Yes, a visa is required to travel from Saudi Arabia to Cuba.
Do I need a visa for Cuba from Saudi Arabia?
Discover visa requirements for your trip
Saudi travellers need a Cuban tourist card (tarjeta del turista) before flying to Cuba; it is not a full consular visa but an entry document you cannot board without.
Cuba does not waive entry formalities for Saudi nationals: a tourist card is required for a leisure stay. The card is usually secured before the flight rather than through a lengthy classic visa process. This guide outlines where to get it and defers to the official Cuban source for up-to-date details.
Do you need a visa?
For tourism, Saudi citizens do not need a standard consular visa but a Cuban tourist card valid for a short stay. The card acts as your entry authorisation and must be shown to Cuban immigration. Any non-tourist purpose - business, study, press - still requires a specific consular visa.
How and where to apply
The tourist card is most often issued by the airline when you buy or check in for your ticket, through a travel agency, or directly at a Cuban consular mission. Travellers departing from Saudi Arabia should confirm with their carrier whether the card is bundled with the fare or sold separately. Where there is no Cuban post nearby, the competent consular mission or an approved agency is the safest route.
Documents and fees
Carry a valid passport, a return ticket, proof of accommodation and travel insurance covering medical care in Cuba, which is frequently checked on arrival. The price of the tourist card depends on the channel - airline, agency or consulate - and is not fixed here. Check the official source or your airline for the exact fee before paying.
Processing and tips
Because the card is bought ahead of the flight, obtain it several days before departure to avoid last-minute problems at the airport. Fill it in carefully: cards with crossings-out or mistakes can be rejected and must be repurchased. Also check whether a yellow-fever certificate is required depending on your routing.
Common mistakes
The most common error is assuming Cuba is formality-free: without a valid tourist card, boarding can be denied. Do not confuse the tourist card with a business or study visa, which follow a different process. Finally, do not skip medical insurance, as proof is regularly demanded at entry.
Official sources
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 Saudi Arabia?▾
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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