Yes, a visa is required to travel from Canada to Cuba.
Do I need a visa for Cuba from Canada?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Yes, Canadian citizens need a tourist card to enter Cuba. It is not a full consular visa, but it must be obtained before travel.
Canadian travellers going to Cuba for tourism — to Varadero, Havana or Cayo Coco — must present a tourist card on arrival. This document is usually obtained through the airline, a travel agency or the Cuban consulate before departure. It complements the passport and the travel insurance required to enter the island.
Do you need a visa?
Canadian nationals do not need a standard consular visa for a tourist stay in Cuba, but they do need a tourist card. This card acts as the entry permit for a short stay and must be obtained before travel. The Canadian passport must be valid for the whole duration of the stay.
How and where to get it
The tourist card is generally obtained through the airline (often included with or sold alongside flights to Cuba from Canada), a travel agency or the Cuban consulate. For a direct request or a special situation, refer to the Cuban consular missions via misiones.cubaminrex.cu. There is no standard e-Visa portal for this document.
Documents and fees
Prepare a valid Canadian passport, the tourist card and proof of travel medical insurance, which is generally required on entry. The exact cost of the tourist card is not confirmed here: it varies by channel (airline, agency or consulate), to be checked with the official source. Fill in the card cleanly, without crossing anything out.
Processing and tips
Get the tourist card before departure, as it is checked at check-in and on arrival. Ask your airline whether it comes with the ticket or must be bought separately. Keep the card safe throughout the stay, as part of it is collected when you leave the country.
Common mistakes
The most common mistake is assuming no formality is needed: the tourist card remains mandatory. Beware of crossings-out on the card, which can invalidate it and force you to buy another. Finally, do not forget travel medical insurance, proof of which may be requested on entry into Cuba.
Official sources
- Cuba Ministry of Foreign Affairs — consular missions
- Embassy of Cuba in Canada
- Government of Canada — travel advice for Cuba
Information verified on July 8, 2026.
Essential Cuba information
Cuba is a Caribbean island nation governed by a communist regime led by President Miguel Díaz-Canel since 2018. The Communist Party dominates politics, with ongoing influence from the Castro family and the military. The economy is largely controlled by the military through conglomerates like GAESA.
Weather in Havana
Practical travel information
- Espagnol
Essential preparations
- Police : 116
- Ambulance : 115
- Fire brigade : 105
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Frequently asked questions
Do you need a visa to travel to Cuba from Canada?▾
Yes, an e-visa (electronic visa) is required. It is applied for online before departure and allows a stay of 90 days.
How long can you stay in Cuba?▾
The tourist visa allows a stay of 90 days.
What other visa types exist for Cuba?▾
Depending on the purpose of stay, Cuba offers among others: Business visa (D-6), Work visa, Student visa (D-2), Family visa (A-2).
Data verified on 23/07/2026
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