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Obtaining a Visa for Cuba: Why Online is Best

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Have you been thinking about a trip to worry that all the paperwork and red tape are going to be too complicated?

Have you heard unhappy stories from other travelers that make you wonder if trying to travel to Cuba is even worth it in the long run?

If traveling to Cuba has got you concerned, then read on.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

While traveling to any country can cause uncertainty, Cuba has historically been more challenging than most.

Political tensions and different embargos have led to tourism restrictions throughout the last few decades and a complex visa process.

Cuba is a country where things can change frequently. Knowing the latest and most up-to-date entry requirements can make the decision to travel to this Caribbean country an easier one and can make sure your time spent abroad is enjoyable and hassle-free.

Cuba is a country where things can change frequently.

Knowing the latest and most up-to-date entry requirements can make the decision to travel to this Caribbean country an easier one and can make sure your time spent abroad is enjoyable and hassle-free.

Understanding Cuba's Visa Landscape: The Cuban Tourist Card vs. the Cuba Visa vs. the eVisa

Cuba’s unique history and complex international relationships navigating the entry process a bit of a labyrinth.

Unlike many countries with straightforward visa systems, Cuba has traditionally required different authorization documents depending on your nationality and travel purpose.

Here’s a breakdown of the most recent travel document required to enter Cuba:

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The Cuban Tourist eVisa:

The Cuban eVisa replaces the Cuban Tourist Card as the most common entry authorization to visit Cuba for those from a select group of countries. This visa is for short-term leisure visits. It continues to be in effect today and is a valid document for travel to Cuba for many countries around the world.

Citizens from Canada, the United States, Latin America, and most European nations have been able to enter Cuba with a Cuba Tourist Card instead of a Cuba Visa.

For Americans, tourism trips to Cuba are still not directly authorized, but citizens from the U.S can enter Cuba under one of 12 categories of travel that have been deemed appropriate by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

These 12 categories are:
  • Family visits
  • Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
  • Journalistic activity
  • Professional research and professional meetings; educational activities
  • Religious activities
  • Public performances
  • Clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
  • Support for the Cuban people
  • Humanitarian projects
  • Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
  • Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or information materials
  • Certain authorized export transactions.

The introduction of the Cuban eVisa has simplified the entry process. Those who currently can apply for a Cuba Tourist Card and make their entry into the country as effortless as possible.

When you apply online for your visa you will be able to track your application status in real-time. This will eliminate any unnecessary worry and allow you to plan your trip with confidence.

The eVisa system marks a significant shift towards an even more accessible and efficient entry process for Cuba.

Travelers are able to enjoy the same faster processing times, online secure payment options and the ability to track their visa application online that they once experienced with the Cuba Tourist Card through sites like ours.

The Cuban Visa:

For visitors from countries that aren’t specified above, or for those traveling for business (or other specific purposes), a traditional visa application process through Cuban embassies is still required. (Here is a breakdown of those countries that need the traditional visa to enter Cuba.)

Unlike the Cuba eVisa, an Embassy Sticker Cuban Visa can’t be done with an online application form.

It involves an in-person visit to a Cuban embassy or Cuban consulate and requires more complex documentation than the Tourist Card.

No matter what type of tourist visa requirements you must meet, everyone entering Cuba will need an original passport, a health declaration (proof of health insurance), and proof of accommodations.

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The Cuban eVisa:

Clearly the process of choosing and applying for a visa to Cuba can be overwhelming.

From knowing which nationality needs what, to knowing what types of documentation you need to support your application, keeping everything straight is not always easy…even for the most experienced travelers.

But a new type of documentation may simplify all of this.

While not in place yet, the Cuban eVisa is set to become the new standard for entry into the country later this year.

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While some of the details are still unclear, the introduction of the eVisa aims to streamline entry for the same travelers that currently can apply for a Cuba Tourist Card and make their entry into the country as effortless as possible.

When you apply online for your visa you will hopefully be able to track your application status in real-time. This will eliminate any unnecessary worry and allow you to plan your trip with confidence.

The eVisa system may mark a significant shift towards an even more accessible and efficient entry process for Cuba.

Travelers will hopefully be able to enjoy the same faster processing times, online secure payment options and the ability to track their visa application online that they now experience with the Cuba Tourist Card through sites like ours.

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

Streamline Your Journey: Apply for Your Cuba Documents Online

With the introduction of the Cuban eVisa, the process is simple and exclusively online.

Reputable and authorized sites like Easy Tourist Card make the application for a Tourist Card simple.

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Applying for a Cuban eVisa:

If you’re wondering how to get a Cuban eVisa online, here’s a breakdown of the typical steps for obtaining one:

Start by visiting Easy Tourist Card and click “Apply Now.”

You can select the amount of eVisas you will be purchasing and hit “purchase.”

You will be prompted to  select your nationality, as there is a US national option and a non-US national option. You will then enter in important personal details.

The Green Tourist Card:

A Pink Tourist Card is for travelers who hold U.S. passports or are originating from the United States.

The Pink Tourist Card:

A Green Tourist Card is for travelers who are coming to Cuba from outside the US and have a passport from any country other than the US.

Once you’ve input your information, you’ll click “Place Order” and will be taken to the secure online payment page.

Your eVisa code will arrive by email  in 3 days.

When you receive your eVisa code, you will then complete the D’VIAJEROS form with all pertinent travel details. Inaccurate or incomplete information may detain your travel plans when you attempt to board your plane or arrive in Cuba. This form must be completed within the 7 days prior to entry to Cuba.

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As with the previous Cuban Tourist Cards, travelers to Cuba will still need to have a valid passport (with at least 6 months left before it expires), proof that they have current health insurance, proof that they have accommodations already secured for their time in Cuba, and proof of a return plane ticket.

While these documents are not always requested, it’s a good idea to have them readily available upon your arrival in Cuba.

For All Your Cuban Travel Needs, Turn to Easy Tourist Card for Help

While navigating the world of travel documents can be stressful, there is help!

At Easy Tourist Card, we have the most up-to-date travel information for Cuba and make it a priority to pass it on to you.

At Easy Tourist Card, we offer:

1. A user-friendly Cuba visa online application process that is fast, affordable, and accurate.

2. A list of FAQs about all things Cuba.

3. A skilled Cuba visa specialist team that can help answer any and all of your questions.

4. The most up-to-date information about travel requirements and changes to make sure your travel is as easy as it is unforgettable.

When you’re ready to begin the process of applying for your Cuba travel documents, reach out to Easy Tourist Card for help.

We want to make your entire adventure one that you’ll always remember…in the most positive light possible.

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