The requirements for travel to Cuba have changed. In the United States, these individuals will need to apply for a visa.

You should be aware of the new requirements announced by the government for flying to Cuba. The measure was confirmed by the island's Ministry of Tourism and will directly affect thousands of people with family and personal ties to Cuba, especially those living in Florida.

The application must be completed at least 72 hours before travel and requires a valid passport and an active email address. The document will be sent electronically and must be presented upon entry into the country.

The electronic visa will replace the traditional tourist card, at least for some travelers. According to the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR), the new visa will be required for all foreign visitors who are not visa-exempt under bilateral agreements. The process will be carried out exclusively online, costs $50, and allows a single entry for 90 days, extendable for another 90 days.

Although Cubans with a valid passport do not need to apply for this visa, their relatives with foreign citizenship must do so, including those born outside of Cuba who have not formalized the registration.cuperation of Cuban nationality. This includes children, grandchildren, and even parents who have lost their citizenship by naturalizing in another country.

In Miami, where the majority of the Cuban exile community resides, the announcement has caused confusion. Many frequent travelers are children or grandchildren of Cubans born in the United States, or spouses of Cubans traveling with passports from another country. All of them must present the new electronic visa if they wish to enter the island starting July 1.

Fear of future restrictions under Trump

The implementation of this measure comes amid growing uncertainty. Donald Trump, the current president of the United States, maintains a hard line toward Cuba. Sectors of the exile community fear that he could reinstate restrictions affecting flights, remittances, or even general travel licenses at any moment.

Some frequent travelers are already moving forward with their plans to visit the island before a new political turn. “We don’t know how much longer we’ll be able to go,” said a Cuban-American resident of Hialeah who plans to travel in June. “If Trump decides to close it again, he’ll do it without warning.”

High dependence on Cuban travelers abroad

In 2023, more than 358,000 people from the so-called "Cuban community abroad" traveled to the island, most of them from the United States. Only Canada recorded a higher number. These visits represent a vital source of income for tourism and the local economy.

Despite the economic situation, the need to visit sick relatives or maintain emotional ties to the island continues to drive thousands of trips each year, especially from South Florida.

What will happen to the tourist card?

For now, the traditional tourist card is still in use for some travelers, especially those traveling from countries where Cuban consulates continue to issue them or from accredited agencies. However, for direct flights from the United States, the use of the electronic visa will be prioritized, as confirmed by the Ministry of Tourism (MINTUR).

Travel agencies in Miami have begun warning their clients about the new requirement. Some already offer assistance with online processing, but urge caution against fraudulent websites promising visas at inflated prices.

Divided reactions in the Cuban community

Many in the community consider this measure a form of control and tax collection by the Cuban government. "What you spend there isn't enough for them; now you have to pay for an electronic visa, which they didn't require before," said a Cuban-American woman from Westchester.

Others, however, see it as part of a normal digitalization process. “As long as it's quick and clear, I don't mind. But they should clarify more clearly who exactly it affects,” opined another social media user.