ViaHero · Updated March 1, 2019
Americans traveling to Cuba today need three things: a passport, a general license (self-reporting), and a Cuban Tourist Card.
Want to explore Cuba differently? Have a local plan your trip.
Here's the latest on how to get a Cuban Tourist Card. The new Cuba travel policies for Americans do not affect the Tourist Card. Once you give the article a read feel free to message us with any questions you have about traveling legally to Cuba.
Remember: The Cuban Tourist Card is a Cuban government
Cuban Tourist Card vs. Cuban Visa
First, a Cuban Tourist Card and a Cuban Visa are actually different documents. Travelers from every country, including the United States, need a Cuban Tourist Card to enter. Only a few African and Middle Eastern countries actually need a Cuban Visa instead of just a Tourist Card. Unfortunately, both words are used interchangeably on the web. If you're coming from North America, South America, or Europe you don't need a Cuban Visa, but you will need a Cuban Tourist Card. (But just to make things confusing, the Tourist Card is often referred to as a visa.)
The process for acquiring a Cuban Tourist Card is different depending on where you're entering Cuba from, namely the last airport before Cuba. Below is the process for traveling through Canada, Mexico, Panama, or the United States. It’s an easy formality to take care of, but it is essential. During your trip, be sure to treat your Cuban Tourist Card as you would your passport.
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From the United States
Direct flights have started from Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, Houston, and New York to Cuba.
If you're traveling from the US to Cuba, your card will be pink. If you're flying to Cuba from anywhere except the US, your card will be green. It doesn't matter what country your passport is from or your what country you're originally traveling from. Your card color depends on the last place you depart from before arriving in Cuba. You will not be able to board the flight to Cuba with the green one.
You can get your Tourist Card online
Want your Cuban Tourist Card/Cuban Visa in hand before you head to the airport? Then buy online in advance from sites like Cuba Visa Services (the best option for pink cards) or Easy Tourist Card (for green cards). They'll also walk you through the process if you have any questions.
- Cuba Visa Services ships via FedEx anywhere in the contiguous 48 states, and offers 2 shipping options.
- Easy Tourist Card ships worldwide via DHL. However, they only offer 1 shipping option and they're more expensive than Cuba Visa Services.
- That said, if you need a green Tourist Card, you're probably not in the US anyway—so Easy Tourist Card is probably the right choice for you.
Buying your tourist card online allows you to skip the lines at the airport (especially important if you have a connecting flight to Cuba). We know this is confusing, so feel free to send us a message if you have any questions.
You can also buy your Tourist Card from your airline
The cost varies depending on the airline you're traveling with. Here's a breakdown of known costs and where to acquire the tourist card for each airline (this information is accurate as of October 2018, but double check with your carrier just to make sure. You won't be allowed to enter Cuba without a Tourist Card).
- Southwest: $50, purchased online (through Cuba Visa Services) and delivered at the gate
- JetBlue: $50, purchase at the gate
- Delta: $50, purchase at the gate or through
mail - United: $75 ($50 visa + $25 processing fee), purchase at gate.
- American: $85 ($50 visa + $35 processing fee), purchase online and sent via mail. AA will send instructions.
If you are taking a charter flight from the US or you’re traveling on an organized tour, the Cuban Tourist Card should be included in your package. Double check to be sure that this is the case and if it isn’t, make sure to get one. Again, if you still have questions, feel free to ask a local travel expert.
From Canada
If you’re traveling from Canada, in general, all you have to do to get your green Cuban Tourist Card is book your flight. The airline will provide the card to you on the flight. Plus, you don’t need to pay anything additional, it’s already included in your flight cost. Remember: this is not always the case, so make sure to contact your airline prior to
From Mexico
If you’re flying from Mexico to Cuba then you can buy the green Cuban Tourist Card in Cancun or Mexico City. You can do this near check-in or at the boarding gate for $20 USD.
From Panama City
If you’re flying Copa Airlines, you’ll be able to purchase the card at check-in, even if you’re flying from another city like Lima or San Jose to Panama City and then to Cuba. If you cannot purchase the Cuban Tourist Card at check-in, you’ll be able to buy it at the boarding gate. Either way, it will cost about $20 USD.
By Cruise Ship
If you're on a cruise with a stop in Cuba, you still need a Cuban Tourist Card. Some cruise lines sell them and some do not. Norwegian Cruise Lines offers Tourist Cards for $75—make sure to ask about that in advance of your departure on the cruise. If your cruise line doesn't sell visas, buy yours online or through a Cuban Embassy.
Remember: your Tourist Cards allow you to explore independently in Cuba, regardless of what your tour company your cruise line wants you to use.
From the Embassy
You can also purchase Cuban Tourist Cards through Cuban Embassies. Prices vary by country and embassy.
Finally, planning a trip to Cuba can be super tough. There is not a lot of information out there. I've compiled a list of local experts who will guide you through every step of the process. Seriously check them out now, I have a 100% guarantee it will make your trip unforgettable and WAY easier to plan. Lianet, in particular, is a Cuban journalist who knows all the best spots.
Check out our articles on getting a Cuba General License and how you can still travel to Cuba. Have more questions about Cuba? Here is a list of local Cuban travel experts who can help you or you can message us. And before your trip, check out: