Entrance into Cuba currently requires the purchase of a Cuban Tourist Card. They’re valid for 90 days (as of 1 November 2022, it used to be 30 days). Here’s how to get a Cuban Tourist Visa in Cancun without being scammed. It’s just one of the top things that you NEED to do before arriving in Cuba. There is no Cuba tourist card on arrival scheme, so follow our instructions for how to get a tourist card for Cuba here. We’ll cover briefly the types of Cuban Tourist Cards available and what the difference is between Green Cuban Tourist Cards and Pink Cuban Tourist cards.
Note that in January 2025 the Tourist Card will be replaced by the Cuba eVisa – I’ve written about that here. This article will remain in place until you can no longer use the paper tourist card.
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EASIEST WAY TO GET AN EVISA
Easiest Way to Get a Cuba eVISA
Buy online, get your Cuban eVisa without needing to visit a Cuban consulate, send money to the embassy. Buy from EasyTouristCard – an approved Cuban evisa vendor. It’s quick, easy and safe. Choose standard or expedited delivery!
General Information on Cuban Tourist Cards
All visitors to Cuba require a Cuban Tourist Card, including US citizens. It is ONLY if you are traveling from *some* Middle Eastern or African countries (and have those nationalities) that you will need a Cuban Visa (which is DIFFERENT) from a Cuban Tourist Card. We have an entire in-depth article on How to Get a Cuban Tourist Card here.
However, the Cuban Tourist card is often referred to as a visa. And there are also two different types (well colors) of tourist cards for Cuba.
How you obtain a Cuban Tourist Card depends on where you are entering Cuba from, we’ll cover the main places in this article.
You must retain unused portions of your TWO-PIECE Cuban Tourist Card until you leave the country. You must also obtain a Cuban Tourist Card before you arrive in Cuba. There is no tourist card or visa on arrival for Cuba. Our Cuban Travel Checklist details what else you need to do before you arrive in Cuba. Read more here, or sign up here and we’ll email you a copy of it along with other useful tips about traveling to Cuba.
Arriving at Havana airport is pretty different from other airport arrivals, so you’ll also want to check out our guide to arriving in Havana here. Plus, as the Cuban peso is a closed currency you can’t get currency before you arrive in Cuba – so read more about Cuban Currency in 2021 here.
EASIEST WAY TO GET AN EVISA
Easiest Way to Get a Cuba eVISA
Buy online, get your Cuban eVisa without needing to visit a Cuban consulate, send money to the embassy. Buy from EasyTouristCard – an approved Cuban evisa vendor. It’s quick, easy and safe. Choose standard or expedited delivery!
Cuban Tourist Card Types
There are two types of Cuban Tourist Cards. They both require the same information and look the same, but are just different colors. Green and Pink.
Green Cuban Tourist Cards
All travelers (aside from US Citizens) who are NOT traveling directly from the USA to Cuba require a green Cuban Tourist card (unless of course, you have a specific nationality that requires a Cuban Visa.) You can buy a Green Cuba Tourist card online here with Easy Tourist Card.
Pink Cuban Tourist Cards
You only need a pink Cuban Tourist Card if you are traveling directly to Cuba from the USA, or if you are a US Citizen. Get a Pink Tourist Card Here. If you are flying to Cuba via the USA – yes even not stopping, then you will need a Pink Tourist Card. Why? It’s because the USA does not have the concept of sterile transit. You never transit the USA, you always have to go through immigration.
What Does a Cuban Tourist Card Look Like?
Here’s what a blank Cuba Tourist card application form looks like. Note they’re in two parts. Both are exactly the same.
If you want to check the price at any time – contact customer services at your airline – Interjet have a great online chat service. If anything changes in the process for an Interjet Tourist Card Cuba they will be able to assist you in real-time.
How much is a Cuban Tourist Card?
The Cuba Tourist Card price depends on where you get it from, where you are traveling from, and what passport you carry. There are a host of “agencies” who will communicate with the Cuban Embassy for you and charge a small fee. We recommend Easy Tourist Card for a quick and simple service
- Pick up a Green Tourist Card for Cuba here.
- For Americans, you’ll need the Pink Tourist Card – available here.
Cost of a Cuban Tourist Card at Cancun Airport
The Cuba Tourist Card cost at Cancun Airport is 250 Mexican Pesos. (US$13.77, GBP10.88)
Cost of a Cuban Tourist Card online with worldwide delivery
- The cost of buying a Cuban Tourist card online depends on the provider and the type of card (Green for non-US citizens or Pink for US Citizens.) EasyTouristCard – referenced above quotes USD$40.70 for the Tourist Card with a flat delivery rate of US$50 for 1-3 business day delivery worldwide. Get your Green Cuban Tourist Card here
- Or pick up a Pink Tourist Card for American Citizens wanting to visit Cuba here.
Always read the guidelines from your government. Consider signing up for their notification services in case anything changes. This is the notification from the UK Government about Cuba entrance.
How Long does it Take to Get a Cuban Visa?
If you’re applying for a Cuban Tourist Card at the airport in Cancun it takes a few minutes to get a Cuban Tourist Visa. You give them your details, get the form, complete it and you’re done. If you’re applying by mail in the UK, then you can expect to receive it back within a week to 10 days. If you apply online then check the terms and conditions from the individual provider.
Where to Get a Tourist Card for Cuba
There are a large variety of places where you can get a Cuban Tourist Card. These include the Cuban embassy or consulate in your home country. You can order Cuban tourist cards online here.
However, if you’re already in Mexico or flying via Cancun Airport, then picking up a tourist card for Cuba in Cancun Airport is a cinch. But it’s not without the potential for paying over the odds.
Here’s how to get a Cuban Tourist Card at Cancun Airport – and how to avoid the scams.
How to Get a Cuban Tourist Card at Cancun Airport
If you are flying to Cuba from Cancun Mexico, then you can buy your Cuban Tourist card from your airline. You will need to provide details of your flight. (You can’t fly with one airline from Cancun and buy a Cuban tourist card from another airline).
Cuban Tourist Card Location at Cancun Airport
If you’re flying from Cancun to Cuba then you can get the Cuban Tourist Card at the customer services desk for your airline near check-in. As we flew with Interjet, they suggested just getting the Interjet Cuba Visa from the airport. Their process was simple. Arrive at customer services, show them your ticket and passport, ask them for a card, and then hand the cash over.
Buying your tourist card at the customer services desk means that you need to complete it yourself. If you make ANY mistakes you need to buy a completely new one.
If you are flying with another airline and want to get your tourist card Cuba at Cancun Airport, then simply approach their customer services and follow the same procedure.
Scams with the Cuba Visa Cancun Airport
As you approach the lines to check-in you’ll also be approached by touts who will ask if you have a card. They will start to complete one for you and then make up a price for the card, usually at least double. While waiting in line we heard them give three different prices to three different travelers.
If you want to pay the CORRECT, standard rate, we advise you to head on over to the Interjet desk and get one from there. You may have to join a short line, (ours had one person in it) but you’ll save.
FAQs on Cuban Tourist Cards at Cancun Airport
Got questions about Cuban Tourist Cards at Cancun Airport? Or want to know more about Tourist Visas for Cuba from Cancun and we haven’t answered your questions? Check out our frequently asked questions about Cancun Airport Cuban Tourist Cards below, or ask us yours in the comments.
Can you get a Cuba Tourist Card Online?
Yes. you can buy a Cuba Tourist Card online. We recommend Easy Tourist Card
Can you get a Cuban Tourist card on arrival?
No, it is not possible to get a Cuba Tourist Card on Arrival in Cuba. There are details here about what to expect on arrival in Cuba.
Is this in place of the D’Viajeros form?
No, the requirement to complete the D’Viajeros form is in addition to the Cuban Tourist card and you can find the link to it here.
My step by step guide to completing the D’Viajeros form is here.
What’s the Best Way for a Canadian Citizen to Get a Cuban Tourist Card?
If you are Canadian and traveling from Canada then the best way to buy a Cuban Tourist Card is to buy it from your airline.
What’s the Best Way for a UK Citizen to Get a Cuban Tourist Card?
The best way for a UK Citizen to get a Cuban Tourist Card is either from their airline or online.
- EasyTouristCard offers Cuban Tourist Cards with delivery via courier.
What’s the Best Way for a US Citizen to Get a Cuban Tourist Card?
The best way for a US Citizen to get a Cuban Tourist Card is either from their airline or online.
How long does a Travel Card Cuba last?
A Cuban Tourist card is initially valid for 90 days for UK, US, and Australian citizens. Canadian citizens also get 90 days.
How to renew a Cuban Tourist Card
You may be able to renew your tourist card for a further 90 days. To do this you’re going to need patience, reasonable Spanish and to start the process with plenty of time. You need to head to Immigration to do this.
ESSENTIAL TIPS FOR EXPLORING CUBA INDEPENDENTLY
These are the resources and booking sites that we use when traveling to Cuba.
-Get a Cuba Travel and Medical Insurance Quote from Visitors Coverage here –
Alternatively, Civitatis Insurance is a great option for the required insurance for Cuba.
Read about the Cuba eVisa, and buy your Cuban eVisa here.
Flying via the USA and relying on entry with an ESTA? Read this.
Book your Viazul Bus tickets here
Use Daytrip to book transport between cities AND to sightsee along the way
Pre-book and prepay shared & private shuttles here
Book the best FREE Walking Tours in Cuba
Reserve attractions, day trips, and activities in Cuba here
Get online in Cuba EASILY with a Cuba SIM Card – prepay for a Cuba SIM card here, or read my guide to Cuba physical SIMs here.
Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Cuba > discount coupon here
Book Accommodation in Cuba’s Casa Particular here
Final Words on Getting a Cuban Tourist Visa at Cancun Airport
If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Cuba from Cancun, then the process of getting a Cuban tourist visa at Cancun airport is pretty simple, but it’s not without the hassles of a couple of scams. We hope you’ve found this brief guide to getting a tourist card for Cuba from Cancun airport useful.
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10 thoughts on “Cuban Tourist Card – Cancun Airport Options & Experience”
Does every airline that flies from Cancun to Cuba sell Cuban tourist card? Do I have to purchase the card from the airline I plan to fly? Thanks.
Most of the airlines, if not all, from Canada do sell the tourist card for Cuba on board, but please do check with your airline, some visitors recently had a problem in this area. You do NOT have to buy from the airline you are traveling with, you can buy the Cuban tourist card from wherever you want to! Good luck and hope you have a fabulous trip!
Hi,
Thanks for the detailed post!
It seems there may be some contradictory info here though – above it says that you can only buy the Tourist Card from the airline you are travelling with ? We will be travelling with Euroairline and unsure as to whether they have a desk/will offer, hence this detail is super critical for us !
Thanks
Hi there, sorry, I’ve amended that slightly. That was for the airlines that flew from Cancun. At the time they advised that you could only buy the Tourist Card from their OWN customer services agent. The Tourist Card is a revenue opportunity, they will sell it to you. If they don’t have any, then the other airlines will sell it to you.
We are US Citizens going to Cuba from Cancun on Aeromar. Do we need the green or pink card? Thanks.
As US Citizens you’ll need a pink card.
Hi Sarah, I’m arriving into Cancun late (10pm) and have an early flight to Havana (7am). I’m worried nowhere will be open where I can buy a Cuban Tourist Card. I’ve checked and it’s not included in my flight ticket. Do you know if there will be somewhere open late/early? Thanks for your help
Hi Claire – my experience is that from Cancun, your airline will sell you a Cuban Tourist Card – their customer service should be open when the flight desk is open (It would be unlike them to miss a chance to make some revenue!). This is the way it tends to work for all airlines flying to Cuba.
Hi, how much is the green card if you buy it at the airport? thanks
It depends on where you buy it from, (the airlines or the people in the line). In 2017 it was 250 Mexican Pesos. I believe it might be 300 pesos now.