The Embassy of the Republic of Cuba in Bern serves as the sole diplomatic mission representing Cuba in Switzerland and the Principality of Liechtenstein. Located on Gesellschaftsstrasse in Bern, the embassy maintains diplomatic relations between Cuba and Switzerland, two countries with historically neutral foreign policies and active roles in international humanitarian affairs. Switzerland and Cuba have maintained diplomatic relations since 1902, and Switzerland has historically served as an important diplomatic intermediary, including representing U.S. interests in Cuba during periods when the U.S. had no embassy there. The embassy provides consular services to Cuban nationals in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, and assists Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens with matters related to Cuba. This is the only Cuban representation in Switzerland, handling all diplomatic and consular functions for the country.
Read moreRead less
Visa Services
The embassy processes tourist cards (tarjetas de turista) and visa applications for Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens planning to visit Cuba. Swiss nationals typically require a tourist card rather than a formal visa for tourism stays up to 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days within Cuba. Tourist cards can be obtained through the embassy, authorized travel agencies, or airlines flying to Cuba. For longer stays, work, study, business, or other purposes requiring formal visas, applications must be submitted to the embassy. Required documentation includes a completed visa application form, valid passport with at least six months validity, recent passport photographs, confirmed round-trip flight reservations, proof of mandatory travel health insurance valid for Cuba, confirmed accommodation in Cuba, and proof of financial means. Processing times vary and can take several weeks. Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens should apply well in advance of planned travel dates and contact the embassy for current visa fees and procedures.
Read moreRead less
Consular Services
The embassy provides comprehensive consular services for Cuban nationals residing in or visiting Switzerland and Liechtenstein. As the only Cuban diplomatic representation in Switzerland, this embassy handles all consular matters for the entire country. Services include passport issuance and renewal for Cuban citizens, consular registration for Cubans living in Switzerland or Liechtenstein, civil status registration (births, marriages, deaths), document legalization and apostille services, notarial services including powers of attorney and statutory declarations, and emergency assistance for Cuban nationals in distress. The embassy can assist with repatriation matters and coordination with Swiss authorities on issues affecting Cuban citizens. Swiss and Liechtenstein citizens can obtain document legalization services for papers intended for use in Cuba. Given the embassy's limited operating hours (weekday mornings only, closed Wednesdays), appointments are strongly recommended for all consular services.
Read moreRead less
Business Support
The embassy supports economic relations and trade between Cuba and Switzerland, though bilateral trade is modest. Switzerland maintains a pragmatic economic engagement with Cuba, particularly in sectors including pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, food products, and sustainable development projects. Swiss companies have historically been active in Cuban healthcare, biotechnology, tourism infrastructure, and environmental technology sectors. Cuba offers opportunities in tourism development, renewable energy, biotechnology, healthcare collaboration, and agricultural modernization. The embassy can facilitate business contacts, provide information about Cuban economic regulations and investment frameworks, and support Swiss companies interested in exploring the Cuban market. Switzerland's neutrality and established banking sector make it a strategic partner for Cuba in international financial transactions and trade. The embassy works to strengthen economic cooperation within the framework of Swiss humanitarian traditions and development assistance.
Read moreRead less
Special Notes
The embassy is located on Gesellschaftsstrasse in Bern, accessible by public transportation including tram and bus services. Operating hours are very limited: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9:00-12:00 only; closed Wednesdays and weekends. Appointments are strongly recommended—contact the embassy in advance at embacuba.berna@bluewin.ch or +41 31 302 21 11. Alternative phone: +41 31 302 38 30. This embassy is the only Cuban representation in Switzerland and also serves the Principality of Liechtenstein. Important: All travelers to Cuba must have mandatory travel health insurance valid in Cuba—proof must be presented upon arrival. Swiss citizens should also be aware of U.S. regulations if they plan to visit the United States after traveling to Cuba. The embassy is closed on Swiss federal holidays and Cuban national holidays including Revolution Day (January 1), Victory Day (January 2), and Revolution Anniversary (July 26). For current Cuban entry requirements, consult the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA).