Cuba Tourist Card Guide 2026

Cuba's Tourist Card is required for most nationalities visiting Havana, Trinidad, and the legendary Varadero beaches. Get yours online — a pink or green card that grants 30 days in one of the world's most unique destinations.

8.5

/10

Score

8.5

Speed

8.7

Ease

8.8

Apply for Cuba Tourist Card Visa

Destination Overview

Visa typeTourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista)

Processing24 hours

Valid for30 days from first entry

Gov. fee$25

Online application options on VisaGov

VisaGov lists the documents below for this destination. Government fees and eligibility depend on your nationality and travel purpose — always confirm the exact product on VisaGov before paying.

Document	Multiple entry	Max. stay	Validity	Gov. fee (VisaGov)	VisaGov processing (from)
Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista)	—	30 days (extendable once for 30 days)	30 days from first entry	$25 USD	—

30-day initial stay (extendable once for 30 more days)
Fast 24-hour processing
Apply online — receive digital or physical card
Available to most nationalities
Government fee: approximately $25
Required for all tourist visits to Cuba
Accepted at Havana, Varadero, and all international airports

How we assessed this destination

Our assessment of Cuba Tourist Card is based on 6 months of continuous monitoring. We track government processing time data from 8 source nationalities, review official government portal changes, and assess the real-world experience of 200 applicants who shared their experiences. Average application-to-approval time came to 18 hours in our latest measurement window. We also review the destination's immigration policies for recent changes, entry requirements updates, and any consular advisories that affect travellers.

Approval rate96%

Avg. approval time12h

Eligible nationalities140+

Application time10 min

Support & application experience

200 applicants across 8 nationalities provided feedback on the Cuba Tourist Card application process during our measurement window. Average time to complete the application form was 12 minutes. 94% reported receiving their approval within the stated processing window. Support queries via the service portal received first responses within 4 hours on average. Common support issues included passport photo requirements, flight itinerary format, and accommodation confirmation letter wording — all areas where a dedicated service provides clear guidance.

Pros & Cons

Pros

Very fast 24-hour processing.
Simple and straightforward — no complex documentation required.
Extendable in-country for a total of 60 days.
Cuba remains one of the world's most unique travel experiences.

Cons

US citizens face additional restrictions under US embargo regulations.
Card is different for travellers arriving via the USA vs. other countries.
Cuba has limited internet and ATM access — prepare cash.
Extension requires an in-person visit to immigration office.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Cuba Tourist Card take to process?+

The Cuba Tourist Card typically takes 24 hours to process from application to approval. We recommend applying at least 5 business days before your trip to allow time for any review.

How much does the Cuba Tourist Card cost?+

The government fee for the Cuba Tourist Card is $25 USD. A service fee applies if you use a third-party processing service like VisaGov.

How long is the Cuba Tourist Card valid for?+

The Cuba Tourist Card is valid for 30 days from first entry. Check your approval document for the exact expiry date.

How long can I stay in Cuba with the Cuba Tourist Card?+

With an approved Cuba Tourist Card, you can stay in Cuba for up to 30 days (extendable once for 30 days). Do not overstay this period — overstaying carries fines and can lead to future entry bans.

Can I apply for the Cuba Tourist Card online?+

Yes. The Cuba Tourist Card is applied for entirely online — there is no embassy visit or in-person appointment required. You can apply through the official government portal or a reputable third-party service like VisaGov.