Key Takeaways
• Cuba extends physical tourist card validity until December 31, 2025, allowing more time before e-Visa mandatory.
• All new visa applications to Cuba must use the e-Visa system starting July 2024; fees paid at embassies.
• Travelers must complete the D’Viajeros online form within seven days before arrival for health and customs data.
Cuba Extends Tourist Card Validity to December 2025: What Travelers Need to Know About the Shift to e-Visa
Cuba 🇨🇺 has announced a major change for travelers: the country is extending the validity of its physical tourist cards until December 31, 2025. This move gives visitors more time to adjust to the new electronic visa (e-Visa) system, which started rolling out in July 2024. The decision affects tourists, travel agencies, airlines, and anyone planning a trip to Cuba 🇨🇺 in the next year and a half. Here’s a detailed look at what this means, why it matters, and how you can prepare for your trip.
Who is affected?
Anyone planning to visit Cuba 🇨🇺—whether you already have a physical tourist card or are thinking about applying for a visa—needs to pay attention. The extension means you can still use your current tourist card until the end of 2025, but new travelers must use the e-Visa system. The change affects travelers from many countries, travel agencies, airlines, and Cuban immigration officials.
What has changed?
Cuba 🇨🇺 will no longer issue new physical tourist cards. Instead, all new visa applications must go through the official e-Visa portal at eVisaCuba.cu. The e-Visa allows a single entry for up to 90 days and can be extended once you’re in Cuba 🇨🇺. The cost ranges from about €22 to US$50, depending on your nationality. All travelers, no matter which visa they use, must also fill out the D’Viajeros online declaration form within seven days before arriving.
When does this take effect?
The extension is already in place. Physical tourist cards are now valid until December 31, 2025. The e-Visa system started in July 2024, and all new travelers must use it. After December 31, 2025, only the e-Visa will be accepted for entry.
Where can you get more information?
The official e-Visa portal (eVisaCuba.cu) is the main source for visa applications and updates. For the D’Viajeros form, you can find the latest version and instructions on the Cuban Ministry of Tourism website.
Why did Cuba 🇨🇺 make this change?
Cuban immigration authorities want to modernize the entry process and improve border security. The e-Visa system is part of a larger move to digital services. By extending the tourist card validity, the government hopes to avoid travel disruptions and give everyone more time to adjust.
How does this affect your travel plans?
If you already have a physical tourist card, you can still use it until the end of 2025. If you’re planning a new trip, you’ll need to apply for an e-Visa and follow the new online procedures. All travelers must complete the D’Viajeros form before arrival.
The Extension: Details and Immediate Impact
Physical Tourist Cards Still Valid Until December 31, 2025
Cuba 🇨🇺’s decision to extend the validity of physical tourist cards is a direct response to feedback from travelers and travel agencies. The original plan was to stop accepting these cards after June 30, 2025. Now, with the new deadline set for December 31, 2025, travelers have six more months to use their existing cards.
- No new physical tourist cards will be issued. Only cards already in circulation are valid.
- Travelers with existing cards can use them for entry until the end of 2025.
- After December 31, 2025, only e-Visas will be accepted.
Transition to the e-Visa System
The e-Visa system, launched in July 2024, is now the only way for new travelers to get permission to enter Cuba 🇨🇺. The e-Visa is a digital document that you apply for online, but you must pay the fee in person at a Cuban embassy or consulate. This is because of banking restrictions that limit online payments.
- e-Visa applications: All new applications must go through eVisaCuba.cu.
- Stay duration: The e-Visa allows a single entry for up to 90 days.
- Extension: You can extend your stay once you’re in Cuba 🇨🇺.
- Fees: The cost is between €22 and US$50, depending on your country of origin.
- Payment: Payments must be made offline at a Cuban embassy or consulate.
Mandatory D’Viajeros Online Declaration Form
Regardless of which visa you use, you must fill out the D’Viajeros online form within seven days before your trip. This form collects health and customs information and gives you a QR code that you must show when you arrive.
- Form link: D’Viajeros online form
- Deadline: Complete the form within seven days before arrival.
- Purpose: The form helps Cuban authorities monitor health and customs data for all visitors.
Step-by-Step Guide for Travelers
If You Have a Physical Tourist Card
- Check your card’s expiry date. All cards are now valid until December 31, 2025.
- Keep your card safe. You’ll need to show it when you arrive in Cuba 🇨🇺.
- Fill out the D’Viajeros form within seven days before your trip.
- Bring proof of travel medical insurance and your return flight ticket.
- Be ready for health and customs checks at the border.
If You Need to Apply for an e-Visa
- Go to the official e-Visa portal: eVisaCuba.cu.
- Complete the online application. You’ll need your passport and travel details.
- Pay the visa fee at a Cuban embassy or consulate. Bring cash or check the embassy’s payment rules.
- Wait for your e-Visa approval. You’ll get it electronically.
- Fill out the D’Viajeros form within seven days before your trip.
- Print your e-Visa and D’Viajeros QR code. Bring both with you when you travel.
- Have proof of travel insurance and return ticket ready for inspection.
Why the Change? Background and Policy Goals
Modernizing Entry to Cuba 🇨🇺
For many years, Cuba 🇨🇺 used physical tourist cards as the main way for visitors to enter the country. These cards, sometimes called tourist visas, were easy to get from travel agencies, airlines, or Cuban embassies. However, as more countries move to digital systems, Cuba 🇨🇺 decided to launch its own e-Visa portal in July 2024.
The goal is to make the entry process faster, safer, and easier to manage. Digital visas help authorities check traveler information more quickly and reduce the risk of lost or stolen documents.
Balancing Modernization and Traveler Needs
Cuban officials listened to concerns from travelers and travel agencies about the original plan to end tourist cards by mid-2025. Many people worried about last-minute problems, confusion, or delays. By extending the deadline to December 31, 2025, Cuba 🇨🇺 hopes to give everyone more time to adjust and avoid travel disruptions.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this phased approach is seen as a smart way to balance the need for modernization with the realities of international travel. It also helps airlines and travel operators update their systems and train staff on the new rules.
Implications for Key Stakeholders
Travelers
- More flexibility: You can still use your physical tourist card until the end of 2025.
- Clear deadlines: After December 31, 2025, you must use the e-Visa system.
- Extra steps: All travelers must fill out the D’Viajeros form before arrival.
- Offline payments: If you need an e-Visa, be ready to pay at an embassy or consulate.
Travel Agencies and Visa Service Providers
- Transition period: Agencies have more time to help clients adjust to the new system.
- Training: Staff must learn how to guide travelers through the e-Visa process.
- Communication: Agencies should update their websites and materials to reflect the new rules.
Airlines and Travel Operators
- Check-in procedures: Airlines must accept both physical tourist cards and e-Visas during the transition.
- Staff training: Employees need to know how to check e-Visas and D’Viajeros QR codes.
- Customer support: Airlines should be ready to answer questions about the new entry requirements.
Cuban Immigration and Public Health Authorities
- Better data collection: The D’Viajeros form helps track health and customs information.
- Improved security: The e-Visa system allows for faster background checks and document verification.
- Public health monitoring: The online form supports ongoing efforts to prevent the spread of diseases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still get a physical tourist card for Cuba 🇨🇺?
No. Cuba 🇨🇺 is no longer issuing new physical tourist cards. Only cards already in circulation are valid until December 31, 2025.
How do I pay for the e-Visa?
You must pay the visa fee in person at a Cuban embassy or consulate. Online payment is not available due to banking restrictions.
How long can I stay in Cuba 🇨🇺 with an e-Visa?
The e-Visa allows a single entry for up to 90 days. You can apply for an extension once you’re in the country.
Do I need to fill out the D’Viajeros form if I have a tourist card?
Yes. All travelers, no matter which visa they use, must complete the D’Viajeros online declaration form within seven days before arrival.
Where can I find the D’Viajeros form?
You can access the form on the official D’Viajeros website.
Looking Ahead: What to Expect After 2025
After December 31, 2025, physical tourist cards will no longer be valid for entry to Cuba 🇨🇺. All travelers will need to use the e-Visa system and complete the D’Viajeros form. Cuban authorities may continue to improve the e-Visa portal and payment process, possibly adding more digital tools to make travel easier and safer.
Travelers planning trips for 2026 and beyond should:
- Familiarize themselves with the e-Visa application process.
- Check for updates on the official e-Visa portal.
- Prepare for possible changes in health and customs requirements.
Official Resources and Support
- e-Visa Portal: eVisaCuba.cu (official site for visa applications)
- D’Viajeros Form: D’Viajeros online form
- Cuban Ministry of Tourism: mintur.gob.cu (official travel information)
- Cuban Embassies and Consulates: For payment and visa support, contact your nearest Cuban embassy or consulate.
- Travel Assistance: For updates and help with Cuban travel documents, you can also email [email protected] or visit www.greenoutdoors.in.
Takeaways and Next Steps
- If you already have a physical tourist card, you can use it until December 31, 2025. Make sure to fill out the D’Viajeros form before your trip.
- If you’re planning a new trip, apply for an e-Visa through the official portal and pay the fee at a Cuban embassy or consulate.
- All travelers must complete the D’Viajeros online form within seven days before arrival to get a QR code for entry.
- Stay informed by checking the official e-Visa portal and Cuban Ministry of Tourism website for updates.
Cuba 🇨🇺’s extension of tourist card validity and the shift to a digital e-Visa system reflect a careful approach to modernization. By giving travelers, agencies, and airlines more time to adapt, the government aims to make the transition as smooth as possible. Whether you’re holding a tourist card or applying for an e-Visa, understanding these new rules will help you plan your trip with confidence and avoid surprises at the border.
Learn Today
Physical Tourist Card → A paper document allowing entry to Cuba; valid until December 31, 2025, not issued anymore.
e-Visa → A digital visa applied for online that permits a 90-day single entry to Cuba.
D’Viajeros Form → An online health and customs declaration required from all travelers within seven days before arrival.
Cuban Embassy → Official Cuban government offices abroad where travelers pay e-Visa fees and seek visa assistance.
Visa Extension → The ability to lengthen the stay in Cuba beyond 90 days after entering on an e-Visa.
This Article in a Nutshell
Cuba extends tourist card validity to December 2025, easing transition to mandatory e-Visa system launched July 2024. Travelers must apply online, pay at embassies, and complete a required health form. This phased approach balances modernization with traveler needs, providing flexibility during the shift to digital entry processes.
— By VisaVerge.com
