As a Green Card holder planning to visit Cuba, understanding the visa requirements and application process is crucial. We at iVisa help simplify this process, ensuring you have all the necessary documentation for a smooth journey.
Understanding Cuba visa requirements for Green Card holders
There is this common misconception that Green Card holders in the US fall under different regulations than US citizens. However Green card holders are considered as permanent residents of the US. As a result, you will be under the same US jurisdiction as US nationals. The 12 OFAC categories apply to you as well as to any US citizen. You do not need to worry about Cuba not giving you a Tourist Card.
Pro Tip: Many travelers report that keeping digital copies of all documents, including your Green Card, can be helpful during the application process.
Essential documentation and requirements
When applying for a Cuba Tourist Card, you need:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
- Valid Green Card
- Proof of travel purpose (matching OFAC categories)
- Travel insurance coverage
- Round-trip flight itinerary
While you do not need much before your departure, when you get to Cuba you will need the following:
- Valid passport – the passport you have needs to be valid for at least another 6 months from the date of arrival in Cuba
- Tourist Card – this is the same as a Cuba visa that iVisa will send to you via postal mail
- A flight itinerary both to and from Cuba
- Travel insurance – this is a rule that began to take effect back in 2010
Application process and processing times
The application process through iVisa is streamlined and user-friendly. Here are the available processing options:
-
Processing Time |
Duration |
Total Cost |
Standard |
3-5 business days |
$110 |
Rush |
1-3 business days |
$130 |
Super Rush |
1 business day |
$150 |
-
Pro Tip: Based on customer feedback, selecting rush processing is often worth the extra cost for peace of mind, especially when travel dates are approaching.
Nobody finds application forms pleasant, but surely you will enjoy the form created by iVisa. It is short and comprehensive. You will spend maximum 10 minutes filling it in. If you need some help, we provide 24/7 support via chat or phone.
We understand that applying for travel documents can be stressful, which is why we've developed a simple two-step application process:
- Personal and travel information submission
- Review and payment processing
Download our mobile app to track your application status and receive instant updates.
The conclusion is that as long as you have a valid Green Card, you fall under the US jurisdiction. You can use one of the 12 OFAC categories to travel to Cuba. You can get your Cuba visa for Green Card holders just as easy as any American, disregarding your country of origin.
Green Card holders must travel under one of the 12 authorized OFAC categories when visiting Cuba. We at iVisa help ensure your travel purpose aligns with these requirements. Here are the most common categories:
- Family visits
- Professional research and meetings
- Educational activities
- Religious activities
- Humanitarian projects
- Journalistic activities
Pro Tip: Based on customer feedback, the "Support for the Cuban People" category often provides the most flexibility for travelers while ensuring compliance with regulations.
Understanding Entry Requirements and Documentation
When entering Cuba as a Green Card holder, you'll need specific documentation:
-
Required Document |
Details |
Validity |
Valid Passport |
Minimum 6 months validity |
Must be valid throughout stay |
Green Card |
Original or certified copy |
Must be current |
Tourist Card |
Pink version for US departure |
30 days from entry |
Travel Insurance |
Medical coverage required |
Duration of stay |
OFAC Compliance |
Documentation of category |
Throughout trip |
-
Pro Tip: Keep digital copies of all documents in a secure cloud storage service, as many travelers report this has helped during unexpected document checks.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Based on extensive customer feedback, here are the main challenges Green Card holders face when traveling to Cuba:
Immigration Status Concerns
Many travelers worry about their Green Card status. We at iVisa ensure your travel documentation complies with both US and Cuban regulations, protecting your immigration status.
Documentation Requirements
Some travelers find the various document requirements confusing. Our step-by-step application process clearly outlines exactly what you need, eliminating guesswork.
Processing Time Anxiety
Concerns about processing delays are common. We offer three processing speeds to match your travel timeline:
-
Processing Option |
Timeline |
Cost |
Standard |
3-5 business days |
$110 |
Rush |
1-3 business days |
$130 |
Super Rush |
1 business day |
$150 |
-
Frequently Asked Questions
Can traveling to Cuba affect my Green Card status?
Legal travel to Cuba under an OFAC category won't affect your Green Card status. We help ensure your travel purpose is properly documented.
How long can I stay in Cuba with a Tourist Card?
The Tourist Card allows a single entry and a maximum stay of 30 days. Extensions up to 90 days are possible but must be arranged in Cuba.
Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?
Yes, Cuba requires all visitors to have travel insurance with medical coverage. We can help verify if your insurance meets Cuban requirements.
What happens if I lose my Tourist Card in Cuba?
We recommend immediately contacting the nearest Cuban immigration office. Keep a digital copy of your Tourist Card as backup documentation.
Can I use my US credit cards in Cuba?
US-issued credit cards typically don't work in Cuba. We advise bringing sufficient cash or arranging alternative payment methods.
Why choose iVisa?
At iVisa, we've been simplifying visa processes for more than 10 years. Our customer service team is ready to assist if you have any questions about Cuba or the Tourist Card application. Contact us any time via our customer service agents via chat or WhatsApp.