The Ministry of Tourism of Cuba (MINTUR) issued a statement addressed to Canadian tourists traveling directly to the island regarding the electronic visa process.
According to the announcement from MINTUR, travelers from Canada do not need to pay for a visa, as it is included in the airline ticket. The only action they need to take is to complete an online form on the official site D'Viajeros during the week leading up to their trip.
After completing the form, the traveler will need to present a QR code upon entering the country. The procedure is free of charge and does not require any bank details.
"It has drawn our attention regarding the existence of sites with similar URLs that do not belong to the government," warned the Ministry, referring to platforms that charge for the process.
For those traveling to Cuba from a third country, the process is different; in this case, they must first obtain an electronic visa through EVisaCuba and then complete the form on the D’Viajeros site.
This clarification comes at a challenging time for tourism on the island, as complaints from foreign visitors, particularly Canadians, have called into question the safety and quality of the tourism services offered in Cuba.
One of the most notable cases occurred in April 2024, when the tourist Caroline Perreault was seriously injured after the collapse of a pergola at the Starfish hotel in Cayo Guillermo. The victim reported, in addition to the lack of maintenance, a deficient medical care and legal obstacles to filing a lawsuit from Canada. The case resulted in litigation against the company Sunwing for 200,000 Canadian dollars.
Other recent incidents include the case of a 55-year-old tourist who spent nearly 48 hours hospitalized in Holguín under precarious conditions, and the criticisms from travelers such as Jonathon Renko, who reported widespread blackouts even in tourist areas during the last quarter of 2024.
Despite the regime's efforts to attract foreign currency, such as allowing cash payments from tourists since August of last year, statistics show a sustained decline in the number of visitors, especially from Canada, which has always been one of the main source markets for Cuba.
In 2024, only 2.2 million people traveled to the island, a figure that represents a 9.6% decrease compared to the previous year and the lowest in two decades. Canada remains the primary source of tourists, although it no longer reaches the million visitors it used to send before the pandemic.
The statement from MINTUR aims to convey security and confidence to travelers, but recent events suggest that the country's structural difficulties continue to directly impact tourism.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Electronic Visa and Tourism in Cuba
Do Canadian tourists need to pay for a visa to travel to Cuba?
No, Canadian tourists do not need to pay for a visa when traveling to Cuba, as it is included in the ticket price. However, they must fill out an online form on the D'Viajeros site before their trip and present a QR code upon arrival.
What is the process to obtain the electronic visa for Cuba starting July 1?
Starting July 1, all visitors must obtain an electronic visa before traveling to Cuba. This visa is requested through the official portal EVisaCuba and is mandatory for entering the country.
What problems does the tourism sector in Cuba currently face?
The tourism sector in Cuba is facing significant problems due to the energy crisis, deteriorating infrastructure, and visitor dissatisfaction. Constant blackouts, lack of basic services, and a general environment of insecurity have impacted the tourist experience in the country.
What are the main complaints of tourists visiting Cuba?
The main complaints from tourists include power outages, lack of bottled drinking water, poor condition of hotel facilities, and inadequate service. These conditions have resulted in a decline in the number of visitors, especially from Canada.
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