You’re planning a trip to Cuba, but the rules seem so confusing…
You’ve also heard that you must meet specific rules of travel before you can enter Cuba.
How can you determine which Cuban entry document is the right one for you?
If you are an American citizen who is planning a trip to Cuba, chances are you have a long list of questions about the visa process.
But here’s the good news…
Let’s get started!
The Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) is a part of the U.S. Department of the Treasury that administers and enforces economic and trade sanctions based on U.S. foreign policy and national security goals.
More simply put:
The OFAC ensures that American citizens don’t engage in financial or trade activities with countries, entities, or individuals that the U.S. government has sanctioned, due to concerns about national security or foreign policy.
Because of the complicated relationship that has existed between the U.S. and Cuba for years, travel regulations to this Caribbean country have frequently changed, making it essential for travelers to stay informed about the latest requirements and restrictions.
In order for a United States citizen to travel to Cuba, they will need to qualify for a “general license” under one of 12 approved categories, outlined by the OFAC:
This category covers a broad range of activities aimed at enhancing the lives of the Cuban people and supporting civil society.
The Cuban Tourist Card serves as the entry authorization for leisure travelers from a select group of countries.
Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City.
The Cuban Tourist Card is available online, making the entire process much easier than a traditional travel visa.
Not only can you apply for the Tourist Visa from the comfort of your own home, but it will be shipped directly to your personal address as well.
While the term “Tourist Card” might seem straightforward, Cuba’s system includes two distinct versions: the Green Tourist Card and the Pink Tourist Card.
The Pink Tourist Card:
The Pink Tourist Card: This card is specifically for travelers whose journey to Cuba starts in the United States, regardless of their nationality.
Even if you hold a passport from another country, but your trip begins in the U.S., you’ll need the Pink Tourist Card.
It’s also a requirement for American citizens, no matter where their travel originates.
NOTE: While there have been some reports of Americans entering Cuba with a Green Tourist Card (if their travel starts from outside the United States) it is strongly suggested that ALL Americans apply for the Pink Tourist Card to be on the safe side.
The Green Tourist Card:
The Green Tourist Card: This card is for everyone who is not an American citizen and who is not traveling from the United States.
If you’re starting your trip to Cuba from a country other than the United States AND you are a citizen of another country, you will apply for the Green Tourist Card.
Cuba Pink
Tourist Card
For US nationals or those departing from a US airport. Explore Cuba for up to 90 days within 180 days of issuance
The introduction of the eVisa in Cuba marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to international travel.
This innovative system is designed to offer a more efficient and user-friendly experience for those wishing to visit Cuba.
The eVisa is anticipated to replace traditional Cuban Tourist Cards, which have been a requirement for citizens from the countries listed above up until now.
With the eVisa, applicants will only have the option to apply online, simplifying the process for both the applicants and the authorities processing the visas.
While there is still much to learn about the eVisa process, it’s believed that this entry document will only replace the Cuba Tourist Card and not the regular visa.
For those who are required to apply for a regular Cuba visa before travel, it’s expected that this requirement will remain unchanged.
Regardless of what type of entry visa you need, there are certain documents that all travelers will need unless they are Cuban citizens or hold a Cuban passport.
These requirements help ensure that travelers are prepared and can support themselves during their stay, reducing the risk of overstaying or requiring public assistance.
Navigating your Cuban travel documents can sometimes feel daunting.
Our user-friendly online platform simplifies the Tourist Card application, allowing you to apply from anywhere in the world without the hassle of paperwork. And with a standard processing time of one business day, your delivery time is less than a week.
As an authorized Cuban Tourist Card provider, we are privy to the most up-to-date documentation information available from the Cuban government.
When you’re ready to plan your travel to Cuba, Easy Tourist Card is ready to handle your documentation needs.
Contact us today to get started!
Your Key to
Paradise!
Traveling from a NON-US airport? You’re in! Explore Cuba for up to 90 days within 180 days of issuance.