Cuba visa requirements for South Africans

Travel and visa requirements

Basic Travel Requirements for South Africans visiting Cuba

Travelers are required to fulfill the following requirements in order to apply for a Cuban Visa.

  • A valid international passport which does not expire till at least six months after entry into Cuba.
  • A copy of the application form completely filled and stamped where necessary.
  • One passport colored photograph which follows the passport format for a visa application. The photo should be attached to the application form.
  • Statement of account from your bank from the past three months prior to application for the visa. The statement is a proof that you have sufficient fund to cater for yourself while in the country.
  • Travel itinerary for the duration of your stay.
  • Confirmation of payment of visa fee.
  • A travel insurance which covers medical fees.

Cuba Visa for South Africans

Facts about Cuba

Cuba is a country popularly known for its cigars, this is due to the tobacco fields present in the country. The country is also blessed with beaches and seaside resorts in which is prime for tourists for snorkeling and scuba diving. Tourists can learn a thing or two from native Cubans dancing salsa in dance clubs around the country.

Tourism is one of the main sources of revenue generation in Cuba. Millions of tourists’ troop into Cuba yearly to enjoy the warm weather and the beaches. The country is in no doubt a premium destination for tourists.

On purchase of any item in the country, you should request for a receipt. This is because the receipt can be requested by Customs on departure from Cuba. Despite the presence of tobacco fields in the country, the country has a strict law on the use, possession or trafficking of illegal drugs.

Types of Cuba Visa

Types of Visa Processing Time Duration of Stay
Tourist visa 3 days 30 days
Business visa 3 days 30 days
Journalist visa 3 days 30 days

General Requirements for Cuba Visa

  • A valid international passport which does not expire till at least six months after entry into Cuba.
  • A copy of the application form completely filled and stamped where necessary.
  • One passport colored photograph which follows the passport format for a visa application. The photo should be attached to the application form.
  • Statement of account from your bank from the past three months prior to application for the visa. The statement is a proof that you have sufficient fund to cater for yourself while in the country.
  • Travel itinerary for the duration of your stay.
  • Confirmation of payment of visa fee.
  • A travel insurance which covers medical fees.
Cuba Tourist visa Cuba Business visa Cuba Journalist visa

Cuba Tourist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa for those who are in the country to visit relatives or friends.
  • A letter of invitation from the relative you are going to visit is required to apply for this visa.
  • Also, the passport details and a means of identification of the relative is required.
  • Confirmed return flight ticket to South Africa.
  • If you are travelling with a minor, you should submit the birth certificate of the minor during the visa application process.
  • Letter from your current employer stating continuing employment after period of leave.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid work during your time in the country.
  • The visa fee is $75.
  • It is valid for 30 days.

Cuba Business Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa type for those who are in Cuba for business purposes.
  • These people can attend business meetings, meet up with business partners and also sign business contracts.
  • You are not allowed to take up paid work during the duration of your stay in the country.
  • A letter of invitation is required from the company you are having a business dealing with.
  • Certificate of employment from your current employer.
  • Letter from your employer in South Africa confirming your period of leave and stating the purpose of your visit to Cuba.
  • This visa is not meant for tourism purpose.
  • Minors should ensure they have an original copy of their birth certificate and their application forms should be signed by both parents.
  • The visa takes 3 days to be processed and it ceases to expire after 30 days.
  • It costs $75.

Cuba Journalist Visa Eligibility & Requirements

  • This is the visa for media representatives who are travelling to Cuba temporarily for work purposes.
  • The activities to be undertaken must be information gathering only.
  • Minors should ensure they have an original copy of their birth certificate and their application forms should be signed by both parents.
  • Letter from your employer stating the purpose and duration of your visit.
  • You don’t have the right to take up work while in the country.
  • Visiting tourist attractions for sightseeing and recreational purpose is prohibited.
  • The visa is processed for 3 days and has a validity of 30 days.

Cuba Visa Fees

Visa Type

Sub Types

Visa Fees

Tourist visa

Tourist Card

A-2 Family Visa

75.00 (USD)

75.00 (USD)

Business visa

75.00 (USD)

Journalist visa

75.00 (USD)

Cuba Visa Application Centres & Embassies in South Africa

Location

Address

Pretoria

45 Mackenzie Street Brooklyn 0181

Null

cubaembassyinsouthafrica@gmail.com

012 346 2215

Frequently Asked Questions

How safe is Cuba??
Cubans are welcoming and the government in Cuba makes sure crimes against tourists are harshly punished.
What is the best time of the year to go to Cuba??

It is best to visit Cuba is during the period from December to May. This period is dry and sunny.

How long is flight to Cuba??
Flight from UK to Cuba is around 9 – 10 hours long.
Are drugs legal in Cuba??
No, drug trafficking is illegal in Cuba.
Is it safe to swim in Cuba??
It is unadvisable to go swimming in the early evening or at night because of the presence of sharks in the vicinity.