VISA

For Cuba almost all visitors need either a visa or a tourist card to get in and out of the country. Please be careful with these documents as you really need them. We recommend you apply for a tourist card as it is fast, relatively cheap and easy. You need a return ticket to show also. As for where you are staying, usually "hotel" is sufficient. They will not ask you which one until you are at the airport at customs.

For US citizens we have mentioned the procedure below, in order to make sure you get the documentation needed. Please note that the application for a visa will take around 3 weeks and keep in mind that an early application is recommended. When the immigration office is busy (if everyone for the conference applies in December!) it could take longer.

PASSPORTS
Passports valid for at least 6 months beyond the length of stay required by all.
Note: Persons of Cuban origin who are nationals of other countries must travel with a Cuban passport if they left Cuba after 1970.

TOURIST CARDS
Validity: Tourist Cards must be used within 6 months of issue. Tourist Cards and Business visas are valid for 30 days from date of entry; extensions are possible.

Application to: Consulate (or Consular section at Embassy) in your country; Application forms for tourist cards can be obtained from certain tour operators and travel agents.

Certain tour operators, travel agencies and airlines can issue a Tourist Card valid for one single trip of 30 days duration, although the stay can be extended in Cuba. Stipulations are that the traveller pre-books and pre-pays hotel accommodation in Cuba through an officially recognised tour operator. The card must be bought in the country where the trip has been arranged. All passengers must hold tickets and other documentation required for their onward or return journey unless holding special annotation issued by a Cuban Consulate.

Cost: Tourist Card: Ł15.

Application requirements: Tourist Card: (a) 1 completed application form. (b) Photocopy of valid passport. (c) 1 passport-size photo. (d) Photocopy of return ticket or travel agent voucher for pre-paid package tour. (e) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or cheque).

Working days required: Tourist Card: 1 day (7 days for postal applications).

VISA
Required by all except: a) 1. holders of a Tourist Card. 2. those nationals whose countries have signed visa exemption agreements with Cuba.

Note: (a) All business travellers (except journalists, those attending a conference or those wishing to study) do need a visa regardless of nationality. (b) Persons who wish to reside in Cuba with family or friends must apply for a Visitor's Visa, not a Tourist Card. (c) Neither visa exemptions nor Tourist Card facilities are applicable to foreign passport holders born in Cuba, unless holding document proving withdrawal of Cuban citizenship.

Exit Permits: Required by those whose stay in Cuba exceeds 90 days.

Types of visa and cost: Business visa: Ł32. Visitor's Visa: Ł37. Transit visa. Transit visas are not required by passengers continuing their journey within 72 hours and holding reserved onward tickets and enough funds for duration of stay (at least US$50 per day or the equivalent in other currency). Note: (b) With the exception of Tourist Cards, all visas have an additional charge of Ł15 for expenses in connection with visa authorisation.

Application requirements:

Business visa: (a) Valid passport. (b) 2 completed application forms. (c) 2 passport-size photos. (d) Details of business contact in Cuba. (e) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or cheque).

Visitor's Card: (a) Valid passport. (b) 2 completed application forms. (c) 2 passport-size photos. (d) Details of private contact in Cuba. (e) Fee (payable in cash, by postal order or cheque).

Working days required:
Business visa: 10 days (2 weeks for postal applications).
Visitor's Visa: 20 days.

US CITIZENS PROCEDURE
US citizens are allowed to visit and enjoy Cuba. However, there are some difficulties. No consulate and difficulty returning to the US are the main obstacles. The embassy or consulate problem is solved by simply visiting the Canadian or Mexican embassies, if in need. The custom agents in Cuba will not stamp your passport if you do not desire them to. This will alleviate any problems with returning to the US Customs.

For the US delegates of the NF 2002 conference we recommend the following procedure. Of course the Cuban embassy issues the VISA. Some travel agents also can take care of your VISA for Cuba, for example Marazul Tours in New Jersey , fax: 201 3199009, email: marazul@igc.org

In any case we recommend if you are a US citizen and you want to come to the NF 2002 conference, please send an email to planning@icsc.ab.ca with the subject: 'VISA US' before you apply for the VISA. Please download the VISA form and complete it. Attach this to the email. We will inform our contact at the Cuban embassy and reply to your email with further instructions. Then you can apply for the VISA and you should have no problems.