Cuba visa options for Switzerland passport holders

Visa types & longer-stay routes for Cuba

Rules are written for non-Cuban foreign nationals generally; U.S. citizens additionally fall under separate OFAC travel-category rules not detailed here.

• Most nomadsTourist

  Tourist e-Visa (single entry)

  Up to 90 days, extendable once for a further 90 days at a Cuban immigration office (approx; some nationalities' base stay may differ - verify).

  Insurance

  RequiredCuban law (Resolution 168/2010) mandates valid non-U.S. travel medical insurance covering the stay; proof may be requested at entry, otherwise a local policy must be bought on arrival.

  Good for

  Leisure visitors and most short-stay travelers; the paper green/pink tourist cards were phased out end-2025 and replaced by a digital e-Visa for nearly all foreign nationals.

  Requirement

  Online e-Visa application (single entry, ~USD 50, issued as a PDF) plus the free D'Viajeros online customs/health declaration completed within ~72 hours before arrival; passport valid 6+ months.

• Business

  Business Visa (D-7 / commercial)

  Per visa terms (varies; short-stay, verify with consulate).

  Insurance

  Requiredmandatory medical insurance applies to all foreign visitors regardless of visa type.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals traveling for commercial activity, trade, negotiations or business meetings (D-series 'businesspeople and traders').

  Requirement

  Prior authorization from the commercial office of a Cuban Embassy, then visa application at a Cuban consulate (not issued online).

• Work

  Work Visa (D-1, employment)

  Typically about 1 year, renewable on approval; counts as temporary residence grounds (approx - varies by case).

  Insurance

  Requiredmandatory medical insurance applies to all foreign nationals entering Cuba.

  Good for

  Foreign workers with a contract with a Cuban company or state entity (e.g. technicians, scientists, specialized professionals).

  Requirement

  Sponsorship by the Cuban employer/authorized entity and a work permit/authorization; consular application (processing reported ~4-6 weeks).

• Study

  Student Visa (D-2)

  Duration of the study program (temporary-residence basis; verify).

  Insurance

  Requiredmandatory medical insurance for all foreign visitors; confirm whether the institution arranges coverage.

  Good for

  Foreign nationals accepted into a Cuban educational institution or research/scientific program.

  Requirement

  Acceptance/enrollment from a Cuban institution and consular application; scholarship students are required to take an HIV/AIDS test (per US State Dept).

• Residence

  Temporary / Permanent Residence

  Temporary residence typically up to about 2 years (renewable); permanent residence is open-ended once granted - process is opaque and state-controlled.

  Insurance

  Requiredmandatory medical insurance applies on entry; residents are generally covered under Cuba's state health system once resident (verify current rules).

  Good for

  Foreigners settling longer-term, primarily via family ties (notably marriage to a Cuban citizen), employment contract, or study; no retirement or investor program exists.

  Requirement

  A qualifying ground (marriage to a Cuban national is the most common permanent route; otherwise work contract or enrollment); permanent residence requires proof of adequate income/means and medical tests.

• Transit

  Transit (visa-free short layover)

  Under 72 hours with onward ticket (no visa/tourist card needed); layovers longer than 72 hours require a tourist visa/card.

  Insurance

  Recommendedthe medical-insurance requirement applies to visitors generally; verify whether enforced for short airside transit.

  Good for

  Connecting passengers passing through Cuba en route to another country.

  Requirement

  Valid onward/continuation ticket; passengers may leave the transit area but not the airport.

Cuba modernized entry in 2025-2026 (paper tourist cards replaced by a digital e-Visa) and long-stay rules are state-controlled and opaque; verify all figures with a Cuban consulate before relying on them. Last checked: 2026-06.

Last verified June 2026

Switzerland → Cuba: frequently asked

Do Switzerland passport holders need a visa to visit Cuba?

e-Visa. Apply for a visa online before travelling. Always confirm with the official source before booking.

Can a Switzerland passport holder live or work long-term in Cuba?

Yes, via a long-stay visa. Cuba has 6 documented visa types covering work, study, residence and — where it exists — digital-nomad routes.

Do I need travel insurance for Cuba?

Entry to Cuba never includes health cover, so travel medical insurance is strongly recommended. Several Cuba visas also require proof of insurance before they're granted.