One of the most frequent questions I get asked about my trip to Cuba is how to get a visa? Since the relations between the United States and Cuba are a bit complicated politically and economically, many people fear that getting to the country is quite difficult.
I have good news: getting a visa is actually quite easy! There are multiple ways to get one, which I will detail below, so keep reading.
Do you need a visa for Cuba?
Everyone visiting Cuba from America will need a visa, otherwise known as a Tourist Card. This means whether you are American or not, you will not be able to travel to Cuba from the United States without showing this special pink card when entering and exiting the country. For travel to Cuba from other countries (including Americans), the card is green and subsequently much cheaper. This post will discuss the process to get the PINK Cuba visa for Americans (or those traveling from America).
The pink tourist card grants visitors a 30 day stay with the option to renew it once for the same amount of time.
What are the Cuba visa requirements?
As stated on the US Embassy website, Americans traveling to Cuba may do so if they are going for one of twelve authorized reasons:
- Family visits
- Official business of the U.S. government, foreign governments, and certain intergovernmental organizations
- Journalistic activity
- Professional research and professional meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Public performances, clinics, workshops, athletic and other competitions, and exhibitions
- Support for the Cuban people
- Humanitarian projects
- Activities of private foundations or research or educational institutes
- Exportation, importation, or transmission of information or informational materials
- Certain authorized export transactions
In addition to choosing a reason from the list above, you will need enough space in your passport for an entry stamp. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after your chosen dates of travel. Travelers will not be able to leave the United States unless they can prove they have purchased a Cuban departure flight. When purchasing my Cuba visa/tourist card at the airport, that was the only piece of information I was asked for.
How much is a visa to Cuba?
There are four different ways to get the Cuba visa/tourist card. The cost for one may vary depending on which route you choose to go.
Online
Buying the tourist card online is very simple and helps to cut back on any anxiety you might have about traveling. There are many websites that offer this service; simply pay for the card (in addition to a fee) and they will mail it to you. This is also a good choice if you have a short layover somewhere before flying into Cuba (more about this in the airline option below).
A few sites to check out are Cuba Visa Service ($85) or Easy Tourist Card ($89). If you choose this route, make sure to leave enough time to order it and receive it in the mail prior to your trip.
From your airline
Many airlines flying to Cuba now offer passengers the option to buy their Cuba visa/tourist card directly from them. This was the route that I chose; it was very easy and the cheapest option for me, though the cost does vary depending on which airline you are flying. Check below for some of the prices as well as where to get it.
- Southwest: $50, buy online in advance, pick up at the airport
- JetBlue: $50, buy at airport (information desk)
- Delta: $50, buy at airport or get it through the mail in advance
- United: $75 ($50 + $25 processing fee), buy at airport
- American: $85 ($50 + $35 processing fee), buy online in advance and get in the mail
- Frontier: $110 ($50 + $35 processing fee + $25 mailing fee), buy online in advance and get in the mail
As you can see, different airlines charge different prices for the tourist card; something to keep in mind when purchasing your flights! I should also note that when buying tourist cards at the airport, it will be at the last port of entry before Cuba. This means, if you have a connecting flight in Florida before arriving in Cuba, that is the airport when you buy the Cuba visa. If you know you have a short connection, it may be easier to buy the card in advance using one of the online options.
From a Cuban embassy/consulate
It is possible to buy the pink Tourist Card from a Cuban embassy. The price ranges from $20-$75 depending on the location. I don't recommend this option unless there is an embassy or consulate easily accessible to you.
From a travel agency/tour group
If you are booking your trip to Cuba through a travel agency, most should be able to help with acquiring the tourist card. Many tour groups that plan guided trips to Cuba should also be able help with getting one.
My experience
When I visited the country in December of 2018, I chose ‘Educational activities' for my reason, since I was going to be taking Spanish and Salsa classes. I was never asked what my reason was once, but that was the one I had in mind, had I been asked.
At my connecting airport (Ft Lauderdale), I went to the JetBLue information desk where a staff member was waiting to help all of the people heading to Cuba. She just took my passport and my credit card and handed me back everything with my tourist visa a few minutes later.
As I mentioned above, the only question I was asked when leaving the USA was confirmation for my return flight. When I landed in Cuba, I wasn't asked a thing. And coming back to the States was a breeze too! Others may have different experiences, but mine was very easy and stress-free.
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Have you been to Cuba? What was your experience getting a visa? Share in the comments below!