Cuba Tourist Visa: Tourist Card and US Travel Rules

Most nationalities need a tourist card to enter Cuba. It is a simple paper card, not a full visa. The tourist card costs 20-100 USD depending on where you buy it. Airlines flying to Cuba sell them at the gate or during check-in. Cuban embassies and consulates sell them for 20-25 USD. Third-party services charge 50-100 USD with delivery.

Green tourist cards are for travelers departing from any country except the US. Pink tourist cards are specifically for travelers departing from the US. The cards are identical in function, granting a 30-day single-entry stay. Using the wrong color may cause issues at Cuban immigration. Your airline will provide the correct version.

US citizens cannot travel to Cuba for pure tourism under current OFAC regulations. You must qualify under one of 12 categories including Support for the Cuban People, journalistic activity, professional research, religious activities, educational activities, or humanitarian projects. Support for the Cuban People is the most commonly used category and requires staying at private casas particulares and eating at private restaurants.

Most airlines flying to Cuba sell tourist cards during check-in or at the boarding gate. The price ranges from 50-100 USD through airlines. This is the most convenient option as it guarantees you have the correct card version. Some airlines include the tourist card in the ticket price.

Cuban embassies sell tourist cards for 20-25 USD. You can apply in person or by mail. Mail applications require sending your payment, a self-addressed stamped envelope, and a copy of your passport bio page. Processing by mail takes 1-2 weeks. In-person purchases are same-day.

The tourist card has fields for your name, passport number, nationality, date of birth, and Cuban address. Fill it out in black ink with block capital letters before arriving at immigration. Mistakes cannot be corrected. If you make an error, you need a new card. Bring a spare tourist card if possible.

Cuba requires all visitors to have travel health insurance that covers medical expenses in Cuba. If you cannot show proof of insurance at immigration, you must purchase a policy at the airport from the Cuban state insurer (Asistur) for approximately 2-3 CUP per day (equivalent to 2-3 USD). Most international travel insurance policies satisfy this requirement. Carry your policy document.

US travelers do not need advance government approval. You self-certify that your travel falls under one of the 12 OFAC categories. Airlines may ask you to check a box indicating your category before boarding. Keep a record of your activities in Cuba that support your chosen category. OFAC can audit travelers for up to 5 years after the trip.

The Support for the Cuban People category requires meaningful interaction with the Cuban private sector. Stay at casas particulares (private homestays) instead of government-owned hotels. Eat at paladares (private restaurants) instead of state restaurants. Use private taxis and tour guides. Keep receipts as documentation of your private-sector engagement.

OFAC requires US travelers to maintain records of their Cuba activities, receipts, and itinerary for 5 years. This includes accommodation receipts, restaurant bills, activity payments, and a daily log of activities that support your travel category. While audits are rare, the penalties for non-compliance include fines up to 250,000 USD.

Jose Marti International Airport in Havana is the main entry point. Immigration officers collect one half of your tourist card and return the other half to you. Keep this half in your passport. You need it to exit Cuba. Immigration may ask about your accommodation and activities. Processing takes 10-20 minutes per person.

Cuba uses the Cuban peso (CUP). As of 2026, the official rate is approximately 120 CUP per 1 USD, though unofficial rates may vary. The CADECA exchange counters at the airport handle currency exchange. Bring clean, undamaged US dollars, euros, or Canadian dollars. US debit and credit cards generally do not work in Cuba due to the embargo. Bring all the cash you will need for your trip.

Official yellow taxis from Jose Marti Airport to central Havana (Havana Vieja, Vedado) cost 25-30 USD. Negotiate the fare before getting in. Private car transfers arranged through your casa particular cost 20-35 USD. Public transport from the airport is limited and unreliable. Old Havana is approximately 20 km from the airport.

US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba. Cards from non-US banks may work at some hotels and larger restaurants. ATMs exist but are unreliable and often out of cash. Bring your entire trip budget in cash (USD or EUR) and exchange as needed at CADECA offices. Budget 50-100 USD per day for mid-range travel.

Casas particulares (private homestays) cost 25-50 USD per night for a private room with bathroom. Book through established booking platforms that list Cuban properties. Hosts provide breakfast for 5 USD and can arrange dinner for 10-15 USD. Casas are typically cleaner, friendlier, and cheaper than government hotels.

Internet access in Cuba is limited. ETECSA sells Wi-Fi cards at their offices for 1-2 USD per hour. Wi-Fi hotspots are located in parks and hotel lobbies. A local SIM card from ETECSA with data costs 25-50 CUP for limited data. Coverage is improving but remains spotty outside Havana. Download offline maps and translation apps before arriving.