While the electronic visa (e-Visa) has been the standard for entering the island since July 2024, Cuba has has just granted an unexpected reprieve to holders of physical tourist cards, who will now be able to use them until December 31, 2025.

While they were initially set to expire on June 30, 2025, to make way for the exclusive use of the electronic visa from July 1, tourist cards already issued will ultimately be valid for entry into Cuba until December 31, 2025.

“Since July 2024, travelers can apply for their electronic visa at evisacuba.cu. Physical tourist cards will no longer be issued, but if you have one, it will remain valid until December 31, 2025,” announced the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.

This statement from the Cuban authorities therefore provides further respite for travelers who already have an unused “Tarjeta del Turista,” as the island had already postponed the deadline for use once, from December 31, 2024, to June 30, 2025.

This transitional measure aims to facilitate the gradual adoption of the digital platform without penalizing those who had planned their trip in advance.

The Cuba e-Visa: a simplified digital procedure

Since its launch in July 2024, the electronic visa (e-Visa) has become the new standard for entering Cuba. Accessible via the official portal evisacuba.cu, this system replaces the tourist card for all new applications.

The visa costs around €22 on average (but US$50 in the United States). However, due to the specific context of international transactions with Cuba, payment cannot be made online: fees must be paid directly to the relevant Cuban embassy or consulate, using the payment method specified locally (check, bank transfer, cash, etc.).

The e-Visa application process is therefore almost entirely online: travelers fill out a form, upload proof of payment for the e-Visa, and receive their electronic visa by email, usually within a few days.

The e-Visa allows a single entry into Cuba for a stay of up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension from the local authorities.

This gradual digitization marks a real modernization of entry formalities. However, even once the visa has been obtained, a final online administrative step remains mandatory before departure: the D’Viajeros form.

D’Viajeros: a form not to be forgotten before traveling to Cuba

In addition to the visa application, Cuba still requires the D’Viajeros form, which is mandatory for all travelers before their arrival.

Available on the website dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu, this form must now be completed within 7 days prior to arrival in Cuba, instead of 72 hours as previously required. This relaxation, in force since October 2024, makes it easier to plan travel formalities in advance.

Registration on the D’Viajeros platform allows the authorities to collect the information they need for entry into the country, for more efficient health and immigration checks. This is an essential step that should not be overlooked, whether you are traveling with a physical card or an e-Visa, as the information on the latter is included in the electronic travel declaration, which has a QR code.

As of July 1, 2025, Cuba will put a definitive end to the use of tourist cards. All international travelers will be required to obtain an electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to departure.

A few months after launching its official eVisaCuba portal, the largest island in the Caribbean is confirming the digital overhaul of its entry procedures. Starting July 1, 2025, travelers will only be allowed to enter Cuba with a valid electronic visa.

The long-standing tourist card, once seen as a simplified gateway to the island, will be permanently discontinued as of June 30, replaced by this fully digital system.

As of July 1, you will only be able to enter the country with an electronic visa.

Ministry of Tourism of Cuba

This new requirement, announced by Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), marks the final step in a transition that began in summer 2024 to centralize and streamline the visa application process through an online platform.

eVisaCuba, the new online portal already up and running

“With Evisa, applicants will be able to start their visa process virtually, from any device connected to the Internet. This platform simplifies the visa application and management process, eliminating the need for additional physical documents. In addition to its ease of use, Evisa also stands out for its user-friendliness and contribution to environmental protection,” explained the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.

One caveat: the eVisaCuba platform currently doesn’t support online payments. Each Cuban consulate handles applications and payments independently, so accepted payment methods may vary by country. To simplify the process, some authorized travel agencies offer intermediary services that include online payment options.

Once approved, the electronic visa is issued as a single-entry visa and allows travelers to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. This stay can be extended once for an additional 90 days, bringing the total allowable time in the country to 180 days.

Canadian travelers: e-Visa included in airline ticket

Starting July 1, obtaining an e-Visa will be mandatory for all travelers to Cuba—except for Canadian citizens, for whom the process will be seamless.

According to a recent statement by MINTUR, the electronic visa required for Canadian citizens flying directly from Canada to Cuba is automatically included in the ticket, in line with current agreements with Canadian airlines.

However, if a traveler makes a stopover in a third country, a separate e-Visa application will be required.

Don’t forget D’Viajeros: another mandatory step before entering Cuba

Entry into Cuba still requires one additional step: completing the D’Viajeros online form within 7 days prior to arrival (this also applies to Canadian citizens).

The form—available at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu—must be filled out in advance and includes health, customs, and immigration information. It also activates your electronic visa.

Upon arrival in Cuba, travelers must present the following:

• A passport valid for at least six months beyond the date of entry;
• The D’Viajeros form, including its QR code and electronic visa number;
• Proof of travel insurance with medical coverage;
• A return or onward ticket.

Cuba is granting more flexibility for registration on the D’Viajeros platform as well as for travelers holding a tourist card issued before the introduction of the e-Visa.

Cuba has just announced two important measures aimed at facilitating travel for foreign visitors. One concerns the use of the digital registration platform D’Viajeros and the other for holders of a tourist card “Tarjeta del Turista”.

The changes, which are intended to simplify administrative formalities and offer greater flexibility to travellers, should help encourage tourism on the island.

D’Viajeros registration can be done within 7 days before arrival in Cuba

The first measure therefore concerns the D’Viajeros platform, an online portal set up by the Cuban government to allow visitors to register before arriving in the country.

Until now, travelers had to fill in their personal information on this platform, as well as their e-Visa number, within 48 hours of arriving in Cuba.

Since October 1, 2024, this period has been extended to seven days, giving tourists more flexibility to prepare and submit their information before their trip.

This extension of the registration deadline aims to make the entry process more convenient for visitors, while alleviating the administrative pressure that could be felt at the last minute.

“The D’Viajeros platform is now available! You can complete your declaration up to 7 days before the date of your trip to Cuba. Don’t waste time and ensure a smooth entry,” rejoices the Cuban Ministry of Tourism.

The Cuban Embassy in the United Kingdom states that this update “responds to the requests of users interested in entering our country, adapting to the offers and stays offered by various hotel and travel entities operating in Cuba. This update aims to provide greater convenience to travelers and improve the visitor experience.”

Cuba tourist card valid until June 2025

The second announcement concerns travelers with a tourist card “Tarjeta del Turista” obtained before the introduction of the electronic visa and not used.

Following the introduction of the e-Visa, which replaced the “Tarjeta del Turista” last August, a deadline of December 31, 2024 was set to use tourist cards issued before.

The Cuban authorities have decided to postpone this deadline, allowing tourist card holders to use it until June 30, 2025.

This six-month postponement offers a smoother transition for travelers holding previously issued cards as well as for travel agencies that still have stock.

International tourists must now apply for an electronic visa (e-Visa) before traveling to Cuba.

Announced last May and after a gradual roll-out that began in some embassies in July 2024, the system for issuing electronic entry visas to Cuba is now fully active.

“The new electronic Tourism visa platform eVisaCuba is now active. Secure, the system streamlines and simplifies the visa application and management processes”, announced Juan Carlos García Granda, Cuban Minister of Tourism.

Tourists wishing to visit Cuba must now apply for a visa online via the government portal evisacuba.cu, instead of using the tourist card “Tarjeta del Turista”.

For travelers already holding a green or pink tourist card, don’t panic: tourist cards previously issued by the Cuban authorities remain valid and can be used until December 31, 2024.

“The Cuban electronic tourist visa management system, called eVisaCuba, will allow for a more efficient and agile service to be offered to people interested in traveling to Cuba for tourism”, delight the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Cuba (MINREX).

e-Visa and “D’Viajeros” declaration, the two online formalities required to travel to Cuba

After selecting the embassy that will process the e-Visa application, the applicant must pay for the visa via one of the methods offered by the chosen diplomatic mission. It should be noted that it is not currently possible to pay Cuban e-Visa fees online (only bank transfer, certified check, cash,…), and the price of the electronic visa varies from country to country.

All travellers arriving in Cuba by air must complete a travel declaration “D’Viajeros” on the dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu portal within 48 hours prior to departure.

This registration is essential, as it activates the e-Visa, which can be found on the “D’Viajeros” declaration. Without going through this travel declaration stage, the e-Visa is not valid. So be sure to complete these two formalities correctly.

The tourist visa is issued within 72 hours and is valid for a single entry into Cuba. With an e-Visa, you can stay in Cuba for 90 days, renewable for a further 90 days.

According to figures from the National Statistics and Information Office (ONEI), Cuba welcomed a total of 1,309,836 international visitors in the first half of 2024. This represents an increase of 100.9%, or around 11,284 more visitors, compared to the same period last year.

Cuba is set to launch its new electronic visa issuance system, replacing the tourist card.

Since the introduction of the tourist card in 1993, Cuba has welcomed millions of foreign visitors.

The tourist card, also known as the tourist visa, allowed travelers to stay on the island for up to 30 days, extended to 90 days since 2022, with the option to prolong their stay for the same duration.

However, in the digital age, where simplifying and expediting administrative procedures has become essential, Cuba is preparing to take a new step in welcoming its international visitors.

Indeed, last May, Cuba announced the upcoming introduction of an electronic visa (e-Visa) to replace the tourist card, which will still be accepted until the end of 2024.

Today, the official e-Visa application portal has been unveiled.

Details of the new electronic visa application portal for Cuba

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs has just revealed the portal through which travelers will soon be able to apply for their electronic visa.

For now, Cuban authorities have not announced an activation date for the new e-Visa system. Therefore, it is advisable to wait for an official communication before submitting an online visa application.

For imminent departures, obtaining a green or pink tourist card remains possible until the end of 2024.

Official website for electronic visa applications to Cuba

Tourists heading to Cuba can apply for their electronic visa (e-Visa) on the official website: evisacuba.cu.

Required documents for obtaining the Cuban electronic visa

To apply for the Cuban e-Visa, you need a valid passport and an email address to receive the electronic visa.

Cost of the electronic visa for Cuba

In France, the cost of the Cuban e-Visa is €22.00.

Information required for obtaining the e-Visa for Cuba

After selecting the consulate where the e-Visa application will be sent (only Cuban consulates in France, Spain, Italy, and Japan are currently connected to the system), you need to choose a payment method (bank transfer, check, cash, etc.) offered by the chosen Cuban consulate.

You must then answer the following questions:

• Nationality
• Passport number
• Last name
• First name(s)
• Date of birth
• Gender
• Email address

You can submit up to 10 electronic visa applications simultaneously.

After uploading a copy of the e-Visa payment proof and verifying the entered data, the application can be sent to the selected consulate.

Processing time for the Cuban e-Visa

Cuban authorities announce that e-Visa applicants will receive a response within 72 business hours after submitting the application.

Validity of the Cuban electronic visa

The electronic tourist visa is valid for one year for a single entry to Cuba and allows a stay of 90 days, renewable on-site for an additional 90 days.

The “D’VIAJEROS” travel declaration to Cuba, an essential step, including for the visa

Since January 1, 2022, all travelers entering Cuba by air must complete the digital travel declaration “D’VIAJEROS.”

This step must be completed within 72 hours before arriving in Cuba.

According to our information, the electronic visa will be linked to the “D’VIAJEROS” travel declaration.

Indeed, the two systems will be connected, and the electronic visa will become effective once the travel declaration form is filled out on the platform dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu.

The e-Visa number will appear next to the QR code generated after completing the online travel declaration.