The Chinese Embassy in Cuba has announced changes regarding visa payments at its Havana location, aimed at encouraging more visits from the Caribbean island's citizens to the Asian powerhouse. This was conveyed by China's ambassador to Cuba, Hua Xin, in a New Year's message shared on social media.
In his announcement, Xin revealed that starting January 1, 2025, visa fees will be waived for Cuban citizens wishing to travel to China. However, the consular office in Havana noted that fees for urgent visas required to visit China will remain unchanged. Importantly, the announcement does not clarify the conditions for visa applications in other countries, which will likely retain their existing rates according to respective consular fees.
For individuals with passports from other countries, the current visa fee reduction measures will extend until December 31, 2025. The relationship between Cuba and China is characterized by multifaceted cooperation spanning political, economic, and military domains.
In May 2024, Cuban Tourism Minister Juan Carlos García Granda announced the intention to remove the visa requirement for Chinese citizens wishing to travel to the island, during the closing of the International Tourism Fair (FITCuba 2024). Furthermore, Air China, the flagship airline of the Asian nation, has been operating flights to Havana twice a week since May 17. These flights have been running at 70 percent capacity, with a stopover in Madrid benefiting passengers traveling from Europe.
Despite these developments, Cuban citizens interested in traveling to China are advised to stay informed about visa requirements and available flight options.
Key Details on Traveling from Cuba to China
When will the visa fee exemption for Cubans traveling to China start?
The visa fee exemption for Cuban citizens traveling to China will begin on January 1, 2025.
Are urgent visa fees for Cuba-China travel also waived?
No, the fees for urgent visas required to visit China will remain unchanged.
What is the duration of the visa fee reduction for other nationalities?
The visa fee reduction for individuals with passports from other countries is extended until December 31, 2025.