Cuba Info
Joined: 15 Nov 2006
Posts: 15
Home Country: cuba
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 Posted: Wed Nov 15, 2006 9:38 am Post subject: VISA TO CUBA / CUBA VISA GUIDE |
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VISA TO CUBA
Visa requirement
Virtually all visitors need a Cuban visa or tourist card, which allows a stay of 30 days. In most countries, visas for all nationalities can be obtained over the counter at the Cuban Embassy, or direct from your travel agent. Postal visa applications take 1-2 weeks to process. Visitors need a return ticket, and proof that they have booked a hotel room for at least three nights. The US prohibits its citizens from travelling to Cuba unless they obtain a licence, usually reserved for journalists or government officials.
Visas are not required for:
a) those nationals whose countries have signed visa exemption agreements with Cuba (contact the Consulate for further information);
b) holders of a Tourist Visa Card. Certain tour operators, travel agencies and airlines can issue a Tourist Visa Card valid for one single trip of 30 days, although the stay can be extended in Cuba. Stipulations are that the traveller pre-books and pre-pays hotel accommodation in Cuba through an officially recognised tour operator. The card must be bought in the country where the trip has been arranged. All passengers must hold tickets and other documentation required for their onward or return journey unless holding special annotation issued by a Cuban Consulate;
c) transit passengers continuing their journey to a third country within 72 hours, provided they hold confirmed onward tickets and US$50 per day.
Note:
(a) All business travellers (except journalists, those attending a conference or those wishing to study) do need a visa regardless of nationality.
(b) Neither visa exemptions nor Tourist Visa Card facilities are applicable to foreign passport holders born in Cuba, unless holding a document proving withdrawal of Cuban citizenship.
Exit permits: Required by those whose stay in Cuba exceeds 90 days.
Documentation
Passports: Passports valid for at least 6 months after the departure date from Cuba required by all nationals without diplomatic representation in Cuba.
Note: Persons of Cuban origin who are nationals of other countries must travel with a Cuban passport if they left Cuba after 1970.
Time required to issue Visa
Tourist Visa Card: 1 day (7 days for postal applications).
Tourist Visa: 7 to 10 days.
Business Visa: 10 days (2 weeks for postal applications). Journalist visa: 6 weeks minimum.
Applying for Visa
Apply to the Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy). Application forms for tourist visa cards can be obtained from certain tour operators and travel agents.
Application Requirements
Tourist Visa Card:
(a) One completed application form.
(b) Photocopy of valid passport.
(c) Photocopy of return ticket or travel agent voucher for pre-paid package tour.
(d) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or cheque).
Business Visa:
(a) Valid passport.
(b) Two completed application forms.
(c) Two passport-size photos.
(d) Details of business contact in Cuba.
(e) Letter of invitation from Cuban company, organisation or institution.
(f) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or cheque).
Journalist Visa:
(a) Valid passport.
(b) Two completed application forms.
(c) Two passport-size photos.
(d) A sponsor letter from employer and a written version of your journalistic project.
(e) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or cheque).
Note: Once a Journalist visa has been issued, the individual must report to the Centro de Prensa Internacional for accreditation. They should take two photos and US$60
Validity of Visa
Tourist Visa Cards must be used within six months of issue. Tourist Visa Cards and Tourist and Business visas are valid for 30 days from date of entry; extensions of a further 30 days are possible. |
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