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Cuba Visa for United States Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

US citizens need a Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista) before travel, purchasable online or through most airlines, plus compliance with US OFAC travel category rules since direct tourism remains restricted under US law.

Guide last updated October 1, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date.
  • Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista), the entry document functioning like an e-visa/eTA, purchased online, through your airline, or via a Cuban consulate.
  • Self-certification under one of the 12 OFAC-authorized travel categories (e.g., support for the Cuban people, family visits) is a US legal requirement separate from the Cuban entry document itself.
  • Proof of travel health insurance valid in Cuba is mandatory and checked on arrival - many airlines bundle this into the ticket price.
  • Return or onward ticket.
  • Accommodation details (hotel or casa particular booking).
  • No specific photo required for the tourist card.
  • No biometrics collected in advance; standard passport control biometrics may apply on arrival.

Visa types

  • Tourist Card (pink/green card depending on issuing channel): single-entry, valid for a stay of up to 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days inside Cuba; fee typically USD 20-100 depending on where purchased (airline-issued cards are often cheaper than third-party online sellers).
  • Business or journalist visas: separate category requiring a formal visa application through a Cuban embassy/consulate, with different documentation and fees.

How to apply online

  • Purchase your Tourist Card through your airline at booking or check-in (many US carriers to Cuba include or offer this directly), through an authorized online visa service, or at a Cuban consulate.
  • Complete your details and OFAC travel category self-certification as part of the booking process - keep records of your qualifying activities for at least 5 years as required by US regulations.
  • Pay the fee, typically USD 20-85 depending on the issuing channel (airline-bundled cards tend to be cheapest; third-party online services often charge more).
  • The card is usually issued instantly or within a few days by email/physical mail, and you present it along with your passport on arrival in Cuba.
  • No formal interview or embassy visit is required for the standard tourist card process.

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist Card fee: approximately USD 20-50 through an airline, or up to USD 85-100 through some third-party online services.
  • Travel insurance (often bundled with your ticket) adds a modest cost, typically USD 15-30 if not already included.
  • Total cost estimate: USD 35-130 depending on your purchase channel.
  • Processing time: often instant to a few days when bought through an airline or online service; embassy-issued cards may take 1-2 weeks.

Tips for United States travelers

  • Buy your Tourist Card from a reputable source (your airline directly, or a well-reviewed visa service) well before departure, ideally at the same time you book flights.
  • Keep documentation supporting your OFAC travel category self-certification, since this is a US compliance requirement independent of the Cuban entry document.
  • Common issues are not Cuban visa rejections but confusion over the correct OFAC category or missing insurance proof at the Cuban airport.
  • Direct tourism (pure vacationing) remains prohibited under US law - most Americans travel under the broad support-for-the-Cuban-people category, which requires a full-time, documented schedule of qualifying activities.
  • To extend your 30-day stay once inside Cuba, visit an immigration office (Inmigracion) for a modest additional fee before your card expires.

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.