Cuba Visa for United States Citizens 2026 - Requirements, Fees & Processing

Overview

Planning a trip to Cuba as an American citizen? You need both a Cuban e-Visa (Tourist Card) and must travel under one of 12 authorized OFAC categories. The most common is 'Support for the Cuban People,' which requires staying at private accommodations and eating at private restaurants. The Cuban e-Visa costs $50, takes about 72 hours to process, and allows stays of up to 90 days. With proper documentation, approval rates exceed 95%.

Visa Application process

Step 1: Choose Your OFAC Category Determine which of the 12 authorized categories applies to your travel.2 For most individual travelers, “Support for the Cuban People” is the appropriate choice. This requires: • Staying at casas particulares (private homes) instead of government-owned hotels • Eating at paladares (private restaurants) • Using private transportation • Engaging with independent Cuban businesses and entrepreneurs Step 2: Apply for the Cuban e-Visa Apply online at evisacuba.cu or through authorized providers.4 You will need: • Valid US passport (at least 6 months validity) • Email address • Payment of $50 fee Most applications are processed within 72 business hours.4 You receive your e-Visa number via email. Step 3: Purchase Travel Insurance Cuba requires travel insurance with medical coverage.3 Your policy must: • Cover at least $25,000 in medical expenses • Include emergency evacuation and repatriation • Be valid for your entire stay • Explicitly cover travel in Cuba Step 4: Complete the D’Viajeros Form Within 7 days of your arrival, complete the online entry form at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu.5 You need: • Passport details • e-Visa number • Flight information • Accommodation address in Cuba After submission, you receive a QR code by email. Save this to your phone and print a backup.5 Step 5: Book OFAC-Compliant Accommodations For “Support for the Cuban People” travel, book only private accommodations.6 Options include: • Casas particulares listed on Airbnb • Independent Cuban-owned guesthouses • Private room rentals Avoid government-owned hotels from the Cuba Restricted List.1

Visa Application Steps

Step 1: Choose Your OFAC Category
Step 2: Apply for the Cuban e-Visa
Step 3: Purchase Travel Insurance
Step 4: Complete the D’Viajeros Form
Step 5: Book OFAC-Compliant Accommodations

Visa Fees breakdown

Item: Cost	Cuban e-Visa (Tourist Card): $50	Travel Insurance: $50-150 (varies by policy)	D’Viajeros Form: Free	Airlines may charge an additional fee for Cuba travel. Check with your airline when booking.

Airlines may charge an additional fee for travel. Check with your airline when booking.

Required documents

Valid US Passport
Cuban e-Visa (Tourist Card)
OFAC Travel Category
Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage
D'Viajeros Digital Entry Form
Return or Onward Ticket
Proof of Accommodation
Sufficient Funds

Valid US Passport

Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your planned entry date to Cuba • Must be a biometric passport with chip; • At least one blank page for entry stamp; • Passport number required for e-Visa application] (Tip: Check your passport expiry date before applyingDamaged passports may cause issues at immigration)

Cuban e-Visa (Tourist Card)

Electronic visa required for entry to Cuba, obtained online before travel • Apply through official eVisaCuba portal or authorized providers; • Valid for single entry; • Must match passport information exactly; • Receive visa number via email within 72 business hours] (Tip: Apply at least 7 days before travelKeep your e-Visa number accessible for the D'Viajeros form)

OFAC Travel Category

US citizens must travel under one of 12 authorized categories per Treasury Department regulations • Most common: 'Support for the Cuban People'; • Other categories: family visits, journalism, educational activities, religious activities, humanitarian projects; • Pure tourism is not permitted under US law; • Self-certify your category when booking flights] (Tip: Support for Cuban People requires staying at private accommodations (casas particulares) and eating at private restaurants (paladares)Keep records of your authorized activities for at least 5 years)

Travel Insurance with Medical Coverage

Cuba requires all visitors to have travel insurance with minimum medical coverage valid in Cuba • Minimum $25,000 USD medical coverage recommended; • Must cover emergency treatment and hospitalization; • Policy must be valid for entire stay in Cuba; • Must include medical evacuation and repatriation] (Tip: Purchase from insurers that explicitly cover CubaSome airlines include basic coverage in ticket priceImmigration may ask for proof of insurance at entry)

D'Viajeros Digital Entry Form

Online health and customs declaration form that must be completed before arrival • Complete at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu within 7 days of arrival; • Enter your e-Visa number when filling out the form; • Receive QR code via email after submission; • QR code required at Cuban immigration] (Tip: Complete 48-72 hours before departureSave QR code to your phone and print a backup)

Return or Onward Ticket

Proof of departure from Cuba is required for entry • Must show confirmed return or onward travel; • Immigration may ask to see your ticket] (Tip: Book refundable or flexible tickets if your plans may change)

Proof of Accommodation

Documentation of where you will stay in Cuba • Hotel reservations or casa particular booking; • Address required for D'Viajeros form; • For 'Support for Cuban People' category, private accommodations are required] (Tip: Casas particulares (private homes) support the Cuban private sectorAirbnb operates in Cuba for private rentals)

Sufficient Funds

Proof you can support yourself during your stay • Bring cash in Euros, Canadian dollars, or other currencies (not US dollars); • US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba; • Exchange currency at airports, hotels, or CADECAs] (Tip: Bring more cash than you think you needEuros generally get better exchange rates than USDATMs are unreliable and may not accept foreign cards)

If your application is denied

Cuban e-Visa denials are uncommon but can happen due to:
Technical Issues:
Incomplete application
Passport information errors
Payment problems
If denied for technical reasons, correct the errors and reapply.
Administrative Denial:
Review the rejection notice and ensure you meet all entry requirements. Common issues include:
Passport validity less than 6 months
Missing travel insurance
Security concerns (rare)
For administrative denials, you may contact the Cuban consulate for guidance.

Comparison

Item	Cost
Cuban e-Visa (Tourist Card)	$50
Travel Insurance	$50-150 (varies by policy)
D’Viajeros Form	Free

Common rejection reasons

%	Reason
35%	Incomplete e-Visa Application
25%	Inadequate Travel Insurance
20%	OFAC Category Non-Compliance
12%	Missing D'Viajeros Form
8%	Passport Issues

35% - Incomplete e-Visa Application

How to avoid: Double-check all information matches your passport exactly. Complete all required fields before submitting.

25% - Inadequate Travel Insurance

How to avoid: Verify your policy includes at least $25,000 medical coverage and specifically mentions Cuba. Carry printed proof of insurance.

20% - OFAC Category Non-Compliance

How to avoid: For Support for Cuban People, book only private accommodations (casas particulares) and private restaurants (paladares). Keep detailed records of your activities.

12% - Missing D'Viajeros Form

How to avoid: Complete the D'Viajeros form 48-72 hours before departure. Save your QR code to your phone and print a backup copy.

8% - Passport Issues

How to avoid: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months beyond your planned entry date and in good condition.

Frequently asked questions

Can Americans travel to Cuba for tourism?

Not exactly. US law prohibits 'pure tourism' to Cuba. However, Americans can travel under one of 12 authorized OFAC categories. The most accessible is 'Support for the Cuban People,' which allows travel if you stay at private accommodations, eat at private restaurants, and engage with Cuban citizens rather than government entities.

What is the Support for the Cuban People travel category?

This is the most common way Americans visit Cuba. You must maintain a full schedule of activities that support the Cuban private sector: stay in casas particulares (private homes), eat at paladares (private restaurants), use private taxis, and engage with independent Cuban entrepreneurs and artists. Avoid government-owned hotels and tour groups.

How do I get a Cuban e-Visa as an American?

Apply online at evisacuba.cu or through authorized providers like Easy Tourist Card. You need your passport details and $50 payment. The e-Visa is processed within 72 business hours. As of July 1, 2026, the e-Visa replaced the paper Tourist Card for all travelers.

Do I need to apply for an OFAC license to visit Cuba?

No specific OFAC license is required if you qualify under one of the 12 general license categories. You self-certify your travel category when booking flights. However, you must keep records of your activities for at least 5 years in case of audit.

Can I use my US credit card in Cuba?

No. US credit and debit cards do not work in Cuba due to the embargo. Bring sufficient cash in Euros, Canadian dollars, British pounds, or other currencies. US dollars can be exchanged but may receive less favorable rates and face surcharges.

What is the D'Viajeros form?

D'Viajeros is a mandatory digital health and customs declaration required for all travelers to Cuba. Complete it online at dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu within 7 days of arrival. You receive a QR code that immigration officers scan upon entry.

How long can I stay in Cuba?

The Cuban e-Visa allows stays of up to 90 days. You can extend for an additional 90 days by visiting a Cuban immigration office while in Cuba, for a maximum total stay of 180 days.

Will visiting Cuba affect my ESTA eligibility?

Yes. If you travel to Cuba after January 12, 2021, you are no longer eligible for ESTA visa-free travel to the United States from Visa Waiver Program countries. This primarily affects dual citizens or those who also hold passports from VWP countries.

What happens if I violate OFAC travel rules?

OFAC violations can result in civil penalties up to $55,000 per violation, plus criminal penalties including fines and imprisonment for willful violations. Keep detailed records of your activities, accommodations, and expenses for at least 5 years.

Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?

Yes. Cuba requires all visitors to have travel insurance with medical coverage valid in Cuba. Immigration may ask for proof of insurance upon arrival. Purchase insurance that explicitly covers Cuba with at least $25,000 in medical coverage.

Apply for Cuba tourist visa online

Sources

U.S. Embassy in Cuba - Traveling to Cuba

https://cu.usembassy.gov/services/traveling-to-cuba/

U.S. Treasury OFAC - Cuba Sanctions

https://ofac.treasury.gov/faqs/topic/1541

Official Cuban Tourism Portal

https://www.cubatravel.cu/en/useful-information/regulations-and-formalities

eVisaCuba Official Portal

https://evisacuba.cu/en/inicio

D'Viajeros Entry Form Portal

https://dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu/

31 CFR 515.574 - Support for the Cuban People

https://www.ecfr.gov/current/title-31/subtitle-B/chapter-V/part-515/subpart-E/section-515.574

At a glance