Travelling to Cuba is a unique experience that attracts many French people every year. To make the most of this island paradise, it is essential to obtain a tourist map.
What is a tourist card for Cuba?
There tourist map is an official document issued by the Cuban authorities to foreign travellers wishing to visit the country for tourism purposes. It constitutes a type from simplified visa and allows the beneficiary to stay on the island for a maximum of 30 days, with the possibility of extending its validity by a further 30 days once on the island.
⚠️ It should be noted that the tourist card does not allow you to carry out a professional or commercial activity in Cuba.
Why apply for a tourist card for Cuba?
It is essential to have a tourist card to enter Cuba as a French tourist, as is the case for the vast majority of nationalities. Without this document, access to Cuban territory may be refused on arrival at the airport. Some airlines may also refuse boarding if passengers do not have a valid tourist card.
Where can I find and apply for a tourist card for Cuba in France?
French travellers have several options for applying for and obtaining a tourist card for Cuba. Here are the main ones:
At the Cuban embassy or consulate
One way of obtaining a tourist card for Cuba is to apply for it directly from the Cuban consulate in Paris, located at 16 rue Président Robert Schuman. Applicants can apply in person or by post, together with the required documents (see below) and a bank cheque for payment of consular fees.
Via an airline
Some airlines offer their passengers the chance to buy a tourist card for Cuba directly when they buy their ticket or at the airport before boarding. You should check with your airline whether this option is available and what the rates are.
Via a travel agency or tour operator
Travellers who prefer to buy their flights and accommodation through a travel agency can generally obtain their tourist card at the same time as their booking. In this case, the agency takes care of all the formalities and can issue the card directly to you or have it delivered to your home.
Online, via specialised platforms
There are also online service providers who offer to obtain a tourist card for Cuba without going to the embassy or consulate. These services are generally faster and easier to usebut may incur additional costs in processing the request.
What documents do I need to apply for a tourist card?
To obtain a tourist card for Cuba from the consulate or another organisation, you need to provide the following documents:
- A valid passport Your passport must be valid for the entire duration of your stay in Cuba and contain two consecutive blank pages for the entry and exit stamp.
- A copy of your return plane ticket To prove that you intend to leave Cuba after your tourist stay.
- The tourist card application form completed : This document is available on the website of the Cuban Consulate in Parisin the "tourist card" section. It must be filled in carefully, following the instructions given.
- The payment of application fees Prices: Prices vary depending on how the card is obtained (in person, by post or via an external service provider) and must be paid in euros (bank card, cash or cheque).
How long does it take to obtain a tourist card for Cuba?
The time taken to obtain a tourist card for Cuba depends on the method chosen:
- Directly to the Cuban Consulate in Paris: The usual turnaround time is around 7 working days for in-person requests and up to 15 working days for requests sent by post.
- Via an airline or travel agency: These organisations often offer fast processing times, ranging from a few days to a few weeks, depending on card availability and partnerships with the Cuban authorities.
- Online, via specialist platforms: Online service providers can send you your tourist card in around 5 days, depending on where you live.
It is therefore advisable to make arrangements well in advance to avoid any delays or problems when you leave for Cuba.
