Cuba Introduces New Travel Requirements for Miami Flyers Ahead of Visa Change
Starting July 1, Cuba will implement updated travel requirements, including a new electronic visa system and a mandatory online form for travelers flying from Miami. These changes are part of Cuba’s effort to modernize its consular system while addressing the decline in tourism.
New Electronic Visa for Cuba
From July 2024, travelers will need to apply for the new electronic tourist visa through Cuba’s official government portal. Physical tourist cards will no longer be issued at Cuban consulates, but those who already hold a valid tourist card can continue to use it until December 31, 2025.
The new visa allows for a single entry and a 90-day stay, with the option to extend for an additional 90 days. However, U.S. citizens (including children or descendants of Cuban nationals born in the U.S.) must apply for this visa, as the U.S. is not exempt from Cuba’s visa requirements. Dual citizens or those with Cuban nationality do not need to apply.
The D’Viajeros Form Requirement
In addition to the new e-visa, travelers departing from Miami must fill out the D’Viajeros form before their flight. This online form asks for customs declarations and public health information, helping streamline entry procedures. This advance traveler information system is designed to assist the Cuban Directorate of Immigration, the General Customs Office, and the Ministry of Public Health.
Cuban authorities emphasize the importance of truthfully completing the form, as it will provide essential information for processing travelers at Cuba’s ports of entry.
Modernizing Cuba’s Consular System
Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism stated that these changes represent progress toward a more modern consular system that better fits today’s needs. The move comes as the country faces a significant decline in tourism, with Meliá, a major Spanish hotel chain, reporting losses due to empty hotels on the island.
These updated requirements reflect Cuba’s attempt to improve its tourism infrastructure while navigating the challenges it faces in the global travel market.
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