Are you traveling to Cuba and planning to stay for the long haul?
Then, you might need to know how to extend your tourist card for Cuba when you are in the country!
I have been based in Havana for over two years, staying for long periods of time, and I have extended my visa at least a dozen times while in Cuba. So, I know all about the bureaucratic process of getting an extension on your tourist visa or tourist card.
Read on to find out how!
Tourist Card For Cuba
You don’t need to apply for a tourist card for Cuba in the first place; the physical document is also called a tourist visa for Cuba.
The Cuban Government has set as one of the entry requirements that you have a tourist visa when you arrive, but all you need to do is buy one.
You simply need to buy one before you travel to Cuba, as well as buy your ticket and get yourself a casa particular to stay in while in Cuba.
There are various ways to do that, from the Cuban embassy or consulate in your country to online providers like Easy Tourist Card. Your airline might also sell or provide you with a Cuban visa or tourist card.
How Long Is A Tourist Card For Cuba Valid?
From November 1st, 2022, one Cuba tourist card is valid for three months or 90 days.
While in Cuba, you will be able to extend the duration of the tourist card for another 90 days to be able to stay a total of 180 days. After 180 days, you need to leave the country, but you do not need to stay out of the country for more than a minimum of one day.
As soon as you have bought a new tourist card for Cuba and a plane ticket, you can enter Cuba again and stay for another 90 + 90 days.
You can read all about how to buy a tourist card for Cuba here.
Extend Your Tourist Card For Cuba In Cuba
To extend your tourist card for Cuba, you need to personally go to an office of immigration in Cuba to get the extension. In Havana, this office is in the Vedado, Calle (street) 19 between Calle J and K, on the corner of Calle K.
You do not need an appointment to do this; you just show up, present your mission, and wait in line for your turn. Often, you will be asked to submit your papers to the staff while you wait your turn until someone calls your name.
Note that the staff is unlikely to speak English, so be prepared to have the conversation in Spanish.
Be aware that the wait might be long; lines in Cuba take time, so make sure you are not in a hurry!
The papers and documentation you need to bring are:
- Your passport
- Your current tourist card
- Stamps worth 625 Cuban pesos (CUP) that you need to buy beforehand at a post office (that is what you pay with)
- Documentation of your accommodation with address and dates
- Travel insurance that is valid up to and including your day of departure
- You might be asked to show your plane ticket with the date of departure from the country
When you get into the office, you might be asked some questions about your stay, your accommodation, your departure, etc. Don’t worry, and just answer them to the best of your ability.
Finding a place to print your documents in Cuba is difficult, but the immigration office will accept that you display your documentation electronically on your phone.
That includes plane tickets, travel insurance, and documentation of accommodation.
Make Sure You Bring Everything!
You will not be allowed to extend your tourist card until exactly 90 days have passed!
So, if your tourist card for Cuba expires on a Saturday or Sunday, you need to show up at the immigration office on the following Monday.
If the documentation you have brought is incorrect or missing, you will not be able to get the extension of your tourist visa concluded.
You will be asked to fix what is wrong or missing and come back later or on the next day.
As soon as everything is submitted and correct, you can walk out with an extended tourist card to stay in Cuba for another 90 days!
Can I Enter Cuba Several Times On One Tourist Card?
No, you can not enter Cuba several times on one tourist card for Cuba. The tourist card is valid for only one entry.
When you leave the country, you need to buy a new tourist card to enter Cuba again, even though you have “more time left” on the tourist card you already have.
FAQs Cuba Travel
Why are US citizens not allowed to travel to Cuba?
This is NOT correct. US citizens ARE ALLOWED to travel to Cuba.
Americans can choose a reason for Cuba travel among 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba, determined by the US Government.
Can US citizens travel to Cuba as a tourist?
Technically, US citizens are NOT allowed to travel to Cuba as a tourist. Americans choose between 12 pre-approved reasons for Cuba travel, among which the most common one is “to help the Cuban people”.
American citizens still need to buy a tourist card, also called a tourist visa, to enter Cuba.
What are the 12 requirements to travel to Cuba?
You can read about the 12 pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba for US citizens here.
The easiest and most common reason for Cuba travel is “to help the Cuban people”. There is no paperwork or application process connected to this; you just choose your reason and state that reason if anyone asks.
What happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba?
Nothing happens if a US citizen travels to Cuba apart from hopefully, the US citizen will have a fabulous holiday and encounter Cuban culture.
US citizens need to choose one of the pre-approved reasons to travel to Cuba and need to buy the PINK Cuban tourist card, also called a tourist visa.
Selected airlines sell this visa/tourist card, or you can buy one online.
What documents do I need to travel to Cuba?
You need the following documents to travel to Cuba:
- Passport valid for 6 months after the date of entry
- Cuban tourist card / tourist visa
- Proof of travel insurance, including health insurance
- Fill out the d’viajero.cu digital document before your journey
Do Americans need to be vaccinated to enter Cuba?
No, specific vaccines are not required before entering Cuba. Your country’s health department probably has recommendations for what vaccines you should consider.
How Do I get a tourist card for Cuba?
You can buy a tourist card online from Easy Tourist Card or from the Cuban embassy in your country.
You might also be able to buy a Cuban tourist card from your airline or at the airport prior to departure. It is possible to buy a tourist card at Miami International Airport at the check-in counter with American Airlines and Delta Airlines.
How Do I Get A Tourist Visa For Cuba?
A tourist visa is the same as a tourist card for Cuba. You can buy it from the following places:
- Buy one online from Easy Tourist Card
- Buy one from your airline if they offer this
- Buy one at the airport of departure if they offer this
- Buy one from the Cuban Embassy in your country
Is Travel To Cuba Allowed Right Now?
Yes, Cuba travel is allowed right now.
In addition, American citizens must choose one of the 12 pre-approved reasons for traveling to Cuba (Americans can not travel as “tourists”) and follow some simple guidelines for traveling in Cuba.
Wrap-Up How To Extend Tourist Card For Cuba!
Now, you should be able to head over to the immigration office to extend your tourist card in Cuba like a pro!
Just ensure you bring all the required documentation and a large dose of patience, and you will be on your way with your Cuban tourist visa for more Cuban adventures in no time (or in a few hours).
