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Do American citizens need a visa for 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
Compiled by Julia Heldmann. Cross-checked against the official government source linked above and the Wikipedia article on visa policy of Cuba.