Living or working in Cuba: long-stay, digital nomad and working holiday visas

Cuba does not offer a digital nomad visa. The standard entry is a tourist card, valid for 30 days and extendable once for another 30 days, giving most visitors a maximum stay of about 60 days. Working remotely for a foreign employer while on a tourist card is not officially recognized, so keep your stay under 90 days, carry proof of funds and a return ticket, and avoid any local employment without a work permit.

Most nationalities enter Cuba with a tourist card, which you can get from a Cuban consulate, a travel agency, or sometimes on arrival. The card is valid for 30 days and can be extended once for another 30 days at an immigration office. For longer stays, you need a residence permit, which must be applied for before arrival.

The tourist card costs about 25 USD, depending on where you buy it. Extending your stay costs around 25 CUP per month. If you plan to stay longer than 60 days, start the residence permit process months before your trip, as paperwork and approvals can take time.

Any local employment requires a work permit, which the Cuban employer arranges. Working remotely for a foreign employer is not officially recognized; keep activities low‑key and avoid contracts with Cuban entities. Overstaying your visa can lead to fines at departure or detention, so respect the 60‑day limit unless you have a proper permit.

Visa rules can change, so confirm details with the nearest Cuban consulate before booking. Current travel advice: the UK advises against all but essential travel, Canada says avoid non‑essential travel, and Australia recommends reconsidering travel due to fuel, power and flight disruptions. Carry cash for the whole trip, as US bank cards and many other cards are unreliable.