Yes, a visa is required to travel from Spain to Cuba.
Do I need a visa for Cuba from Spain?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Spanish travellers don't need a traditional consular visa for a tourist stay in Cuba, but they must obtain a "Tourist Card" (Tarjeta del Turista) before departure, normally valid for 30 days. Travel health insurance covering Cuba is also required.
Cuba does not require Spanish tourists to hold an ordinary consular visa, but it does require a specific document called the Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista), which acts as a tourist visa. This guide explains, for a departure from Spain, how to obtain that card, the medical insurance required on arrival, how long you can stay, and the mistakes to avoid. The information comes from the Cuban Consulate in Spain and MINREX; always confirm the exact conditions before booking.
Do you need a visa?
For a tourist stay, Spanish nationals do not need a traditional consular visa, but they must carry a Tourist Card (Tarjeta del Turista). This document is the equivalent of a tourist visa: without it, boarding to Cuba may be refused. It is not a sticker placed in your passport, nor is it issued on arrival by default — it is a document to obtain before you travel. The Tourist Card covers a tourist stay and must be shown on entry into Cuba, together with your passport.
How and where to obtain the Tourist Card
From Spain, the Tourist Card can generally be obtained in three ways: through your airline (some provide it with the ticket or sell it at the counter), through a travel agency, or directly from the Cuban Consulate in Spain. The easiest route often depends on the airline you fly with, so ask at the time of booking whether it issues the card and at what price. Arrange this document well before departure to avoid any last-minute stress. We do not quote an exact price because it varies by channel; confirm the fee with the source you choose.
Mandatory medical insurance and passport
Cuba requires travellers to hold travel health insurance with medical cover valid in Cuba; proof may be requested on entry. Take out a policy covering medical costs and repatriation for the whole duration of your stay, and keep a printed copy as proof. As for your travel document, your passport must be valid with enough remaining validity to cover the stay. Check the exact conditions with the official sources (remaining passport validity, format of the insurance proof) before you leave.
Length of stay (30 days, extendable) and tips
The Tourist Card normally allows a stay of 30 days, extendable once for a similar period through the Cuban immigration authorities once you are in the country. If you plan to stay longer, start the extension process before the initial period expires. Keep your passport, Tourist Card and insurance proof to hand throughout the trip. Finally, note that in Cuba some services (payments, connectivity) may work differently from Spain, so get local information once there.
Common mistakes and good to know
The most common mistake is buying a Tourist Card that doesn't match your country of departure. The card can differ depending on the country you fly from; for a flight departing from Spain, get the card that corresponds to that departure and not one for another country. Another key point: the Tourist Card has two halves — one is taken on entry, the other on exit. Carefully keep the half returned to you until you leave Cuba. Do not scribble on it or fill it in carelessly: a damaged or badly completed card can cause problems. Lastly, never forget the medical insurance — it is required just as much as the card.
Best time to travel
The optimal time to visit Cuba is during the dry season, typically from November to April, when the weather is cooler and less humid. It is advisable to avoid the rainy season from May to October due to heavy rains and cyclone risks.
Main arrival airports
The main international airports in Cuba are José Martí Airport in Havana, Antonio Maceo Airport in Santiago de Cuba, and Ignacio Agramonte Airport in Camagüey. These airports handle most international flights into the country.
Documents to prepare
Travelers should have a valid passport for the duration of their stay, along with a return or onward ticket. It is also recommended to have travel insurance covering health, and any necessary documents required for entry as per consular regulations.
Official sources
- Consulado General de Cuba en España — Requisitos de entrada
- MINREX — Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores de Cuba
- Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores de España — Recomendaciones de viaje a Cuba
Information verified on July 22, 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 Spain?▾
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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