Cuba Tourist Visa

Anyone who travels to Cuba for tourism purposes has to get a Cuba Tourist Visa, which is also known as a Cuba Tourist Card.

As the name suggests, the Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turismo) is a document which is separate from your passport. It is not affixed in your passport – it actually comes in the form of a card, either in a light green or pink color. It allows the holder to enter the country for tourism purposes.

What is the Difference Between a Cuba Tourist Card and a Cuba Tourist Visa?

In most cases, the terms Cuba Tourist Card and Cuba Tourist Visa are interchangable. However, there’s a difference between the two in one specific case.

The Tourist Card for Cuba can be obtained in a manner of ways, as explained above, including online or through travel agencies.

Who Needs a Cuba Tourist Card?

Nationals of most countries have to obtain a Tourist Card before travelling to Cuba. However, Cuba has a visa-waiver agreement with certain countries which allows citizens of those countries to enter Cuba without a Tourist Card.

Additionally, some countries cannot enter Cuba on a Tourist Card – they need to obtain a Tourist Visa from a Cuban consulate instead (see below).

Do You Need a Cuba Tourist Visa?

There are certain countries, however, that only allow applicants to get a Cuba Tourist Visa from the Cuban consulate in their country – not a Tourist Card. Those countries are:

Therefore, if you are from one of the above-mentioned countries, you must get a Tourist Visa from the nearest Cuban consulate.

In all other cases, other than this one, when someone says “Cuba tourist visa” they likely mean “Cuba Tourist Card” and vice-versa.

How can I get a Cuba Tourist Card?

You can get a Cuba Tourist Card in one of the following ways: