Cuba to introduce e-visas in 2025

Cuba is gearing up for a digital transformation of its visa system. The Caribbean island plans to introduce an electronic visa system (e-Visa) in 2025 to replace the outdated paper tourist green and pink ones.

According to Cuban authorities, the existing tourist cards will be valid until December 31, 2024. The green cards are for most foreign travelers, while the pink cards are specifically for U.S. citizens, regardless of citizenship.

Cuba will test the new e-visa system throughout 2024 to ensure a smooth transition by 2025.

Background on e-visas: In March 2022, Cuba launched the VisasCuba online portal (visasonline.cubaminrex.cu) to provide visa information. However, for the time being, tourist visas are still processed in traditional ways: in person at the consulate, by mail or through official travel agencies.

Growth of tourism in Cuba: the introduction of e-visas is intended to simplify the visa application process and stimulate further growth in Cuba's tourism sector. In 2023, 3.2 million travelers visited the island, indicating a recovery in tourism after the COVID-19 pandemic. The largest number of tourists came from Canada (936,436), Russia (184,819), the United States (159,032), Spain (89,285), Germany (69,475) and Mexico (62,359).

Cuban authorities are expected to publish detailed information on the criteria and procedure for e-visas in the coming months to ensure a smooth transition to the new system in 2025.