CUBA VISA

Here is a list of documents required for getting a Cuba visa from India:

• Passport: Original and a copy of the passport, valid for at least 6 months from the date of entry into Cuba. 
• Visa application form: Complete and error-free Cuba visa application form. 
• Photograph: A recent passport-sized photograph meeting the visa requirements. 
• Proof of stay: A confirmed hotel reservation or other stay in Cuba. 
• Proof of return: Roundtrip flight tickets. 
• Affidavit: Notarized affidavit in which the person declares that the purpose of visiting Cuba is only for tourism purposes and not for other activities. 
• Proof of funds: A bank statement showing the person has economic solvency to cover expenses during their trip and stay in Cuba.

Here is how you can apply for a Cuba tourist visa from India:

Step 1: Gather the documents

Fill out the visa application form and gather all the supporting documents (such as passport, flight tickets, hotel reservations, etc.) to send to the embassy.

Step 2: Submit your application

Submit your application either in person at the Cuban Embassy. If you have applied through an authorised visa service, then they will submit the documents on your behalf. 

Step 3: Pay the visa fee

If you are applying directly at the embassy, you can pay the fee when submitting the documents. If you apply through an authorised service, you will need to pay it beforehand. 

Step 4: Wait for visa processing

Wait for your visa to be processed, which usually takes around 10-15 business days. 

Step 5: Receive your visa

Once approved, you can collect your visa from the embassy or consulate if you apply in person or have it delivered directly to your doorstep if you apply through an authorised visa service.

Yes, you will need to submit your passport for the processing of your Cuba visa. The passport is required not only for identification purposes but also because the visa, once approved, will be affixed to it as a sticker.

You can skip the in-person visit at the embassy if you apply through an authorised visa service, like Atlys.

No, Indian residents applying for a Cuba tourist visa are not required to attend an interview. The visa application process typically involves submitting the completed visa form and supporting documents at the visa application centre without the need for an interview.

Once your Cuba visa application is approved, the visa will be affixed as a sticker on your passport. The visa sticker typically includes your personal details and the specifics of your visa, such as the duration of your stay and the purpose of your visit.

Tip: After receiving your visa, review the sticker carefully to ensure all the details are correct. If you notice any errors, contact the embassy or visa service immediately.

No, once you have submitted your Cuba visa application, you cannot make any changes or edits to the information provided. If you need to correct or update any information, you will have to start a new application from scratch and pay the visa fee again.

Tip: Before submitting your application, carefully review all the details, especially your passport number, travel dates, and personal information, to ensure accuracy.

To maximise your chances of approval and avoid rejection of your Cuba visa application, follow these guidelines:

• Complete and accurate application: Fill out the visa application form accurately and thoroughly. Double-check all information to ensure there are no errors or omissions.
• Valid passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the arrival date in Cuba, and it should have at least two blank pages for the visa stamp. If your passport does not meet these requirements, renew it before applying.
• Proof of financial means: You must demonstrate that you have sufficient funds to cover your stay in Cuba. Ensure that the bank statements you are submitting clearly prove this.
• Clear purpose of visit: Clearly state the purpose of your visit in the affidavit, as a Cuba tourist card is strictly issued for tourism purposes. If you wish to engage in other activities, such as business meetings and conferences, you must confirm the visa type with the embassy before applying. 

Tip: Consider using a visa processing service or seeking advice from a visa expert to ensure your application meets all requirements and to minimise the risk of rejection.

No, Cuba does not offer a visa-on-arrival facility for Indian citizens. They must apply for a visa before travelling to Cuba.

Yes, minors also need a separate visa for Cuba even if they are registered in the parents' passports. Moreover, in the case of a minor, additional documents, such as a copy of a birth certificate, a letter of consent from both parents or legal guardians, and copies of the parents' passports, will be required.

If you are applying directly at the embassy, each family member will need to submit a separate visa application. However, if you apply through Atlys, you will have the option to add co-travellers. This also allows you to manage all applications simultaneously. 

However, please note each member’s details and supporting documents, such as passports, photographs, and proof of relationship (e.g., birth certificates for children), must be provided. 

Having a criminal record does not automatically disqualify you from getting a visa to Cuba. However, it might affect your eligibility. The immigration authorities assess visa applications on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the nature of the offence, how long ago it occurred, and your overall travel history.

Tip: If you have a criminal record, it is advisable to provide full disclosure and any supporting documents that may explain or mitigate the circumstances. Consulting with a visa expert can also help you navigate the application process.

Yes, being unemployed does not affect your eligibility for getting a Cuba tourist visa, provided you can demonstrate that you have sufficient financial means to support yourself during your stay in Cuba. This can be done by providing documents such as bank statements showing sufficient funds, copies of your recent ITR filings and a letter of support from a sponsor or a family member who will be covering your expenses in Cuba.

The validity period of your visa refers to the timeframe within which you are allowed to enter the country. The length of stay, on the other hand, refers to the maximum number of days you can remain in Cuba once you have entered the country.

For example, if you receive a Cuba visa valid from January 1, 2024, to March 31, 2024 (with a 30-day stay), you can enter Cuba anytime within these dates. Regardless of when you enter, you can stay for up to 30 days. So, even if you enter on March 29, 2024, you can stay for 30 days. 

Your issued visa may still be valid, depending on the validity period stated on your Cuba visa. 

If your new travel date falls within the validity period, you can use the existing visa. But if your new travel date is outside the validity period, you will need to apply for a new visa to enter Cuba.

If your passport with the Cuba visa is lost or stolen, you must take the following steps:

• Report the loss: Immediately report the loss to the local police and obtain a police report.
• Notify the embassy: Contact the nearest Cuban Embassy or Consulate to inform them of the situation. They may assist in verifying your visa details.
• Apply for a replacement passport: Contact the Indian Embassy or Consulate to apply for an emergency passport or a new passport.

If your previous visa cannot be reissued, you will need to apply for a new Cuba visa once you have a new passport.

Yes, the Cuba tourist visa or tourist card can be extended for an additional 30 days. You can easily get the extensions at the hotel desk where you are staying or before the immigration authorities.

No, you cannot work on a Cuba tourist visa. The tourist visa is strictly for tourism purposes and does not permit employment or any form of work engagement. If you plan to work in Cuba, you can apply for an appropriate work or business visa. 

Yes, you can visit Cuba with a pet on your tourist visa. However, you will need to follow specific regulations and submit the following documents at the embassy:

• Pet passport with up-to-date vaccines;
• Health certificate for the animal's journey by a licensed veterinarian;
• Certificate of good health;
• Photocopy of the passport of the person travelling with the animal;

Tip: Before your trip, make sure to check with the Cuban authorities for the latest requirements and fees for travelling with a pet.

Your passport jurisdiction refers to the specific embassy or visa application centre assigned to process your visa application based on your place of residence. 

Currently, only the Embassy of Cuba in Delhi accepts visa applications. Therefore, regardless of your residence, your passport will be submitted to and processed by the Cuban Embassy in Delhi.

Indians can apply for various types of Cuba visas, depending on the purpose of their visit:

• Tourist visa (tourist card): The tourist visa or tourist card is only issued for tourism purposes. It is generally valid for a single-entry to the national territory for a 30-day trip. 
• Family visa (A-2): Spouses or children of Cuban citizens of another nationality who travel to Cuba and wish to stay with their Cuban family members can apply for this visa.
• Journalist visa (D-6): This visa is for journalists or media professionals who need to travel to Cuba for work-related purposes. It allows them to cover events or reports from Cuba.
• Business visas: This visa is for individuals visiting Cuba for business purposes, such as attending meetings, conferences, or negotiations. 
• Other visas: This category includes various other visas issued for other specific purposes, such as student visas for those studying in Cuba or work visas for employment. 

Note: Specific requirements and conditions for each visa vary. You must check the same with the nearest Cuba Embassy or Consulate before applying.