Starting July 1, 2025, Cuba is finally stepping into the digital age. The classic tourist card we’ve all been juggling for decades? Gone. Replaced by a slick new eVisa system that promises less paperwork, less queuing — and more time to sip mojitos.
Sure, there are still some classic Cuban quirks, but now it’s all online. No more embassy visits, no awkward printouts, and definitely no glue sticks.
So how do you get into Cuba now?
Simple: you apply for an eVisa via the official Evisa platform — no consulate appointments, no paper chaos.
The eVisa gives you:
- A single-entry to Cuba
- Up to 90 days of Caribbean bliss
- A chance to extend your stay while on the island
In other words, it’s basically the old tourist card, but with fewer trees harmed.
How to apply (aka How Not to Panic):
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Fill out the online form
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Upload a copy of your passport
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Pay the visa fee
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Wait for your approval (you’ll get it by email in 72 working hours)
Visa fees vary depending on your nationality:
- Standard fee: $25 USD
- U.S. citizens: $50 USD (because… politics)
- EU citizens: 22 EUR (~$23 USD)
- Mexican citizens: 575 MXN (~$27 USD)
Honestly? It’s cheaper than a night out in Havana.
Who doesn’t need an eVisa?
Lucky you if:
- You’re a permanent resident of Cuba
- You’re from a country with a visa-free agreement (hello Belarus)
- You’re a Canadian flying directly from Canada — the visa fee is already baked into your airfare
But if you’re from Ukraine, Mexico, or any of the not-so-lucky passport holders, the eVisa is a must.
One more thing — the D’Viajeros form
Even with a visa in hand, you still need to complete the D’Viajeros form before departure. It’s Cuba’s way of asking, “Who are you, what do you carry, and how’s your health?”
The form includes:
- Passport info
- Health declarations
- Customs details
You fill it out online before your flight. It’ll be checked at boarding and again when you arrive. No form — no Cuba.
Why Cuba went digital
Let’s be honest: Cuban tourism has been… not great lately. In 2024, international arrivals didn’t even hit 50% of pre-COVID numbers. So the government decided to simplify entry — hoping to lure back tourists and attract the digital-savvy nomads who expect paperwork to be one-click-and-done.
The eVisa platform existed before — but now it’s the only official way to get in.
Real travel drama: don’t be that person
Here’s what not to do — based on a true story.
A traveler flew Istanbul–Frankfurt–Cancun with Lufthansa. No return ticket from Mexico? No problem, right? Wrong. Security wouldn’t let her check in. First, they demanded a return ticket — any ticket. She bought one to Guatemala. They said nope — it had to be to her country of citizenship.
Cue tears, panic, questioning, phone calls. She showed hotel bookings and claimed her mom was waiting in Mexico. After 20 minutes of silent drama and desk whispers, they finally let her board.
Moral of the story: Always have a return ticket. Don’t play roulette with airline security. They’re not known for their sense of humor.
So… Why go through all this for Cuba?
Because Cuba is like nowhere else.
Where else can you:
- Cruise past crumbling mansions in a candy-colored 1957 convertible?
- Dance to live salsa on a random street corner — and mean it?
- Sip rum that costs less than bottled water — while the Wi-Fi barely loads?
Havana feels like a movie set that forgot it’s a movie. Faded colonial buildings, music at every turn, rooftop bars with ocean views, and old men playing dominoes like their lives depend on it.
It’s hot. It’s chaotic. It’s unforgettable.
And yes — it’s 100% worth the paperwork.
📱 Essential Travel Tools
- ✈️ Flights: Aviasales
- 🏨 Hotels & stays: Booking.com
- 🚗 Car rental in Albania: Local Rent
- 🧭 Tours & activities: GetYourGuide
