Cuba Ends Tourist Card, Requires Mandatory e-Visa for All Travelers July 2025

Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism has retired the long‑standing tourist card, effective June 30, 2025, and requires all international arrivals to hold a valid electronic visa from July 1, 2025. Travelers must apply through the official eVisaCuba portal before departure and complete the D’Viajeros online form within seven days prior to arrival to provide health, customs, and immigration information.

The government launched the eVisaCuba portal a few months before the July 1 deadline as part of a post‑2024 transition to centralize visa processing. MINTUR said, “With Evisa, applicants will be able to start their visa process virtually, from any device connected to the Internet. This platform simplifies the visa application and management process, eliminating the need for additional physical documents. In addition to its ease of use, Evisa also stands out for its user‑friendliness and contribution to environmental protection.”

Practical application requirements mirror the new portal’s promises: applicants need a valid passport, a recent photo, and a means of payment, and the e‑Visa is typically processed within 72 business hours. “In addition to the e‑Visa, travelers must complete the D’Viajeros online form within seven days prior to arrival. This form collects health, customs, and immigration information and is mandatory for all visitors, including Canadians,” the portal guidance states.

Visa mechanics remain specific and non‑negotiable: “Once approved, the electronic visa is issued as a single-entry visa and allows travelers to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. This stay can be extended once for an additional 90 days, bringing the total allowable time in the country to 180 days.” Expect airlines and immigration officers to check e‑Visas at boarding and arrival, since the tourist card will no longer be accepted after June 30.

One critical operational caveat at the time of launch: “One caveat: the eVisaCuba platform currently doesn’t support online payments. Each Cuban consulate handles applications and payments independently, so accepted payment methods may vary by country.” Some authorized travel agencies are offering intermediary services that include online payment options, but payment rules differ by consulate and country of departure.

The move was framed as a major operational shift for the travel trade. “This transition to an e‑visa system marked a major operational shift for airlines, travel agencies, and tourism stakeholders both within Canada and internationally,” MINTUR and tourism partners warned while Government of Canada travel advisories were updated to reflect the change. Canadians remain a significant market for Cuba; reports note the rule applies broadly, including Canadian citizens, though one incomplete notice referenced airline‑included handling for some Canadian passengers and has not been published in full. Check the eVisaCuba portal and your local Cuban consulate for current payment methods, application SLAs, and any airline‑specific boarding requirements as carriers and consulates adjust procedures through 2025.