how to get your tourist card

Would you like to explore the Caribbean? Get your Cuban visa and go explore this festive and colorful island! What steps should be taken? We tell you everything!

With its magnificent beaches surrounded by coral reefs, mountains covered with lush tropical forests and cities with colorful Hispanic architecture, Cuba is a delight for the senses. But the island is also famous for its extraordinary culture, in which music plays a crucial role. Staying in Cuba will make you real time travelYou will come across American sedans from the 50s and older, street cars wearing their hats and playing Rumba. But before admiring these miracles, some formalities will be needed. Which visa to choose for Cuba? What is a tourist card? Overview of the steps to take!

Do you need a visa for Cuba?

Like all Europeans, French citizens subject to the obligation. visa for Cuba To get on a plane to Cuba. For under 18 years old, visa application is also mandatory under the same conditions as adults. One of both you take a break At Havana International Airport, you are authorized to stay on Cuban soil for a maximum of 72 hours. Therefore, you will not need to apply for a transit visa.

visit Cuba
Visit Cuba © ThierryDehove

Where to get a Cuban visa?

The Cuban visa is a formality that must be completed before departure. It is not possible to pick up on arrival at the airport. can do Can be obtained in 3 different ways :

  • with mailby sending your request along with the necessary documents, Cuban Consulate.
  • directly Cuban Consulate In Paris or in the country you were in before the trip.
  • meanwhile online through an intermediary : visa services, airline or travel agency.

And You are passing through the United States To go to Cuba (even in the case of a short stopover), the visa only issued by the airline Who operates the USA/Cuba flight? It is not possible to go through an intermediary or to obtain one from the consulate.

What is the Cuban Tourist Card?

The tourist card is issued by the Cuban Consulate in France. If you are traveling to Cuba, it is mandatory to get it before you leave. tourist reason or family visit. This visa won’t let it work in place. If this is your wish, you will need to apply for a business visa.

Before starting the process, make sure your passport is appropriate to go to Cuba. This must be valid for at least 6 months from your return date. In addition, there should be at least 3 blank pages, 2 of which are facing each other. The Cuban Consulate reserves the right to refuse stained or damaged passports.

How is the tourist card presented?

visa for Cuba a two piece paper card, in the form of a loose sheet. These two parts to fill oneself specifying the following information:

  • Name and Surname,
  • your nation,
  • your date of birth,
  • your passport number,
  • exact dates of your trip.

Note that if the tourist card is crossed out, it will be automatically declined upon arrival. When you arrive on Cuban soil, piece will be separated and detained by immigration authorities. The other part will be kept It is kept valuable during your stay, returned to the airport when leaving the country. So you are not allowed to stick the tourist card in your passport, but you can staple to make sure you don’t lose it.

How long is this card valid for?

You have 6 months from the date of issue to use the tourist card. In place, You are allowed to stay for 30 days (29 nights) and the card is valid for only one entry for all foreigners. Again, possible to extend Your Cuba visaan extra month By going to the Inmigración office in Havana or any tourist city. All formalities are done on site and within one hour of your request. To get the extension, you need to provide the following documents:

  • your passport,
  • an insurance certificate,
  • return ticket,
  • A tax stamp of 25 CUC (about 20 €).

If you want stay more than 60 days To get the tourist card in Cuba, you will have to leave the country and redo the steps.

Visa application for Cuba
The formalities before flying to Cuba © luxpainter

How much is the Cuba visa fee?

The price charged to obtain the tourist card will depend on how you apply:

  • if you go directly to the consulate, official price 22 € per person. However, if you do third party request (excluding minors or mentally handicapped persons), a surcharge of 25 € per person not present applies.
  • if you request by post, the rate applied is 47 €will be paid by certified bank cheque (not your checkbook). Cash sent by mail will be rejected and returned.

How to get a business visa for Cuba?

If you need to go to Cuba, a professional environmentYou must apply for a business visa. As for the tourist card, this can be done at the Consulate, by mail or online through an agent.

The business visa must be used within 3 months from the date of issue. In place, valid for 30 days and it just lets you single entry in the region. This visa for Cuba cost 80€ €105 if you request it at the embassy or if the request is made by post or through an agent.

What are the documents to be prepared?

To apply to the consulate Cuba, available:

  • your passport,
  • Return flight ticket or certificate from your travel agency showing that you have a ticket to Cuba (electronic ticket is accepted),
  • completed official visa application form,
  • a payment method (credit card or bank check).

For request by mailSubmit the following documents:

  • A legible color copy of the first 3 pages of your passport,
  • photocopy of your flight ticket,
  • duly filled form corresponding to the selected visa type,
  • a stamped envelope (letter-tracked or registered) written in your name and address for the return of visas,
  • A cashier’s check for the amount of your visa payable to the “Consulate General of Cuba”. You can write a single check for several people.

Touch work visaYou must also provide:

  • one color passport photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm in size) in international standards
  • Invitation letter from the company hosting you in Cuba,
  • A mission statement from your company in France.

You will be asked separately when you arrive in Cuba. certificate document confirming coverage in case of illness or repatriation by your insurer or its bank.

How long does it take for a Cuban visa to be issued?

In place, at the consulate, you will receive the tourist card directly. For a business visa, allow it to be processed by the authorities for 6 days. if you make one visa application by mail or via an agent, the time required is approximately 2 business days, plus Post Office delays.

For security reasons, it is therefore advisable to at least start the procedures. 2 weeks before departure. It is possible to get your tourist card emergency, regardless of the method chosen. If the request is made and paid before noon, it will be processed and mailed the same day. If you choose this option, you will have to pay an extra €10 per person.

How to get an easy and fast visa? If you are unable to travel to Paris or are afraid that your Cuban visa will be denied, Fast Visa this is the solution! Vehicle approved by consular authorities, they take care of all the formalities for you. Simple and fast, you will not be able to give up their services for your future overseas visits!

Cuban coast
Once you have your visa in your pocket, head to the Cuban beaches © dzain

That’s it, do you have any valuable sesame seeds? NOW it’s time to plan your trip and dream ! For this, be sure to read our article about 6 things to know before you set off. But also on essential visits to the island. Did this article enlighten you? Tell us about your trip in the comments!

traveler’s toolbox ?
Prepare, compare and book your trip with our selection of must-see sites:
? Reservation: find your hotel/accommodation worldwide
? HomeExchange: #1 home exchange platform
✈️ Skyscanner: absolutely the best flight comparator
⏱ LastMinute: the best offers to leave at the last minute
? RentalCars: search and compare rental cars
? GetYourGuide: book unforgettable tours and experiences

Discover Morocco in 23 photos

10 beach resorts in Spain to bask in the sun!