The official Cuban electronic visa portal, evisacuba.cu, remained inaccessible on Tuesday, November 3rd, despite the deadline set for its reopening having passed. This disruption coincides with the implementation of new Cuban immigration laws.
Temporary closure of the platform was initiated on October 29th to transition from the Evisa1 system to Evisa2. According to announcements from Cuban consulates, the service was expected to be back online by Monday, November 2nd, at 6:00 a.m. Cuban time. However, VisasNews reported that it remained unavailable beyond the anticipated time.
New Immigration Laws Come into Effect
On November 1st, the Cuban government enacted the Migration Law 171, Citizenship Law 172, and Foreigners Law 173. These laws, approved by the National Assembly in July 2024 and published in the Official Gazette on May 5, 2026, regulate the entry, stay, and exit conditions for foreign citizens in Cuba. Although the visa portal's downtime aligns with the enforcement of this new legal framework, there is no confirmed link between the delay and these regulations.
Transitioning from Tourist Cards to E-visas
The electronic visa has gradually replaced the traditional tourist card as the entry authorization mechanism for travelers who require it. However, some nationalities and traveler categories are exempt from this requirement, according to Cuban immigration rules.
No New Reopening Date Announced
Cuban consulates in Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic had announced the temporary suspension and the expected timeline for resumption. Nonetheless, as per VisasNews on Tuesday, the portal was still down after the announced deadline, with no new reopening date or official explanation for the delay provided.
The migration to Evisa2 aims to expand the range of visa categories available for online processing. So far, consular representations have not specified which categories will be included or any potential changes in fees, requirements, or processing times.
Guidance for Travelers Needing Visas
This interruption could complicate travel plans for those needing an electronic visa to visit Cuba, including foreign relatives of Cuban citizens planning trips to the island in the coming weeks. Cuban consulates have advised travelers requiring visas during this downtime to consult with travel agencies or airlines offering this service.
The official Cuban tourism portal identifies travel agencies and consular representations as channels for visa processing. However, travelers should directly confirm the availability and processing times of these services with each provider.
It is important to note that the platform's downtime does not equate to a general suspension of visa issuance for Cuba. Travelers with a valid electronic visa should ensure their documentation meets the relevant entry requirements.
The D'Viajeros form, a separate requirement from the visa application, must be completed within 72 hours before arriving in Cuba. Completion generates a QR code that travelers need to present during the appropriate checks.
FAQs on Cuba's E-Visa Portal and New Immigration Laws
Why is the evisacuba.cu portal currently inaccessible?
The portal is undergoing a system migration from Evisa1 to Evisa2, which has temporarily rendered it inaccessible past the announced reopening date.
What are the new immigration laws in Cuba?
The new laws include Migration Law 171, Citizenship Law 172, and Foreigners Law 173, which regulate the conditions for entry, stay, and exit of foreign citizens in Cuba.
How can travelers obtain a visa during the portal's downtime?
Travelers are advised to consult with travel agencies or airlines that offer visa services during the portal's inaccessibility.