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Do American citizens need a visa for Cuba?
American citizens need a regular visa to enter Cuba.
US citizens need a Cuban eVisa (which replaced the paper Tourist Card in mid-2025) to enter Cuba, plus must travel under one of 12 OFAC-authorised categories. Pure tourism is technically not permitted under US law.
At a glance
| Visa type | Cuban eVisa (replaced the paper Tarjeta del Turista in 2025) |
|---|---|
| Maximum stay | Up to 90 days (per eVisa); extensions possible in Cuba |
| Processing time | Up to 72 hours online |
| Application fee | US$50 (Cuban eVisa) |
| Passport validity required | Valid for at least 1 month beyond departure from Cuba (Cuba's minimum), but US travellers should keep 6 months |
| Where to apply | Online via the Cuban government eVisa portal |
| Apply up to | Apply at least a few days before travel |
How to apply, step by step
- Confirm your trip falls under one of the 12 OFAC general licence categories (Support for the Cuban People is the most common).
- Apply for the Cuban eVisa online (replaced the paper pink Tourist Card in mid-2025).
- Arrange Cuba-specific health insurance (mandatory).
- Fill the D'Viajeros traveller declaration online before arrival.
- Keep records of your travel category and activities for 5 years (OFAC requirement).
Document checklist
- Cuban eVisa approval
- Cuba health insurance
- D'Viajeros declaration (online before arrival)
- Self-declaration of OFAC category of travel
- Round-trip flight
Frequently asked questions
Can US citizens travel to Cuba for pure tourism?
No — tourism is not a permitted OFAC category. Travellers typically use 'Support for the Cuban People', which requires meaningful interaction with Cubans and avoiding GAESA-owned hotels.
Can I pay with a US credit card in Cuba?
Generally no — most US-issued cards don't work in Cuba. Bring cash (Euros are preferred over USD).
Does visiting Cuba affect my future US ESTA / visa-waiver?
Yes — visiting Cuba (or several other countries) since 2011 disqualifies you from ESTA-equivalent visa-free travel and requires a full visa interview at the relevant embassy when visiting other countries that have similar rules.
What happens if I overstay?
Overstaying typically triggers fines, possible bans on re-entry, and complications for future visa applications to the same country or region. Always exit before your authorised stay expires.
About this page
Cross-checked against the official government source linked above and the Wikipedia article on visa policy of Cuba. Verified weekly against three independent sources.
Plan your trip to Cuba
Once your visa is sorted, here's what to book next:
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