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Cuba Visa for United Kingdom Citizens 2026

e-Visa / eTA

British citizens need a Cuban Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista) before travel - it functions as the entry visa, is bought online or through a travel agent/airline, and permits a single stay of up to 30 days, extendable once to 60.

Guide last updated October 5, 2026. Always verify with official sources before travel.

What you need

  • Passport valid for at least 6 months beyond the date of entry
  • A completed Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista), purchased in advance - this is the de facto entry visa for UK tourists
  • Proof of travel health insurance valid in Cuba is mandatory and is increasingly checked at airline check-in and on arrival
  • Return or onward flight ticket
  • Proof of accommodation (casa particular or hotel booking)
  • No passport photo required for the Tourist Card itself
  • Biometrics: fingerprints and photo taken by Cuban immigration on arrival

Visa types

  • Tourist Card (Tarjeta de Turista) - standard entry document for UK leisure visitors, single entry, valid for a 30-day stay, extendable once for a further 30 days at an immigration office inside Cuba, costs roughly GBP 20-25 via an authorised agent
  • Business visa - required for anyone travelling for work purposes, applied for at the Cuban Embassy in London with a letter of invitation
  • Journalist/press visa - separate category requiring embassy approval

How to apply online

  • The Tourist Card is sold online through authorised resellers or via the airline/tour operator at booking
  • Applicant completes passport and travel details and pays online
  • Delivery is either a card posted/printed to bring, or a reference used to collect a physical card at the airline's check-in desk
  • Typical issue time is instant to 48 hours
  • The physical card must be presented in person at Cuban immigration, so allow time to print it before departure

Fees & processing time

  • Tourist Card costs roughly GBP 20-25 (about USD 25-35) depending on the reseller
  • Same-day to 48-hour issue is standard when bought online
  • No separate consular fee when purchased this way
  • A business or press visa processed at the embassy costs around GBP 50-60 and takes 5-10 working days

Tips for United Kingdom travelers

  • Buy the Tourist Card well before departure and check it is the correct version for UK residents, as Cuba issues different coloured cards depending on country of departure
  • Always carry proof of comprehensive travel medical insurance - this is actively checked and uninsured travellers can be refused boarding
  • UK Visa/Mastercard cards do not work reliably in Cuba, so bring cash (euros convert well)
  • Keep a copy of the Tourist Card number in case the physical card is lost

Official links & resources

Always confirm requirements with government or embassy sources before applying.

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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.