South Africa → Cuba
South Africa 
CubaCuba visa requirements for South Africa citizens (2026)
e-Visa required. Yes. South Africa passport holders need an e-Visa for Cuba, issued online before travel. Typical processing: Generally within 72 business hours.
- Total price
- From $75
- per traveler, all-in
- Estimated processing
- Generally within 72 business hours
The Cuba D’Viajeros entry form itself is free from the government, the Visa and Trips price for it is our service fee only.
Visa and Trips is a private service, not a government agency. Price includes government fee and our service fee.
VTBy the Visa and Trips editorial teamLast updated
Cuba e-Visa requirements for South Africa citizens
- Requirement
- e-Visa required
- Allowed stay
- Per visa terms
- Processing
- Generally within 72 business hours
Documents needed
- Scan of the passport data page (valid 6+ months)
- Recent passport-style digital photo, plain background
- Travel dates, entry point and accommodation details
- Return or onward ticket
Cuba also requires the D’Viajeros arrival form before you land.
How South Africa citizens apply for the Cuba e-Visa
- Prepare a passport scan and a compliant photo.
- Apply online, with us or on the official portal, and pay the fee.
- Wait for approval (see processing time) and download the e-visa.
- Print a copy and travel with the passport used to apply.
Recent rule changes for Cuba
- 2025: The paper tourist card was replaced by an electronic tourist visa (eVisa-Cuba).
Good to know
- Travel medical insurance is required.
Easier alternatives for South Africa passport holders
Popular destinations with simpler entry for the South Africa passport than Cuba, easiest first. Only rules we have verified against an official source are listed.
Cuba at a glance for travellers
- 21 of 198 passports can enter Cuba without a visa (visa-free, visa on arrival or an ETA).
- The South Africa passport gets visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to 88 destinations in our dataset.
Sources and last checked
| What | Official source | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Requirement & allowed stay | Open passport-index dataset (passportindex.org data, 17 Feb 2026) | 17 Feb 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | Cuba MINDUS: new e-visa platform | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Fees, processing & entry formalities | eVisa-Cuba | 23 Oct 2026 |
| Independent official overview | UK FCDO, Cuba entry requirements | 22 Oct 2026 |
The Visa and Trips editorial team checks these sources every week. See our editorial and verification policy.
Frequently asked questions
Do South Africa citizens need a visa for Cuba?
Yes. South Africa passport holders need an e-Visa for Cuba, issued online before travel. Typical processing: Generally within 72 business hours.
What documents do South Africa passport holders need for Cuba?
Scan of the passport data page (valid 6+ months); Recent passport-style digital photo, plain background; Travel dates, entry point and accommodation details; Return or onward ticket.
How long does the Cuba e-Visa take for South Africa passport holders?
Generally within 72 business hours. Apply well ahead of your trip. Rush processing is available with Visa and Trips.
How much does a Cuba e-Visa cost with Visa and Trips?
From $75 per traveler, all-in. One total that includes the government fee and our service fee; the exact total is confirmed after we check your details, before you pay. The Cuba D’Viajeros entry form itself is free from the government, the Visa and Trips price for it is our service fee only.
How do I apply for the Cuba e-Visa with Visa and Trips?
Tap “Apply now”, enter your trip and passport details and upload your documents. A Visa and Trips specialist checks everything, files your application, emails you a confirmation with the estimated processing time and sends your e-Visa as soon as it is issued. You can follow your order on the tracking page.