
Vietnam
Gabon
Guyana
Gambia
Guatemala
Guinea-Bissau
Germany
Honduras
Hong Kong
Greece
Georgia
Denmark
Djibouti
Dominican Republic
DR Congo
Egypt
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Israel
Indonesia
Ireland
Iceland
Spain
Italy
Cape Verde
Kazakhstan
Cambodia
Canada
Qatar
Cyprus
Kyrgyzstan
Kiribati
Colombia
Comoros
Costa Rica
Côte d'Ivoire (Côte d'Ivoire)
Kuwait
Laos
Latvia
Lesotho
Liberia
Lebanon
Libya
Lithuania
Liechtenstein
Luxembourg
Mauritius
Mauritania
Madagascar
Macao
Malawi
Mali
Maldives
Malta
Morocco
Marshall Islands
Mexico
Micronesia
Mozambique
Moldova
Monaco
Myanmar
Nauru
Niger
Netherlands
Nicaragua
New Zealand
Norway
United Arab Emirates
Oman
Palau
Palestine
Panama
Papua New Guinea
Paraguay
Peru
Poland
Portugal
Republic of Congo
Rwanda
Romania
El Salvador
Samoa
San Marino
São Tomé and Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Holy See (Vatican)
North Korea (DPRK)
Seychelles
Senegal
Slovakia
Slovenia
United States of America
Solomon Islands
Suriname
Tajikistan
Thailand
Taiwan
Tanzania
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tuvalu
Tunisia
Turkmenistan
Turkey
Uganda
Ukraine
Uruguay
Fiji
Finland
France
Croatia
Central African Republic
Chad
Czech Republic
Chile
Switzerland
Sweden
Ecuador
Equatorial Guinea
Eswatini
Estonia
South Africa
South Korea
South Sudan
Jamaica
Japan

List of countries whose citizens must obtain a consular visa for Cuba:

Afghanistan
Bangladesh
Cameroon
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Ghana
Guinea
Haiti
India
Iran
Iraq
Nepal
Nigeria
Pakistan
Philippines
Sierra Leone
Somalia
Sri Lanka
Syria
Uzbekistan

Cost of a visa to Cuba

The cost of a visa to Cuba depends on the type of document, the urgency of processing, and the selected additional services. The price of a tourist visa starts from 49 euros. You can find current rates, including urgent tariffs and comprehensive packages with medical insurance, on the page «Cost».

What documents are required for a visa to Cuba

Main documents:

  • Passport. It must be valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Cuba. Scan-copy or photo of the main passport page in JPG/JPEG/PNG format not exceeding 200 kb.
  • Filled application form. The form is filled out and signed personally by the applicant.
  • Photograph. Color, passport size (if required for e-Visa). JPG/JPEG/PNG format with a maximum size of 200 kb.
  • Confirmation of accommodation booking. Hotel, casa particular or a written invitation from a private person.
  • Confirmation of financial solvency. Bank account statements or other proof of sufficient funds to stay in Cuba.
  • Return ticket. Confirmation of departure from Cuba (air tickets, itinerary).
  • Medical insurance. Mandatory for all entrants. Preferably having a policy covering in Spanish.

Additional documents:

Educational or student visa:

  • Invitation from an educational institution – official letter of enrollment or invitation for training from a Cuban educational institution.
  • Confirmation of payment for studies – receipt or contract for payment of educational courses.
  • Certificate of financial means – bank statements or other documents confirming your financial solvency to pay for education and living expenses.
  • Medical certificate – confirmation of having medical insurance covering the entire duration of stay in Cuba.
  • Educational documents – diplomas, certificates or other documents confirming your education, if required by the educational institution.

Work visa:

  • Invitation from an employer – official letter from a Cuban employer with a job offer.
  • Contract with the employer – signed employment contract or agreement.
  • Confirmation of qualifications – diplomas, certificates and other documents confirming your qualifications for the position.
  • Medical certificate – may be required to confirm the absence of diseases dangerous to public health.

Business visa:

  • Invitation from a Cuban company – official letter for a business meeting or conference.
  • Documents confirming business activity – business plan, contracts, acts or other documents confirming your business purpose.

Visa for long-term residence:

  • Confirmation of grounds for long-term residence – documents confirming your right to long-term stay (for example, marriage to a Cuban citizen or a long-term work visa).
  • Documents confirming financial solvency – proof of funds for living expenses in Cuba.
Application form
Passport
Passport-size photograph
Confirmation of round-trip flight booking
Confirmation of accommodation booking
Confirmation of financial solvency
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Why should you contact us to apply for a visa to Cuba?

  • Free consultations by phone, email or chat with our experts. We will answer all your questions and help you understand the procedure.
  • We take care of all the administrative formalities associated with obtaining a visa. You will not have to deal with complex bureaucratic procedures yourself.
  • Convenient online service. You can easily and quickly apply on our website.
  • Convenient and timely delivery - we will ensure that the documents are with you on time.
  • More than 20 years of experience! We have accumulated extensive experience and guarantee prompt and reliable processing of your documents.

How to get a visa?

1.

Select visa type

2.

Fill out the application form

3.

Send us scans of documents

4.

Processing your documents

5.

Receive your visa

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FAQ: main questions about visas to Cuba

Relevant with updates to Cuban immigration policy (IEA)

Do I need a visa to travel to Cuba?

Most citizens require a visa to travel to Cuba. However, there are several countries whose citizens are allowed visa-free entry for a short period. For citizens of other countries, depending on the purpose of the trip, a visa is required.

How to get a tourist visa to Cuba?

It is easy to obtain a tourist visa through the agency Buch-dein-visum.de in just five steps:

  • Select the type of visa
  • Fill out the application form
  • Send us scans of documents
  • Processing your documents
  • Get your visa
How much does a visa to Cuba cost?

From 49 euros (depends on the method of processing). Depending on the type and speed of processing. The current cost on the page “Cost”

What documents are needed for a visa to Cuba?
  • Passport, 
  • Filled application form,
  • Photograph. 
  • Confirmation of accommodation reservation. 
  • Proof of financial means. 
  • Return ticket. 
  • Medical insurance.

Read more on this page in the "Documents" section.

Do they give a multiple-entry visa to Cuba?

The standard tourist visa is single-entry (30 days). Multiple entry visas are issued only on special grounds (business, work).

Is it possible to extend a visa in Cuba?

Yes, through the immigration service (DGI) for 30 days

Do I need a visa to Cuba for transit?

If you do not leave the airport — no. A transit visa is required for going into the city (issued in advance).

How to apply for a visa to Cuba for a child?

The same rules as for adults, but notarized consent from parents is required (if the child is traveling alone or with one of the parents).

What types of visas are there for Cuba?

Tourist, business, work, study, transit, real estate owner visas.

Does having a US visa affect entry to Cuba?

No, but if you have marks of visiting the USA, it is recommended to clarify the entry rules.

Can I enter Cuba without a visa with a foreign passport?

No, a visa is mandatory for all types of trips, except for visa-free countries.

How to apply for a business visa to Cuba?

Through the visa agency Buch-dein-visum.de, an invitation from a Cuban company and additional documents (certificate from work, purpose of visit) are required.

How long does it take to get a visa to Cuba?

Usually 3–10 business days.

Can I enter Cuba with a Schengen visa?

No, the Cuban visa is processed separately.

What are the rules for entering Cuba with children?

The child needs a separate foreign passport and visa.

Do I need medical insurance for a visa to Cuba?

Yes, insurance is mandatory from 2024. You can arrange insurance for Cuba on the page "Insurance"

How to get a visa to Cuba for property owners?

A special visa (up to 1 year) is issued with the presence of property documents.

Can I work in Cuba on a tourist visa?

No, a work visa is required for employment (issued by the employer).

How to apply for a student visa to Cuba?

Through the educational institution, an invitation and confirmation of enrollment are required.

What are the validity periods of a visa to Cuba?

Tourist — 30 days, business — up to 90 days, work — 1 year (with extension).

Can I get a visa to Cuba at the airport?

No, you need to apply for a visa in advance (except in rare cases for charter flights).

How to apply for a visa to Cuba for journalists?

Only through an official invitation from Cuban media or the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

What are the entry restrictions to Cuba in 2025?

Ban on entry for persons with criminal records and previous visa regime violations.

Do I need a visa to Cuba for a cruise?

If you go ashore — yes. Some cruise companies include the visa in the price.

How to check the status of a visa to Cuba?

Only through the consulate or visa center, no online check is available.

Can I enter Cuba with an expired passport?

No, the passport must be valid for at least 6 months.

How to apply for a visa to Cuba for a volunteer program?

Through the hosting organization, an official invitation is required.

Is there an electronic visa for Cuba?

From July 1, 2025, all international travelers, except Canadian citizens, will be required to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) before traveling to Cuba.

What are the visa rules for dual nationality holders?

Entry is possible with any passport, but the visa must match the document you are flying with.

Can I get permanent residency in Cuba through a visa?

Yes, but only after several years of living on a work or investment visa.

How to order a visa through Buch-dein-Visum.de?

If you need to apply for a visa to Cuba and don't know where to start the process, then familiarize yourself with the visa ordering procedure on our website. It's fast, convenient, and very simple!

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Cost
Documents
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Have questions?
  • Step 1. Choose the type of visa you need

    Each visa has its own conditions and application procedure, so before applying, we recommend studying in advance which visa will suit you for your trip and what documents need to be prepared for the application. On our website, you will find all the comprehensive information on all types of visas, which we are happy to help you apply for.

  • Step 2. Prepare the documents in advance

    Need information on what documents are needed to apply for your visa?

    We provide a brief list of the main documents on the visa description pages for each country, just select the country and type of visa you are interested in from the menu.

    Also, after applying, we provide detailed instructions with a list of all documents, as well as details for each type of document, such as photographs, additional or accompanying documents.

    If you still have questions, use our feedback form, we will respond to you shortly and in a convenient form of communication for you – by email or phone.

  • Step 3. Apply on our website

    Simply go to the visa order page, select the country you plan to travel to, and the necessary type of visa.

    On the next step, specify your nationality.

    Choose the visa processing time - we provide information in advance about possible processing times and costs.

    Specify the name and surname of all the people for whom the application will be made.

    Insurance. We also provide a service for arranging insurance for your trip.

    Provide your contact details and the address where the visa will be delivered, as well as the transport company that will deliver it to the address.

  • Step 4. Prepare the documents

    An email with a list of required documents will be sent to the email address you provided in the application. This package will need to be prepared either in paper form if the visa is processed through the consulate, or in scanned form if the visa is processed online.

    All instructions for submitting documents for your visa will be given in the email.

  • Step 5. Pack your bags and plan your unforgettable journey, while we take care of submitting and receiving your visa

    We prepare the entire package of documents and submit it to the consulate for you.

    You also don't need to worry about queues and your time – we will pick up the processed visa ourselves and send it to you according to the delivery method you chose.

Cost

The cost of obtaining a visa through Buch-dein-Visum.de depends on many conditions, such as the cost of the visa itself, consular fees, visa processing times, and other additional factors, such as return delivery and insurance, if necessary.

Go to our visa calculator, select the country and type of visa and familiarize yourself with the rates for processing the visa you are interested in, as well as the conditions and processing times.

  • Passport

    Please note the validity period of your passport – it must be valid for at least 6 months after the planned date of departure from the country. There should be at least one blank page in the passport for the visa.

  • Photos

    The photo for the visa should be color, biometric, 3.5 x 4.5 cm in size, and taken against a white background. The applicant's face should be centered in the photo, and it should not show a smile or any other expressions. It is also important that the applicant does not wear headgear in the photo, except in cases related to religious beliefs.

  • Completed application form

    As an accredited visa agency, we will take care of preparing the application form for a visa. Only the data requested by the embassy of the country for issuing the visa is required from you.

  • Tickets and accommodation

    To issue a visa to Cuba, you must also provide details of your accommodation and tickets for both ways. We recommend booking tickets and a hotel/place of accommodation in advance before applying for a visa.

  • Supporting documentation

    Depending on the purpose and category of the requested visa, you may need to provide additional documents, including:

    • Proof of financial solvency: bank statements or other evidence of sufficient funds for your stay in Cuba.
    • Supporting documentation confirming the purpose of your trip.
    • Medical insurance: a policy covering medical expenses during your stay in Cuba.
Status

You can track the current status of your order at any time.

To log in, you need to enter your last name and the order number, which will be indicated in the order confirmation email.

You can also contact us through the callback form. Our specialists will answer any questions about the current status of your order.

The issued visa, as well as all original documents, will be sent to you through the delivery service you choose when placing the order.

The list of transport companies and their rates will be indicated when placing an order on our website.

The issued electronic visa will be sent to your email in PDF format.

Can't find the answer to your question? Use our feedback form, we will respond to you as soon as possible and in a convenient form of communication for you – by email or phone.

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