How to Get a Cuban Visa

By globedrifters Cuba

How to Get a Cuban Visa

Planning a trip to Cuba? One of the first things you’ll need to sort out is your Cuban visa. Many travelers, including those from the US, Canada, the UK, and Australia, must have a visa to enter Cuba. The good news is that for most travelers, getting a Cuban visa is quick and simple—no lengthy paperwork or mailing your passport required!

In this guide, we’ll explain who needs a visa, where and how to get your Cuban visa, the costs involved, and what to do once you have it in hand.

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Do I need a visa for Cuba?

Most visitors to Cuba do need a visa to enter the country. Only a small number of countries are exempt. These are the countries that do not require visas to enter Cuba. If you don’t see your country in this list, then you’ll need to obtain a Cuban visa (sometimes called a Cuban tourist card) for your trip.

Travelers from the following countries must have a visa to visit Cuba:

• United States

• Canada

• United Kingdom

• Australia

If you’re unsure whether you need a visa for Cuba, it’s best to contact your nearest Cuban embassy or consulate for confirmation.

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How to get a visa for Cuba?

For US travelers, the easiest and most reliable way to get a Cuban visa is through an e-visa. We recommend obtaining it through Cuba Visa Services for a smooth, hassle-free process. The e-visa is valid for up to 90 days of travel on the island.

Important: As of June 30, 2025, paper visas are no longer accepted and the e-visa is the only form of visa available for most travelers to Cuba.

It’s a good idea to purchase your Cuban visa before arriving at the airport to save time and avoid last-minute stress.

If you’re traveling to Cuba from a country other than the US, check with your airline or your nearest Cuban embassy or consulate to find out the best way to obtain your Cuban visa.

NOTE: Everyone joining our 9-day trips to Cuba will be traveling under the OFAC category “Support for the Cuban People”. This is usually the category for many travelers who visit Cuba.

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How much is the Cuban Visa?

For travelers flying to Cuba on a US airline, the cost of a Cuban e-visa is:

• $50 USD for the visa itself

• Plus a $35 USD processing fee

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How does the Cuban visa work?

Here’s how the process works step by step:

1. Go to the Cuba Visa Services’ website.

2. Fill out the required information for your Cuban visa application.

3. Pay the visa fee and processing fee online.

4. Receive your Cuban e-visa via email.

Save this email carefully! You’ll need your e-visa number when you complete the mandatory D’Viajeros Advance Traveler Information Form, which must be submitted within 7 days before your arrival in Cuba.

Check out our blog on how to complete the mandatory D’Viajeros form for a simple walkthrough.

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There you have it—the essentials for obtaining your Cuban visa (or Cuban tourist card) and making your journey smooth and stress-free. For more tips on visiting Cuba—including accommodation, tipping, currency, donations, food, etc.—check out our other blogs. Happy travels!

Accommodation in Cuba

By globedrifters Cuba

Accommodation in Cuba

When it comes to accommodation in Cuba, there are a couple of options for most visitors: hotels and casa particulares. Hotels are almost all government-owned and -run while casa particulares are mostly owned and operated by private Cuban citizens. This is your guide on how accommodation in Cuba works and information about each type.

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Casa particulares in Cuba

A casa particular is a type of accommodation in Cuba that is similar to a guesthouse or bed and breakfast. You can find casa particulares in most large to mid-sized cities and in some smaller, more well-traveled towns in Cuba. You can identify a casa particular by the mandatory sticker with a blue anchor on the door. This indicates that it is a legal place of accommodation for travelers.

They are generally very safe and most casas have a small safe inside each room where you can securely store your valuables. 

Casa particulares are owned and operated by private Cuban citizens who often live on the property. A casa may consist of up to 5 – 7 rooms or as little as 2 – 3 rooms. On our 9-day trip, we only stay at casa particulares. 

The families who own and work at the casas will try their best to make you feel at home. Most Cubans are very friendly and love to talk to guests. In some houses, the family members speak English well while in others, they are practiced at communicating with their non-Spanish speaking guests simply by gesturing and smiling. Overcoming these communication challenges is part of the fun of traveling!

Many of our travelers have said that the casa particular accommodation in Cuba was a highlight of their trip. The casas provide you with a great opportunity to interact with everyday Cubans. They also offer a different experience than staying in hotels.

It’s important to keep in mind that in Cuba, replacement parts for basic things such as TVs, air-conditioning units, beds, etc. are hard to come by. If a part is needed, Cubans have to improvise with whatever they have and cannot simply order it online. Please understand that things might break and there is almost never an ‘easy’ way to fix it in Cuba.

What are casa particulares in Cuba like?

In most casa particulares in Cuba, each room is air-conditioned and has 1 – 2 beds as well as its own en suite bathroom with a toilet, sink, and shower. The rooms are comfortable and clean, but basic and will vary from casa to casa. Some provide shampoo, soap, and a hair dryer while others do not. So you may consider bringing these things with you from home for your travels in Cuba. Check out our blog on what to pack for Cuba to find out more about what to bring for your trip.

How much does a casa particular in Cuba cost?

Casa particulares in Cuba are generally much more affordable than government-owned hotels. The cost per night of rooms can vary. There are some with very basic rooms for about $25 – $30 USD per night while others are private and much more high-end. These can cost $100 – $200 or more per night. The casas we select on our 9-day trips are on the nicer end, but are not the most luxurious ones out there.

Most casas will offer breakfast for an extra fee of anywhere from $5 – $10 USD per person. This is included every morning on our trips. The breakfast usually includes eggs and bread, seasonal fruit, fresh fruit juice (i.e. guava, papaya, mango, etc.), coffee, and tea. Please keep in mind that there are shortages on the island so the quantity and what’s available will vary. Please also be mindful of the amount of food you waste.

PRO TIP: Bring a couple of sealable plastic baggies with you to take some breakfast “to go” or as a snack for the road during your travels in Cuba!

Can Americans stay in casa particulares in Cuba?

Yes! Travelers from the US visiting Cuba can stay in a casa particular. This is because they are owned by private citizens and not by the Cuban government/military which is prohibited by the US OFAC.

PRO TIP: If traveling independently to Cuba, you can easily find a casa particular on Airbnb.com. Note that we do not vouch for the quality or safety of any casas you may find on the internet.

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Hotels in Cuba

Nearly all hotels in Cuba are operated in conjunction with the Cuban military or one of its affiliated entities. This means that travelers from the US to Cuba cannot legally stay at most hotels in Cuba. We do not stay at hotel accommodations on our trips, but rather in casa particulares. This is the list of prohibited entities according to the US Department of State.

We suggest all travelers stay at a casa particular in Cuba to support the Cuban people and local economy. It’s also a way to have more authentic interaction with local Cuban people.

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Accommodation in Cuba is pretty straightforward and your best bet for a more affordable and authentic visit is to stay at a casa particular which we highly recommend. Happy travels!