Can I get the Cuba tourist card from Aeroflot or at Havana?

Question

Can I get the Cuba tourist card when boarding Aeroflot from Moscow?

I'm an Indian citizen travelling from Delhi-Moscow-Cuba.

Answer 1

The Airline Might Not Provide the Tourist Card

I tried searching the web for information on this topic. Turns out I could not find a one unique truth. According to the Cuba tripadvisor traveler article it seems that selected tour operators provide the Tourist Card as part of their package. However, it would also seem that the release of tourist cards from airlines depends from the country of departure. Airlines flying from Canada for example should provide them, whereas this seems not to be the case when departing from Europe. Regarding India in particular, I found a tripadvisor discussion which mentions a cryptic procedure to be completed with the Cuban embassy in Delhi. Moreover, the Aeroflot website mentions nothing specific to Cuba. So ultimately I would advise you to contact the airline and ask.

It is worthy to note that some airlines will not allow you to board without a Tourist Card. Once again, the Aeroflot website does not specify this. So I would avoid trying your luck by attempting to fly without obtaining a Tourist Card first.

Apply with the Cuban Embassy

If I were you, and I had the time, I would apply to the Cuban embassy in Delhi. Quoting from their site:

Tourist Visa (Tourist Card)

The Tourist Visa or Tourist Card is only for purposes of tourism to Cuba. It is valid for one single entrance into national territory for a 30-day trip and can be extended for an additional 30 days at the office in the hotel where one has accommodations or with the immigration authority.

Minors must have their own Tourist Card even if they are travelling under their parents’ passport(s).

To obtain this visa in person at the Consulate, these documents are needed:

• Valid Passport
• Plane Ticket with entry and return dates
• Payment of the Consular fee for this service

These documents are needed to obtain this visa by mail:

• Legible photocopy of valid Passport
• Legible photocopy of plane ticket with entry and return dates
• Payment of the Consular fee for this service
• Stamped self-addressed envelope for the visa to be sent back

NOTE: If the application is made by mail or via a third party, an extra consular fee will be charged for the pertinent Consular service.

All payments must be made in cash or by a bank certified cheque. All cash sent by mail will be refused and returned at the risk of the applicant.

The visa’s fee is 4400 INR, excluding extra services such as express application and postage handling. You can find some complimentary information on this document, and the application form here.