If you're planning a trip to Cuba from an EU country, understanding the difference between a Cuba Tourist Card and a Cuba Visa is crucial.
Most travelers from the EU and the UK need the Cuba Tourist Card — not a visa. Find out how to get it in this blog.
Do EU citizens need a visa to enter Cuba?
Yes, all EU passport holders must obtain a Cuba Tourist Card (sometimes called a Cuba Visa) to enter the country. This is a physical document — not an eVisa — and must be acquired before you travel.
You won’t be allowed to board your flight to Cuba without it. The Cuba eVisa is a different document and is currently not available for EU citizens.
Green vs. Pink Tourist Card: What’s the difference?
Card Color |
Used when entering Cuba from |
Where to get it |
🟩 Green |
UK, EU, or any country except the USA |
Through Cuban Embassy |
🩷 Pink |
United States |
Directly at US airports or approved vendors |
💡 Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert:
"If you’re flying through the US (even on a layover), you’ll need the pink card. Otherwise, get the green one before your departure."
How to apply for a Cuba Tourist Card
Even though iVisa doesn't currently provide the Cuba Tourist Card, you still need to obtain it before your trip. Here are your options:
✅ 1. Buy It from an official vendor
You can purchase the green Cuba Tourist Card (for non-US flights) from:
-
Travel agencies that sell flight packages to Cuba
-
Online vendors such as VisaCuba.com (official partner of the Cuba Tourist Board)
-
Specialized visa services in your country
💡 Tip from Femke Strietman, iVisa travel expert:
"Make sure the vendor sends the card via physical mail, as it cannot be issued digitally."
🏛️ 2. Apply in person at the Cuban Embassy
You can visit the Cuban Embassy or Consulate in your country. Bring:
-
Your valid passport (6+ months)
-
Completed form (they provide it)
-
Proof of travel (flight details, accommodation)
-
Payment (often by cash)
🛫 3. Buy It at the airport (Limited situations only)
This applies only if:
-
You’re flying to Cuba from the United States, and;
-
Your airline or airport offers the pink Tourist Card
Note: The pink card is required for flights entering Cuba from the U.S., regardless of your nationality.
Documentation checklist for Cuba travel
Make sure you prepare the following documents for a smooth entry into Cuba:
Document |
Required For |
Valid passport (6+ months) |
All travelers |
Cuba Tourist Card |
Entry into Cuba |
Return flight confirmation |
Immigration requirement |
Proof of accommodation |
Hotel or Airbnb accepted |
Travel insurance |
Mandatory since 2010 |
💡 Ella T., recent traveler from France, recommends:
"Many travelers forget about travel insurance. Immigration officers will ask to see it."
Cuba travel tips for EU citizens
Planning ahead will make your Cuba trip stress-free:
- The Tourist Card is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days inside Cuba
- The Cuban Convertible Peso (CUC) is no longer used — bring euros or pounds and exchange them for CUP (Cuban Peso)
- Credit cards issued by US banks won’t work — bring cash
- Most internet access is limited — consider an eSIM or offline maps for navigation
- Exchange currency at official banks or Cadeca exchange offices — avoid street dealers for safety and better rates
Need more info about travel documents?
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Important Update:
We currently don’t offer this travel document. Please visit the official
Cuban Government website to apply for this visa.