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Getting a Cuba Visa is Quick and Easy

ViaHero
Updated September 6, 2023

Cuba is calling out for Americans to visit these days, and despite the June 2019 travel restrictions, traveling there is still 100% legal for Americans. With its spicy music culture, enticing new food scene, hand-rolled cigars, and warm, sunny days, everyone wants to plan a trip right now. We know that all the talk of red tape can make it seem daunting, but, we promise, traveling to Cuba is simple and extremely rewarding.

Before you jet off to Cuba though, it’s essential that you get a Cuba visa (properly called a "Tourist Card"). It’s a small but important piece of paper that’s easy to get before your trip. Keep reading to learn more about the Cuba visa, including where and how to get one. 

Want to make the most out of your trip? Tap into our network of local travel planners—Heroes—who build unique, locally-curated trip plans, designed just for you. Get started.

Table of Contents

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What is a Cuba visa?

The Cuba visa is officially called a Tourist Card, but you'll often hear it referred to as a Cuba visa. The two phrases are practically interchangeable.

If your last stop before Cuba is the United States, then the Cuba visa that you need is a small pink piece of paper with your basic travel information on it. You’ll fill it in yourself with your name, travel dates, passport number, etc. The card is valid for thirty days of travel in Cuba, and you may renew it once in Cuba for an additional thirty days. If your last stop before Cuba is not in the United States, your visa/Tourist Card will be green.

How do I get a Cuba visa?

If the word “visa” conjures up the idea of a stack of paperwork and needing to stand in a long line at an embassy, put that out of your mind right now. The Cuba visa is easy to acquire. Read on for how to get yours. 

Online

You can buy your Cuba visa online, in advance of your trip. This is often the simplest option for travelers who like to have their documents in-hand before getting to the airport.

  • If you're traveling to Cuba from the US (regardless of citizenship), you can use Online Tourist Card to get the best rate on your pink Cuban Tourist Card. 
    • Online Tourist Card offers UPS shipping anywhere in the lower 48 states along with expedited shipping options.
  • If you're traveling to Cuba from outside the US, you can get your green Tourist Card online through Easy Tourist Card.

Buying your visa/Tourist Card online allows you to skip the lines at the airport (especially important if you have a connecting flight to Cuba).

Airlines

It's usually relatively easy to purchase your Tourist Card from your air carrier itself, but the method and location of purchase vary airline-to-airline. We’ve created guides for how to get a Cuba visa from most major airlines that fly to Cuba from the US. Check them out for step-by-step instructions and price information.

Cruise Lines / Tours

Remember: as of June 5, 2019, cruise ships are no longer going from America to Cuba. Additionally, there are no more group tours to Cuba from the US because that category of legal travel to Cuba was eliminated on the same date. If you booked your tour before June 5, 2019 though, your trip will be exempted from the new requirements, so follow the instructions elsewhere in this article for getting your Tourist Card! And as always, if you have any questions about the new regulations, don't hesitate to get in touch with a Cuban travel expert.

Cuban Embassies

If you live close to a Cuban Embassy, you can get a Cuba visa there. Prices vary by location.

Our travel planners are experts in helping people get their Cuba visa, too; plus, they can plan your independent trip to Cuba from start to finish.

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Have more questions about Tourist Cards and visas for travel to Cuba? Here is a list of Cuban Heroes who can help you. And before your trip, make sure to check out:

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Still have questions about travel to Cuba?
Why not ask someone who lives there? ViaHero connects you with a local to help plan your trip. They’ll create a guidebook based on your personal travel style.
You’ll see a unique side of a destination and travel independently—all while saving time and money in the planning process. Find a local today.

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