The Cuba Tourist Board has announced several key updates to the country’s entry requirements, designed to streamline the travel process for Canadian visitors. Travel agents are advised to review these important modifications to ensure clients have a seamless journey before boarding their flights.

As part of Cuba’s ongoing commitment to modernising its entry systems, a new streamlined portal for Electronic Tourist Visas (e-visas) is now active alongside updated protocols for health insurance and mandatory digital entry declarations.

The Cuba Tourist Board outlines the five essential entry requirements that travel advisors and travellers should know:

• New Portal for Electronic Tourist Visas (e-Visa): Canadian citizens travelling to Cuba via a third country must obtain a Cuban Tourist e-Visa prior to departure. Applications can now be submitted directly online through the official new portal at www.consular.cu. It is highly recommended that applications be submitted at least seven days before the travel date. Alternatively, e-Visas can still be secured through authorised travel agencies.  The tourist e-visa permits travellers to enter Cuba for tourism purposes—including stays in hotels and B&Bs—and is valid for a single entry within one year from the date of issuance, meaning a new eVisa must be requested for each subsequent trip. Upon arrival, visitors are granted a stay of up to 90 days. Those wishing to extend their visit may apply for an extension while in Cuba at the local Immigration Office (paying a fee), allowing for a maximum total stay of up to 180 days.
   
• Mandatory D'Viajeros Entry Form: All travellers must complete the digital D'Viajeros form within seven days prior to their arrival in Cuba via www.dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu . Upon completion, travellers will receive a QR code, which must be saved, printed, and presented to immigration officials upon arrival. Travellers who obtain their e-Visa directly through a Cuban Consulate will receive a direct link to this platform.
   
• Mandatory Health Insurance: Proof of valid health insurance is mandatory for entry into Cuba. The Tourist Board highly recommends purchasing travel insurance specifically tailored for the destination through ESICUBA/ASISTUR at www.cubaasistur.com.
  • U.S. Flight Exception: For travellers flying to Cuba on American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, Southwest Airlines, or other flights departing from the United States, a compliant health insurance policy is automatically included in the airfare for stays up to 30 days. The boarding pass or airline ticket serves as official proof of coverage.
     
• Passport Validity: Visitors must possess a valid passport from their country of citizenship. The passport must remain valid for the entire duration of the traveller's stay in Cuba.
   
• Re-entry Documentation: Non-Canadian citizens residing in Canada must ensure they hold the proper valid re-entry documentation (such as a Permanent Resident card or valid visa) required to return to Canada following their trip.