Confused.... tourist card or visa for Australians going to Cuba?

arcfire

Will be heading to Cuba in a few months but getting conflicting information re: visas and tourist cards.
My travel agent had printed me out a form that states that Australians needs a visa for Cuba. Cost AUS 110
yet some sites state that all you need is a tourist card.
I'll be flying into Havana from Santiago via Panama City on COPA airlines.
Can anyone shed some light?

Guest

This question has been asked many times on this forum.

Do NOT waste your time/money getting a Tourist Card (Visa) from the Cuban Embassy in Sidney. It's nothing more than a cash grab scam.

You can purchase the Tourist card directly from COPA in Panama, no big deal.

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

And yes, a Visa is a Tourist Card... same thing...

Cheers,
Terry

arcfire

thanks Terry.
I assume I can also get a tourist card from Santiago from COPA? ( as I am transitting through Panama and may not be able to do it there)

Guest

I have no experience in Santiago, but in the past the COPA counter in Panama sold them. In any case I wouldn't worry, COPA won't let you get to Cuba without one. Lots of Australians fly this route to Cuba.

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

Sorry Terry, I know you are asked this question a lot, but.....I am from New Zealand and flying to Havana via Quito. Can I buy a tourist visa in Ecuador at whatever airline I will be using? Looks like Ecuador and Cuba have good relations....

Guest

There are no direct flights from Ecuador to Cuba, so no, you wouldn't purchase your Tourist Card there. I assume you're transiting through Panama?... no problems purchasing the TC there, at the Airport...

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

I apologise also for asking pretty much the same question! We are planning to travel to Cuba from Toronto on 3 November but have been advised by our travel agent that the Cuban consulate in Australia will not be issuing visas from tomorrow until 15 November.

We've looked far and wide for information online about visas/tourist cards but as others have found, it's all very confusing!

Do you know if we will be able to purchase a tourist card at the airport in Toronto?

Many thanks

arcfire

Hi Mickey,
I've just travelled Cuba and winged it after Terry's info re tourist cards.I did not get a Cuban vias( he's right, it's a money earner for the Cuban gov), got a tourist card from COPA airlines at Santiago airport for US 20.Depending on your airline,they should issue them.Best to call the airline directly and see if they issue it.
And a travel tip, count all your money when exchanging it in front of them.Even at airport exchange and at banks.A friend lost 100Euro at the airport exchange and I was "mistakenly given the worng amount". It's beacuse of the unfortunate discrepancy bw the tourist and moneda nacional money.

Happy travels.

Guest

Mickey, Canada is by far the easiest country in the world to fly to Cuba from, and the Tourist Card is an absolute no-brainer when departing from Canada. Your Tour Operator or Airline MUST supply you with a Tourist Card before you land in Cuba. It's that easy.

Don't waste one nanosecond worrying about this.

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

Hi arcfire, I'm also flying to Cuba from Santiago later in the year, I was wondering if you had to show proof of accommodation in Cuba? Or if there's any other requirements...

Thanks!

Guest

Polly, you don't need anything except your Passport.

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry

arcfire

Ditto what Terry says.I did have a casa particulares organised.I can recommend Casa Dania near Parque Central if you need one.You can book online.

Guest

Hi Terry,

Similar scenario again, Australian planning to go to Cuba next year. I am departing from San Salvador to Havana, I should be able to purchase a Cuban Tourist Card at the Airport in San Salvador? I will be flying with Copa or TACA...

Thanks in advance.

Guest

Dear Lyc,

Unlike departing from the UK or Europe the Cuban Tourist Card is a simple issue when departing from North/Central/South America and the Caribbean.

You will always either be given the Tourist Card as part of your ticket or be afforded the opportunity to purchase the Tourist Card right at the airport when you're departing from Canada, Mexico, Bahamas, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Grand Cayman, Guatemala, Nicaragua, Panama, Venezuela, El Salvador and wherever else I'm forgetting.

Bottom line: No worries... everyone on your flight in San Salvador will be purchasing the TC right at check-in. No one can board the aircraft with it.

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry

PS I believe only TACA fies from San Salvador these days...

Guest

I travelled from Panama to Cuba (PTY-HAV) in December 2011 and can confirm that getting a Tourist Card at Panama City airport was easy. Travelled on an Australian passport.

Inside the gate waiting area (i.e. after security) Copa airlines had a small booth with a sign that says "Centro de Servicio". They sold me a Cubian Tourist Card for US$20. The booth was near gate 20 (if I remember correctly). Telephone the airline's Panama office and ask them if you want extra piece of mind.

One tip: get to the airport early because the check in queue can be was very long. It took me an hour in the queue! If you can check in online beforehand, that might help or it might not.

Also be prepared to patient at Havana airport too. Immigration can be very slow, then there is incoming baggage security checks (also slow when there are lots of passengers squeezed into the small baggage hall) and another checkpoint where they ask you health and other questions. In my case, they didn't ask about travel insurance or accommodation bookings -- but that is just one experience, so it is still safer to have those ready.

There are currency exchange counters in the arrivals hall, taxis outside and a wonderful experience beyond that. Have a great trip.

Guest

Hi Terry,

Sorry if asking a previously asked question. I have read many posts reporting the northern hemisphere is much easier than the uk. I am an aust citizen holidaying in London. I have a trip to cuba in 9 days. Am i able to obtain a Visa from the UK consulate in person or is this only for UK passport holders?

Guest

I know some of the independent visa companies refuse to issue a Tourist Card to anyone but UK citizens, but I can't imagine why the Cuban Embassy would give you any hassle. I'd suggest dropping by to see them... I'm betting you have the Tourist Card in hand an hour or two later at most.

I assume you're on a flight-only ticket and not a resort package deal, correct?

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

Hi All!

I am flying from Lima to Cuba with TACA in July. I have contacted TACA to ask if they sell tourist cards at the airport and they said "We kindly inform you that it is your responsibility to hold all entry, departure and health documents and any other document required by the destination country. If you're not sure what the immigration requirements are, we recommend you check with the consulate / embassy of the destination country." The Cuban consulate in Australia tell me to get a Visa which I dont want to do if I can get it at around $20 in SA.
I will be in Lima a day before depature and I will also be in Santiago for 5 days a few weeks beforehand.

My question: Do you think I will be able to purchase a tourist card from COPA even though I am flying with TACA? or would it be advisable to visit the Cuban consulate in either Santiago or Lima and get the tourist card that way?

Thanks!

Emma

Guest

Hi

I am travelling from Cancun to Cuba on Cubana Air and just wondering if I can buy the tourist card directly from the airline at the airport? I have been told I need to buy a visa from the consulate which costs $110 whereas I have read online the airlines offer it for $20.

Is this true for Cubana Air? If so, what's the process?

Thanks :)

CheersT

1.) Emma: I am 99% sure that you received a form email from Taca, generated by someone without a clue. I have no direct experience with Taca from Lima, but I am positive you can purchase the Tourist Card right at the airport. You have lots of time between now and July to confirm this on Lonely Planet or Trip Advisor or some other travel forum.

2.) Rally: You can purchase your Tourist Card right at the Cancun Airport. Everyone on your flight will be doing the same thing, you can't board the aircraft without it.

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

Thanks Terry

Where do you buy this at the Airport? and approximately how much?

Cheers

CheersT

You buy it right at the airport at a kiosk inside. As I mentioned every single person on your flight will be purchasing it too. It's about $20.

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

Great thanks Terry :)

Guest

Hi

I am flying on Jamaica Air Shuttle from Montego Bay, Jamaica into Santiago de Cuba on the 1st September. I have read alot of posts on here and Terry's recommendations that Tourist Cards can be obtained from the airline prior to boarding for the much discounted price instead of purchasing directly from the Cuban Consulate in Australia at the inflated price. However, I have looked on Jamaica Air Shuttle's website and this is what they have stated;

"When traveling Internationally, Passengers are reminded of their responsibility to be in possession of valid Passports or other accepted forms of identification; valid onward tickets to their country of residence or citizenship; and entry visas for foreign countries where required."

http://www.jamaicaairshuttle.com/the-community.html

So is my only option to obtain the Tourist Card/Visa in Australia before departing overseas?

cheers
Shane

CheersT

That disclaimer is the same "cover thy butt" statement that is on every airline website and ticket contract anywhere.

I know lots of people who've bought the Tourist Card right from the airport in Montego Bay and Kingston, same as from any departure point in North America, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central/South America.

Drop them a line if you're nervous, or contact someone like these guys who sell those flights all the time: http://www.nashtravel.com/kingston-to-havana/ I'm pretty sure they'll tell you the same thing... you buy the TC at the airport.

Cheers,
Terry

Guest

Your awesome!! Thanks a million Terry!!

Guest

Just wanted to post an update just in case anyone was wondering, I contacted Jamaica Air Shuttle to enquire about purchasing Tourist Cards at Montego Bay Airport and this was there response:

"We issue tourist visas to Cuba at our check in desk, the cost attached to this is US$25."

Happy trails everyone...

CheersT

Thanks for confirming that I've said a zillion times Shane, nice to hear an up-to-date report...

Safe travels.

Cheers,
Terry

travelage

Your website looks like a wonderful source for information.

I would really like to get an update for the Tourist Card purchase from the airport in Mexico City

I'm flying out of Mexico city and then on to Havana in July 2013.

Could you confirm all the great advice you've given here previously still stands?

I can get a Tourist Card at the airport in Mexico?

many thanks

G

CheersTerry

No problems.

Have fun.

Cheers,
Terry

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