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The Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista)
Most visitors to Cuba don't need a traditional visa — you need a Tourist Card. This simple paper document, sometimes called the "Cuban visa," is required for most tourists entering Cuba.
Key facts: The Tourist Card costs $25-50 USD (varies by nationality and where you buy it), is valid for 30 days (extendable once for another 30 days), and is separate from the US OFAC requirements for American travelers.
How to Get Your Tourist Card
There are several ways to obtain your Tourist Card:
- Through your airline: Most airlines that fly to Cuba sell Tourist Cards at the gate or online before departure. Check with your airline 2-3 days before travel.
- At the airport: Available at most departure airports for Cuba flights in North America.
- Cuban consulate: Apply directly — takes 1-2 weeks but is often cheaper.
- Online services: Companies like Cuba Travel Services offer Tourist Cards by mail.
Green vs Pink Tourist Cards
There are two colors of Tourist Cards:
Green tourist card: For most non-US visitors (EU, Canada, UK, Australia, etc.). Typically costs $25-30 USD.
Pink tourist card: Required for US citizens and anyone flying directly from the US. Costs $50-100 USD. The pink card reflects the special US-Cuba travel relationship.
Important: The Tourist Card comes as a two-part form. Immigration will keep one half; you must keep the other half and present it when you leave Cuba. Don't lose it!
For US Citizens: The OFAC License
American citizens face an additional requirement beyond the Tourist Card. US law requires travelers to qualify under one of 12 categories of authorized travel, administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC). The most commonly used category is "Support for the Cuban People."
What changed in 2024?
The Biden administration tightened enforcement of OFAC compliance. While you're not required to apply for a license in advance, you must have a qualifying itinerary and keep records for 5 years. The "people-to-people" category was eliminated; most independent travelers now use "Support for the Cuban People."
The 12 OFAC License Categories
You must qualify under one of these categories:
- Family visits: Visiting close relatives in Cuba
- Official government business: Government employees on official duty
- Journalistic activity: Professional journalism or documentary work
- Professional research: Attending professional meetings or doing research
- Educational activities: Formal study programs
- Religious activities: Religious mission work
- Public performances: Participating in or organizing public events
- Support for the Cuban people: 🌟 Most common for tourists — supporting Cuban entrepreneurs
- Humanitarian projects: Volunteer work with recognized organizations
- Private foundation activities: Research by educational institutes
- Information export: Exporting information or informational materials
- Authorized export transactions: Export-related business travel
"Support for the Cuban People" Explained
This is the category most independent American travelers use. To qualify, your trip must:
- Include meaningful interactions with Cuban people
- Support civil society in Cuba
- Promote independence from Cuban authorities
Practically, this means: Staying in casa particulares (not government hotels), eating at paladares (private restaurants), shopping at private markets, and engaging with Cuban artists, entrepreneurs, and families.
Travel Insurance Requirement
Cuba requires all visitors to have travel health insurance. You'll need to show proof of coverage when you enter. Most airlines that fly to Cuba now include basic insurance in the ticket price, but it's worth confirming.
If you don't have insurance, you can buy it at the Cuban airport for approximately $2-3 USD per day. However, coverage is basic — we strongly recommend purchasing comprehensive travel insurance before your trip.
What to Expect at Customs
The immigration process at Cuban airports is straightforward but can be slow:
- Immigration: Present your passport and Tourist Card. They may ask about your purpose of visit — simply state "tourism" (or your OFAC category if American). They will NOT ask for OFAC documentation.
- Biometrics: Photo and fingerprints are taken at the immigration counter.
- Customs declaration: If you're bringing valuables (cameras, laptops, drones), you may need to declare them. Drones are restricted.
- Luggage screening: Expect to put bags through X-ray.
Note for Americans: Cuban immigration will NOT stamp your passport unless you specifically ask. They understand the sensitivities surrounding US travel to Cuba and stamp the Tourist Card instead.
Once you clear customs, the food awaits — read our tips on what to eat when you first arrive in Cuba.
Extending Your Tourist Card
If you fall in love with Cuba (and you might), you can extend your tourist stay:
Extension process:
Visit an immigration office (Oficina de Inmigración) in any major city. Havana's main office is at Calle 17 and Calle J in Vedado. Bring: your passport, Tourist Card, accommodation receipts, and approximately $25 USD equivalent in CUP. The extension takes 1-3 business days, so don't wait until the last day.
For dining recommendations, see our guide to Cuba's private home restaurants.