Starting from July 1, 2025, it was announced that Cuba would introduce a new electronic visa (e-visa) system as a mandatory entry requirement for all travelers entering the country. This policy change would replace the previously used paper tourist card, which had long been a staple of Cuban travel regulations. The Cuban Ministry of Tourism had made this announcement in April of the preceding year, and the Government of Canada had subsequently updated its travel advisories to inform prospective travelers of this significant change.
This new electronic visa system would apply broadly, affecting most visitors, including Canadian citizens, who have traditionally been a significant segment of Cuba’s tourism market. The shift to an e-visa represented a modernization effort by Cuban authorities aimed at streamlining entry processes and better managing visitor flows, while also enhancing border security and data collection.
It was emphasized that Canadian travelers flying with major national carriers such as Air Canada, Air Transat, WestJet, or Sunwing might not need to take additional steps regarding the e-visa. According to Canadian government sources, these airlines were expected to include the cost and processing of e-visas in their airfare packages, effectively handling the visa application on behalf of their passengers. This arrangement was seen as a customer-friendly solution that could help maintain or even boost tourism from Canada, by reducing bureaucratic hurdles.
On the other hand, those travelers booking with other airlines, or those who might be transiting through third countries such as Mexico or the United States, were advised to take personal responsibility for obtaining their e-visas. The process was explained to be accessible online through the official Cuban visa portal at evisacuba.com or through direct contact with Cuban consulates in Canada, such as the consulate located on Décarie Boulevard in Montreal.
Applicants would need to pay a fee of 24 Canadian dollars for the visa. Payment options were flexible, allowing for Interac transfers, money orders, cheques, or direct payment at consulate offices. Once an application was approved, travelers were to receive an email containing a unique code along with a link to complete a mandatory travel declaration form called the D’Viajeros. This form was required to be submitted at least 48 hours before the traveler’s scheduled departure, serving as a pre-entry health and travel declaration.
The electronic visa granted single-entry permission, allowing visitors to stay in Cuba for up to 90 days. There was also an option to renew the visa once, permitting an extension for an additional 90 days and a maximum total stay of 180 days. This structure provided some flexibility for longer-term visitors, including those on extended holidays or business trips.
Authorities strongly advised travelers to ensure their passports remained valid for at least six months beyond their intended arrival date in Cuba. Additionally, travelers were reminded to secure valid medical insurance and to have a confirmed return ticket, essential requirements for entering Cuba under the new regime.
This transition to an e-visa system marked a major operational shift for airlines, travel agencies, and tourism stakeholders both within Canada and internationally. Airlines that did not previously include visa services in their ticketing packages might have needed to reassess their offerings and customer service approaches. Meanwhile, Cuban tourism infrastructure was expected to benefit from improved entry tracking and enhanced security measures.
Travel agencies and tour operators would have had to update their booking procedures and inform clients of the new requirements, ensuring compliance and a smooth travel experience. For smaller airlines or charter services without integrated visa handling, this policy could introduce added complexity and possibly deter some travelers unfamiliar with the digital visa process.
However, by simplifying and standardizing the visa application via an online platform, Cuba aimed to facilitate faster and more reliable entry processing, which could encourage higher traveler confidence and potentially increase visitor numbers over time.
For global travelers, particularly Canadians who constitute a large proportion of visitors to Cuba, the introduction of an e-visa would require increased awareness and preparation. While some might find the process straightforward, especially when using major airlines offering integrated visa services, others would need to be proactive in securing the visa independently.
Travelers flying through countries like Mexico or the U.S., which serve as frequent transit points to Cuba, would have to factor in additional administrative steps, potentially adjusting their travel planning timelines to ensure visa approvals well before departure.
The new system also emphasized the need for proper documentation, including passport validity and medical insurance, reinforcing Cuba’s efforts to align with international travel standards and public health considerations.
Overall, the policy could positively affect travel safety and border management but might also introduce minor inconveniences or learning curves for some travelers. Tourism stakeholders, including governments and travel service providers, would likely play crucial roles in educating and assisting tourists to adapt smoothly.
(Source link: Mtl)
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