Cuba to replace tourist cards with e-Visas in 2025
Cuba will transition from physical tourist cards to an electronic visa system starting in 2025, aiming to streamline entry requirements and modernize travel processes.
The Cuban government plans to implement an electronic visa system to replace traditional tourist cards beginning in 2025.
This move aims to simplify and modernize the visa application process for international travelers, particularly Mexicans who constitute a significant share of Cuba’s tourism sector.
Goodbye to green and pink tourist cards
According to several Mexican media outlets, green and pink tourist cards will be phased out by December 31, 2024. Starting in 2025, these visas will no longer be valid, and travelers will be required to obtain an e-Visa to visit Cuba.
Pilot tests slated for 2024
This year, pilot tests will be conducted to transition to a digital visa application system, moving away from physical cards. The announcement was made during a meeting with local tourism operators and representatives of Cuban tourism companies.
Benefits of the electronic visa
Shifting to e-Visas offers several advantages for both travelers and Cuban authorities:
Apply online, simplifying the process for travelers;
Enable faster processing of visa applications;
Reduce the volume of paper documents;
Provide real-time tracking of applications;
Streamline entry and exit checks at border points.
A modernization drive to attract more international visitors
The introduction of electronic visas is part of a broader strategy to boost Cuba’s economy through tourism. In 2023, Cuba welcomed nearly 3.2 million travelers, including over 2.4 million international visitors, according to the latest data from the National Office of Statistics and Information.
