Entry & Tourist Card
German citizens need the following to enter Cuba:
- Passport: Valid for at least 6 months beyond the end of the trip
- Tourist card (Tarjeta de Turista): Mandatory! Serves as a visa for tourist stays up to 30 days (extendable by another 30 days)
- Travel health insurance: Mandatory! Must be presented upon entry. The insurance must NOT be from a US company
- Return ticket: Proof of departure may be required
Obtaining the Tourist Card
| Option | Price | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Cuban Embassy Berlin (Post) | 22 € | 7–14 days |
| At the airport (Condor counter) | 25 € | Immediate |
| Online providers (cubavisas.com etc.) | 30–40 € | 3–7 days |
| Travel agency | 25–35 € | Variable |
At the Airport
Entry at José Martí Airport can take a long time (1–2 hours of waiting is normal). Officials check your passport, tourist card, and insurance proof. Occasionally, they ask for the accommodation address — have the address of your Casa Particular ready!
Achtung
The tourist card is a separate paper (pink or green) that you must keep in your passport. DO NOT lose it! In case of loss: immediate report to the Policía Nacional de Extranjería (foreigners' police). Replacement costs 25 € and involves a lot of bureaucracy.
