Will I get a Cuban visa stamp on my passport?

Last update: July 2025

If you’re planning a trip to Cuba, you might be wondering whether you’ll end up with a Cuban stamp in your passport, and what that might mean for future travel. This is a common concern, especially among travelers from countries like the United States, where political sensitivities around Cuba still exist.

Here’s what actually happens when you arrive in Cuba, how your passport is treated, and why this detail matters more than you think.

Do Cuban border officials stamp your passport when you enter the country?

Most travelers visiting Cuba for tourism do not receive a stamp in their passport. Instead, Cuban authorities issue and stamp a Tourist Card, which functions as your visa. This small paper document is separate from your passport and is collected when you leave the country.

Why doesn’t Cuba stamp tourist passports anymore?

Cuban immigration officials know that having a Cuban stamp in your passport can lead to extra scrutiny at certain international borders, particularly for US citizens. To help visitors avoid these issues, Cuba typically stamps only the Tourist Card, not the passport itself.

This policy has been in place for years and helps travelers explore Cuba without worrying about complications when entering countries with stricter rules.

Will I get a Cuba stamp in my passport if I travel for business or journalism?

It depends on the type of visa you use to enter the country. If you’re traveling on a non-tourist visa,like business, academic research, or press coverage, you may receive a passport stamp.

However, most travelers visit Cuba on a standard tourist visa, which is processed through the Tourist Card system. If you’re unsure about your visa type, it’s a good idea to verify with your visa provider before your trip.

Do US citizens get a Cuba stamp in their passport?

US citizens are part of a special category when it comes to Cuban travel. When flying from the US to Cuba, travelers are required to enter under one of 12 authorized travel categories recognized by US law. But even with these restrictions, Cuban immigration continues its practice of not stamping US passports.

Instead, travelers from the US are issued a pink Tourist Card (as opposed to the green version for other nationalities). This card is stamped and surrendered at departure, leaving no permanent Cuban travel record in the passport.

What does the Cuba Tourist Card look like and how does it work?

The Tourist Card is a small rectangular piece of paper that acts as your official visa for entry. It must be filled out before arrival and presented to immigration upon entering the country. Once stamped, you’ll be expected to carry it with you during your trip and return it when exiting.

There are two versions: green for most travelers, and pink for those flying directly from the US. Both serve the same purpose and follow the same procedures. Since the card is not physically attached to your passport, it’s essential to keep it safe—it functions as your official visa, and without it, exiting the country can be difficult.

What should I do if I lose my Cuba Tourist Card during the trip?

If you lose the Tourist Card, you may be delayed at the airport or denied exit until you get a replacement. You’ll need to visit a local immigration office, which can be time-consuming and may involve extra fees.

To avoid this, keep your Tourist Card securely, preferably in the same place as your passport and return ticket.

Can other countries tell that you visited Cuba if there’s no passport stamp?

For most travelers, visiting Cuba leaves no visible record in their passport, but it’s worth noting that your travel history can still be pieced together in other ways. Flight itineraries, booking confirmations, or electronic payment records could serve as indirect proof of your trip.

However, unless you are subject to a detailed travel history check, most countries will not detect your visit. For US travelers especially, the absence of a Cuban stamp in the passport helps reduce the risk of complications during reentry or when applying for future visas.

How do you apply for a Cuba Tourist Card?

We do not currently process Cuban Tourist Card applications on our platform. Travelers must obtain the Tourist Card from their airline, a licensed travel agency, or a visa service provider before their departure. The method for obtaining the card can vary depending on your nationality and where you're flying from, so it’s important to verify in advance what’s available to you.

Some airlines sell the Tourist Card at the check-in counter or departure gate, especially for travelers departing from countries like Mexico or Panama. If you're traveling from the US, the pink version of the card is typically included in flight packages or must be purchased separately through authorized channels.

Cuba Tourist Cards FAQs

What is the difference between a Cuban Tourist Card and a Cuban e-Visa?

The Cuba Tourist Card is a paper-based entry document for most travelers visiting Cuba for tourism. It’s not an electronic visa and must be obtained before departure. Cuba does not offer a traditional eVisa for tourist travel. If you’re entering for business, journalism, or other purposes, you’ll need a visa issued directly by a Cuban embassy or consulate.

Who needs a Cuban Tourist Card to enter Cuba?

Most travelers, including citizens from the US, UK, EU, Canada, Australia, and Latin America, must obtain a Tourist Card before entering Cuba for tourism. Some countries with visa exemption agreements may not need one, but for the majority of tourists, this card is a required entry document.

What’s the difference between the pink and green Cuban Tourist Cards?

The pink Tourist Card is used by travelers flying to Cuba directly from the United States, regardless of nationality. The green Tourist Card is for those flying from non-US departure points. Both serve the same purpose and allow entry for up to 30 days, but they are not interchangeable based on route.

How long is the Cuba Tourist Card valid and how long can you stay?

The Tourist Card must be used within 180 days of the issue date. Once you enter Cuba, it allows you to stay for up to 30 days, with the possibility of a one-time extension for an additional 30 days through local immigration offices.

Can I buy the Cuba Tourist Card at the airport or on arrival?

You cannot get the Tourist Card when you arrive in Cuba. Some airlines and departure airports offer it for sale at check-in or the boarding gate, particularly in cities like Mexico City or Panama City. However, availability isn’t guaranteed, so it's safer to secure it in advance through a visa provider or travel agency.

Do US citizens require a Cuba Tourist Card?

Yes. US citizens traveling to Cuba must obtain a pink Tourist Card and also select one of the 12 authorized travel categories allowed by US law. This requirement applies even if you're flying through a third country, as your point of origin determines which card version you need.

What documents do I need besides the Tourist Card to enter Cuba?

In addition to the Tourist Card, you’ll need:

• A passport valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date

• Proof of travel health insurance

• A return or onward flight ticket

• Accommodation details for your stay

These may be checked at the airport or upon entry, so keep them easily accessible.