Yes, a visa is required to travel from Portugal to Cuba.
Do I need a visa for Cuba from Portugal?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Yes, Portuguese nationals need an authorisation for Cuba: a tourist card (tarjeta del turista), not a full consular visa, for a tourist trip.
For a holiday, a Portuguese citizen does not need a classic visa for Cuba but a tourist card. This document is obtained from the airline, a travel agency or the Cuban consulate before departure. It must be filled in carefully and shown on arrival.
Do you need a visa?
A Portuguese national travelling to Cuba for tourism must hold a tourist card (tarjeta del turista), which serves as a short-stay visa. It is not a full consular visa. The passport must be valid for the whole stay, and travel insurance covering medical costs is required on entry.
How and where to apply
The Portuguese traveller most often obtains the tourist card through their airline, a travel agency, or directly at the Cuban consulate. The card is completed by hand: surname, first name and details matching the passport. Check with the Cuban consulate (misiones.cubaminrex.cu) for the channel that suits your departure from Portugal.
Documents and fees
Prepare a valid Portuguese passport, proof of medical travel insurance (checked on arrival), proof of accommodation and a return ticket. The price of the tourist card varies by purchase channel (airline, agency, consulate): check and pay the current rate with the official issuer. No amount is fixed here.
Processing and tips
Obtain the tourist card before boarding, as it is often required at check-in. Fill it in without crossings-out: a mistake may force you to buy another. Keep the detachable part returned to you at entry safely, to present when leaving the country. Confirm that your travel insurance is valid in Cuba.
Common mistakes
Do not confuse the Cuban tourist card with an e-Visa — they are separate schemes. Do not cross out entries when filling in the card. Do not travel without medical insurance, which is mandatory on entry. Also note: if you have recently been to Cuba and then transit through the United States, it can affect your ESTA — check this separately.
Best time to travel
The optimal time to visit Cuba is generally from December to April, when the weather is drier and more pleasant. It is advisable to avoid the rainy season, which runs from May to November, due to the risk of heavy rainfall and tropical storms.
Main arrival airports
The main international airports in Cuba are José Martí Airport in Havana, Antonio Maceo Airport in Santiago de Cuba, and Frank País Airport in Holguín. These airports handle most international flights arriving in the country.
Documents to prepare
A valid passport is required, with sufficient validity for the duration of the stay. A return or onward ticket and proof of accommodation bookings should be prepared. Travel insurance covering the stay is recommended.
Official sources
- Consulados y Misiones de Cuba (MINREX)
- Embajada de Cuba en Portugal
- Portal das Comunidades Portuguesas — conselhos aos viajantes (MNE)
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 Portugal?▾
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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