What is a Cuba eVisa? Plain-English explainer

What is a Cuba eVisa?

The Cuba eVisa is an electronic single-entry tourist permit issued by the Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It replaced the paper tourist card for most travelers in 2022 and is now the standard document used by visitors arriving from the U.S., most of Europe, Canada, and Latin America.

Document type

Electronic visa

Validity

90 days, single entry

Issued by

MINREX (Cuba)

The short version

The eVisa is the document that authorizes you to enter Cuba as a tourist. It is tied to a single passport, valid for 90 days from arrival, and used together with the D'Viajeros traveler declaration. It is not a U.S. travel license — that is a separate question covered in our Cuba for Americans section.

What the eVisa actually authorizes

One entry into Cuba, on or before the date printed on the visa.
A stay of up to 90 days as a tourist.
Use of standard Cuban immigration channels at all major airports.

What the eVisa does not do

It does not replace your passport — bring both.
It does not exempt you from D'Viajeros (the entry declaration).
It does not satisfy U.S. OFAC requirements. U.S. travelers still need to qualify under one of the 12 authorized categories.
It is not available to Cuban-born travelers. Since July 1, 2024 they must use a Cuban consulate instead.

Who issues it

The Cuban Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MINREX) is the issuing authority. It is sold to travelers through authorized providers — most U.S. travelers buy it through their airline or through a specialized provider such as Cuba Visa Services. The price is typically around US$85 all-in.

How it differs from the old paper tourist card

Before 2022, foreign visitors received a green or pink paper card (depending on departure point) that they had to keep with their passport during the trip and surrender on departure. The eVisa replaces that workflow with a digital record. A few airports and carriers still issue the physical card on the day of travel — see our tourist card vs. eVisa comparison for which is which.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Cuba eVisa a sticker or stamp in my passport?

No. It is purely electronic. You print the PDF confirmation and present it together with your passport at check-in and at Cuban immigration.

Is it the same thing as a tourist card?

Functionally yes — it grants the same 90-day tourist authorization. Operationally no — the eVisa is a digital file linked to your passport rather than a physical card.