How Do I Apply for My Cuba Visa Online? USA Rules Are Different than Others

You’re planning a trip to Cuba, but the rules seem so confusing…

As an American, you've heard that you have to apply for a certain type of tourist visa, no matter where your adventure starts from.

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?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

American travelers must adhere to specific OFAC guidelines when applying for a Cuban visa.
Americans need to carefully follow the right entry documentation process and apply for the Pink Tourist Card.
Despite differences, some visa rules apply to all travelers, such as the need for a valid passport, health insurance, and confirmed accommodation.

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…

Applying for a Cuban visa online is a straightforward process, one that you can easily master with a few pointers and the right website to guide you through the intricate details.

Let’s get started!

Navigating OFAC Requirements for Americans

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.

Best Regulation for Americans Traveling to Cuba

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:

Support for the Cuban People: Engaging in activities that enhance the lives of the Cuban people, support civil society, and promote independent initiatives.
Humanitarian Projects: Contributing to projects directly benefiting the Cuban people, including medical and environmental initiatives.
Educational Activities: Participating in educational programs or activities involving interaction with Cuban people.
Journalistic Activity: Traveling for journalistic purposes and activities supporting news reporting.
Family Visits: Visiting close relatives in Cuba.

Official Government Business: Traveling for official U.S. government, foreign government, or intergovernmental organization purposes.
Professional Research and Meetings: Traveling for research or attendance at professional meetings.
Religious Activities: Traveling for religious purposes, including attending services or engaging in missionary work.
Public Performances and Competitions: Participating in public performances, sports competitions, or similar events.
Activities of Private Foundations or Institutes: Engaging in activities organized by private foundations, research, or educational institutes.
Exportation, Importation, or Transmission of Information: Traveling related to the export, import, or transmission of information or informational materials.
Certain Export Transactions under Department of Commerce Regulations: Traveling for specific transactions authorized under existing Department of Commerce guidelines.

Most U.S. citizens traveling to Cuba will find the “Support for the Cuban People” category to be the most applicable for their visit to Cuba.

This category covers a broad range of activities aimed at enhancing the lives of the Cuban people and supporting civil society.

The Cuban Tourist Visa…Which One is Right for Americans?

The Cuban Tourist Card serves as the entry authorization for leisure travelers from a select group of countries.

Citizens from the following countries can apply for a Cuban Tourist Card:

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.

One of the biggest advantages of the Cuban Tourist Card is that there is no need to visit a Cuban embassy or Cuban consulate in order to apply for the document.

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.

The Green or the Pink? Which Cuba Tourist Card Do Americans Need?

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 New eVisa: What It Means for You

The introduction of the eVisa in Cuba marks a significant shift in the country’s approach to international travel.

Expected to roll out in 2024, the eVisa system aims to streamline the visa application process, allowing travelers to apply for their visas online from anywhere that the internet is available.

This innovative system is designed to offer a more efficient and user-friendly experience for those wishing to visit Cuba.

What Will the eVisa Replace?

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.

Who Will Need the eVisa?

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.

Common Visa Rules for All Travelers

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.

Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your intended stay in the destination country. It should have at least one or two blank pages for visa stamps.
Visa Application: Most citizens from foreign countries will need to obtain an entry visa, whether it’s a Tourist Card for the countries listed above.
Proof of Accommodation: You may need to provide evidence of where you will be staying during your visit, such as hotel reservations or an invitation letter from a host.
Proof of Sufficient Funds: Non-Cuban citizens may be required to show proof that they have enough financial resources to cover their stay. This can be shown through bank statements or a letter from your bank.
Health Insurance: Travelers will need to have valid health insurance that covers medical expenses during their stay.
Proof of Onward Travel: You might need to show proof of onward or return travel, such as a return flight ticket.

These requirements help ensure that travelers are prepared and can support themselves during their stay, reducing the risk of overstaying or requiring public assistance.

For All Your Cuba Questions...Easy Tourist Card is Here

Navigating your Cuban travel documents can sometimes feel daunting.

But with Easy Tourist Card, the process becomes straightforward and stress-free.

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.

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.