Traveling to Cuba from Miami? This new visa will be mandatory starting July 1
The measure changes the entry rules to the island, imposing a major shift in the visa system, as travelers will now need to apply in advance.
The Cuban government said the process is available online and must be completed prior to boarding a flight.
Cuba launches electronic visa system
According to an announcement by Cuba's Ministry of Tourism, starting next week, the island will require an electronic visa for international travelers, who now face new visa requirements before entry.
'As of July 1, you may only enter the country with an electronic visa,' the Cuban government agency stated.
The new requirement does not apply to individuals who still hold Cuban citizenship. However, it will affect those who only hold U.S. citizenship, as the United States is not on Cuba's list of visa-exempt countries — a list that includes China, for example.
As a result, family members of Cuban citizens who hold passports from other countries — including children born abroad — will need to complete the visa process before traveling to the island, beginning Tuesday, July 1.
Applicants must visit the electronic visa website at least 72 hours before arriving in Cuba. The tourist visa is valid for a single entry, allowing a 90-day stay that can be extended for an additional 90 days.
Requirements include:
▪ Valid passport: The electronic visa will be linked to the applicant's passport, which must remain valid throughout the stay in Cuba.
▪ Valid email address: Applicants must provide an email address where the visa code will be sent.
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Is the traditional tourist card still valid?
Cuba clarified that, for now, Cuban consulates abroad will continue to issue the traditional tourist card, in both physical and electronic formats.
Separately, the Cuban government also extended until Sept. 30 the exemption from customs duties on food, medicine, personal hygiene products, and electric generators for non-commercial use.
Both measures come amid a deep economic crisis on the island, marked by widespread shortages of basic goods and ongoing blackouts.
They also coincide with a sharp drop in tourism, as the government attempts to revive what was once one of Cuba's main sources of revenue through new offers and investment efforts.
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