Cuba's Electronic Visa

In 2024, Cuba's government introduced the eVisa, or online visa, which will fully replace tourist cards by the end of the year. The purpose of the change is to simplify the visa application process. At this stage, the electronic visa is available only to citizens of certain countries, including Georgia, and is used for tourism purposes, which includes vacations and leisure travel. It provides a single entry into the country, while travelers wishing to make multiple visits to Cuba will need to leave the country and obtain a new electronic visa.

Visitors with an eVisa can stay in Cuba for up to 90 days.

What Happens to Cuba's Tourist Card

Cuba's tourist card is a permit that allows people who are not Cuban citizens the right to visit the country. However, as mentioned above, alongside the introduction of the eVisa in Cuba, tourist cards are being phased out, and by the end of 2024 will be fully replaced by the electronic visa, since the eVisa offers a much more convenient and flexible option.

If you already have a tourist card, you can use it until December 31, 2024. After this period ends, you'll need an electronic visa to travel to Cuba. The tourist card allows you to visit Cuba once, for leisure and vacation purposes, and stay in the country for up to 90 days.

The Process of Obtaining Cuba's Electronic Visa

The first step in obtaining the electronic visa is submitting an application on the electronic visa portal.

After the application is registered, processing begins, following which the visa is sent by email.

The time it takes to receive the eVisa depends on the processing method, which typically takes:

• 12 hours – if the application is processed under expedited service.
• 3 days – standard processing time

*Depending on individual circumstances, the timeframe for receiving the visa may differ from the official timeframes and may take somewhat longer.

Documents You'll Need to Enter Cuba

The electronic visa alone is not sufficient to gain entry into Cuba. To enter the country once, for tourism purposes, you'll also need the following documents:

A valid passport, which must have at least 6 months of validity remaining from the date of arrival in Cuba.

A completed D'Viajeros form.

The D'Viajeros form is an online document required for entry into Cuba. This form was created by the Cuban government, and completing it is mandatory for every international traveler. The form includes personal information such as full name and passport details, as well as travel details and information about your health condition.

How is it completed?

• The form must be filled out online before traveling to Cuba.
• After completing the form, the traveler will receive a QR code, which must be presented at Cuba's border along with the passport and visa.

It's also important to hold travel insurance that is valid for the entire duration of your trip.

So, if you're planning to travel to Cuba, it's important to apply for the electronic visa and get all the documents you'll need for crossing the border in order.