Following its initial announcement in May, Cuba officially unveiled its electronic visa system, known as Evisa, this Thursday. The announcement was made by Juan Carlos García, the Minister of Tourism, on social media.
"The new electronic visa platform is now active," García stated on X. "This secure system streamlines and simplifies the visa application and management processes."
According to the weekly publication Tribuna de la Habana, this modern and secure system allows users to initiate their visa procedures virtually from any internet-connected device. Initially presented during the Tourism Fair, Evisa is designed to make the process more efficient and optimize consular procedures.
With this initiative, the regime modernizes its consular infrastructure and adapts to the demands of a global tourism landscape increasingly oriented towards digital solutions, thus improving the experience for those visiting the island.
According to official figures, Cuba received a total of 1,680,485 travelers during the first half of this year. This marks an increase of 101.1%, or approximately 18,845 more visitors compared to the same period last year, as detailed in a report by the National Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI).
This comes after a 2023 in which the regime aimed to attract 3.5 million tourists, but managed to achieve only 70 percent of its target in a sector crucial for its struggling economy.
Understanding Cuba's New Electronic Visa System
In light of Cuba's new electronic visa system, many potential visitors have questions about how this affects their travel plans. Below are some frequently asked questions and their answers to help provide clarity.
What is the Evisa system in Cuba?
The Evisa system is Cuba's new electronic visa platform designed to streamline and simplify the visa application and management processes. It allows users to complete their visa procedures online from any internet-connected device.
How does the Evisa system benefit tourists?
The Evisa system benefits tourists by making the visa application process quicker and more efficient. It allows for virtual initiation of procedures, reducing the need for physical visits to consulates.
When was the Evisa system officially launched?
The Evisa system was officially launched in May, and its full activation was announced by the Minister of Tourism, Juan Carlos García, on social media this Thursday.
What was the tourism target for Cuba in 2023?
The regime had aimed to attract 3.5 million tourists in 2023 but only managed to achieve 70 percent of this target, highlighting the challenges in this crucial sector for Cuba's economy.