New requirements for traveling to Cuba: Who in Miami needs a visa to fly to Cuba?

In recent times, the island's government has been introducing important changes to the requirements and procedures for traveling to Cuba.

In less than 60 days, a measure, already officially confirmed, will be implemented, requiring a significant portion of passengers to complete additional procedures before boarding their flights to Cuba.

The new requirement won't apply to everyone, but it will reach many people with family ties on the island, including those who until now only needed a tourist card.

Doubts and misunderstandings are already circulating on social media, especially among Miami residents with dual citizenship or children born outside the country. Who must comply with this mandatory procedure?

Single Entry eVisa: How It Will Work

This change, which will take effect on July 1, will affect thousands of travelers flying to Cuba from the United States and other parts of the world.

The new requirement is a digital visa, valid for 90 days. (three months) with the possibility of extension. The cost will be $50 and must be requested at least 72 business hours in advance of the flight.

The procedure will be entirely online. A valid passport and an email address where the authorized document will be sent will be required, according to sources from the Cuban consular system.

This electronic visa does not replace the tourist card, which will remain valid for most travelers from countries without restrictions.

Who is affected by the new rule?

Cuban citizens with a Cuban passport, as well as travelers from countries with visa-free agreements with Cuba, will not need to apply for this visa. However, the change will impact many residents of the United States.

Specifically, it affects people with foreign passports—such as U.S. passports—who do not possess Cuban passports, even if they have family ties to Cuban citizens or have previously traveled to the island without difficulty.

This includes, for example, children of Cubans born abroad who have not registered as citizens or who have not applied for a Cuban passport.

Greater control and digitalization of income

The introduction of this electronic visa is part of an effort by Cuban authorities to digitize their immigration processes, improve border control, and generate revenue from consular procedures.

This is also occurring in a context of deep economic crisis and a sharp decline in international tourism. Although countries like Canada and Russia have partially resumed their flows, the total number of visitors remains below pre-pandemic levels.

Official figures showed that, in 2023, Cubans living abroad were the second largest group of travelers on the island, surpassing even Russian tourists. The government is now seeking to regulate this flow more strictly.

What if you don't apply for a visa?

Airlines will be required to verify the validity of the electronic visa before boarding. If you don't have the valid document, you won't be able to board the flight. The measure has generated concern.cupaction in many Cuban families, who now have to reorganize their travel plans.

Meanwhile, several Cuban consulates abroad are already preparing to implement the new system, although it has not yet been specified which digital platform will be used for the application or whether payments will be accepted from Cuba or only from abroad.

When does this new requirement come into effect?

As of July 1, 2025, some travelers will need to apply for an electronic visa before flying to Cuba.

Who should apply for this visa?

All foreigners who do not have a Cuban passport or are exempt from visa requirements under bilateral agreements. This includes many residents of the United States with a U.S. passport, even if they have family ties to Cuba.

Is the tourist card still valid?

Yes. The tourist card will continue to be valid for most visitors from countries without restrictions. An e-Visa will only be required for those who do not meet the requirements for the card.

How do I apply for a visa?

The application process will be online. A valid passport and a working email address will be required to send the approved visa.

How much does it cost?

It costs $50 and must be paid at least 72 business hours before the trip.

How long is it valid?

It is initially valid for 90 days, with the possibility of an extension for another three months if requested within the country.

What happens if I don't have this visa when I arrive at the airport?

Airlines will be required to verify that the passenger meets the requirement. If you don't present a valid visa, you won't be allowed to board the flight to Cuba.

What happens to children born abroad to Cuban citizens?

If you don't have a Cuban passport, you'll also need to apply for a visa, even if you've traveled before without restrictions.

Where can I get more information?

Cuban embassies and consulates abroad will provide guidance on the new process. The government is also expected to launch an official digital platform for the application.