Cuba will abolish tourist cards and introduce mandatory electronic visas from July 1, 2025. Find out who must apply, how eVisaCuba works, and what documents are required for entry

From July 1, 2025, Cuba will finally abolish tourist cards. From now on, entry to the island is only possible with an electronic visa (e-Visa), which must be obtained before traveling. We have collected everything you need to know about the changes for tourists in Cuba in this article.

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Why is Cuba abolishing tourist cards?

Once upon a time, a tourist card (Tarjeta del Turista) was a simple way to enter - it could be purchased at the airport, at a travel agency or through an airline. It allowed a stay of up to 90 days and did not require a visit to a consulate.

But from July 1, 2025, everything is changing. Cuba is modernizing the border system, centralizing visa processes and switching to a fully digital platform eVisaCuba.

What is eVisaCuba?

This is the official online portal where tourists will apply for an electronic visa to Cuba. Its goal is to make the entry process faster, more convenient and safer. Thanks to the convenient service, tourists on the eVisaCuba portal will be able to:

- Apply online.

- Upload the required documents.

- Track the status of the application.

The visa is sent by email after approval.

Important! Online payments are not yet supported - payment must be made through a Cuban consulate or an authorized agency. However, the possibility of online payment may appear in the future.

Who needs an electronic visa to Cuba from July 2025?

The end of the tourist card system will affect travelers from more than 40 countries that previously used simplified entry, including:

- United Kingdom

- Germany

- France

- Italy

- Spain

- Mexico

- Argentina

- Brazil

- India

- China

- South Africa

- Australia

- New Zealand

A complete list of countries affected by this change is available on the official eVisaCuba portal.

Who is exempt from the e-visa to Cuba?

Only Canadian citizens flying to Cuba on a direct flight from the country are exempt from obtaining an e-visa to Cuba, because in this case the e-Visa is automatically included in the ticket price.

If a Canadian tourist flies with a transfer in another country, he needs to apply for a visa separately.

How is an e-visa different from a tourist card?

- Method of application

The old tourist card was issued at a travel agency or airport. The new electronic visa (e-Visa) is online via eVisaCuba.

- Validity period

Old tourist card: up to 90 days (with the possibility of extension). New electronic visa (e-Visa): 90 + 90 days (one extension).

- Need for prior application

The old tourist card was not required, unlike the new electronic visa.

- Format

The old tourist card was paper, the new electronic visa (e-Visa) is digital.

- Payment

The old tourist card - when purchasing the card. The new electronic visa (e-Visa) - through a consulate or agency.

- Application time

The paper card was received immediately, in complex cases the procedure took up to several days. The period for processing an electronic visa - up to 72 business hours.

- Entry requirements

The old card had to be shown at the border, according to the new rules you need to present an electronic visa + QR code.

How to apply for an e-Visa to Cuba: step-by-step instructions

Step 1 - Go to the official eVisaCuba portal.

Step 2 - Fill out the online application.

Step 3 - Make a payment (through a consulate or agency).

Step 4 - Wait for a response - processing takes up to 72 hours.

Once approved, you will receive a single-entry e-visa that allows a stay of up to 90 days, with the possibility of extension for another 90 days.

What does a tourist need to enter Cuba from July 2025?

- Valid passport (minimum 6 months from the date of entry).

- Electronic visa (e-Visa).

- D’Viajeros online form (with QR code): dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu..

- Proof of travel insurance with medical coverage.

- Return ticket.

Important! Regardless of nationality, all travelers, including citizens of the Philippines, Morocco and Algeria, must complete the D'Viajeros online form within 7 days prior to arrival. This is a mandatory online form that contains customs, medical and immigration information. Without it, the e-visa will not be valid.

What to see in Cuba?

Cuba is a popular tourist destination, in particular, tourists should see these 5 following tourist places:

- Havana

The capital of Cuba with the atmosphere of ancient colonial architecture, bright retro cars and the legendary district of Old Havana (Habana Vieja), listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

- Varadero

One of the most famous resorts in the Caribbean: white sand, turquoise water and luxurious beaches are ideal for relaxation and diving.

- Trinidad

An open-air museum city with perfectly preserved Spanish colonial architecture, cobblestone streets and a charming atmosphere.

- Viñales Valley

A unique natural reserve with karst hills (mogotes), tobacco plantations and picturesque rural landscapes is a true paradise for nature lovers.

- Cienfuegos

A city often called the "Pearl of the South" due to its French architecture, Malecon promenade and beautiful sea coast.

The introduction of a mandatory electronic visa for trips to Cuba has become an important step forward for both tourists and border services. Although this means another formality in preparation for the trip, the visa application process itself has been made as convenient and simple as possible. So, if you dream of walking along the bright streets of Havana or soaking up the beaches of Varadero, do not forget: now an electronic visa opens the door to Cuban paradise for you.

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Let us remind you! From May 1, 2025, Thailand has introduced a digital arrival card (TDAC) for all foreign travelers. We have already told you what TDAC is and how it will replace the paper TM6 form, what advantages this system provides, who needs to fill out the card and when exactly it should be done.

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