If you’re planning on traveling to Cuba, then there are a few key items that you need to organize in advance and one of those is a Cuban Tourist Card. All visitors to Cuba require a Cuban Tourist Card, including US citizens. Some Middle Eastern and African citizens require a Cuban Visa, which is different from a Cuban Tourist Card. There is no Cuban tourist card on arrival available in Cuba, so obtaining a Cuban Tourist Card before your journey begins is key. There are also different types of Cuban Tourist Card – namely Green Cuban Tourist Cards and Pink Cuban Tourist cards. This article on everything you need to know about how to get a Cuban Tourist card covers all these details, including the best place to get a Cuban Tourist Card.
The Cuban Tourist Card is being replaced. In January 2025, it will be superceded by the Cuba eVisa (you can actually use the eVisa now), I’ve written about it here. As you can still use the Cuban Tourist Card until January 2025, I am leaving this article here.
THIS POST MAY CONTAIN COMPENSATED AND AFFILIATE LINKS. MORE INFORMATION IN OUR DISCLAIMER
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!
Citizens of 19 countries do NOT need either a Cuban Visa or a Cuban Tourist Card to visit Cuba. Citizens of a further 20 countries need a Cuban Visa to enter the country. Citizens of all other countries including the USA, Canada, the United Kingdom, EU Countries, Australia and New Zealand need a Cuban Tourist Card to visit Cuba.
- If you need a Cuban Tourist Card then it can be purchased from an online supplier (we recommend Easy Tourist Card for obtaining Cuban Tourist Cards), the Cuban Embassy or consulate in your country, your travel agency, or the airline you are flying to Cuba with.
- If you need a Cuban Visa then you must apply to the Cuban Embassy or consulate in your country, or via an agency that works with them.
While the terms “Cuban Tourist Card” and “Cuban Visa” are often used interchangeably they are not. Cuban Visas and Cuban Tourist cards are not the same.
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.
Obtaining a Cuban Tourist Card is a requirement BEFORE you arrive in 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.
Entry Requirements for Cuba
The entry requirements to Cuba are simply
- Your passport must have at least 2 months’ validity after you plan to leave Cuba
- A Cuban Tourist Card or Cuban Visa if required.
- Medical Insurance is an essential requirement when traveling to Cuba – read our guide here to Cuban Medical Insurance
- If you are traveling to Cuba from a Yellow Fever area you must have a yellow fever certificate.
- You also need to complete a DViajeros form for the Cuban Government, this must be done in the 3 days prior to your arrival in the country. You can find the form for this here. I’ve detailed this step by step guide on completing the D’Viajeros form
TLDR: The Easiest Way to Get a Cuban Tourist Card
Obtaining a Tourist Card for Cuba the easy way is simple. Head on over to Easy Tourist Card – pop in your details, decide which Cuban Tourist Card you need, pay and they’ll courier your Cuban Tourist card within 1-3 business days, worldwide. You will need to include the number of tourist cards you need, first and last names, and shipping details. You’ll be couriered the blank tourist cards and you complete them yourself at home.
Buy A Cuban Tourist Card the Easy Way Now!
What is a Cuban Tourist Card?
A Cuban tourist card is required by the Cuban Government for your visit to Cuba if you are a citizen of the following countries
Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City.
The Cuban Tourist card is simply an official blank form that you complete with information such as your name and passport information. It is perforated and has two halves. One-half will be retained by the immigration authorities when you arrive in Cuba. You must retain the second half until you leave Cuba.
There are two types of Cuban Tourist Cards. Pink Tourist Cards and Green Tourist Cards. The only difference between them is that you need a Pink Cuban Tourist Card if you are traveling directly from the USA to Cuba, regardless of your nationality. If you are traveling from ANY OTHER COUNTRY to Cuba, then you need a Green Cuban Tourist Card.
Pink Cuban Tourist Cards
Pink Tourist Cards are required for citizens of those countries who require a Cuban Tourist Card, but who are traveling from the USA to Cuba. Note that this is direct. If your flight has a layover outside of the USA en route to Cuba then you need a Green Cuban Tourist Card.
If you are flying to Cuba via the USA then you need a Pink Tourist Card. Even if you are just transiting. Why? Because the USA does not have the concept of a “sterile transit”. In order to fly via the USA you need to enter US immigration (and also collect your bags) before then leaving again. And so you need a Pink Tourist card, because you will be flying from the USA.
Here’s what a Pink Tourist Card looks like and you can buy a pink Cuban Tourist card here
Green Cuban Tourist Cards
Green Tourist Cards are required for citizens of those countries who require a Cuban Tourist Card, but who are traveling from anywhere apart from the USA. Note that this is direct. If your flight has a layover inside the USA en route to Cuba then you need a Pink Cuban Tourist Card.
Here’s what a Green Tourist Card looks like and you can buy a Green Tourist card for Cuba here.
Who needs a Cuban Tourist Card?
Cuban Tourist cards are required by citizens of these countries to enter Cuba.
Albania, Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Faroe Islands, Fiji, Finland, France, Germany, Gibraltar, Greece, Greenland, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Monaco, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Turkey, Ukraine, United Kingdom, United States, Vatican City.
Who needs a Cuban Visa?
If you are a citizen of the following countries Cuban Tourist Cards are not valid for you and you will require a Cuban Visa, apply via the Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country.
Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Cameroon, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea, India, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Libya, Nepal, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, Sierra Leone, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Tunisia, Yemen, Natives of the Fujian Province in China
Who can travel to Cuba without a Cuban Visa or without a Cuban Tourist Card?
If you are a citizen of the following countries you can travel to Cuba without a visa for specific lengths of time.
90 days: Montenegro, Bosnia & Herzegovina, North Macedonia, Russia, Serbia, United Arab Emirates.
60 days: Grenada, St Vincent & the Grenadines
30 Days: Antigua & Barbuda, Belarus, Mongolia, Saint Kitts & Nevis, Saint Lucia, Singapore.
28 Days: Barbados, Dominica
Namibia
How long is the Cuban Tourist Card Valid for?
Cuban Tourist Cards are valid for 90 days (from 1 November 2022, it used to be 30 days apart from Canadian citizens. When you arrive in Cuba you may extend your stay as a tourist by visiting an immigration office in Cuba.
What do you need to get a Cuban Tourist Card?
A Cuban Tourist Card is simply a form that you purchase before you visit Cuba. You complete the form yourself, so when you purchase a Cuban Tourist Card you simply need the money to purchase it and either an in-person location to purchase it from or an agency, like Easy Tourist Card will ship it to your worldwide location.
How much does the Cuban Tourist Card Cost
The price of a Cuban Tourist Card depends on where and who you buy it from. You can buy it from your airline while traveling to Cuba. Each airline sets different prices, but the lowest that this is likely to be is US$20, but likely more. Example costs for Cuban Tourist Cards from airlines are
- American: $85 ($50 visa + $35 processing fee)
- Southwest: $50
- JetBlue: $50
- Delta: $50
- United: $75 ($50 visa + $25 processing fee)
Buying a Cuban Tourist Card online with Easy Tourist Card costs US$40.70. If you are flying direct to Cuba from the US the cost is 103.50 USD. The service includes a flat delivery rate of $50 for 1-3 business days’ deliveries.
Where & How to Get a Cuban Tourist Card
There’s no shortage of places to buy a Cuban Tourist Card and here’s where and how to buy Tourist Cards for Cuba.
Buy a Cuban Tourist Card Online
Buying a Cuban Tourist Card online is the simplest and easiest way to get your Cuban Tourist Card. Start here to buy your Cuban Tourist Card online.
Simply select which Cuban Tourist Card you need – pink or green
Complete the following details which will allow the Cuban Tourist Cards to be shipped to you
- Number of Visas / Tourist Cards
- First and Last Name
- Shipping Details
Pay for your Cuban Tourist Cards (credit card or Paypal)
Your Cuban Tourist Cards will be shipped to you worldwide within 3 business days.
Buy a Cuban Tourist Card from Your Airline
Most Airlines flying to Cuba will sell you a Cuban Tourist Card – but you should double-check to be sure. The cost of the Cuban Tourist Card from an airline depends on who you are flying with.
Buy a Cuban Tourist Card from the Cuban Embassy in Your Country
You can also buy a Cuban Tourist Card from the Cuban Embassy or consulate in your country. The price will vary and you should contact the embassy directly.
Frequently Asked Questions: FAQs about Cuban Tourist Cards
Got questions about the Cuban Tourist Card? Check out our frequently asked questions about Tourist Cards for Cuba below, or ask us yours in the comments.
Can you get a Cuban Tourist Card on Arrival?
No. There is no Cuban Tourist Card on Arrival. All Cuban Tourist Cards must be purchased before you arrive in Cuba.
How long does a Cuban Tourist Card Last?
Pink and Green Cuban Tourist Cards are valid for 90 days. This changed on 1st November 2022, it used to be 30 days (apart from for Canadians who have been 90 days for a long time. Buy a Cuban Tourist Card here,
Does the Cuban Tourist Card allow multiple entries into the country?
No. The Cuban Tourist Card allows a single entry to Cuba. To return to Cuba you will need to purchase and complete another Cuban Tourist Card.
What should I do if I lose my Cuban Tourist Card?
If you lose your Cuban Tourist Card before you enter Cuba, then you will need to purchase a new one. If you lose the retained half of your Cuban Tourist Card while you are traveling in Cuba, we recommend you contact both your travel agent and immigration in Cuba.
What is the cost to obtain a Cuba Tourist Card?
The cost of Cuban Tourist cards depends on where you buy them from. You can read about buying Cuban Tourist Cards in Cancun here. You can get an updated price on buying a Cuban Tourist Card from Easy Tourist Card here
Do Americans Need a Cuban Tourist Card?
Yes. Americans need a Cuban Tourist Card to enter Cuba.
Can you travel to Cuba from America?
Yes, you can travel from America to Cuba. If the last leg of your journey is from America then you will need a Pink Cuban Tourist Card, if you are a citizen of a country that requires a Cuban Tourist Card. If you are traveling via a different country (i.e. NOT America), then you will need a Green Cuban Tourist Card. (Yes, even if you are an American citizen).
I am traveling with children, do they need their own Cuban Tourist Card?
Yes. Regardless of how you are traveling and who with, each individual requires their own Cuban Tourist Card. Even if your children are traveling on your passport they need their own Cuban Tourist Card.
Do I need a Cuban Tourist Card if I am traveling to Cuba on a Cruise?
Yes. Tourists arriving in Cuba on a cruise ship require a Cuban Tourist Card.
What color Cuban Tourist Card do I need if my flight is leaving from the USA?
If you are flying from the USA to Cuba then you will need a Pink Cuban Tourist Card, even if you are not a US citizen. You can buy the Pink Tourist Card for Cuba here.
When should I apply for a Cuban Tourist Card?
You can purchase a Cuban Tourist card up to 6 months before your travel to Cuba. Cuban Tourist Cards purchased from Easy Tourist Card are valid for 6 months.
Can I extend my stay in Cuba?
The Cuban Tourist Card can be extended for an additional 90 days while you are in Cuba. Canadian citizens can extend also their initial 90-day Cuban Tourist Card for a further 90 days.
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 How to Get a Cuban Tourist Card
Obtaining a Cuban Tourist Card really is very simple, but it is a key requirement before traveling to Cuba. While the easiest way to obtain a Tourist Card for Cuba is to buy one online (We recommend buying Cuban Tourist Cards here), there are also other options of where to buy Tourist Cards for Cuba. We’ve outlined these here as well as all the questions that people have about Cuban Tourist Cards. We hope you’ve found it useful!
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4 thoughts on “How to Get a Cuban Tourist Card”
Thanks, the tourist card extention is something I did not K ow. Good news. I travel to cuba every year and can only stay 60 days max. This coinsides nicely with my retirement in Sept. Now I can stay for up to 6 months
Glad to hear! Enjoy your time there!
I just returned from a holiday in Cuba. I did not have a tourist card. I just filled the online visa application D’Viajeros.
why?
I’m not sure how you got on the plane without a tourist card. Did you have a visa instead?