Skip to main content

Cuba Visa for Canada Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

Canadian citizens need a Cuban Tourist Card (tarjeta turística), most commonly purchased as an e-visa/authorization online or through their airline, before travel; cost is roughly CAD 20-25 and it's normally issued within minutes to a few days.

Guide last updated September 29, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least the duration of your stay in Cuba (6 months validity strongly recommended)
  • A completed Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista), which functions as your entry authorization
  • Proof of travel health insurance valid in Cuba — mandatory and sometimes checked at the airport; many charter packages include it automatically
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Hotel booking or address of accommodation (casa particular or hotel)
  • No passport photos or biometrics required for the tourist card

Visa types

  • Tourist Card (Tarjeta Turística): single entry, valid for a stay of up to 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days while in Cuba; typical fee CAD 20-25
  • Business visa: required for anyone traveling for work purposes, arranged in advance through the Cuban Embassy or consulate in Canada with an invitation letter
  • Multiple-entry visa: available for frequent business travelers, arranged directly through the Cuban Embassy in Ottawa

How to apply online

  • Most Canadian travelers buy the Tourist Card through their airline (Air Canada, Sunwing, WestJet, etc.) or tour operator at time of booking, or via the Cuban government portal (minrex.gob.cu) or authorized online agencies
  • Steps: provide passport details and travel dates online, pay the card fee, receive the card by mail/courier or a confirmation depending on the provider, present it along with your passport at check-in and on arrival
  • Processing is typically instant to a few business days when bought through an airline or authorized agency; allow at least 1-2 weeks if ordering by mail from a travel agency
  • On arrival, the card is stamped and one portion is collected on departure — keep your copy safe for the return flight

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist Card fee: approximately CAD 20-25 when purchased through an airline or agency (fees vary slightly by seller)
  • Business visa fee (through the embassy): approximately CAD 75-100
  • Processing time: instant to a few days for the Tourist Card via airline/agency; 5-10 business days for an embassy-issued business visa
  • Tourist Card extension in Cuba (at an immigration office, once in-country): approximately USD 25 equivalent for an extra 30 days

Tips for Canada travelers

  • Buy your Tourist Card at the same time you book your flight or package — most Canadian airlines bundle it into checkout automatically for Cuba-bound flights
  • Keep both halves of the Tourist Card (arrival and departure) safe; losing it can cause delays or fines when leaving Cuba
  • Confirm your travel insurance policy explicitly covers Cuba, as generic Canadian travel insurance sometimes excludes it due to US sanctions-related banking restrictions
  • Bring cash (euros or Canadian dollars perform better than US dollars, which face conversion penalties) since Canadian debit/credit cards generally do not work in Cuba
  • If extending your stay beyond 30 days, visit a local immigration office (Inmigración y Extranjería) before your card expires to avoid overstay fines

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

This guide is for information only. Visa policies change without notice. Travel Visa Stack is not an immigration authority. Always verify with official government or embassy sources before making travel plans.