How to Obtain a Press Visa for Cuba

How to obtain a press visa for Cuba?

It’s a very simple process for journalists to obtain the D6 press visa.  A journalist needs to have the D6 visa to be able to work in Cuba and report the news.  It’s somewhat like obtaining a business visa, but it’s less complicated.  Journalists need to apply for a visa because Cuba is no different from the rest of the world –  it’s illegal to work in the country without the proper documentation.

Processing Times:

How long does it take for the entire process to obtain the D6 press visa?  Speaking from experience, it takes anywhere from two days to three to four weeks, start to finish.  The first time I applied for a visa, it was granted in two days.  The second time, it took ten days due to summer office closures.  Either way, muy rapido in my humble opinion.

Steps to obtaining a press visa for Cuba:

If you travel frequently as an international journalist, you should always have two passport photos of yourself on hand, notarized by those who have the authority to notarize documents.  The following is an outline of the steps to apply for the Cuban press accreditation:

1. Request a press visa from the Press Attaché at the Cuban embassy in your country of origin
2. Send in the documents required for a press visa
3. Once approved, head to the Cuban Embassy or Consulate Office to obtain the D6 visa which will be presented at the airport upon arrival
4. Pay the cost of the visa at the embassy or consultant in your home country.  The rate varies from country to country.
5. Once you arrive in Cuba, head to the International Press Center in Vedado to obtain final credentials.  You’ll receive a press badge with your photo on it.  The International Press Center is across the street and down the road a bit from the Habana Libre Hotel on Calle 23.  At the Press Center you’ll pay the 60.00 CUC for the press badge with photo.  Only cash is accepted for payment.

Documentation required for a Cuban D6 Press Visa:

1. Two passport photos notarized in country of origin.  One of the photos will be used for the press badge at the International Press Center
2. Resumé – CV
3. Passport – take an image of the the first page of the passport, the page with the photo
4. Letter of intention from employer on letterhead of the employer or sponsoring organization
5. Completed Planilla visa de periodista form (provided to you by the embassy)
6. Flight details:  date of arrival and departure from Cuba

The best advice is to apply for the D6 press visa well in advance of the event you wish to cover.  If it’s an emergency and you need a visa quickly, have your documents prepared in advance and send an email to the Cuban Press Attaché in your country.  Once you arrive in Cuba, head straight to the International Press Center in Havana to obtain your press credentials.

All of the above information can be found on the Cuban embassy website of your home country.