When planning a trip to Cuba, a recurring question arises: Is Cuba tourist card a visa ? In this article, we will identify the differences between these two documents as well as the steps necessary to obtain them.
What is a tourist card and visa?
Before addressing the specific question of the tourist card for Cuba, it is appropriate to clarify what these 2 documents are and why they are essential when traveling abroad.
The tourist card
There tourism card, also called “ tourist card“, is an official document issued by the government of the destination country. It allows foreign visitors to enter the country for tourism reasons and to benefit from tourism-related services, such as accommodation, transport and cultural activities. The tourist card is generally valid for a limited period (for example, 30 days) and does not authorize the holder to work or study on site.
Visa
The Visa, for its part, is a temporary authorization granted by the country of destination so that the foreign visitor can enter, stay and/or carry out a specific activity (tourist, professional, student, etc.). The visa is affixed directly to the holder's passport and includes information such as the name of the visitor, the date of entry into the country, the period of validity, the type of visa and the special conditions of use (for example, the obligation to leave the territory at the end of the stay).
What about Cuba?
In the case of Cuba, there is no “tourist visa” strictly speaking : it's a tourism card which serves as a visa for leisure trips to the island. This means that people wishing to go to Cuba for a tourist stay must have a tourist card.
Who needs a Cuba tourist card?
Most foreign visitors are required to present a tourism card to enter Cuba. Citizens of France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada and other European Union countries must obtain one before their departure.
However, certain exceptions exist, such as those concerning Russian and Ukrainian citizens who can stay in Cuba without a visa or tourist card for a maximum period of 30 days.
How to obtain the tourist card for Cuba?
There are several ways to obtain a tourist card for Cuba:
- Nearby Cuban consulate in your country of residence. Fees vary depending on the country, but generally count between 20 and 25 euros.
- Through a travel agency or a tour operator who includes the tourist card in its stay in Cuba offer.
- By purchasing a plane ticket with an airline which offers the issuance of the tourist card when purchasing the ticket.
- Passing through a online service, you will receive the tourist card by post.
The tourist card for Cuba is valid for a period of 30 days, renewable once on site for a similar period. It is important to clarify that this extension must be carried out before the expiration of the first 30-day period, otherwise it will be in violation of the Cuban authorities.
What formalities must be respected?
To be in compliance during your trip to Cuba, here are the documents and conditions to have:
- A passport valid up to 6 months after the expected return date.
- A tourism card, duly completed and signed.
- A travel insurance covering medical and repatriation costs, for the entire duration of the stay. It is possible to take out insurance with a foreign company or, if you prefer, upon arrival at the Cuban airport.
Finally, it is essential to note that, even if you have a tourist card for Cuba, the authorities can refuse entry to their territory to any person who does not respect the admission conditions or presents a security risk from the country.
