Beginning 01JUL, Cuba will officially replace its long-standing tourist card system with a mandatory electronic visa (e-Visa) for all international travellers, marking a significant modernization of its entry procedures.
According to Cuba entry information, “under the updated visa policy, most foreign nationals are required to obtain an e-Visa prior to arrival, with the exception of Canadian citizens traveling directly from Canada, whose e-Visas are automatically included in their airline tickets due to existing agreements with Canadian carriers.”
“If you travel directly from Canada to Cuba, your tourist visa should be included in your ticket,” the Government of Canada’s travel advisory page for Cuba states. “However, if you travel to Cuba via a third country, including on flights with stopovers in a third country, you must apply for a Cuban electronic visa ahead of time."
Cuban tourism officials say they’re optimistic about the coming winter season having seen a sharp drop in Canadian visitors estimated at 30%.
The island nation is also facing increasing competition from other Caribbean destinations. Air Canada recently announced a series of new flights from Canadian cities to such sun destinations as Huatulco, Martinique, Montego Bay and the Bahamas.
The Jamaica Tourist Board says Air Canada’s capacity to Jamaica will increase 23% this year, with new direct flights to MBJ from both YHZ and YOW.
