Cuba eVisa Photo 2026: New Requirements and Upload Rules
In short. In 2026, Cuba finally replaced the paper Tourist Card with the eVisa, which now requires uploading a digital photo on a white background.
- From 2026, only the electronic visa (eVisa) is valid for entry to Cuba instead of the paper Tourist Card.
- To apply on the evisacuba.cu portal, you must upload a digital photo (usually 45x45 or 51x51 mm) on a white background.
- The electronic visa is issued for 90 days and is valid for 12 months from the moment of approval.
- The received eVisa code must be entered into the D'Viajeros form 72 hours before departure.
What Changed
In 2026, Cuba finally completed the transition from the traditional paper tourist card (Tarjeta del Turista) to the electronic visa (eVisa) system. Now, the application process takes place entirely online through the official portal evisacuba.cu. One of the main changes is the requirement to upload a digital photograph of the applicant during the application, which was not previously required when purchasing a ready-made paper card.
The electronic visa is issued for 90 days (with the possibility of extension for another 90 days directly in Cuba) and is valid for 12 months from the date of issue. The consular fee depends on the country of application and the selected consulate (for example, about 22 euros in European countries or 50 US dollars in the Americas).
Digital Photo Requirements for eVisa
Since the eVisa system is digital, the photograph must meet international standards for facial recognition. Please note that exact file size requirements may vary slightly depending on the consulate processing the application, but the general standards are as follows:
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| File format | JPEG, JPG, or PNG |
| Size (proportions) | 45x45 mm or 51x51 mm (2x2 inches) |
| Background | Pure white or light, without shadows or patterns |
| Photo age | Taken within the last 6 months |
| Facial expression | Neutral, mouth closed, eyes open and clearly visible |
| Accessories | No sunglasses or headwear (except for religious purposes) |
Who This Affects
The new rules apply to all foreign tourists, including citizens of Ukraine, who plan to visit Cuba for tourism purposes. The only exceptions are citizens of countries that have visa-free entry agreements with Cuba, and cruise ship passengers (for whom the requirement to obtain a paper tourist card through a consulate is currently maintained).
What to Do Now
- Prepare a digital photo: Take a photograph that meets the above requirements and save it in JPEG or PNG format.
- Apply for the eVisa: Go to the official portal evisacuba.cu, fill out the application form, and upload the photo and a copy of your passport (valid for at least 6 months after the date of departure from Cuba).
- Pay the fee: Make the payment according to the instructions of the selected consulate (online or by uploading a bank transfer receipt).
- Receive the visa code: After approval (usually within 72 working hours), you will receive an email with your eVisa code.
- Fill out the D'Viajeros form: Within 72 hours (maximum 7 days) before arriving in Cuba, you must fill out the customs and health declaration on the website dviajeros.mitrans.gob.cu, entering your electronic visa code there.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect background or shadows on the photo: Uploading a photo with a dark background or foreign objects is the most common reason for delays in processing the application.
- Ignoring the D'Viajeros form: The electronic visa itself does not grant the right to board the plane. Its code must be linked to the D'Viajeros digital declaration, which generates a QR code for crossing the border.
- Applying at the last minute: Although the standard processing time is 72 hours, it is recommended to apply at least 1-2 weeks before departure.
Rules change frequently — before taking action, always check the current requirements on the official government source provided above.
Official sources
Questions
- Is a paper Tourist Card required to travel to Cuba in 2026?
- No, from 2026, Cuba has fully transitioned to electronic visas (eVisa) for air passengers. Paper cards remain valid only for cruise ship passengers.
- What photo size is required for the Cuban eVisa?
- Usually, a standard passport-sized digital photo (45x45 mm or 51x51 mm) on a white background in JPEG or PNG format is required.
- Is it enough to just get an eVisa to enter Cuba?
- No, the received electronic visa code must be entered into the D'Viajeros digital declaration 72 hours before arrival to generate a QR code for crossing the border.